HSK aka Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (The Chinese Proficiency Test) is one of the more interesting examinations I have taken in my lifetime.

Rather well-designed, it comprises the testing of reading, writing, speaking and listening, all within 3 hours! Of course, this means that each candidate would have to pay 10 bucks for the use of the recorder since who would bring along a recorder for the oral component, right? How enterprising of the test authorities sia! haha.

it was quite disconcerting trying to speak into the recorder. now, imagine the hall full of exam takers speaking into their recorders at the same time! i was quite distracted by this unexpected turn of events. I thought i would be ushered into some private room or something. sigh. stuttered too much, used too much "ermmm....s", very disappointing performance. argh! argh! argh! can i console my bruised ego by saying that i am confident of performing well if given another chance, since i am mentally prepared?

well, i hope to get a B. we'll see how things go.