College entrance exams in China: Not an easy task

(Baonghean.vn) - Every year, about 9.5 million high school students in China take the "most important exam of their lives" - the university entrance exam.

Drones are used to monitor exam venues. Photo: Internet.

The annual college entrance exam, called the “Gaokao,” is the only way to get into a university. For students and their parents in the country of a billion people, failing the exam means not getting a degree, accepting a lower-paying job, and possibly living a life of regret.

The pressure is so intense that some students are resorting to cheating, to the point that the country is using drones to monitor exam boards.

The exam is also the part that makes even the most diligent candidates "shiver". Each region has a different type of essay test, and accounts for about 1/3 of the exam results.

Try to complete the following tests in 60 minutes, and remember to absolutely not cheat!

Parents surrounded a police car outside a high school where the 2015 college entrance exam was taking place. Photo: CNN.

Beijing

"The Big Essay"

1. Write an essay on one of the following topics, minimum 700 words:

a) There are many heroes in Chinese history who have become role models. Write an essay titled “If I had the chance to be with my hero for a day”. Choose a hero and imagine a day with him/her.

b) What do you have “strong feelings” for? You can choose a plant, animal or object to write about.

"Small essay"

1. Choose a topic and respond in no more than 150 words:

a) Feel a classic Chinese work

b) Compose a poem about "fulfillment"

c) Comments on uncivilized behavior in Beijing

A device commonly used by students to cheat on exams. Photo: CNN.

National exam set A is used in 13 provinces and cities:

Write an essay on the following topic:

Who do you find most fascinating? A biotechnologist at the forefront of international research; a humble welder who becomes world-famous for his work; or a photographer who is widely acclaimed for his stunning photographs?

National exam set B is used in 5 provinces and cities:

After failing to persuade her father not to make a phone call while driving on the highway, a girl called the police. The police showed up and warned the father. There was a public outcry. Write a letter of at least 800 words based on the given information about the daughter, the father and the police officer.

A wire runs along the edge of the T-shirt, connecting to a calling device worn by the contestant. Photo: CNN.

Shanghai

Everyone has moments of weakness/hardness in their soul. Whether or not one achieves inner harmony depends on how one balances their hardness and weakness. Choose one angle and write an essay of at least 800 words on the above topic.

Sichuan

An honest man may not be clever, a clever man may not be truly wise. Write an essay of 800 words or more on this topic.

Students chant anti-cheating slogans before exams. Photo: CNN.

Chongqing

After getting on the bus, a boy asked the driver to wait for his mother. A minute passed and the mother did not appear. The passengers complained loudly and the boy burst into tears. When the woman caught up with the bus, everyone was silent - she was a disabled person. Write an essay of at least 800 words based on the above information.

Fujian

Write an essay based on the following three statements:

a) There is no road in this world, people walk forever and it becomes a road.

b) Even if you choose the wrong path, it is still a meaningful path.

c) There is no road in the world that cannot be walked, there are only people who do not dare to walk it.

Phu Binh

(According to CNN)