HSK writing
On the new HSK, writing starts at HSK 2 with single characters and builds to a 300-character argument essay at HSK 6. Each level has fixed task types, so you can practise exactly what you will be asked to do.
| Level | Tasks | Length |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | No writing section. | – |
| HSK 2 | Choose the character component for a picture (5); write one missing character, pinyin given (5). | Single characters |
| HSK 3 | Write one missing character, no pinyin (5); write a sentence with a given word (5). | One sentence each |
| HSK 4 | Write a sentence about a picture with a given word (5); short essay (1). | 80+ characters |
| HSK 5 | Story from four pictures (1); topic essay (1). | 100+ and 200+ characters |
| HSK 6 | Practical writing, such as a notice or advert (1); argument essay (1). | 150+ and 300+ characters |
| HSK 7–9 | Two writing tasks, plus written translation into Chinese. | Longer texts |
From CTI’s official HSK 3.0 sample papers. The model answers on this page are our own.
HSK 2: components and missing characters
In the first part you see pictures and a set of character components, such as 氵 (water) or 子 (child), and choose the component that goes with each picture. In the second part you read a sentence with pinyin and write the one missing character:
你可以在网上买机票。 → 你（ 可 ）以在网上买机票。
How to prepare: learn the 100 characters on the HSK 1–2 handwriting list until you can write each from memory, and learn what the common components suggest: 氵 water, 口 mouth, 扌 hand, 木 tree, 女 woman, 讠 speech, 亻 person.
HSK 3: missing characters and sentences
The missing-character task returns without pinyin, so you need to know the word the character belongs to:
这个办（ 法 ）不能解决问题。
Then you write one sentence with a given word. Short, correct and natural is the aim. Some model answers for the kinds of words given:
- 饱 → 我已经吃饱了，不想吃了。
- 地图 → 我们看看地图，找一下去车站的路。
- 结婚 → 我哥哥明年要结婚了。
- 羽毛球 → 周末我常常和朋友打羽毛球。
Check three things in every sentence: a subject, a verb, and the given word used the way it is normally used, with its usual partners (打羽毛球, not 玩羽毛球).
HSK 4: picture sentences and a short essay
For each of five pictures you write one sentence using a given word. Describe what the picture shows and use the word with its usual measure word or object:
- 结账 → 吃完饭以后，他去前台结账。
- 幅 → 墙上挂着一幅很漂亮的画。
- 活泼 → 这个小女孩儿又可爱又活泼。
Then you write an essay of at least 80 characters. The sample topic is your most memorable trip. A simple plan works: when and where, what happened, how you felt.
我最难忘的一次旅行是去年夏天和朋友一起去云南。我们在大理住了五天，每天骑自行车在湖边玩儿，还认识了很多热情的当地人。 有一天突然下大雨，我们没带伞，一位老奶奶请我们去她家喝茶。虽然那次旅行已经过去一年了，但是我常常想起那位老奶奶。
About 120 characters. Uses 虽然…但是…, a time phrase, and a concrete detail.
HSK 5: picture story and topic essay
First you write a story of at least 100 characters from four pictures. Give each picture one or two sentences and link them with time words: 一天, 然后, 没想到, 最后. Name the people and give the story a clear end.
Then a topic essay of at least 200 characters. The sample asks about a time you tried something new and how you felt afterwards. Three short paragraphs are enough: the situation, what happened, what you learned.
去年我第一次尝试一个人去国外旅行。出发前我非常紧张，担心语言不通，也怕遇到麻烦。
到了以后，我发现事情没有想象的那么难。我用简单的英语问路，用手机翻译点菜，还在青年旅馆认识了几个来自不同国家的朋友。 有一次我坐错了车，一位陌生人主动帮我找到了正确的车站。
这次尝试让我明白，很多困难只存在于我们的想象中。只要愿意迈出第一步，就会发现自己比想象的更勇敢。
About 210 characters, in three paragraphs.
HSK 6: practical writing and an argument essay
The practical task asks for a text of at least 150 characters for a real situation. The sample is an online advert for a flatmate, including your requirements and a description of the flat. These tasks are marked on whether you cover every point in the prompt and use a suitable style, so make a checklist from the prompt before writing.
The argument essay needs at least 300 characters. The sample asks whether technology helps or holds back human development. A clear plan:
- Introduction: restate the question and give your view (我认为……).
- Reason one, with an example (首先……比如……).
- Reason two, or the other side and why your view still holds (当然……但是……).
- Conclusion (总之…… / 由此可见……).
Handwriting or typing?
On the paper test you write by hand, so characters you can only recognise will cost you. On the computer test you type, usually with pinyin input, and choose characters from a list, which makes it easy to pick a wrong character with the same sound (在 / 再, 的 / 得). Practise in the format you booked, and if you type, read your answer once at the end for wrong characters.
Counting characters
Length requirements count Chinese characters. Punctuation is usually counted on the squared answer paper, but don’t rely on it to reach the minimum. Aim for 20–30% above the minimum: about 100 for an 80-character task, and about 350 for a 300-character essay. Going far over the minimum doesn’t earn more marks and leaves less time to check.
A weekly routine
- Daily (10 minutes): write five characters from your level’s handwriting list from memory, then five sentences with new words.
- Twice a week: one timed task in the format of your level.
- Every time: check your answer against a model, list your mistakes, and rewrite one sentence correctly.
Sources
- HSK 3.0 sample papers, answer keys and audio (levels 1–9, speaking 3–6) — Chinese Testing International (CTI). Checked 2026-10-20.