OPINION> Commentary
Reschedule Sichuan test
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-22 07:22

The way of holding this year's college entrance examination in Sichuan should be adjusted, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. The following is an excerpt:

This year, the college entrance examination will still be held in Sichuan province, but the specific date is not yet decided. Some of the students have already resumed their classes in the quake-hit areas.

The disaster took place during the run-up to the college entrance examination, leaving a dilemma over the arrangement. People doubt whether students, especially those who have just lost their family members in the quake, can prepare well for the examination, which may decide their future in life. However, if the examination is delayed or even cancelled, some students may probably suffer more, and it will also cause trouble for the national enrollment work in Sichuan.

Faced with the dilemma, the education authorities should be careful in the arrangement of the college entrance examination. They should avoid hurting those psychologically weakened students again by an improper test arrangement.

Generally speaking, it is hard to eliminate some negative factors if the exam is held as scheduled in June. For example, the environment for study is bad in the quake-affected areas; students who have injured or dead family members may be in a poor state of mind for study and examination; safety issues should also be taken into account.

Due to these worries, some netizens suggest the college entrance examination of this year should be cancelled in Sichuan and instead high schools in Sichuan should recommend students to colleges on the basis of their previous academic performance. This appeal is rational and should be considered.

(China Daily 05/22/2008 page9)