HSK 5 Reading Part 1: Choose the Word for Each Gap
This part tests whether you can choose between near-synonyms and fixed word pairings. 15 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 5 Reading Part 1 sample questions with answers
4 questions from our practice bank, in the format of the real paper. Try each one before opening the answer.
Sample 14 questions
A 逐渐
B 因此
C 优势
D 尽管
Gap 1
这座小城原本以农业为主，近十年来____发展起了旅游业。
zhè zuò xiǎo chéng yuán běn yǐ nóng yè wéi zhǔ ， jìn shí nián lái ____ fā zhǎn qǐ le lǚ yóu yè 。
gradually developed tourism
Show the answer
A 逐渐
Gap 2
它的最大____在于保留了完整的老街区。
tā de zuì dà ____ zài yú bǎo liú le wán zhěng de lǎo jiē qū 。
dāng dì zhèng fǔ ____ jué dìng jìn yí bù gǎi shàn dào lù tiáo jiàn 。
therefore decided to improve the roads
Show the answer
B 因此
How to approach it
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 5 Reading Part 1?
15. It is part 1 of 3 in the HSK 5 Reading section, which has 45 questions and lasts about 45 minutes, for 100 points.
How is HSK 5 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 5?
No. At HSK 5 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 5 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.