Read a passage and answer questions on it, choosing from printed options. At HSK 3 the passages are two or three sentences with one question; higher up they are full paragraphs or longer texts with several questions each.
Questions cover the main idea (这段话主要说什么), details, the meaning of a phrase in context and the writer’s attitude. Wrong options typically go too far, reverse a detail or say something the text never claims.
The instruction on the paper
读短文，选出正确的答案。
Read the passage and choose the correct answer.
HSK 5 Reading 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.
Good design is forgotten, not noticed: if you simply sit down and start working, the design has done its job.
Question
这位建筑师认为好的设计是什么样的？
zhè wèi jiàn zhù shī rèn wéi hǎo de shè jì shì shén me yàng de ？
A 花钱最少
B 让人印象深刻
C 最新潮
D 让人忘记它的存在
Show the answer
D 让人忘记它的存在
Question
如果人们觉得房间"真别致"，说明什么？
rú guǒ rén men jué de fáng jiān " zhēn bié zhì "， shuō míng shén me ？
A 设计很成功
B 设计还挡在人和空间之间
C 颜色不对
D 房间太小
Show the answer
B 设计还挡在人和空间之间
Question
根据这段话，设计"完成"的标志是什么？
gēn jù zhè duàn huà ， shè jì " wán chéng " de biāo zhì shì shén me ？
A 被人自然地使用
B 获得奖项
C 被拍照
D 被人称赞
Show the answer
A 被人自然地使用
Question
这段话最适合的标题是什么？
zhè duàn huà zuì shì hé de biāo tí shì shén me ？
A 装修的价格
B 房间的大小
C 建筑史
D 看不见的设计
Show the answer
D 看不见的设计
How to approach it
Read the question before the passage so you know what you are looking for.
For main-idea questions, look closely at the first and last sentences.
For detail questions, find the sentence and compare it with each option.
Rule out options that are true but unstated, or that overstate the text with 总是, 一定 or 都.
Common mistakes
Choosing an option that repeats words from the text but changes their meaning.
Reading in an interpretation the text does not support.
Spending too long on one passage — reading time is tight at every level.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in HSK 5 Reading Part 3?
20. It is part 3 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 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.
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.
How many options are there?
Three at HSK 3 and four from HSK 4 up.
Should I read the whole passage first?
For short passages, yes. For long ones, read the questions first and then read the passage with them in mind.
Can I practise HSK 5 Reading 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.