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About this exam

Kaoyan English (考研英语) is the English component of China's National Postgraduate Entrance Examination, the standardized test taken by candidates applying to master's programs at Chinese universities. It is administered in two versions: English I (201), generally required for academic master's degrees, and English II (204), generally used for professional master's degrees and some programs. Applicants to Chinese graduate schools - including non-English majors and international candidates applying through the same channel - should treat it as a high-stakes reading-and-writing test rather than a general English proficiency certificate. The paper tests comprehension of fairly formal written English through cloze, multiple-choice reading, a matching or heading task, and English-to-Chinese translation, then tests production through a short applied piece (letter, notice, or email) and a longer picture- or chart-prompted essay. Preparation is cumulative: build vocabulary and sentence-parsing stamina first, then drill reading accuracy under time pressure, and finally rehearse the two writing tasks with a fixed structure and a personal bank of phrases. Translation rewards careful comparison with published renderings of similar passages. The Ministry of Education and the exam's official channels publish current question counts, timing, and scoring; check those before planning your schedule rather than relying on secondhand summaries.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Kaoyan English preparation

What is the difference between English I and English II?

English I (201) is generally for academic master's degrees and is the harder of the two, with denser reading passages and a more demanding translation. English II (204) is generally for professional master's degrees and some specialized programs. Your target program's admissions catalogue states which paper you must sit, so confirm there first.

How long is the exam and how many questions does it have?

The official body publishes the current structure, timing, and scoring for each year; check its site or your programme's admissions notice for the authoritative version. Do not plan your pacing from older summaries, because the paper has been adjusted over time. Once you have the current layout, practise full papers under the real timing.

How difficult is Kaoyan English compared with CET-6 or IELTS?

Most candidates find the reading harder than CET-6 because passages are longer and questions hinge on inference and attitude rather than literal detail. It is not a direct equivalent of IELTS or TOEFL; the translation into Chinese and the Chinese-framed essay make it a distinct skill set. Vocabulary breadth and fast, accurate parsing matter most.

Can I retake the exam if my score is low?

Yes. The exam is sat once a year within the national postgraduate admission cycle, so a weak score means waiting for the next cycle and sitting it again. There is no separate per-exam retake within the same year. Confirm the current cycle's rules with the official body, since admission policy can change.

In what order should I study the sections?

Start with vocabulary and sentence parsing, because every section depends on them. Add reading comprehension next, since it carries the largest share of marks. Introduce translation once you can parse reliably, and leave the two writing tasks for a structured block near the end so your templates stay fresh.

How should I handle the cloze section?

Treat it as a test of collocation and logical flow rather than isolated grammar. Read the whole passage once for meaning, then choose options by checking what the surrounding sentence requires. Do not spend long on any single blank; mark it, move on, and return if time allows.

What are the most common reasons candidates lose marks?

Running out of time in reading, writing essays from memorized templates that do not answer the prompt, and translating word by word into unnatural Chinese. Another frequent problem is ignoring the picture or chart in the long essay and drifting into a general topic essay. Practise under timed conditions to expose these habits early.

How is the writing section scored?

Examiners weigh task completion, organization, range and accuracy of language, and coherence. A short letter must hit every bullet in the prompt; the long essay must interpret the visual and develop a clear argument. Memorized sentences help only if they fit the specific task, so build flexible phrases rather than fixed essays.

Do I need a specific textbook or course?

No single book is required. A vocabulary list, past papers, and a grammar reference for sentence analysis cover most needs. Many candidates add a translation practice book and a writing guide. Choose materials that match English I or English II, and check the official site for any published syllabus or sample materials.

Where can I find the official rules and dates?

The Ministry of Education and the national postgraduate admissions platform publish registration windows, exam dates, and scoring rules each cycle. Your target university's graduate admissions office also posts programme-specific requirements. Always verify deadlines and paper type there, because third-party summaries can lag behind official announcements.