The HSK4 exam is a significant milestone for Chinese learners progressing to an advanced language level. The reading section, often considered the most challenging part, tests not only your vocabulary and comprehension but also your time management and problem-solving skills. How can you efficiently prepare for the reading section and ace the test? This article unveils the three key strategies for mastering the HSK4 reading test: vocabulary building, reading techniques, and time management.
1. Vocabulary Building: The Foundation of Reading Comprehension
In the HSK4 reading test, a strong vocabulary foundation is essential. The exam requires knowledge of approximately 1,200 common words, covering topics like daily life, social phenomena, and cultural concepts. Without a solid vocabulary base, understanding the articles becomes significantly harder.
1.1 Focus on High-Frequency Words
High-frequency words appear repeatedly in the reading test. Familiarizing yourself with these words will greatly improve your efficiency. Examples include:
- 幸福 (xìngfú): happiness
- 重要 (zhòngyào): important
- 坚持 (jiānchí): persistence
For instance, in a sentence:
小李常常把“努力”挂在嘴边 (xiǎo lǐ chángcháng bǎ “nǔlì” guà zài zuǐ biān).
Translation: Xiao Li often talks about “hard work.”
Here, “挂在嘴边 (guà zài zuǐ biān)” means “to often talk about something.”
1.2 Learn Vocabulary in Context
Rather than rote memorization, learn vocabulary through meaningful sentences or contexts. For example:
- Sentence: 为了考试成功，你需要坚持努力学习。
Pinyin: Wèi le kǎoshì chénggōng, nǐ xūyào jiānchí nǔlì xuéxí.
Translation: To succeed in the exam, you need to persist in studying hard.
1.3 Expand Vocabulary through Reading Materials
Regularly reading Chinese articles, such as news, stories, or dialogues, can expose you to new words and reinforce your understanding. At LC Chinese School, our courses integrate vocabulary training into reading exercises, helping students efficiently expand their lexicon.
Start building your vocabulary today by registering for our HSK preparation course: Click here to register.
2. Reading Techniques: Cracking the Exam Questions
The HSK4 reading section includes three main question types: sentence sequencing, paragraph completion, and article comprehension. Each requires specific strategies.
2.1 Sentence Sequencing: Understanding Logical Order
This type tests your ability to identify the logical flow between sentences.
Example Question:
- A. 她笑着对我说谢谢 (Tā xiàozhe duì wǒ shuō xièxiè)。
(She smiled and said “thank you” to me.) - B. 那天晚上，我给了一位需要帮助的老人一件外套 (Nà tiān wǎnshàng, wǒ gěile yī wèi xūyào bāngzhù de lǎorén yī jiàn wàitào)。
(That night, I gave an elderly person in need a coat.) - C. 她说，那是她一周里最温暖的一天 (Tā shuō, nà shì tā yī zhōu lǐ zuì wēnnuǎn de yī tiān)。
(She said it was the warmest day of her week.)
Correct Order: B → A → C
Explanation: The event (B) occurs first, followed by the reaction (A) and the reflection (C).
2.2 Paragraph Completion: Contextual Understanding
Paragraph completion questions require filling in the blanks with the most suitable sentence.
Example Question:
我很喜欢旅行。________，这让我有机会认识不同的人和文化 (Wǒ hěn xǐhuān lǚxíng. ______, zhè ràng wǒ yǒu jīhuì rènshí bùtóng de rén hé wénhuà)。
(I love traveling. ______, it gives me a chance to meet different people and cultures.)
Options:
A. 特别是去远的地方 (Tèbié shì qù yuǎn de dìfāng): Especially to faraway places.
B. 因为我怕麻烦 (Yīnwèi wǒ pà máfan): Because I dislike trouble.
C. 虽然我很忙 (Suīrán wǒ hěn máng): Although I’m very busy.
D. 但是我没时间 (Dànshì wǒ méi shíjiān): But I don’t have time.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: “Especially to faraway places” aligns logically with the context of travel and meeting new people.
2.3 Article Comprehension: Quick Information Location
This section often includes longer passages. The key is to locate the necessary information quickly without reading every word.
Example Article:
小王是一位热爱跑步的人 (Xiǎo wáng shì yī wèi rè’ài pǎobù de rén)。
每天早上，他都会在公园里跑五公里 (Měitiān zǎoshàng, tā dūhuì zài gōngyuán lǐ pǎo wǔ gōnglǐ)。
他认为，跑步不仅能锻炼身体，还能让他精力充沛 (Tā rènwéi, pǎobù bùjǐn néng duànliàn shēntǐ, hái néng ràng tā jīnglì chōngpèi)。
去年，他报名参加了一场马拉松比赛 (Qùnián, tā bàomíng cānjiāle yī chǎng mǎlāsōng bǐsài)。
为了准备比赛，他每天增加跑步距离，还严格控制饮食 (Wèile zhǔnbèi bǐsài, tā měitiān zēngjiā pǎobù jùlí, hái yángé kòngzhì yǐnshí)。
最终，他成功完成了马拉松，这让他非常自豪 (Zuìzhōng, tā chénggōng wánchéngle mǎlāsōng, zhè ràng tā fēicháng zìháo)。
他说：“跑步教会了我坚持的意义，也让我明白，梦想只有通过努力才能实现 (Tā shuō: ‘Pǎobù jiàohuìle wǒ jiānchí de yìyì, yě ràng wǒ míngbái, mèngxiǎng zhǐyǒu tōngguò nǔlì cáinéng shíxiàn’)。”
Example Questions:
- Why does Xiao Wang like running?
A. He enjoys waking up early.
B. It helps him stay fit and energetic.
C. Running is a trendy activity.
D. It helps him make new friends.Correct Answer: B.
Locate the sentence: 跑步不仅能锻炼身体，还能让他精力充沛 (Running not only helps him stay fit but also keeps him energetic). - What did Xiao Wang do to prepare for the marathon?
A. He woke up early every day.
B. He increased his running distance and controlled his diet.
C. He started a new job.
D. He signed up for several competitions.Correct Answer: B.
Locate the sentence: 他每天增加跑步距离，还严格控制饮食 (He increased his running distance and strictly controlled his diet).
3. Time Management: The Key to Success
The HSK4 reading test consists of 40 questions to be completed in 40 minutes. Effective time management is crucial to answering all questions within the given time.
3.1 Prioritize Simple Questions
Start with sentence sequencing and paragraph completion questions, which are generally quicker to answer.
3.2 Focus on Keywords
When tackling longer articles, identify keywords and topic sentences rather than reading every word.
3.3 Practice with Timed Mock Tests
Regular practice with mock tests helps improve your pacing and build confidence. At LC Chinese School, our HSK preparation courses include full-length mock exams to simulate the real test environment.
Take the first step in your HSK journey by testing your current Chinese level: Click here to take the test.
Why Choose LC Chinese School for Your HSK Preparation?
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our courses cover all aspects of the HSK4 exam, including vocabulary, reading, and grammar.
- Personalized Learning Plans: We design courses tailored to your specific strengths and weaknesses.
- Flexible Study Options: Choose between online and in-person classes to suit your schedule.
- Experienced Teachers: Our team of professional teachers provides expert guidance and support.
Get started with LC Chinese School today and achieve your HSK goals: Click here to register.
Conclusion
The HSK4 reading test may seem daunting at first, but with a clear strategy and consistent practice, success is within reach. By focusing on vocabulary, mastering reading techniques, and managing your time effectively, you’ll be well-prepared to excel. Let LC Chinese School guide you through your preparation journey and help you unlock your full potential in Chinese language learning!
