User Comments - martian2

Posted on: Taking the HSK

benson, that post is retarded, how can you claim that a Chinese test is unfair cos it requires you to write in Chinese?  Whats next, a driving test where you just sit in the car and tell them when to turn?  

I hardly think that 16 characters (what is required on the current intermediate) is a major stretch, they are generally not particuarly complicated characters anyway (I am obviously not talking about the advanced exam here, or the new exam).  And if you cant write characters, it is still possible to get 60% on the final section, which would probably get you a 6, for an overall 7 if you are ok in the other parts.  This is the old HSK, the new HSK, "for Westerners", whatever the hell that means, actually requires far more writing, as it needs essays/written answers to questions etc from the student, its just far more rounded, as it is not only reading and listening skills, but writing and speaking too.  So if you dont like the sound of that, get yourself in for this years HSK cos I think (only think) that it might be the last of this type.

Writing characters is a major part of learning and understanding them, seeing how they are put together, and helping to anchor them in the memory.

Posted on: Taking the HSK

Haha, there is no secret, my special HSK combination was: girlfriend who only speaks Chinese + always been good at tests + study 6 HSK specific books before the exam, amounting to something like 30 mock exams, including one book which just had 60 zonghe sections in it, which nearly killed me.

For everyone that claims that they have no interest in the test, its pointless etc, the point is everyone needs a goal, otherwise they lose motivation, as I did the second the test finished.  I dont go to class, dont have any other tests or goals by which to measure myself, so telling myself that I had to get a 6 or higher was the only way for me to focus myself.  Taking this test meant I really zoned in and was able to do 7-8 hours a day for a month of study, work permitting, and my reading ability came on leaps and bounds.  I do agree it isnt an ideal test, and that it is really hard, but you gotta aim high, right?  And for those with no other goal, it always gives you something to go for, to tell yourself you will get a certain grade, or better last times grade. 

Posted on: Taking the HSK

Undoubtedly a tough test, but after a year and a half of self-study here in China, I took the HSK, and got an 8, so it is quite possible to do well after a short time studying.  The only part of the exam I find tough is the speed of the long dialogues in listening, they are generally very very fast, much faster than in ChinesePod, even at the highest levels.  I find that they are almost unrealistically fast, I think at intermediate there is no need, I think they should be more realistic, but maybe that will be addressed in the new version of the test.

If anyone wants to take it, especially Clarsen, then go on the HSK website, get the schedule, it will tell you when the registration period is, then in that time just rock at any major university, I went to JiaoTong at XuHui, and ask the first foreigner you see where to go to register, its that simple.  And if anyone wants to employ an HSK 8 Brit in Shanghai, let me know!

Posted on: Bad Service Restaurant

Not exactly a service problem, but I was wandering aimlessly around Shanghai a few weeks ago, and as I passed an empty restaurant, I glanced inside to see a nice little dog doing a nice big crap on the floor. Chefs were sitting 15 feet away having a cigarette. Very China.