HSK reading tips
Format facts are from the official HSK 3.0 sample pack; the tactics are ours.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
Parts at Levels 4, 5 and 6
Level 4
- 33–42 Reading part 1: fill blanks from a word list; each list has one distractor (two sets: 33–37, 38–42)
- 43–57 Reading part 2: choose the correct answer
- 58–64 Reading part 3: fill sentences into a passage
Level 5
- 36–45 Reading part 1: choose the correct answer
- 46–55 Reading part 2: put paragraphs in order
- 56–70 Reading part 3: choose the correct answer
Level 6
- 41–50 Reading part 1: choose words to fill blanks
- 51–60 Reading part 2: fill sentences into passages; one sentence is a distractor
- 61–80 Reading part 3: choose the correct answer
Tactics
- Gap-fills with a word list: fill the ones you are sure of first; the distractor becomes obvious at the end.
- Sentence or paragraph ordering: find the opener (no pronoun or connector pointing back), then chain by connectors like 但是, 因此, 后来.
- Long passages: read the question first, then scan for its key word; do not read every line at Level 6 speed.
- Short written answers (Levels 7–9, max ten characters): copy key words from the text where possible — fewer character mistakes.
- Watch the per-item time in the table: if one item takes twice that, mark a guess and move on.
Grammar points by level → · Listening tips →
Frequently asked
Is there enough time for HSK 5 reading?
The HSK 3.0 Level 5 sample has 35 reading items in 35 minutes — about 60 seconds each, so speed matters.
What are the best HSK reading tips?
Read the question before the passage, fill sure gaps first, and find the opener in ordering tasks.
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
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Official sources
- Official HSK 3.0 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Official new HSK syllabus (CLEC, published 2025-11, in force 2026-07), PDF
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.