Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Build HSK 3 vocabulary and reading ability
5 weeks
HSK 3 requires approximately 600 vocabulary items and recognition of 600 characters. At this level, learners begin reading short paragraphs on everyday topics and can follow multi-sentence spoken descriptions. Vocabulary expansion focuses on verbs of completion and achievement, adjectives of degree, and connective adverbs used in multi-clause sentences (所以, 因为, 虽然, 但是, 如果, 就). Character study should consolidate radical patterns to decode unfamiliar compound characters.
Proof required
Complete a 75-item HSK 3 practice set and submit a photo with a score of 70% or above, plus a handwritten summary (5–8 sentences) of a short Chinese text you read this week — written in simplified Chinese characters, not Pinyin.
What gets checked
- 70% or above on a 75-item HSK 3 practice set
- Reading summary written in simplified Chinese characters (not Pinyin)
- Summary uses at least one connective adverb (所以/因为/虽然/但是) correctly
Common mistakes
- Remaining in Pinyin-dependent study habits at HSK 3 — reading practice must now use character-only texts without romanisation support
- Memorising vocabulary as isolated words without reading context — HSK 3 reading comprehension requires understanding vocabulary in connected sentences
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- The reading summary must be in characters — a Pinyin summary shows the learner is still dependent on romanisation
- Connective adverb use should be grammatically correct — 虽然...但是 requires both clauses; the learner should not use only one half of the pair
- 70% threshold on HSK 3 reflects the harder exam — some room for error in genuine HSK 3 preparation is acceptable
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Master HSK 3 grammar — resultative complements and connectives
4 weeks
HSK 3 grammar deepens the 把 construction and introduces resultative complements — compound verb forms that express the completion or result of an action (看完 — finish watching, 听懂 — understand after listening, 写错 — write wrongly). Connective sentence patterns (虽然...但是 for concession, 如果...就 for condition) allow more complex multi-clause utterances. These structures are essential for natural Mandarin speaking and writing.
Proof required
Submit a handwritten grammar page (photo or scan) with: (1) three original sentences using resultative complements (one each for 完, 懂, and one of your choice), (2) one 虽然...但是 sentence, (3) one 如果...就 sentence — all original examples, not textbook sentences.
What gets checked
- Resultative complement sentences show the complement attached to the verb (看完, 听懂, 做好) — not separated
- 虽然...但是 sentence uses both parts of the paired connective (not just 但是 alone)
- 如果...就 sentence uses 就 in the consequence clause, correctly positioned before the verb
Common mistakes
- Treating resultative complements as suffix vocabulary rather than productive grammar — learners must apply them to new verbs, not just memorise fixed combinations
- Writing 虽然...but without 但是, using English conjunction structure — the paired Mandarin connective requires both clauses to be marked
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Resultative complements must be attached directly to the verb — 看了完 is wrong, 看完了 is correct (the aspect marker 了 follows the complement)
- 虽然...但是 pairing: both 虽然 (in the concessive clause) and 但是 (in the main clause) should be present — native speakers sometimes omit 虽然, but learners at HSK 3 level benefit from the full structure
- 如果...就: 就 should come immediately before the consequence verb — 如果下雨，我就不去 (If it rains, I won't go)
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Pass HSK 3 and hold a 20-minute Mandarin conversation
2 weeks
Submit your official HSK 3 certificate. Because HSK 3 tests only reading and listening — not speaking — also record a 20-minute unscripted conversation with a native or near-native Mandarin speaker. At HSK 3 level, the conversation should cover daily life topics, preferences, past experiences, and simple opinions. The conversation should demonstrate connected multi-clause speech, not just single-sentence answers.
Proof required
Submit (1) your official HSK 3 certificate or score report, AND (2) a video recording of a 20-minute unscripted conversation with a native or near-native Mandarin speaker, with both sides audible throughout.
What gets checked
- Official HSK 3 certificate or score report showing a passing result
- Conversation is at least 20 minutes and covers more than one topic
- Learner produces multi-clause connected speech — not just one-sentence responses
Common mistakes
- Passing HSK 3 writing/reading without having spoken Mandarin with a native speaker — the two skills develop independently
- Conducting the conversation only in a code-switched mix of English and Mandarin — the recording should be predominantly Mandarin
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- The certificate should be official Hanban/CTCSOL for HSK Level 3
- Multi-clause speech: listen for connective adverbs (所以, 因为, 但是) used spontaneously — these indicate grammar transfer from study to production
- If the learner is switching frequently to English, note this — it suggests productive vocabulary is below the receptive HSK 3 level
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