HSK 3.0 writing: what each level asks and how much to write
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Level | Time | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | No writing section on the sample |
| 2 | 10 min | 51–55 Character writing part 1: complete characters by choosing the missing component (the sample shows radicals such as 子 and 氵) 56–60 Character writing part 2: write the character for the pinyin shown in a sentence |
| 3 | 20 min | 61–65 Writing part 1: write the character for the pinyin given in a sentence 66–70 Writing part 2: write a sentence about a picture using a given word |
| 4 | 25 min | 65–69 Writing part 1: look at the picture, make a sentence with the given word 70 Writing part 2: a short text of at least 80 characters (the sample: your most memorable trip) |
| 5 | 40 min | 71 Writing: a story from four pictures, at least 100 characters 72 Writing: topic essay, at least 200 characters |
| 6 | 45 min | 81 Writing: a practical text of at least 150 characters (the sample: an online notice looking for a flatmate) 82 Writing: topic essay, at least 300 characters |
| 7–9 | 55 min | 81 Writing: describe and analyse a chart, at least 200 characters, 15 minutes 82 Writing: argumentative essay, at least 600 characters, 40 minutes |
How to split your time (our advice)
- Level 4, 25 minutes: 2 minutes per picture sentence, then 15 minutes for the 80-character text, including 2 minutes to check.
- Level 5, 40 minutes: 12 for the picture story, 25 for the essay, 3 to check.
- Level 6, 45 minutes: 15 for the practical text, 27 for the essay, 3 to check.
- Levels 7–9: the two tasks are officially timed at 15 and 40 minutes; practise to those limits.
Where marks usually go
- Not using the given word, or using it as the wrong part of speech.
- Too short. Count: at least 80 characters at Level 4.
- Practical texts missing their shape: greeting, purpose, contact details, sign-off.
- Wrong characters, especially homophones (的 / 得 / 地, 在 / 再).
On our Sprint and All-access plans, essays are corrected and signed by a vetted teacher within 48 hours.
Frequently asked
How long is the HSK 3.0 Level 4 essay?
Item 70 on the official sample: a short text of at least 80 characters.
What is in HSK 3.0 Level 6 writing?
Two tasks in 45 minutes: a practical text of at least 150 characters (the sample is a flatmate notice) and a topic essay of at least 300 characters.
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
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.