Comparison between HSK and TOCFL formats
Fluent in Chinese: Your Ultimate Guide to Proficiency Tests: Comparison between HSK and TOCFL formats
The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) and TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) are two major Chinese language proficiency tests with distinct formats and focuses:
HSK Format:
- HSK has 9 levels (from 1 to 9) grouped into beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories.
- It tests five language skills in separate sections: Listening and Reading (all levels), Writing (from level 3), and Speaking and Translation (only at 7-9 levels).
- The test is focused on simplified Chinese characters and Mandarin as spoken in Mainland China.
- The speaking test is separate (HSKK) for levels 3-6.
- Levels 1-6 correspond to the previous 6-level scale, with levels 7-9 added recently.
- Typical question formats include true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill in the blanks, sentence ordering, essay writing, and oral presentation depending on level.
TOCFL Format:
- TOCFL is divided into four bands: Novice, Band A, Band B, and Band C, further divided into six levels (1-6).
- It tests four language skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- The test uses traditional Chinese characters and focuses on Mandarin as spoken in Taiwan and overseas communities.
- Listening and Reading sections include multiple-choice questions with varied formats depending on level.
- Speaking and Writing tests are holistic and scored on content, fluency, correctness, and vocabulary use.
- Test formats include picture description, dialogues, gap filling, paragraph completion, and reading comprehension with multiple tests tailored to level bands.
Comparison:
| Feature | HSK | TOCFL |
|---|---|---|
| Character Set | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese |
| Levels | 9 levels (1-9) | 6 levels grouped in 4 bands |
| Skills Tested | Listening, Reading, Writing, Separate Speaking test | Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing (all integrated) |
| Geographic Focus | Mainland China and internationally | Taiwan and communities favoring traditional script |
| Test Format | Listening, Reading for all levels; Writing starting level 3; Speaking separate for levels 3-6 | Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing integrated in each band |
| Speaking Test | Separate (HSKK) | Included in main test |
| Vocabulary and Usage | Mandarin as used in Mainland China | Mandarin as used in Taiwan |
| Recognition | Widely accepted internationally | Widely accepted in Taiwan |
In summary, HSK is aligned with simplified Chinese and Mainland China usage, often preferred for study or work in China, while TOCFL uses traditional Chinese and focuses on Taiwan Mandarin, relevant for study or employment in Taiwan. The formats differ in how skills are tested and structured to suit these linguistic and regional preferences. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6