HSKKHSKK IntermediateChinese speaking testHSKK mock test

HSKK Intermediate: Picture Description, Answer Frameworks, and Common Topics

23 tháng 9, 2026

Quick answer

HSKK Intermediate runs about 21 minutes with 10 minutes of preparation and three parts: listen and repeat, describe a picture, and answer an open question. A 3-step frame for the picture, a 4-step frame for the opinion answer, the topics that keep coming up, and how to spend the 10 minutes.

HSKK Intermediate (中级) is the speaking exam paired with HSK 3–4. It runs about 21 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation, and has three parts: listen and repeat, describe a picture, and answer an open question. It is scored out of 100 and you pass at 60. This article gives you the structure of each part, an answer frame that works for any prompt, the topics that come up again and again, and a way to spend the 10 preparation minutes that does not backfire.

Not sure which level to sit? HSK vs HSKK compares the three levels. Want to go straight to a timed paper? Take a free HSKK Intermediate mock.

The three parts

Frequently asked questions

Which HSK level goes with HSKK Intermediate?

HSK 3–4. This is also the most common pairing in scholarship applications for Chinese-language programmes.

How long is HSKK Intermediate?

About 21 minutes, including about 10 minutes of preparation for the picture description and the open question.

What are the three parts of HSKK Intermediate?

Listen and repeat (听后重复, 10 sentences), describe a picture (看图说话, 2 pictures), and answer an open question (回答问题, 2 questions).

How should I use the 10 minutes of preparation?

Sketch the main points and 3–4 keywords for each part instead of writing a full text to read out. Keep the last minute to run through the answer in your head and catch words you cannot pronounce.

Do I need HSK 4 to take HSKK Intermediate?

No. HSKK is an independent exam. The HSK 3–4 pairing is only a guide to the vocabulary you need.

1	听后重复 — listen and repeat	10	Hear a sentence once, repeat it in full
2	看图说话 — describe a picture	2	Build a short spoken passage from one picture
3	回答问题 — answer a question	2	Give your opinion on an open question shown on screen

Topic group	Typical questions
Study	Why are you learning Chinese? What study method suits you?
Work	What job do you want? What matters most in a job?
Hobbies	What do you do in your free time, and why?
Daily habits	Are you an early riser? What do you usually do at the weekend?
Future plans	What will you do next year? Do you want to study abroad?
Comparisons	Is city life or country life better?

HSKK Intermediate: Picture Description, Answer Frameworks, and Common Topics

The three parts

Frequently asked questions

Part 1 — listen and repeat

Part 2 — describe a picture

Part 3 — answer an open question

Topics that keep coming up

How to spend the 10 preparation minutes

Three mistakes that cost points

How to practise

Keep reading

HSKK Passing Score: What 60 out of 100 Actually Means

HSKK Advanced: Retelling, Reading Aloud, Topic Answers, and an 8-Week Plan

HSKK Beginner: Test Format, the 3 Parts, and a 4-Week Plan