In the turbid depths of Loch Ness, the HSK sloughed off its decades-long slumber and began a slow, reptilian ascent to the surface. The creature had lain dormant for so long it was now only a dim recollection in the minds of the eldest residents. But now the beast had been summoned to pass judgment on the proficiency of a new generation of Chinese speakers. And there would be blood....

Planning to take the HSK test? If you'd like to get a sense of how you'll do on the first level of the new Chinese proficiency test, check out our sample HSK test for today, which will test you on the same grammar and vocabulary points as the real exam.