This part tests whether you follow a longer talk and keep its main points in mind. 20 questions — answer format: choose the correct option for each question.
You hear a longer piece — a short talk, a story, a report or a longer conversation — and answer several questions on it, choosing from printed options. The questions are read out after the passage.
Because several questions hang on one recording, you need to follow the whole passage rather than listen for one fact. Questions typically cover the main idea, a detail and the speaker’s attitude or conclusion. Reading the options before the audio is the single most useful thing you can do.
The instruction on the paper
听材料，回答下面的问题。
Listen to the passage and answer the questions.
HSK 4 Listening Part 3 sample questions with answers
4 questions from our practice bank, in the format of the real paper. Try each one before opening the answer.
shuō huà rén duì fǎn fù dú de kàn fǎ shì shén me ？
A 非常有效
B 不如回忆有效
C 完全没用
D 只适合孩子
Show the answer
B 不如回忆有效
How to approach it
Before the recording, skim the options for every question on that passage.
Take quick notes on names, numbers and the order of events.
Listen for signposts — 首先, 其次, 最后, 总之, 其实 — the key point often follows them.
Answer each question as it is read; do not leave it for later.
Common mistakes
Trying to understand every word and losing the thread.
Missing the conclusion, which is often the answer to the last question.
Choosing an option that is true in general but not what the passage said.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in HSK 4 Listening Part 3?
20. It is part 3 of 3 in the HSK 4 Listening section, which has 45 questions and lasts about 30 minutes, for 100 points.
How is HSK 4 Listening Part 3 marked?
Automatically. Every question has one correct answer and all carry the same weight. A wrong answer costs nothing more than a blank one, so never leave a question empty.
How many times is each recording played at HSK 4?
Once. At HSK 4 each recording is played a single time, so read the options before it starts.
Is pinyin printed at HSK 4?
No. At HSK 4 the paper is printed in characters only, so you need to recognise the characters themselves.
How many questions go with each passage?
Usually two to four, more for the longer passages at the top levels.
Can I take notes?
Yes, and you should. Short notes on who, what and why make the later questions much easier.
Can I practise HSK 4 Listening Part 3 online?
Yes. HSK Test has practice sets for this part, built like the real paper. Create a free account to start; your answers and scores are saved, so you can see how you are improving.