Preparing for the HSK5 computer based exam...

[Guest]

Hi everyone, 

 

I would like to know your opinions regarding preparation for the HSK5 computer based exam by using paper based mock tests. Would the difference be big in terms of content? Would it be less efficient in terms of getting used to the exam? 

 

Any comments would be really appreciated 

 

 

 

[edelweis]

Is there a possibility to prepare for the HSK5 computer based exam using computer based mock tests? Where? How?

[fabiothebest]

Computer based tests aren't available at my nearest test center so I'll attempt the paper based versions of HSK (preparing for level 3-4), anyway I think in terms of preparation it doesn't change much between the 2 test modes. You still need to learn the relevant characters/words, practice reading, listening, comprehension, the only part that differs is writing. For the paper based version you need to practice writing a lot until you can write by hand by yourself. Typing characters with pinyin is easier. The only variable that can be different is the pinyin IME available at different test centers. For the computer based center as long as you are able to recognize characters you can also choose different characters if the ones provided by the pinyin input aren't correct, instead if you have to write by hand it's harder. For exam preparation I recommend Memrise, Skritter (or Tofu Learn) or Anki for learning characters, the HSK Standard Book (and workbook as well eventually) and official examination papers or mock tests (like the BLCUP ones). There are also courses on Coursera for almost all HSK levels (I believe only level 6 isn't available yet if I remember well). When you do the paper based test nothing prevents you form skimming through the text also in other pages, instead on the computer based test you should complete a section before moving to the next one I believe (anyway there are threads about the computer based exams in this forum that you can search). I didn't try it, but from what I heard you can try simulated computer based HSK tests at this website: http://cnhsk.org/ . You can have a try. I hope it helps.