Ultimate Guide to the HSKK Intermediate Exam

In our previous article, click here to read it Your Step-by-Step Guide to HSKK Primary Success, we took a deep dive into the HSKK Beginner exam: its structure, preparation tips, and plenty of practical strategies. It was great to see so many of you liking and saving the post!

Today, we're taking things up a notch with a full guide to the HSKK Intermediate exam! We’ll break down each question type, highlight the key points, and help you tackle the intermediate speaking test with confidence.

Compared to the beginner level, the HSKK Intermediate exam is a step up and is designed for learners who have a vocabulary of around 900 to 1200 Chinese words. If you're preparing for the HSK Level 4, you'll be obligated to take the intermediate oral exam alongside it.

This exam mainly tests your spoken Chinese ability in real-life situations—such as study, work, and daily life. The total duration is around 21 minutes, which includes 10 minutes of preparation time. Just like the beginner level, all the questions are presented via audio recordings, and your answers are also recorded.

The test is taken in a group setting, with multiple candidates answering at the same time, so background noise and distractions are almost inevitable. That’s why focus is key! We recommend practicing in noisy environments to build up your concentration. Try searching for "people talking noise" on YouTube or Bilibili, and play the audio on a separate device while doing mock tests—this way, you’ll get used to the real exam conditions in advance.

Now, let’s break down the three parts of the HSKK Intermediate exam:

GCI's HSKK Exam Site in Rotterdam in 2025

Part 1 Repeat After Listening (10 questions, 5 mins)

This section is an upgraded version of the beginner-level repetition task. The sentences are longer, usually 8 to 15 characters, and may include compound sentences. You will hear 10 sentences, each played only once. After each one, you must repeat it as accurately as possible.

>>Example
Recording: 告诉你一个好消息，我要结婚了。
(Let me tell you some good news, I'm getting married.)
Candidate: 告诉你一个好消息，我要结婚了。
(Let me tell you some good news, I'm getting married.)

Part 2 & 3 Preparation Time (10 minutes)

Part 2 Picture Description (2 questions, 2 mins for Each)

You’ll be shown a picture; it could depict a daily scene, people doing an activity, or something similar. Based on the image, you need to describe what you see and expand on it with your own ideas or interpretations.

What does this part test?
Your ability to describe clearly, organize your thoughts logically, speak fluently, and use appropriate vocabulary.

Part 3 Answer Questions (2 questions, 2 mins for Each)

You will see two questions (both in characters and pinyin). You need to give a full spoken response to each.

What does this part test?
Compared to the beginner level, this section places more emphasis on vocabulary range, grammar accuracy, topic development, and structured expression.

>>Example
Question: 父亲或者母亲过生日的时候，你想送他（她）什么？
(Fùqīn huòzhě mǔqīn guò shēngrì de shíhou, nǐ xiǎng sòng tā shénme?)
What would you like to give your father or mother for their birthday?

Let’s move on to some practical preparation strategies based on the official scoring criteria and our teaching experience. Here’s how you can approach each part of the exam with confidence

Part 1 Repeat After Listening

You will hear 15 short sentences, each played once. Repeat each sentence immediately after hearing it.

>>Scoring Criteria

• Completeness (50%):  Try not to miss any important parts of the sentence, especially connectors and transition words like “虽然” (although) or “但是” (but) that show logical relationships.
• Pronunciation & Intonation (30%): Pay attention to changes in tone, especially for questions and exclamatory sentences. Try to mimic the rhythm and pitch of the original speaker as closely as possible.
• Fluency & Timing (20%):  For longer sentences, breathe at natural pauses to maintain a smooth delivery. Avoid awkward stops or rushing through.

>>Exam Tip
You can refer to the strategies for this part from our HSKK Beginner Guide Your Step-by-Step Guide to HSKK Primary Success. While the task is similar, the Intermediate version features longer and sometimes compound sentences (up to 15 characters). Don’t stress about repeating every single word perfectly. Instead, focus on key elements such as time, place, and actions. Intonation matters a lot here, the goal is not just accurate content but also sounding as natural and native-like as possible.

>>Study Advice
Use the audio materials from HSK Levels 2-4 for shadowing practice. This helps you gradually get used to the longer sentence structures and more complex phrasing typical of the Intermediate exam.

Part 2 Picture Description

>>Scoring Criteria

• Completeness (50%):  Clearly and objectively describe the main elements of the picture, such as people, setting, and actions. Add relevant details like clothing, objects, or the environment when appropriate.
• Logical Structure (30%):  Organize your response clearly using linking words such as ‘first’(首先), ‘then’(其次/然后), ‘because’(因为), and ‘so’ (所以). Make limited and reasonable inferences based on the visual information.
• Language Quality (20%):  Use correct grammar and appropriate vocabulary. Avoid long pauses and unnecessary repetition.

>>Test-Taking Strategies

1 Three-Step Description Structure

This part can be approached using the following method: general setting + detailed description + personal reflection. 

General setting and detailed description: In this part, you should describe the basic elements of the picture, including the environment, the people, and their actions, along with relevant details.

For environmental description, include where the scene might be taking place, what season it could be, and any other observable background elements.

For people, describe their position in the picture, as well as basic information such as gender, age, clothing style, and physical appearance.

For actions, explain what the people are doing, their facial expressions, and make reasonable guesses about their relationship based on what you observe.

>>Note: The images used in the computer-based exam are in color, while the paper-based version still uses black-and-white photos. If you’re taking the computer-based version, feel free to include color descriptions in your response.

>>Example

首先，我觉得这张照片是在公园拍摄的，可能是在夏天或者春天拍摄的，因为天气看起来很不错，树绿了。
(First, I think this photo was taken in a park, maybe in summer or spring, because the weather looks nice and the trees are green.) 

其次，在这张照片里我看到了一个男人和一个女人，男人在左边，女人在右边。他们可能二十几岁，看起来很年轻，男人穿着一件T恤，女人穿着一个背心。他们都穿得很好看。另外，我还看到女人戴着耳环。(Then, I have seen a man and a woman — the man is on the left, the woman on the right. They look like they’re in their twenties and seem quite young. The man is wearing a T-shirt, and the woman is wearing a tank top. They’re both nicely dressed. I also noticed that the woman is wearing earrings.)

还有，这个男人给这个女人送了一份礼物，他们看起来都很高兴，我猜男人和女人是男女朋友或者夫妻（或者男人是女人的男朋友）。
(The man is giving the woman a gift, and they both look very happy. I guess they are a couple — maybe boyfriend and girlfriend, or husband and wife.)

In this part of the exam, it’s also acceptable to make one or two reasonable assumptions based on the image, such as what might happen next, and to share a brief personal opinion. However, avoid wild guesses or overly subjective comments.

>>Example
我觉得这份礼物可能是一本书，也许女人很喜欢看书，我觉得今天可能是女人的生日，他们等一下也许会一起去饭馆吃中国菜。最后，这让我想到了我的生日，生日的时候我的家人和朋友也会给我准备礼物，收到礼物让我觉得很幸福。(I think the gift might be a book. Maybe the woman likes reading. It could be her birthday today, and later they might go to a restaurant to eat Chinese food. This reminds me of my own birthday — my family and friends also prepare gifts for me, and receiving a present always makes me feel very happy.)

2 Full use of the preparation time

You’ll have a total of 10 minutes to prepare for Part 2 and Part 3. So for Part 2, you can allocate around 5 minutes to prepare for the two picture questions.

To use this time efficiently, start by outlining your response in your native language or in English, following the structure of general setting + details + personal thoughts. This will help you stay on track and make sure you have something to say.

Once you’ve written a quick outline, add in key Chinese words or pinyin, especially transition words like “因为” (because), “所以” (so), “比如” (for example), and “然后” (then), to build the framework of your spoken answer.

>>Practice Suggestions

• Search online for real past questions. Try typing “HSKK中级看图说话” into Google or other search engines — you’ll find plenty of pictures that are great for practice. Use them to simulate test conditions and record your responses.

• We’ve also prepared a collection of useful vocabulary and sentence patterns to help you practice picture description more effectively. Check below to use it in your study routine.

Essential Vocabulary and Connectors for HSKK Intermediate Picture Description

1. 场景地点 (Places)

2. 时间/季节 (Time/Seasons)

3. 人物描述 (People)

衣着外貌（Clothing and Appearance）

5. 联想推测 (Guessing)

推测词 （Speculation）

原因结果 （Cause and Effect Words）

6. 连接词 (Connectors)

顺序词 Sequencing Words

1首先 (shǒuxiān) - first
2其次 (qícì) - secondly
3然后 (ránhòu) - then
4最后 (zuìhòu) - finally

添加/递进词 Addition Words

转折词 Transition Words

7. 常见搭配 (Common Collocations)

HSKK Intermediate Picture Description Practical Sentence Patterns

1. Overall Description

✅ Basic Patterns:

This photo was taken at...
Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn pāishè yú...
这张       照片     拍摄于...
This photo was taken at...
🌰 这张照片拍摄于公园的湖边。
Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn pāishè yú gōngyuán de hú biān.
This photo was taken by the lake in the park.

In the photo we can see...
Zhàopiàn zhōng kěyǐ kàndào...
照片中      可以看到....
In the photo we can see...
🌰 照片中可以看到一家人在野餐。
Zhàopiàn zhōng kěyǐ kàndào yìjiā rén zài yěcān.
In the photo we can see a family having a picnic.

✅ Advanced Patterns:

Judging from the background...
Cóng zhàopiàn de bèijǐng lái kàn...
从照片的背景来看,...。
Judging from the background of the photo...
🌰 从照片的背景来看，这应该是一个周末的下午。
Cóng zhàopiàn de bèijǐng lái kàn, zhè yīnggāi shì yīgè zhōumò de xiàwǔ.
Judging from the background, this should be a weekend afternoon.

2. People Description

✅ Basic Patterns:

At the...position there is...
Zài zhàopiàn de...（wèizhì） yǒu...
在照片的....有....
At the...（position） of the photo there is...
🌰 在照片的左边有一位戴眼镜的老人。
Zài zhàopiàn de zuǒbiān yǒu yīwèi dài yǎnjìng de lǎorén.
At the left side there is an elderly man wearing glasses.

He/She is wearing..., and is...ing
Tā chuānzhe..., zhèngzài...
她穿着....，正在.....。
He/She is wearing..., and is...ing
🌰 她穿着红色连衣裙，正在给孩子们拍照。
Tā chuānzhe hóngsè liányīqún, zhèngzài gěi háizimen pāizhào.
She is wearing a red dress and is taking photos for the children.

✅ Advanced Patterns:

Judging from...'s clothing...
Cóng...de chuānzhuó dǎban lái kàn...
从...的穿着打扮来看，.....。
Judging from...'s clothing...
🌰 从这位男士的穿着打扮来看，他可能是位老师。
Cóng zhè wèi nánshì de chuānzhuó dǎban lái kàn, tā kěnéng shì wèi lǎoshī.
Judging from this man's clothing, he might be a teacher.

3. Action Description

✅ Basic Patterns:

They seem to be...ing
Tāmen sìhū zhèngzài...
他们似乎正在....。
They seem to be...ing
🌰 他们似乎正在讨论什么问题。
Tāmen sìhū zhèngzài tǎolùn shénme wèntí.
They seem to be discussing some issue.

From...'s expression we can tell...
Cóng...de biǎoqíng kěyǐ kàn chū...
从...的表情可以看出，....
From...'s expression we can tell...
🌰 从小女孩的表情可以看出，她感到很开心。
Cóng xiǎo nǚhái de biǎoqíng kěyǐ kàn chū, tā gǎndào hěn kāixīn.
From the little girl's expression we can tell she feels very happy.

✅ Advanced Patterns:

Not only..., but also...
Bùjǐn..., érqiě...
不仅...而且....
Not only..., but also...
🌰 他不仅认真听讲，而且积极做笔记，这说明他是个好学生。
Tā bùjǐn rènzhēn tīngjiǎng, érqiě jījí zuò bǐjì, zhè shuōmíng tā shì gè hǎo xuéshēng.
Not only is he listening attentively, but he is also taking notes actively, this shows he is a good student.

4. Reasonable Guessing

✅ Basic Patterns:

I guess..., because...|
Wǒ cāicè..., yīnwèi...
我猜测....，因为....。
I guess..., because...
🌰 我猜测这是他们的第一次见面，因为看起来有些拘谨。
Wǒ cāicè zhè shì tāmen de dì yī cì jiànmiàn, yīnwèi kàn qǐlái yǒuxiē jūjǐn.
I guess this is their first meeting, because they look a bit reserved.

It's very likely..., after all...
Hěn kěnéng..., bìjìng...
很可能.....，毕竟....
It's very likely..., after all...
🌰 很可能他们刚吃完午饭，毕竟桌上还放着餐具。
Hěn kěnéng tāmen gāng chī wán wǔfàn, bìjìng zhuō shàng hái fàngzhe cānjù.
It's very likely they just finished lunch, after all there are still tableware on the table.

✅ Advanced Patterns:

Considering..., the most likely reason is...
Kǎolǜ dào..., zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng zuì kěnéng de yuányīn shì...
Considering..., the most likely reason is...
🌰 考虑到天气和时间，这种情况最可能的原因是游客太多。
Kǎolǜ dào tiānqì hé shíjiān, zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng zuì kěnéng de yuányīn shì yóukè tài duō.
Considering the weather and time, the most likely reason is too many tourists.

5. Personal Feelings

✅ Basic Patterns:

Seeing this scene reminds me of...
Kàn dào zhège chǎngjǐng, ràng wǒ xiǎngqǐ...
看到这个场景，让我想起...。
Seeing this scene reminds me of...
🌰 看到这个场景，让我想起去年和家人去旅游的情景。
Kàn dào zhège chǎngjǐng, ràng wǒ xiǎngqǐ qùnián hé jiārén qù lǚyóu de qíngjǐng.
Seeing this scene reminds me of traveling with my family last year.

I think..., because...
Wǒ juéde..., yīnwèi...
我觉得....，因为....。
I think..., because...
🌰 我觉得这个场景很温馨，因为每个人都笑得很开心。
Wǒ juéde zhège chǎngjǐng hěn wēnxīn, yīnwèi měi gè rén dōu xiào de hěn kāixīn.
I think this scene is very warm, because everyone is smiling happily.

✅ Advanced Patterns:

This scene vividly shows..., making people feel...
Zhège chǎngjǐng shēngdòng de zhǎnxiàn le..., ràng rén gǎndào...
这个场景生动地展示了....，让人感到....
This scene vividly shows..., making people feel...
🌰 这个场景生动地展现了家庭的温暖，让人感到幸福。
Zhège chǎngjǐng shēngdòng de zhǎnxiàn le jiātíng de wēnnuǎn, ràng rén gǎndào xìngfú.
This scene vividly shows the warmth of family, making people feel happiness.

Part 3 Answer Questions

>>Scoring Criteria

• Completeness (50%):  You should clearly answer the question without going off-topic. Provide 2-3 solid reasons to support your point of view, and include specific examples or explanations for each one.
• Logical Structure (30%): Organize your ideas with linking words like "first""next""finally". Make sure your reasoning is clear and your conclusion is logically supported. Transitions between points should be smooth.
• Language Quality (20%): Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repeating simple words. Make sure your grammar is accurate, and keep your speaking fluent, with no pauses longer than 3 seconds.

>>Test-Taking Strategies
Compared to the HSKK beginner level, the intermediate test places higher demands not only on language skills but also on logical thinking, coherence, and the depth of your ideas. Candidates need to strengthen their ability to organize content, connect ideas logically, and use richer vocabulary.

>>Preparation Tips
As we mentioned in the HSKK Beginner Guide, you can use your native language to draft an outline and ideas first, then translate it into Chinese. This is still very effective for intermediate-level preparation. Building on that approach, let’s now look at the different types of questions you may encounter in the HSKK Intermediate exam.

1 Opnion-based Questions

You’ll be asked to express your view on a certain topic or behavior.

>>Example
Do you think it’s better to go out more or rest at home on weekends?
（你觉得周末应该多出去玩还是在家休息？）

Do you think mobile phones are more beneficial or harmful for students?
（你觉得手机对学生的好处多还是坏处多？）

>>Strategy
Clearly state your opinion, explain your reasons one by one, and finish with a summary.

>>Common sentence structures

• I think…; I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages; I partly agree with…
  （我认为……；我认为……利大于弊；我部分赞同……）
• First…, next…, finally…Each point should be followed by a specific example or explanation.
  （首先……，其次……，最后……）
• To sum up…; Therefore…
  （总的来说……；因此……）

>>Common reasons

– Time & convenience：saves time, easier, cheaper
（节省时间、更方便、更便宜）

– Health & environment：good for the body, eco-friendly
（对身体好、保护环境）

– Mental and social benefits：helps us relax, improves relationships
（可以让我们更放松、有益于人和人的关系）

2 Cause-based Questions

These ask you to explain why something happens.

>>Example

Why do young people like online shopping?
（为什么年轻人喜欢网上买东西？）

Why do many people choose to use e-books?
（为什么很多人选择用电子书？）

>>Strategy

Analyse from multiple perspectives.

1) Multi-angle Analysis：

• From a personal perspective: For young people, online shopping is more...
  （对年轻人来说，网购更...）
• From a societal perspective: People are very busy nowadays, so...
  （现在人们生活都非常忙，所以...）
• From a technological perspective: Because of technological development...
  （因为科技的发展...）

2) Add a personal example to each angle
For me, I often...（对我来说，我经常...）

>>Useful Reason Templates

– Convenience: You can ... anytime, anywhere.（随时随地可以...）
– Affordability: Prices are lower, and there are more choices.（价格更便宜，选择更多...）
– Psychological needs and habits: To relieve stress, gain companionship, and because people are getting（心理需求和习惯：缓解压力、获得陪伴、人们越来越习惯于...）

3 Personal Experience Questions
You’ll be asked to share your own habits or preferences.

>>Example

How do you usually study Chinese?
（你平时怎么学习汉语？）

What is your favorite festival and why?
（你最喜欢的节日是什么？为什么？）

This type of question can be approached using the same method introduced at the beginner level — the "5W + 1How + Detail" principle (see Your Step-by-Step Guide to HSKK Primary Success), but with more in-depth development. "5W + 1How + Detail" refers to: Who (何人), What (何事), When (何时), Where (何地), Why (为何), How (如何), along with supporting details (补充具体细节).

4 Suggestion/Problem-solving Questions

These ask you to offer solutions or advice.

>>Example
How can people stay healthy?
（如何保持身体健康？）

How can one improve our spoken Chinese?
（怎么提高汉语口语？）

>>Categorized Suggestion Method

– Action level: You should… every day, so that…（每天应该……，这样才能……）

– Mental level: Stay positive… believe in yourself…（要保持积极心态……要相信自己）

– Tool level: You can find… online, or do… with friends（可以在网上找……可以和朋友一起……）

– By group: For students… For office workers…（对学生来说……对上班族来说……）

That’s the full guide for the HSKK Intermediate exam and preparation tips. We hope these practical strategies help you feel more confident and prepared.

If you want to further improve your speaking skills, you’re welcome to join the 1-on-1 HSK preparation courses at GCI. Our experienced teachers will create a personalized learning plan to help you achieve better results.