Gaokao - China's Dreaded College Entrance Exam

This will be my fourth academic year at Anqing Teachers’ College and for the last three years I have taught both sophomore and junior English majors. This upcoming semester however will mark a change as I have been assigned to teach first year students. These students will arrive with great expectations and a sense of relief after surviving the most dreaded event in their young lives- the Gaokao.

The Gaokao is China’s College Entrance Exam, the do or die battery of tests which determine which university, if any, students will be admitted to. These tests are held each year over a two day period in early June assessing their knowledge of Chinese, mathematics, English (written nor oral), as well as other subjects. Their scores become the major determinant of their future, not high school grade point average, letters of recommendation, extra-curricular activities or special skills. Their entire high school years, especially the senior year, has one and but one goal only –to prepare as well as possible for the Gaokoa. Failure to do so can prove fatal. This of course puts Chinese students under tremendous stress and pressure. One of my former students described her high school years like being in a prison where she did three things-eat, sleep and study. “I had no time to be creative, develop my interests or work on things that were not directly related to the entrance exams” she lamented.

There is educational reform underway in China and this examination system is under review. At the moment however it is seen by many as the main way to ensure fairness in selecting the best students for a seat in the top universities. Many feel that they cannot trust the authorities and that without exams good schools would be filled with students whose parents are rich and/or have the right connections. Most critics agree that the present system is not in the best interests of students so educational reform has a big challenge ahead.

I am looking forward to teaching this group although I suspect that their oral English level will be lower than I have been used to. After all they have spent the last year concentrating solely on written English. Nevertheless for most it is the first time for them to be out from under the strict control of their parents and high school head teachers and away from home. This is the moment many have been longing for and dreaming of. I hope they are not disappointed. Sadly their dreams will have to be temporarily suspended as the first three weeks of their semester is compulsory military training. Forward March!

Cheers

Stephen

PS Last night I was invited to attend a university admittance celebration dinner (da xie yan) hosted by the family. This is a relatively recent phenomenon which seems to coincide with the increasing affluence of Chinese people. They can be very lavish affairs akin to wedding banquets with copious amounts of food and even entertainment. Some of my Chinese friends are critical of this practice and feel it is just a big show by the family and a cash grab (one must give a red envelope (hong bao) with money if invited).