Best book for learning chinese for the HSK (Elementary/Intermediate Level)

I attended the HSK test early this year and I got an intermediate B certificate.  I didn't like books full of tests and I asked for suggestions from my friend who got an advanced B level last year.He recommended me taking HSK Test Prep courses in eChineseLearning!(www.echineselearning.com)He said that mock tests only get you familiar with the test. Building up grammar and vocabularies are the key if I want to achieve a good grade in HSK. What HSK really wants to test is the grammar and vocabulary level.

He recommended me a series of books that he found them really good and helpful. The title is: One hour per day to a powerful HSK vocabulary Volume 1, 2 & 3. I bought the first 2 volume from amazon.co.uk (as I couldn't found this series on amazon.com). I really like the structure of the books because it's full of examples, usage, English translations and small exercises. After finishing the first volume, I could feel my usage of vocabularies got better a lot. I only finished the first two volume as I didn't have enough time before the test. I am pretty sure I could at least get an intermediate A or advanced C certificate if I'd finished the last volume.

I hope this helps.

Popup Chinese is far and away the most useful thing I've found for HSK test prep. Their one-on-one teaching plan seems more expensive than the option mentioned above. Guess it depends on whether ppl want to work on their Chinese generally or just focus on passing the test.

Questions: Textbooks for learning Chinese?

I want to learn Chinese but I can't take it in school. So, I need a textbook and was wondering what are some good beginner Chinese learning textbooks. I'm 13 so preferably one that is at a middle school level and isn't expensive.</br>

Professional Answers from Jennifer Zhu,

As for textbooks to learn Chinese, I recommend Short-term Spoken Chinese, Easy Chinese, Practical Chinese. Personally speaking, it is not enough to learn Chinese with textbooks. I think it would be much easier to learn Chinese with a tutor. And with the development of the Internet, it is a good way to learn online since it is so convenient that you needn’t go to school and can take Chinese lessons at home or anywhere as long as the Internet is available. You may find more and more people choose to learn Chinese online. They can choose any time, any classes they like. So if you really want to learn Chinese, you can have a try. Maybe you will like learning Chinese online. I highly recommend you to take a free one-on-one live online Chinese lesson at eChineselearning. If you still have problems related to Chinese translation, please feel free to email me at [email]jennifer.zhu@echineselearning.com[/email]

ECL Answer:  http://answers.echineselearning.com/questions/2010-06/02/112811228LCHIAXST.html

You can also sign up for a FREE one-on-one online live lesson with me: http://www.echineselearning.com/free-trial/index.html

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