HSK 1 case studies
HSK 1 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
HSK 1 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Level 1, 汉语水平考试一级) is the entry-level test of Mandarin Chinese proficiency for non-native speakers, administered by the Chinese testing authority. It certifies that a learner can handle the most basic everyday communication: greeting people, introducing oneself, asking and answering simple questions about daily life, and reading very short, simple texts with familiar characters and pinyin support where the level allows. The HSK 1 case studies are 5 cases and about 2,255 words.
1Reversed Minutes in a Clock-Time Listening Item
Mei is preparing for HSK 1 with a tutor. In a 10-item listening mock, three items tested clock times.
467 words, about 2 min2Swapped Prices in a Single-Play Shop Dialogue
At an HSK 1 mock listening station, a recorded shop dialogue plays once: “这个杯子五块，那本书十五块。” The candidate, Ravi, has 30 yuan and plans to buy two cups and one book. In the pause he calculates 2 × 15 + 5 = 35, decides he is 5 yuan short, and selects “He cannot buy everything.” The key says he can buy everything and has 5 yuan left.
456 words, about 2 min3Two Books, Three Apples: Measure Words in a Reading Note
A reading item shows a note: “明天上午九点，请来我家。我家有两本书、三个苹果和一杯水。” The question asks how many books and apples are in the home. A learner, Ana, answers “2 books, 3 apples” correctly, then asks why the note does not say “二本书” and “三苹果.” Her workbook notes say “二 = two,” and she has crossed out 两 as “same as 二.” She also thinks 杯 is only a noun (“cup”), not a counting word.
458 words, about 2 min4买 or 卖? Self-Correction in a Shopping Passage
In a short HSK 1 reading passage, Lin reads: “星期天，妈妈去商店。她买了一个杯子。妈妈说：这个杯子很漂亮。” The question asks what Mama did. Lin chooses “She sold a cup” and adds that Mama probably works at the shop.
436 words, about 2 min5Missing 不 in a Negated Answer
A listening dialogue in an HSK 1 mock: A: “你是老师吗？” B: “我不是老师，我是学生。” The question asks what B is. Options: A 老师, B 学生.
438 words, about 2 min