HSK 4 Reading Part 1: Choose the Word for Each Gap
This part tests whether you can choose between near-synonyms and fixed word pairings. 10 questions — answer format: choose a word from the bank for each gap.
A bank of words is shared by a group of gaps — in separate sentences or in one passage. You choose the word that fits each gap. There are more words than gaps.
The bank mixes words of similar meaning, so the choice rests on collocation and grammar: which verb takes this object, which adjective goes with this noun, whether the gap needs an adverb, a verb or a noun. Knowing words in pairs — 按时到达, 积累经验 — is what pays off here.
The instruction on the paper
选词填空。
Choose a word from the bank for each numbered gap.
HSK 4 Reading Part 1 sample questions with answers
5 questions from our practice bank, in the format of the real paper. Try each one before opening the answer.
Sample 15 questions
A 困难
B 经验
C 按时
D 轻松
E 通知
F 适合
Gap 1
这条路上车太多了，我们恐怕不能____到达机场。
zhè tiáo lù shàng chē tài duō le ， wǒ men kǒng pà bù néng ____ dào dá jī chǎng 。
We may not arrive on time.
Show the answer
C 按时
Gap 2
他在这个行业做了十年，有非常丰富的____。
tā zài zhè ge háng yè zuò le shí nián ， yǒu fēi cháng fēng fù de ____。
He has rich experience.
Show the answer
B 经验
Gap 3
遇到____的时候，最重要的是别着急。
yù dào ____ de shí hòu ， zuì zhòng yào de shì bié zháo jí 。
When you meet difficulty, do not panic.
Show the answer
A 困难
Gap 4
会议时间改了，请你发个____给大家。
huì yì shí jiān gǎi le ， qǐng nǐ fā gè ____ gěi dà jiā 。
Sort the bank words by part of speech before you start.
For each gap, read the words on both sides — the pairing is usually right there.
Fill the certain gaps first, then use elimination.
Reread the finished sentences for naturalness.
Common mistakes
Picking a near-synonym that means the same but does not pair with the words around it.
Ignoring grammar: a verb in a noun slot.
Using a word twice.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in HSK 4 Reading Part 1?
10. It is part 1 of 3 in the HSK 4 Reading section, which has 40 questions and lasts about 40 minutes, for 100 points.
How is HSK 4 Reading Part 1 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.
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.
Is every bank word used?
No — the bank has spare words, so elimination only helps with the last gap or two.
How do I learn the pairings this part tests?
Learn words together with the words they go with, and read real sentences. Word lists alone rarely teach collocation.
Can I practise HSK 4 Reading Part 1 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.