Hello, everyone. It is my honor to stand here and share my opinion with you on the National College Entrance Examinations (NCEE).

    Many people regard the National College Entrance Examinations as the only access to success. Although I don’t totally agree, this perspective has its own rationality. The National College Entrance Examinations provides a relatively fair platform for those who study hard and long for a brighter future. In this respect, students don’t have to worry about their family backgrounds or social connections. Everyone can achieve a success — entering an A-class college — through their own efforts. The exam emphasizes the importance of hard work.

    However, from my perspective, measuring a person’s success through one exam is a bit one-sided. High scores don’t necessarily prove one’s knowledge and talents. The exam, on the contrary, makes students focus all their time and energy on scores, which also makes them care less about their social competence.

    Let’s consider the positive aspects of the exam from another perspective. Preparation for the exam forces students to exercise both physically and mentally. To prepare for such an important exam requires both determination and perseverance, which are important to the rest of our life. But some people may ask: “Although young Chinese people work so hard and they often get high scores in some international science competitions, why are there still less Chinese winning Nobel Prizes?” That’s a question worth exploring.

    In fact, we have spent all our spare time solving quizzes on paper, and as a result, we don’t have the spare time to pursue and develop our personal interests. Focusing only on exams stifles our creativity, which is pathetic.

    The National College Entrance Examinations should be an impetus to the development of students’ education. But the flaws of it need serious attention. The stress of the exam makes students nervous and discourages most of us. We seldom have time to read, think or find the beauty in life. Lacking critical thinking and creativity won’t help us make breakthroughs. We have ignored the cultivation of our abilities and the inner spirit world.

    In conclusion, the National College Entrance Examinations is indispensable in China, but the government should really consider the disadvantages and continue to perfect its assessment and testing methods to encourage students to become well-rounded talents.