The HSK5 writing section includes the challenging yet rewarding task of “结合下列词语写短文 (Jiéhé xiàliè cíyǔ xiě duǎnwén)”, which means writing a short passage using a set of given words. This exercise evaluates your understanding of vocabulary, sentence structure, and the ability to craft a coherent passage. Let’s break down this task with specific examples and tips to help you succeed.
Example Task
题目 (Task):
结合下列词语写一篇80字左右的短文：
旅行, 假期, 朋友, 美丽, 开心
How to Approach the Task
Understand the Words
Begin by analyzing the given words:
- 旅行 (lǚxíng): travel, journey
- 假期 (jiàqī): holiday, vacation
- 朋友 (péngyǒu): friend
- 美丽 (měilì): beautiful
- 开心 (kāixīn): happy, joyful
These words suggest a topic about a pleasant travel experience during a holiday with friends.
Plan Your Structure
A well-structured passage is key to excelling in the HSK5 writing task. By organizing your thoughts into three clear parts, you can ensure coherence and readability. Here’s how to approach each section:
1. Introduction: Set the Scene
The introduction serves to set the context for your story. It should be concise yet descriptive, giving readers a clear idea of what the passage will cover. Use this section to answer basic questions:
- Who? (e.g., You and your friends, family, colleagues)
- What? (e.g., A holiday, a business trip, a special event)
- Where? (e.g., A city, a scenic spot, a destination)
- When? (e.g., Last summer, during the holiday, last weekend)
Example:
Jīnnián jiàqī, wǒ hé péngyǒumen yīqǐ qùle yīgè měilì de dìfāng lǚxíng.
今年假期，我和朋友们一起去了一个美丽的地方旅行。
This holiday, my friends and I went on a trip to a beautiful place.
This line introduces the time, people involved, and the purpose of the trip, setting a clear stage for the story
2. Body: Develop the Narrative
The body is where you elaborate on your experience. Use vivid descriptions to make your story engaging. Break this section into smaller parts for clarity:
- Activities: What did you do? Be specific about events or tasks.
- Emotions: How did you feel during the trip? Express emotions to make the story relatable.
- Details: Include sensory descriptions (e.g., sights, sounds, tastes) to enrich the narrative.
Tips for the Body:
- Use sequence words like 首先 (shǒuxiān，first), 然后 (ránhòu, then), 接着 (jiēzhe, next), 最后 (zuìhòu, finally) to guide the flow.
- Highlight moments that connect the given words logically.
Example:
Wǒmen zǎoshang páshān, kàn rìchū, gǎnshòu dào dà zìrán de měilì. Xiàwǔ, wǒmen chéngchuán yóulǎn, xīnshǎng le Guìlín dútè de fēngjǐng.
我们早上爬山，看日出，感受到大自然的美丽。下午，我们乘船游览，欣赏了桂林独特的风景。
In the morning, we hiked to watch the sunrise and felt the beauty of nature. In the afternoon, we took a boat ride and admired the unique scenery of Guilin.
3. Conclusion: Summarize the Experience
The conclusion wraps up your passage by reflecting on the overall experience. Emphasize the impact or significance of the event, tying it back to your emotions and relationships.
Key Focus:
- Highlight your feelings (e.g., happiness, satisfaction).
- Mention what you gained from the experience (e.g., relaxation, strengthened bonds).
Example:
Zhè cì lǚxíng ràng wǒmen bùjǐn fàngsōng le xīnqíng, yě zēngjìn le yǒuyì. Wǒmen dōu juéde fēicháng kāixīn.
这次旅行让我们不仅放松了心情，也增进了友谊。我们都觉得非常开心。
This trip not only relaxed us but also strengthened our friendship. We all felt very happy.
Write Sentences that Flow Naturally
Crafting natural and coherent sentences is essential to convey your ideas effectively. Here’s how to ensure smooth transitions and logical flow in your passage:
1. Use Transition Words
Transitions make your writing cohesive. Common transitions include:
- Sequential: 首先 (shǒuxiān, first), 其次 (qícì, next), 然后 (ránhòu, then), 最后 (zuìhòu, finally)
- Causal: 因为 (yīnwèi, because), 所以 (suǒyǐ, so)
- Contrast: 虽然 (suīrán, though), 但是 (dànshì, but)
Example:
Shǒuxiān, wǒmen qùle dāngdì de shìchǎng, pǐnchángle tèsè xiǎochī; ránhòu, wǒmen cānguānle zhùmíng de lìshǐ jǐngdiǎn.
首先，我们去了当地的市场，品尝了特色小吃；然后，我们参观了著名的历史景点。
First, we visited the local market to taste special snacks; then, we toured famous historical sites.
2. Incorporate Given Words Naturally
Avoid forcing the words into your passage. Instead, build sentences around them logically. Each word should contribute to the narrative rather than appear as an isolated term.
Example:
Given words: 旅行 (lǚxíng), 美丽 (měilì)
Correct:
Zhè cì lǚxíng zhōng, wǒmen kàn dào le hěn duō měilì de fēngjǐng.
这次旅行中，我们看到了很多美丽的风景。
During this trip, we saw many beautiful sceneries. During this trip, we saw many beautiful sights.
Incorrect:
Měilì de lǚxíng hěn kāixīn.
美丽的旅行很开心。
The beautiful trip was very enjoyable.
3. Vary Sentence Structures
To keep your writing engaging, use a mix of simple and complex sentences. This variety demonstrates your language proficiency.
Simple Sentence:
Wǒmen pá shān, kàn rìchū.
我们爬山，看日出。
We climbed the mountain and watched the sunrise.
Complex Sentence:
Suīrán tiānqì yǒudiǎn lěng, dànshì wǒmen yīrán hěn kāixīn.
虽然天气有点冷，但是我们依然很开心。
Although the weather was a bit cold, we were still very happy.
Tips for Success
1. Connect the Words Logically
Make sure the given words are naturally linked in your passage. For example, 假期 (vacation) leads to 旅行 (travel), which involves 朋友 (friends) and results in feelings like 开心 (happiness) when enjoying 美丽 (beauty).
2. Keep It Simple but Effective
Avoid overly complex sentences that might lead to errors. Focus on clarity and proper grammar.
3. Use Transition Words
Smooth transitions improve the flow of your passage. Common transitions include:
- 首先 (shǒuxiān): first
- 然后 (ránhòu): then
- 最后 (zuìhòu): finally
- 因此 (yīncǐ): therefore
4. Employ Common Sentence Patterns
- 描述事件 (Describing an event):
Jiàqī de shíhòu, wǒ juédìng qù…
假期的时候，我决定去……
During the holiday, I decided to…
- 表达感受 (Expressing feelings):
Wǒ gǎndào fēicháng kāixīn, yīnwèi…
我感到非常开心，因为……
I felt very happy because…
- 总结 (Summarizing):
Zǒng de lái shuō, zhè cì jīnglì ràng wǒ…
总的来说，这次经历让我……
In conclusion, this experience made me…
Sample Passage
Jīnnián jiàqī, wǒ hé jǐ gè péngyǒu yìqǐ qù lǚxíng. Wǒmen xuǎnzéle yīgè měilì de dìfāng——Guìlín. Nàlǐ de shānshuǐ tèbié mírén, fēngjǐng rú huà. Měitiān zǎoshang, wǒmen dūhuì qù pá shān, kàn rìchū; xiàwǔ, wǒmen zuò chuán yóulǎn Lí Jiāng. Lǚtú zhōng, wǒmen pāile hěnduō zhàopiàn, yě pǐnchángle dāngdì de měishí. Zuì zhòngyào de shì, wǒmen dōu fēicháng kāixīn, juéde zhè cì lǚxíng bù jǐn fàngsōngle xīnqíng, yě zēngjìnle bǐcǐ de yǒuyì.
今年假期，我和几个朋友一起去旅行。我们选择了一个美丽的地方——桂林。那里的山水特别迷人，风景如画。每天早上，我们都会去爬山，看日出；下午，我们坐船游览漓江。旅途中，我们拍了很多照片，也品尝了当地的美食。最重要的是，我们都非常开心，觉得这次旅行不仅放松了心情，也增进了彼此的友谊。
This year during the holiday, my friends and I went on a trip. We chose a beautiful place—Guilin. The mountains and rivers there are incredibly charming, like a painting. Every morning, we hiked to watch the sunrise, and in the afternoon, we took a boat tour on the Li River. During the trip, we took many photos and tasted local cuisine. Most importantly, we were all very happy and felt that this trip not only relaxed us but also strengthened our friendship.
Enhance Your Writing with Expert Guidance
If you’re preparing for the HSK5 exam, the writing section is a crucial part. To help you express your ideas more clearly in writing, eChineseLearning offers personalized one-on-one tutoring, focusing on improving your writing skills. Through customized lessons, we will help you expand your vocabulary, master various writing structures, and improve your grammar. Our teachers provide feedback based on your progress, ensuring that you keep improving and build confidence for the exam.
Whether you’re preparing for the HSK writing section or just want to improve your daily writing, eChineseLearning provides tailored learning plans to enhance your Chinese writing skills. Sign up for a free trial lesson today and take the first step toward improving your Chinese writing!
