Examination strategies and skills:

Analyze the words from the aspects of grammatical function, collocation, and style. Finally, fill in each word and read it silently once to grasp the coherence of the sentence from the sense of language;

Accumulation: to really improve the discrimination ability of words, especially synonyms, we must rely on the accumulation at ordinary times. When memorizing a word, you should also remember which words they often match.

例1.要爱护报纸和刊物， 不准圈划、剪裁。

A 资源 B 资本 C 资产 D 资料

Analysis: the first word of these four words is “capital”, which looks very similar on the surface, but actually has completely different meanings. “资料” refer to materials used as reference in study and research;

“资产” refers to the conditions for doing something: “资源” refers to the natural source of things used in production or life. Only 资料 can be related to “newspapers”.

例2．这是人们在生活中一种____的药物。 A 常发 B 常用 C 日常 D 常常

Analysis: these four words have regular meanings, but their grammatical functions and collocations are different. Grammatically, “常常” is an adverb and cannot modify the noun “disease”. The other three are adjectives, but the collocation is different.”常发” is generally matched with “disease”and “日常” is generally matched with “life” and “work”. Therefore, this question should choose “常用”.

PREPARATIONAL TIPS (BEFORE YOU TAKE THE TEST):

1. FOCUS ON UNDERSTANDING THE MOST COMMONLY USED CHINESE WORDS

Once you are more comfortable with these vocabulary words, you will no longer feel the need to use dictionaries or grammar books anymore. You might then be able to understand the general meaning of passages even if there are words you do not know in between.

2. REMEMBER THAT THE VOCABULARY LIST WILL ONLY GET YOU SO FAR

There will always be words you are not familiar with. So, the vocabulary list is great as a reference, but not what will carry you through.

3. READ, READ, AND THEN READ SOME MORE!

One of the most efficient ways of improving language skills is to read. Find something you are interested in, whether it be poetry, a lifestyle magazine, an autobiography of someone that inspires you, or even a fairy tale, read it! Once you are engaged in the content, nothing can stop you!

4. TRY USING POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Your words will become your reality. Tell yourself things like I LOVE LEARNING CHINESE! I AM GOOD AT THIS! I AM DEFINITELY IMPROVING! 

If you enjoy the process, it will make a massive difference. You will no longer dread ‘studying’, you will look forward to it and reap the rewards soon!

5. COME UP WITH A STUDY SCHEDULE THAT WORKS FOR YOU AND STICK TO IT

Studying periodically is not going to benefit you. Make time each day to quiet your mind and focus on what you need to do. If you want to win, you need a proper game plan!