HSK 5 needs about 2,500 words. The writing section (short essay, summary) has a fixed pattern: opening viewpoint + two or three examples + a closing conclusion. Memorize 5-8 all-purpose template sentences and reuse them in the exam.
Listening: combine intensive and extensive practice. Intensive: dictate sentence by sentence and correct against the transcript. Extensive: 30 minutes of podcasts or shows daily. Before listening, underline keywords and watch for contrast words (但是, 可是, 不过).
Reading: learn skimming and scanning; read the first and last sentences of each paragraph. Time plan: about 30 minutes listening, 40 reading, 40 writing — simulate with exam timing in practice.
