Agreed. I've seen a lot of basic errors like that in my time here. I feel like it's because of the test-based system. They just learn what they need to know to pass the test. As a result, they learn rigid phrases and vocabulary. This leads to a very limited vocabulary and style of communication as they never really get to practice. I teach at a Vocational High School and whenever I try to get them to think critically or express opinions, I'm met with a lot of silence. Since there is one answer for the test, there is one answer for a question. How are you? "Fine thank you and you?".

This will change as the country becomes more open and people are exposed to the language more but then again, China sure seems like it doesn't want foreigners here anymore. They've really made the visa requirements strict and from what I've seen, they've been doing a lot of raids and deporting illegal teachers.