The Day China Stops: university entrance exam

Jenny Zhu Posted in news, observing，
08 June 2008
7

Anxious parents stand outside the school to give kids moral support

Besides Chinese New Year, the only occasion that China stops for is 高考/gao1 kao3/university entrance exam. Every year, from the 7th to the 9th of June, the entire nation switches into exam mode with millions of teenagers. This year, a staggering 11 million students are competing for their place at university.

Gaokao is not only crucial for the students. It has a very special place in the collective Chinese psyche.

  • A lot of us have personally exprienced or will experience the test of one’s life. Eventhough there are more diverse pathways in life, many still see gaokao as the deal maker or breaker, which touches on a deeper issue–
  • –exams have special and deep-rooted significance in China. The standardised exam system dates back 1400 years. Throughout history, it was used to select court officials, and was the most meritocratic and fair system in China. It could catapult someone from humble beginnings to power and fortune. The same can be said for gaokao. That’s why the stakes are so high for most students and parents. The future of your life hangs on the exam. The pressure is so overwhelming that many high school students get gray hair as in the case of my 2 cousins. But it gradually went back to black when gaokao was over.

I’ll write about how the nation stops in tomorrow’s post. Meanwhile, all the very best to the students, especially those in Sichuan.

ChinesePod’s upper intermediate lesson on universities in China

newbie lesson on university majors

Therapy for Pandas

Jenny Zhu Posted in news，
06 June 2008
1

baby, we love youhealing

For the pandas in China’s national reserve in 卧龙/Wo4 long2 county in Sichuan, the earthquake was a horribfying experience. Fortunately, none suffered physical injuries, but the psychological trauma is severe and enduring. China’s government, media and society have made an imperative to help the pandas heal. In fact, I think these heart-mealting creatures help us heal. Since the reserve was largely destroyed by the earthquake, the 102 pandas were sent to different parts of China which can provide the best natural condition and facilities for their living. Top of the agenda is psychological therapy. Experts from China and abroad are working hard to help the pandas recover.

Amongst these pandas, 8 attracted particular attention. They are Olympic pandas selected a while ago to be featured in the game’s opening ceremony. (the details of their appearance is a closely guarded secret).  These 奥运熊猫/ao4 yun4 xiong2 mao1/’Olympic pandas’ recently arrived in Beijing. As shown in the pictures, their first public appearance was met with overwhelming adoration. Hope the well intended attention is managed carefully and not cause any extra pressure on them.

 

 

     

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