HSK Standard Course 3: Textbook

by Jiang Liping

Authorized by Hanban, HSK Standard Course is developed under the joint efforts of Beijing Language and Culture University Press and Chinese Testing International (CTI). With HSK test papers as its primary source, HSK Standard Course is characterized by a humorous style, familiar topics and a scientific course design. Matching the HSK test in all aspects, from the content, form to the levels, it is a series of new-type course books embodying the idea of ""combining testing and teaching, and promoting learning and teaching by testing"". It is suitable for the Confucius Institutes in different countries as well as other Chinese teaching institutions and self-taught learners.

Genres: China

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jaap Grolleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This is a review of HSK Standard Coursebooks, HSK1 to HSK4上, both the workbooks and textbooks. I’m now making my way through the HSK4下 ones.)

The structure is extremely clever, and full of composite words that are useful for later when combined (the Mandarin language is full of composite words). The difficulty doesn't really increase across the levels, and the books just continue to expand grammar and add more words into the mix. A great feat is that you get conversational very fast, and then you can add more detail to your speech at higher levels.

It's also extremely popular, so if you just search 'HSK3 vocab' on YouTube you find loads of video — or you can find specific grammar points (there being so much free content online for this).

I think it's no big deal there are some slightly outdated words in there, or that it lacks words like 'WeChat message' or 'scan this QR code', which are extremely useful in daily life in China. But the big flaw is that it's full of stockphotos and corny, cliché conversations. Every story is drenched in happiness and intend on giving you some inspirational life lesson: A taxi driver who talks about how traffic jams help him relax because he can listen to music, or a pedantic old lady who says you should have good methods to learn, so that you can achieve everything you want. Please. For variety's sake, I wish the taxi driver taught me how to scold people who run red lights, or the old lady complains about how her son never calls her. That her groceries are heavy.  I do think it's a teacher's responsibility to motivate their students — and a language's teacher to teach language the way it's used. This is what the HSK books, despite their genius, severely lack.

Obviously you do need to supplement it with Chinese classes from a professional teacher. My teachers at GoEast Mandarin supplemented it with Powerpoint presentations to rehearse grammar points and vocab.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an A in 中文课。很好👌

[Haifa Busamra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was challenging to read it but wealth to do so
Currently, I am reading it again until I nail it. 加油

[Gonzalo Reyes Díaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finally finished this book. I really love this book series; it is perfect for passing the official HSK exams.
In addition, the vocabulary is exactly what is required for the HSK3 exam. The grammar is well explained with exercises in context.

However, the best part of all is the exercises. All of them are based on the structure of the official HSK3 exam. Therefore, when I finished this book, I took a mock exam and it was basically like doing another exercise from the book.

Previously, I did the same with the HSK2 book and passed the exam. Right after finishing that exam, I started HSK3, and three months later I took the exam. I spent 3 hours a day reviewing vocabulary, studying grammar, and doing the exercises from the book. Finally, I passed the official HSK3 exam.

This book really works.

[Chinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-structured textbooks which is absolutely suitable for self-taught students. Btw, the dialogue is somewhat entertaining and humorous. However, some language points are vaguely explained which made me to use another Chinese grammar book. 4.5/5 stars!

[Nhu Phan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to interpret. Suitable for self-studying. Highly recommended :)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok.

[Filli Filli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very interesting.

[Ylenaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was still easy peasy lemon squeezy, but I did need to learn a bit of vocab

[Andre Hermanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good:
* The standard text book for HSK 3.

Bad:
* Many sentences are long because it's made overly long on purpose.