HSK Basics

[mirgcire]

I am interested in taking the HSK but I would like to know a little more about it before I walk in the room. I found this web site: http://www2.asia.ubc.ca/faculty/li/department/test_resource.htm#1 which has a lot of useful information. After trying their sample test I feel that I should be able to get a reasonably good score.

But I am a little worried about the instructions. If the format of the test is the same as the example on the web site, I will have no trouble, but otherwise it might be difficult. So my question is: what is it like taking the test? can you get clarifications on the rules? can you ask quesitons in english? are the tests pretty consistent from year to year?

Also I am wondering if anyone know of other sites with sample tests?

Thanks!

[Scoobyqueen]

these are the standard mock tests you will find everywhere. other than these you can purchase hsk material with more sample tests. the basic level contents appears to be consistent from exam to exam especially the aural and grammar sections. the reading section contains texts on a variety of topics that vary, ranging from anything such as "children's day" to whether it is sensible to let a baby crawl on the floor(!) or the increase of milk consumption. usually the texts makes a moral point or stipulates the correct behavioural code and make use of quoted research that culminate in a conclusion. sometimes the sentences are a bit construed and even ambiguous. some have said the hsk is arbitrarily hard overall and does not just test language in essence. compared to proficiency in some other languages the hsk is more difficult in allowing less time in which to do longer texts and more questions. but that is i suppose irrelevant here.