A new testing method will be adopted in college entrance
examinations in Beijing next year, according to the
Beijing
Evening News.
The testing system, generally called “3+X,” has been used in such
exams in more than 10 cities.
Under the new testing method, students are required to take tests
in three subjects, Chinese, mathematics and English. The “X” stands
for an additional exam, which is determined by which branch (arts
or sciences) a student plans to pursue at university.
For students who intend to major in the arts, the additional exam
tests their knowledge of politics, history and geography in one
test. Students pursuing sciences are examined on physics, chemistry
and biology.
An
English listening test is also required of all applicants.
Previously, students were required to sit five exams. Instead of
the “X” test, arts students would take separate examinations for
history and politics and science students would take separate exams
for physics and chemistry.
The new testing method aims to promote quality-oriented education
in senior schools, said Geng Xuechao, president of the Beijing
Education and Testing Institution.
According to Geng, the tests are designed to test comprehensive
knowledge in several subjects. Students who excel in one subject
but do poorly in another are unlikely to score high.
Geng said the test for next year’s college entrance examination in
Beijing will be different from the papers used in other parts of
the country. The testing questions will be designed for students of
Beijing who have a relatively high educational level compared with
other parts of the nation.
Aiming to reach the same educational level as capital cities in
moderately developed countries, Beijing is striving to become a
leading city in popularizing higher education, Geng said.
(chinadaily.com.cn
09/12/2001