posted by rizzo on May 5, 2010 | 3 comments
Wanted to share with the good people of PPCh my experience with taking the test of proficiency hua yu (TOP) exam this last Saturday, May 1. Recall this is Taiwan's answer to the HSK, and is administered in traditional text within China and offered as both traditional and simplified for test takers abroad. I took the the Basic test (beginner, basic, intermediate and advanced are the available levels) and did not do so well - although official results will take about a month. I am happy, however, to provide info about the test for anyone else contemplating taking it.
The exam had a narrower vocab than that of the HSK, but requires upwards of 93% correct for the lowest passing grade. THe answers are tricky, require deduction and reason (on top of quick reading comprehension) and definitely put the "b" in subtle. The last 1/3 of the test is reading comprehension of supposedly realistic train schedules, ads, menus etc. A nice idea, but skimming and fast recognition are key.
I did receive an offical #2 TOP hua yu pencil that is mine to keep. Sweet, sweet action.
If anyone else has any questions, just post away, I'll do my best to answer.
Thanks for the update rizzo, this is useful to hear. Will be interesting to see if the TOP picks up traction, especially in the States.
It has a ways to go before it could be considered popular or well known here. I was testing to the Basic level (HSK4 equivalent, I am told) and the other guy that was supposed to be there was a no-show. So it's just me and the proctor in the room. A show-down at high noon.
Rizzo - you're from Milwaukee right? I remember we talked back and forth on another question a month or two back.
I just finished the HSK level 3 and 4 tests, I'm glad to be done! We should swap some stories on the tests. I am shocked that the TOP needs a 93% to pass, that's nasty.