Chinese for HSK 1

• When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

  Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

  • The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.

  • The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

• What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

  When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

• Is financial aid available?

  Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

• What does “HSK” mean?

  HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. The new HSK test, consisting of six levels (from levels 1 to 6, level 6 being the highest), was launched by Hanban.

• Can you tell me more about “HSK (Level 1)”?

  HSK (Level 1) is equivalent to Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages Level One and The Common European Framework Reference for Language (CEF) A1. Candidates who pass HSK (Level 1) can understand and use very simple Chinese words and sentences in order to meet the needs of daily communication, setting a foundation for further study.

• If I have no intention of taking the Chinese proficiency test for the present, can I still enroll in this course?

  Of course you can! This course is designed for everybody who wishes to learn Chinese. However, if you do wish to take the test, this course will help you master the core vocabularies and key grammar points for HSK Level 1.

• What will I learn from the course?

  Ø Introduction to Pinyin as starters;

  Ø 30 video lectures with dialogue role plays by PKU students;

  Ø More than 150 commonly used words;

  Ø Around 50 key grammar points;

  Ø New words and texts via audio;

  Ø Quizzes for each lesson and HSK test papers;

  Ø Videos for 70 basic Chinese characters (optional);

  Ø Supplementary materials about China (optional).

• How long does it take to complete the course and what kind of background knowledge is necessary?

  HSK Level 1 is a six-week course aiming at beginners. No background knowledge of Chinese is required. However, you are expected to spend 4-6 hours every week to work on materials in this course. If you are a complete beginner, you may want to spend some more time on pinyin in the first chapter; if you are not, you could skip the related contents. If you need additional time to complete the course, it is not a problem.

• What level of proficiency will I reach upon completing the course?

  Upon completing the course, you will have mastered approximately 150 words and 50 grammar points. Furthermore, you will be able to use Chinese to handle very basic communicative tasks in daily life, work and study. Examples include greetings, introducing yourself and your family, describing your daily life and your learning or working experience, asking for help and understanding others’ response, and talking about hobbies, the weather, the traffic, etc.

• Can I get a Course Certificate?

  Yes, you can! If you pay for this course and complete the course successfully, you will get a Course Certificate! Please note, passing this course is not the same as passing HSK 1, but this course is very good practice for the test.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.