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Test Introduction

Cantonese is the daily language of 95% of Hong Kong’s population and a crucial tool for integrating into Hong Kong society. Beyond everyday conversation, Cantonese is also used in more formal registers (such as news broadcasting). Proficient Cantonese speakers in Hong Kong are expected to read traditional Chinese characters accurately in Cantonese, meeting the requirements of various linguistic registers.

However, there are currently no relevant tests to assess and certify one’s Cantonese reading-aloud proficiency. The Cantonese Read-Aloud Test (CRAT) has been developed to address this issue and to provide certification for individuals in need.

Target Audience

The test welcomes all individuals seeking certification in Cantonese reading proficiency, including but not limited to those working in education, media, and related fields, as well as native Cantonese speakers or Cantonese learners who wish to evaluate their reading-aloud skills.

Test Scope

The test assesses candidates’ Cantonese reading-aloud abilities in three areas: (1) fluency, (2) accent purity, and (3) accuracy. The test consists of three parts that require candidates to read: characters (Part A), polysyllabic lexical items (Part B), and passages (Part C). Details of the test syllabus are provided on this page.

Test Procedure

The test is divided into three parts: Part A – Characters; Part B – Polysyllabic lexical items; Part C – Passages.

Before the test begins, candidates will be given 4 minutes to prepare during which the test personnel will display two passages of Part C, presented in Chinese characters alongside their Jyutping romanisation. Each passage may be previewed for 2 minutes. When the preparation time is up, the test will begin immediately. Candidates will first read their candidate number and name aloud and the test personnel will then present the papers for Parts A, B, and C in sequence. Candidates must start reading the displayed content immediately upon seeing each paper (reading the item numbers or passage titles is not required).

Each part has a time limit, and recordings exceeding the limit will not be graded. The time limits are set as follows: Part A: 2 minutes; Part B: 2 minutes; Part C (Written Cantonese): 2 minutes 30 seconds; Part C (Hong Kong Chinese): 2 minutes 30 seconds. Throughout the test, all instructions from the test personnel will be delivered in Cantonese.