Our sample HSK test for today involves a series of 15 positioning exercises. The challenge is simple: place the given words in the correct position in the given sentence. If you get the answer right everyone is happy. If you don't we assure you that no-one will have the slightest clue what you're trying to communicate.

Positioning exercises constitute a minority of the overall HSK as they test knowledge of grammatical structure without measuring true comprehension. Those of you with a good feeling for Chinese grammar should do well even if much of the specific vocabulary is above your level. So good luck, and we'll see you on the other side.