Chinese Language Exam Overview
80
Questions
90
Minutes
6,000+
Vocabulary Terms
Exam Types
Liberal Arts Chinese (文科中文)
For humanities, business, and social science programs
- • Classical Chinese literature
- • Modern Chinese essays
- • Academic writing skills
- • Reading comprehension
Science Chinese (理科中文)
For STEM, medicine, and science programs
- • Scientific terminology
- • Technical vocabulary
- • Academic reading
- • Professional language
Key Topics
Reading Comprehension
80 multiple-choice questions testing understanding of academic Chinese texts
Vocabulary & Grammar
Focus on academic vocabulary, technical terms, and grammatical structures
Classical Chinese
Classical text segmentation and interpretation (33% score rate - challenging area)
Technical Terms
Field-specific vocabulary (quantum entanglement, economic modeling, etc.)
Preparation Strategies
3-Stage Approach
Foundation (Weeks 1-4)
- • Master HSK 4-5 vocabulary (3,000-4,000 words)
- • Read simplified Chinese texts daily
- • Build basic academic vocabulary
Intensive (Weeks 5-8)
- • Read 2 academic papers daily with 20+ term annotations
- • Focus on technical vocabulary in your field
- • Practice classical Chinese texts
Final Sprint (Weeks 9-12)
- • Take full mock exams
- • Master time management (35 sec/question)
- • Review all vocabulary lists
Vocabulary Building Tips
Academic Chinese Vocabulary (6,000+ terms)
Focus on: scientific terms, technical vocabulary, classical expressions
- • Create vocabulary flashcards
- • Use spaced repetition systems
- • Read academic Chinese texts in your field
- • Practice with past CSCA Chinese exams