As we all know, the National College Entrance Examinations (NCEE) is the biggest and most important exam in China. Studying at school to receive compulsory education for 12 years is like running a marathon. The senior high school students are runners approaching the finishing line. Our teachers and parents constantly remind us that once we surpass others we will achieve our dreams. But though the NCEE has its benefits, it has disadvantages as well.

    Regarding the advantages, the NCEE tests the results of students’ studies. The exam usually covers the key aspects of a student’s understanding of his studies. Those who have a complete mastery of all the basic knowledge taught by the teachers can always gain a higher score than their classmates, and this motivates the students to study hard. In addition, the NCEE has proved to be the only effective and fair approach in China to select talented youth.

    But, it is still difficult to determine if the people who have passed the NCEE are truly talented and will be suited to higher education. And do we feel confident enough to conclude that those who failed the NCEE are less smart and should not receive higher education?

    As far as I am concerned, the College Entrance Examination is not enough to prove a student’s abilities. Exams are just one way to verify a student’s intelligence. In fact, there are always some people who cannot get a high score in exams due to various reasons. Those who fail the test may be even more brilliant than their counterparts. They may be talented in art or business, or they may have other skills. How can society function without these people?

    For instance, famous author and blogger Han Han performed poorly in mathematics. But this has not stopped him from becoming very successful. His books are best sellers in China and he has many fans. He has criticized some aspects of Chinese society and taught people to think critically about life.

    Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, entered college but did not complete his studies because he thought that what he was learning was not helpful. He chose to establish his own business. Now we are enjoying his creative ideas and inventions.

    To conclude, we need to admit that the NCEE is a good way for us to become successful, and we should try our best to pass it if there is no alternative. But, we should not be disappointed if we cannot pass the exam. As people say, every road leads to Rome. There is always another way that leads to success. We should not let the NCEE crush our dreams.