Forty seconds from re-entry, as the shuttle began to hit the first thin wisps of the upper atmosphere, Edward unstrapped himself from the pilot's chair and clambered out towards the galley. "I'm not feeling too up on my descent velocities," he explained as the rest of the crew looked on in numbed horror. "Thought I'd get some last-minute review in before we hit terminal velocity."

Popup Chinese reminds you: cramming is not an effective learning strategy. Your best approach is to lay aside a modest amount of time on a continual basis and incorporate Chinese study into your other routine activities. We recommend taking several new tests each week while reviewing the questions and vocabulary you've previously answered incorrectly. This provides a low-pressure way of mastering the HSK that will ensure you don't forget key points in high pressure situations.