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China’s Gaokao Exam: Political Changes Over Fairness

On June 7th, millions of young students in China will be taking the gaokao, the country’s university-entrance exam. This exam is not only known for being incredibly difficult but also for being a meritocratic system where hard work and high scores can lead to acceptance into prestigious universities, regardless of social background.

However, recent changes to the gaokao exam have sparked controversy, with some arguing that these changes are more about politics than fairness. One major change is the removal of extra points for minority students, which has been a longstanding practice in the exam system.

Critics of this change argue that it is a political move to level the playing field and create a more equal opportunity for all students. Supporters, on the other hand, believe that this change will help ensure that all students are judged solely on their academic abilities and not on any other factors.

While the debate continues, it is clear that the gaokao exam remains a critical part of China’s education system, shaping the futures of millions of young students. As students across the country prepare to sit for this important exam, the impact of these political changes on fairness and equality remains a topic of much discussion and debate.