There was a candidate who scored 9 in the 2018 National High School Literature exam.

To date, the Phu Tho Department of Education and Training has graded nearly 50% of the Literature exam papers. According to initial statistics, some candidates have achieved scores of 9 and above.

According to Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuong, Director of the Phu Tho Department of Education and Training, 27% of candidates scored below average. The majority of scores ranged from 6 to 8. A small number of papers received scores below 2. There were no papers with a score of 0.

It is known that the grading of essay exams is very strict, with two independent rounds of grading. If there is a difference of 0.5 points, a re-grading will be arranged to determine the cause, and the two examiners will agree on a unified solution to prevent errors.

Mr. Mai Van Trinh, Director of the Quality Management Department of the Ministry of Education and Training, stated that the grading process involves two independent rounds. Each round is conducted separately. Simultaneously, a minimum of 5% of the grading is completed to ensure the grading progress and, especially, the quality of grading between the two rounds.

Mr. Trinh stated that, based on practical experience, the examination boards have implemented specific and detailed grading guidelines, so the grading process is currently proceeding smoothly. In particular, the methods of assigning codes to answer sheets and checking the seals of the exam paper bags, implemented this year using appropriate technical solutions, have proven very effective.

And practical inspections have shown that localities have implemented this step well. This is a technical solution to ensure that the exam paper bags are securely stored and remain sealed before being sent to the grading stage.

Commenting on the score distribution of this year's Literature exam, Ms. Nguyen Thi To Nga, a teacher at Nguyen Gia Thieu High School in Hanoi, assessed that the exam ensured a good level of differentiation and fostered students' creativity. The essay section, in particular, featured a highly differentiating question. With this exam, she believes that most students will score between 5 and 6 points, with scores of 8 or higher reserved for the most gifted students.

Ms. Vu Thi Binh, a teacher at Tran Phu School in Hanoi, commented that the Literature exam was more challenging than last year's. With this exam, students will be able to answer 60-80% correctly, although some students may perform better, so the average score will likely be between 6-8 points.