Complete HSKK Test: Official Scoring Guide (2025)
The Insider’s Scoring Guide For All HSKK Test Levels
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HSKK Success: Official Scoring Insights
- Unlock Official Scoring: This guide unveils confidential HSKK examiner scoring criteria for Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, showing exactly what graders expect so you don’t lose points unnecessarily.
- Master All Sections: Get detailed breakdowns and strategies for all HSKK question types across every level, including Listen & Repeat, Describe Picture, Answer Questions, Listen & Retell, and Read Aloud.
- Key Rules & Level Insights: Understand the distinct requirements and vocabulary for HSKK Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced tests, plus the critical rule: always attempt an answer to avoid zero points. Includes HSKK mock test strategies.
Master HSKK Test: 2025 Official Scoring Guide
Unlock the HSKK examiner’s secret scoring criteria for Basic, Intermediate & Advanced levels. Learn exactly what graders look for in all 6 question types. Get free practice tests & boost your score by 30%.
Understanding the HSKK Test
Your comprehensive guide to ace the Chinese speaking examination at any level
The HSKK (Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi) is the standardized test of Chinese oral proficiency. Available at three different levels, the HSKK test evaluates your ability to understand and speak Chinese in real-world scenarios.
Based on confidential examiner guidelines most schools don’t have access to, this official scoring guide reveals exactly what examiners look for at every level:
HSKK Basic Test
HSKK Intermediate Test
HSKK Advanced Test
The HSKK test evaluates your proficiency through specific question types, each with their own scoring criteria. Understanding these criteria is your key to maximizing your score and passing with confidence at any level.
Based on official examiner criteria — get the inside track on exactly what HSKK graders look for
Reveals scoring breakdowns — understand the difference between high, medium, and low scores on all HSKK test levels
Covers all six question types — master every format you’ll encounter on the HSKK test
Includes HSKK mock test strategies — practice techniques that simulate the real examination
Provides HSKK practice test materials — downloadable resources for Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels
Proven success record — our students improve their HSKK scores by 30% on average using these insights
HSKK Test Levels Comparison
Understanding the differences between Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced HSKK tests
| Feature | HSKK Basic Test | HSKK Intermediate Test | HSKK Advanced Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 27 questions | 14 questions | 6 questions |
| Question Types | Listen & Repeat (1-15) Listen & Answer (16-25) Answer Questions (26-27) |
Listen & Repeat (1-10) Describe Picture (11-12) Answer Questions (13-14) |
Listen & Retell (1-3) Read Aloud (4) Answer Questions (5-6) |
| Duration | ~17 minutes | ~21 minutes | ~24 minutes |
| Vocabulary Level | ~HSK 1-2 (200-300 words) | ~HSK 3-4 (600-1200 words) | ~HSK 5-6 (2500+ words) |
| Passing Score | 60/100 | 60/100 | 60/100 |
Level-Specific Focus:
- HSKK Basic Test: Focuses on fundamental communication skills with simple vocabulary and basic sentence structures. Ideal for beginners who can handle everyday conversations.
- HSKK Intermediate Test: Emphasizes conversational flow, picture description skills, and more complex sentence structures. Suitable for those who can discuss familiar topics with reasonable fluency.
- HSKK Advanced Test: Challenges test-takers with comprehensive listening, retelling complex information, and expressing opinions on abstract topics. Designed for advanced learners approaching native-like fluency.
Critical HSKK Test Rule!
According to official HSKK guidelines: If a test-taker does not provide any answer for a question, it will be scored as 0 points. Always attempt to answer every question in the HSKK test, even if you’re uncertain about the correct answer!
HSKK Listen and Repeat (听后重复)
Master accurate repetition for the HSKK test
Applicable To:
Task Requirement:
You’ll hear a sentence and then you need to repeat it exactly as you heard it.
High Score
You can accurately repeat the sentence you heard with proper pronunciation and intonation.
Medium Score
You can’t completely repeat the sentence or have several pronunciation errors.
Low Score
What you repeat has very little to do with the original sentence or is incomprehensible.
HSKK Test Preparation Tip
For HSKK Basic Test: Focus on accurate pronunciation of individual words and maintaining the basic sentence structure. Practice with short, simple sentences at natural speaking speed.
For HSKK Intermediate Test: Work on repeating longer sentences with more complex structures. Pay close attention to tones and natural intonation patterns. Record yourself and compare your repetition with the original audio.
Our HSKK students increase accuracy by 40% using our shadow reading technique with authentic test materials.
HSKK Listen and Answer (听后回答)
Respond quickly and accurately to HSKK test questions
Applicable To:
Task Requirement:
You’ll hear a question and then you need to give a short, appropriate answer.
High Score
You answer the question correctly and concisely with appropriate vocabulary.
Medium Score
You answer correctly, but with pauses, repetitions, or some grammatical mistakes.
Low Score
Your answer is unclear or doesn’t address the question properly.
HSKK Mock Test Strategy
When practicing with HSKK mock tests, focus on understanding questions quickly and forming clear, simple responses. Practice with common question types like “What time is it?”, “Where are you going?”, or “What’s your favorite food?”
Develop standard response templates for different question categories (when, where, why, how) that you can adapt quickly during the test. Remember: a short, correct answer is better than a long answer with errors!
HSKK Listen and Retell (听后复述)
Master the art of retelling passages in the HSKK Advanced test
Applicable To:
Task Requirement:
You’ll hear a passage and need to retell its content in your own words after listening.
High Score
You can completely and fluently retell the main content of the material with minimal pauses and repetitions.
Medium Score
You can partially retell the content with more pauses, repetitions, and grammatical errors.
Low Score
Your retelling significantly deviates from the original material with disorganized language and limited information.
Advanced HSKK Test Strategy
When practicing for the Listen and Retell section, focus on capturing key information rather than attempting to memorize every detail. Use these techniques:
- Practice taking mental notes of main points, key players, and important numbers while listening
- Develop transition phrases in Chinese that help you connect ideas smoothly
- Organize your retelling in a logical sequence (chronological or cause-effect)
- Practice summarizing news articles, short stories, and dialogues regularly
HSKK Read Aloud (朗读)
Perfect your reading skills for the HSKK Advanced test
Applicable To:
Task Requirement:
You’ll be provided with a text passage and need to read it aloud clearly and fluently.
High Score
You can read fluently with excellent control of pronunciation and intonation, with only minor errors, repetitions, or pauses.
Medium Score
You can read most of the content but with more pronunciation errors, pauses, and repetitions.
Low Score
You can only read a few sentences of the provided text.
HSKK Advanced Reading Strategies
The read aloud section tests both your character recognition and pronunciation skills. Here are expert strategies to improve your performance:
- Scan the passage quickly before reading to identify unfamiliar characters
- Pay special attention to tone pairs and tone sandhi rules (tone changes)
- Practice reading with proper rhythm and natural pauses at punctuation
- Record yourself reading authentic texts and compare with native speaker recordings
- Practice reading news articles and formal texts daily for 15 minutes
HSKK Describe Picture (看图说话)
Learn effective strategies for picture description in the HSKK Intermediate test
Applicable To:
Task Requirement:
You’ll be shown a picture and need to describe it in detail, creating a coherent narrative.
High Score
Your description matches the picture content, with fluent expression and minimal pauses or repetitions.
Medium Score
Your description generally matches the picture content, but includes more pauses, repetitions, and grammatical errors.
Low Score
Your description has little relevance to the picture content, with minimal and disorganized information.
HSKK Intermediate Picture Description Strategy
To excel in the picture description section, develop a structured approach for describing any image:
- Start with a general introduction: “This picture shows…” (这张图片展示…)
- Describe the location/setting: “This is happening at…” (这发生在…)
- Describe the main people/objects: “There is/are…” (有…)
- Describe actions: “They are…” (他们在…)
- Add details about feelings/atmosphere: “They look happy/busy…” (他们看起来很开心/忙…)
- End with a brief conclusion or interpretation: “This shows that…” (这表明…)
Practice describing a variety of images (people, places, activities) using this framework!
HSKK Answer Questions (回答问题)
Master effective question-answering techniques for all HSKK test levels
Applicable To:
Task Requirement:
You’ll be given questions on the test paper and need to provide comprehensive, well-structured answers.
High Score
You can provide rich, relevant answers with fluent expression and minimal pauses, repetitions, or grammatical errors.
Medium Score
You can answer the questions, but with less information and more pauses, repetitions, and grammatical errors.
Low Score
Your answers don’t address the questions, with minimal and incoherent information.
HSKK Basic Test
HSKK Intermediate Test
HSKK Advanced Test
HSKK Question-Answering Strategies By Level
For HSKK Basic: Keep answers simple and direct. Focus on answering with complete sentences but don’t worry about providing extensive details. Practice basic personal questions (hobbies, daily routine, preferences).
For HSKK Intermediate: Provide more detailed answers with supporting examples. Structure your response with a clear main point followed by 1-2 supporting details. Practice expressing opinions on everyday topics (environment, education, technology).
For HSKK Advanced: Develop complex, nuanced responses that demonstrate critical thinking. Include cultural perspectives and abstract concepts. Practice discussing social issues, cultural comparisons, and hypothetical scenarios.
Remember: Speaking practice with native speakers is essential for all levels!
HSKK Test Practice Strategy
Follow these steps when using our HSKK practice tests:
- Time yourself strictly – adhere to the same time limits as the real test
- Record your responses so you can analyze them later
- Score yourself honestly using our scoring criteria guide
- Identify your weakest areas and practice those question types more intensively
- Take at least one full practice test each week before your exam date
Pro Tip: For maximum effectiveness, have a Chinese teacher or language partner evaluate your practice test recordings using our official scoring criteria guide!
HSK Real Exam Material
HSK Speaking (Advanced) real exam questions
HSK Speaking (Intermediate) real exam questions
Critical HSKK Test Rule!
According to official HSKK guidelines: If a test-taker does not provide any answer for a question, it will be scored as 0 points. Always attempt to answer every question in the HSKK test, even if you’re uncertain about the correct answer!
HSKK Test Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the HSKK exam and preparation
The appropriate HSKK level depends on your current Chinese speaking ability:
- HSKK Basic: For beginners who can understand and use simple Chinese phrases and engage in basic conversations about familiar daily topics.
- HSKK Intermediate: For learners who can converse about everyday topics with reasonable fluency and can describe pictures or express simple opinions.
- HSKK Advanced: For advanced learners who can express themselves fluently on a wide range of topics, including abstract concepts, and can comprehend and retell complex information.
As a general guideline, your HSKK level typically corresponds to your HSK level: HSK 1-2 aligns with HSKK Basic, HSK 3-4 with HSKK Intermediate, and HSK 5-6 with HSKK Advanced.
For efficient short-term HSKK preparation, focus on these key strategies:
- Practice daily speaking with native speakers or language partners
- Record yourself answering sample questions and critically evaluate your responses based on the scoring criteria
- Focus on mastering common topics and question patterns rather than memorizing extensive vocabulary
- Work on reducing pauses and hesitations by practicing fluent delivery of short phrases and transitions
- Complete at least 3 full practice tests under timed conditions
Our intensive HSKK preparation course can help you maximize these strategies for any HSKK level.
Based on our experience with thousands of HSKK test-takers, here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Not attempting all questions – Remember, no answer = 0 points!
- Overthinking responses – Especially for Basic and Intermediate levels, simple and clear answers are often better than complex ones with more errors
- Poor time management – Not being prepared for the rapid pace of the test
- Neglecting tones – Even advanced speakers sometimes neglect proper tones, which significantly impacts scores
- Memorizing scripts – Sounding unnatural by reciting memorized responses rather than speaking naturally
- Insufficient practice with recording devices – Being uncomfortable with the testing environment
Our practice materials specifically address these common pitfalls to help you avoid them on test day.
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Official HSK Scoring System and Passing Scores Explained – 2025
