After spending 3 years in China and 6 years since I first started learning Chinese, I did it! It has been a long and stressful journey, but I successfully passed the HSK6 exam. In this article, I will share with you my reasons for taking the exam and how I prepared for it. Even if you are not interested in learning Chinese, I encourage you to read until the end as you may still find something valuable. Thank you for joining me. Enjoy!
What is the HSK 6?
For those who are not familiar with the Mandarin language, HSK is the abbreviation of Hanyu (Chinese), Shuiping (Level), and Kaoshi (test). Thus, this refers to the “Chinese Level Test” or Chinese Proficiency Test. The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi / 汉语水平考试) is a standardized test for non-Chinese speakers to certify their Mandarin language skills. Until 2020, and before the introduction of the HSK 7-9, the HSK 6 was the most advanced Chinese Proficiency Test and therefore the most challenging.
What is the utility of an HSK6?
HSK Level 6 not only demonstrates advanced proficiency in the language but the utility of an HSK 6 certificate includes:
Employment Opportunities: Many employers, especially in China or companies with ties to China, value HSK 6 as evidence of advanced language skills, which can enhance job prospects.
Academic Advancement: For those looking to study in Chinese-speaking countries, an HSK 6 can strengthen applications for universities and programs conducted in Mandarin.
Cultural Integration: Achieving HSK 6 indicates a deep understanding of Chinese culture, idioms, and literature, facilitating better communication and interaction with native speakers.
Personal Achievement: It represents a significant milestone in language learning, boosting confidence and motivation to continue exploring the language and culture.
Professional Certification: Some fields, such as translation, education, and international relations, may require or prefer HSK certification, especially at higher levels.
Overall, HSK 6 can open doors in both professional and academic contexts, as well as enhance personal connections in Chinese-speaking environments.
The structure of the exam.
The HSK Level 6 exam consists of three main sections: listening, reading, and writing. Each section (Listening, Reading, and Writing) is scored out of 100 points. The total possible score is 300 points. A minimum score of 180 points is typically required to pass the exam. The exam duration is 140 minutes, with the following structure:
Part I: Listening (35 minutes):
— Section 1: 15 questions based on short dialogues or monologues. Each question counts for 1 point.
— Section 2: 15 questions based on 3 longer dialogues in the form of interviews. Each question counts for 3 points.
— Section 3: 20 questions based on several long passages. Each question counts for 2 points.
Part II: Reading (50 minutes):
— Section 1: Candidates must choose the incorrect sentence from four options. There are 10 questions, each worth 3 points.
— Section 2: 10 fill-in-the-blank questions where candidates must choose the correct words to complete the sentence. Each question is worth 3 points.
— Section 3: 10 questions where candidates need to rearrange scrambled sentences into coherent passages. Each question is worth 1 point.
— Section 4: 20 questions based on several passages of various lengths, testing comprehension and analytical skills. Each question is worth 1.5 points.
Part III: Writing (45 minutes) :
Candidates have 10 minutes to read a 1000-word text and must write a summary in approximately 400 characters. The passage is provided at the beginning of the section, and candidates must summarize its main points concisely and coherently.
My study plan.
I started preparing for the exam about 6 months in advance, but it was only towards the end that I doubled my efforts. My preparation during the first few months consisted of reviewing vocabulary and taking a Coursera course called 'Chinese for HSK6'. It is important to note that the HSK6 includes 2500 new words compared to the HSK5, which already includes 2500 words. By setting my exam date for July 21st, I could proceed at a pace of 20 words per day. 4 months in advance, I enrolled in a language center to further boost my learning by being in an immersive environment. Unfortunately, the maximum level at this center was HSK5, which I had taken a few months before attempting the HSK6. Consequently, I attended classes for about 16 weeks before booking a week of one-on-one classes to better familiarize myself with the exam structure. My preparation involved working on past exam papers, focusing on the sections where I was stronger since these were my best chances to score more points. Given that the time was quite tight towards the end, as I had essentially two weeks of intense preparation from the day I started my one-on-one sessions, I somewhat neglected vocabulary towards the end.
My (ideal) study plan.
If I could go back, there are a few things I would change in my study plan. I think that:
I would have placed much more emphasis on vocabulary (which is really very important), especially for the second part (Reading).
I would have started working on past exam papers much earlier, particularly the last part (Writing), because in the end, I only practiced one example, which meant I wasn’t adequately prepared, and that was the section where I received my lowest score.
I wouldn't have stressed out as much because, like any exam, there are certain factors that you can’t control, but it is also primarily a matter of preparation.
I would have shared my decision to take the HSK6 less (for this, it's a 50/50). Let me explain why...
Short story time:
The problem with telling people about your goals is that some of them will try to discourage you, and if you're not strong enough, you might be influenced by them. I encountered people who told me that I couldn't do it, and it hurt me a lot. But as Derek Jeter told himself, I told myself too:
“I love it when people doubt me. It makes me work harder to prove them wrong.”
I worked twice as hard; I was twice as motivated because I had an extra reason to want to take this exam: to prove to those who didn’t believe in me that I was capable, and to show those who believed in me that they were not wrong. I say it’s 50/50 because, on the other hand, I had an enormous support system that believed in me, supported me, and even studied with me for some of them, lol.
I am proud of myself not only because I passed the highest level of the Chinese Proficiency Test, but also because I believed in myself even when I faced rejection. I prepared for my exam mostly on my own while managing other responsibilities, but I still passed! I won’t say that I don’t care about the exam, but the life lesson behind it is much more powerful. I learned the importance of believing in oneself and the value of a supportive system. So, dear reader, no matter what you aim for, believe that you can achieve it, and you are already halfway there. If you want more tips on how to efficiently study Chinese and/or pass any HSK exam from 1 to 6, stay tuned! I will be releasing videos soon on the subject. Thank you for reading. May God bless you, and take care.
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