HSK 8 Reading Part 2: 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 7, 8 and 9 are one exam. Everyone sits the same paper and the score decides which of the three levels is awarded, so this part is the same whichever of them you are aiming for.
HSK 8 Reading Part 2 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 倾向于
B 衡量
C 削弱
D 普及
E 前提
F 取决于
Gap 1
任何合作的____，都是双方对规则有共同的理解。
rèn hé hé zuò de ____， dōu shì shuāng fāng duì guī zé yǒu gòng tóng de lǐ jiě 。
Show the answer
E 前提
Gap 2
随着智能手机的____，获取信息的成本大幅下降。
suí zhe zhì néng shǒu jī de ____， huò qǔ xìn xī de chéng běn dà fú xià jiàng 。
zài xìn xī bù zú shí ， rén men ____ xuǎn zé zì jǐ shú xī de fāng àn 。
Show the answer
A 倾向于
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 8 Reading Part 2?
10. It is part 2 of 3 in the HSK 8 Reading section, which has 47 questions and lasts about 60 minutes, for 100 points.
How is HSK 8 Reading Part 2 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 8?
No. At HSK 8 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 8 Reading Part 2 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.