How harshly do you get marked for the 朗读 section of the HSK Advanced speaking exam?

[doraemon]

I took the HSK advanced exam for the first time yesterday, and I just want an idea of what markers expect from you in the 朗读 section of the speaking component in order to get an A-range mark. Is it a combination of fluency, pronounciation, correct tone & expression etc? Thanks everyone.

[anonymoose]

Is it a combination of fluency, pronounciation, correct tone & expression etc?

I think it's all of those things. But from my experience (of having taken the HSK twice), there is quite a random element to the overall mark you get - the HSK board even acknowledge the subjectivity of this and the writing section. The two times I took it, I feel my performance on the speaking was similar, yet one time I failed to even get a 9, the other time was a good 10.

[wushijiao]

Is it just a figment of my imagination, or did they used to give you a normative guide/explanation to what the 9,10,11 levels were for the writing and speaking in your registration booklet?