On May 7, 2022, the Confucius Institute at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje held an online Chinese Corner as scheduled, the theme of which was the upcoming HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) and HSKK (Chinese Proficiency Speaking Test) tests in June. Teachers from the Confucius Institute and students who have registered for HSK tests attended the meeting.
The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese teachers Sun Ping and Wang Yan. At the meeting, Mr. Sun introduced the details of HSK exams to students, including the purpose, the organizer, the standard, the development of the exam and how to prepare for it. Stefanija, a student from the local Confucius Institute, volunteered to act as a Macedonian interpretor, so that students can have a clear understanding of the content and structure of the HSK exam.
Major changes were made this year that an additional HSKK was required for HSK level 3-6 exams, which brought a new challenge for some candidates. In order to let the candidates, who will take the HSKK exam for the first time, have a better understanding about the content and process of the exam, Ms. Wang made a comprehensive and vivid introduction to the HSKK, from the primary speaking test to advanced one. The question types, the scores of different parts, the test time, and the examination procedure were clearly presented. In addition, Ms. Wang introduced in detail the way to answer questions and precautions for various questions in the form of mock exam, in which some candidates actively participated, answering the simulated speaking questions. The candidates’ answers drawn applause from teachers and students for their accurate tone and appropriate answering.
Some students who passed the HSK exam shared their experience, which enhanced the confidence of candidates. In the free questioning phrase, some candidates asked questions in fluent Chinese, and expected higher-level exams and a promising future through the HSK and HSKK exams.