江苏留学网

Cao Yumei (first from right) visits the mandarin test center in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Oct 21. [Photo/jiangsu.gov.cn]

Jiangsu made its first mandarin test available for foreigners as well as residents in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in its provincial capital of Nanjing on Oct 21. 

The test had the same format as that set for Chinese mainland candidates, which took place under exam conditions in examination centers. After 10 minutes of preparation, the candidates took a comprehensive test which measured their ability to differentiate monosyllable and disyllable words, read short passages, and ad-lib with given topics. 

Candidates who achieved 80 points or higher –the full mark being 100 points – received a certificate in mandarin with the level of competency indicated by either a first or second level, with the former being the highest level, and subdivided into classes A and B, respectively. 

Among the candidates who took the test were eight Taiwan and two foreign teachers, who were employees at Jiangsu higher learning institutions such as Southeast University and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. 

Jiangsu's open climate has made it a top choice for foreigners as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents for work and study. Statistics revealed that by the end of last year, the province attracted over 6,000 such people to teach in Jiangsu. 

The mandarin test center in Nanjing was the first in China and the only educational institution in Jiangsu to host such tests. Cao Yumei, deputy director of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, said that the test will be held on an annual basis to meet social needs and boost cultural exchanges.