From the 2025 high school graduation exam: Keep or remove the '2 in 1' exam?

đề thi - Ảnh 1. — Candidates after the exam at the exam site of Phan Dinh Phung High School, Hanoi - Photo: DANH KHANG

The article "It is necessary to re-evaluate the high school graduation exam" published on Tuoi Tre Online on June 30 attracted many readers' opinions.

Many opinions say that the exam questions in this year's high school graduation exam are "unevenly" difficult, which may put many candidates at a disadvantage, especially those applying for university admission based on a combination of subjects including English.

Should the benchmark be reduced for combinations with difficult exam questions?

Reader Thai Thi Thuy pointed out the fact: A university uses the same benchmark for both A00 (math - physics - chemistry) and A01 (math - physics - English) combinations. While this year's chemistry exam is considered to be within the required range, the English exam is said to be difficult, exceeding the output standards.

"Candidates who choose A01 will suffer a disadvantage," wrote a reader. A suggestion made by a reader: if it is not possible to ensure similar difficulty levels between subjects in the groups, then at least separate benchmark scores should be considered for each group.

Agreeing with this point of view, reader Pham Loc said that this year's math and English exams left many students "confused", especially those who chose admission combinations that included both of these subjects.

To be fair, readers can consider adding priority points to disadvantaged combinations, or reducing the standard score for that combination when considering admission.

However, many opinions say that what is necessary is not to debate whether the question is difficult or not, but to consider whether the question is in line with the program's orientation or not.

Reader Phuong analyzed: "The 2018 general education program framework has very clear information about the requirements to be achieved at each level of education. Teachers are guided to teach according to those requirements. I think the exam questions also need to closely follow the announced requirements."

Some opinions raised the issue: "We have a new program but teach it in the old way. Many lessons require students to be creative and apply, not just memorize and return it to the teacher.

If students are only familiar with the 'record and replay' method, of course when they encounter strange or difficult questions, they won't be able to handle them," commented a reader with email ledu…@gmail.com.

If you understand, the questions are normal, not tricky.

Some opinions say that the exam is not difficult.

Reader Nguyen Huu Tai argued: "Actually, math is not difficult, it's just that the way the questions are presented is lengthy and practical, which makes many candidates unfamiliar.

If you understand, the questions are very normal, not tricky. And difficult questions are difficult in general. This will help universities recruit the right people with real ability. I believe that after a few years, candidates will get used to this way of asking questions and will no longer complain."

Is the "2 in 1" exam still relevant?

From the debate about the exam questions, many readers believe that the high school graduation exam model is creating too much pressure and suggest a clear separation between the graduation exam and university admission goals.

Reader hail…@gmail.com raised the issue: We should not make the questions too difficult for students. Just make the questions suitable for students’ ability, so that they can finish the test with enthusiasm. As for university entrance, high scores will be easier to classify. How to judge is the school’s business, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training .

Reader Tuan Anh wrote: "We should consider using a common exam for both goals. High school graduation has no meaning of classification, so don't stress over just one exam."

From there, the proposal that has been supported by many people is: graduation should only be based on the learning process in school, and university entrance exams should be organized separately by schools.

"Completing the 12th grade program is the graduation requirement. Students who wish to continue studying at university should register for a separate exam. Doing so will reduce pressure and costs for parents and students, and reduce the burden on society," commented a reader with email address dvhv…@gmail.com.

Reader Gnaoh also said: "There is no need for graduation exams anymore. High schools are capable of considering students for graduation. For university admission, organizing an aptitude test or reviewing academic records is enough."

Some people emphasize that "giving universities autonomy in admissions" will make the exam process clearer and more effective.

Reader with email truo…@gmail.com suggested: "In terms of long-term orientation, we should also consider separating the exams into two separate ones, and handing over the university entrance exam to the schools. This will both reduce pressure and ensure input quality."

Back to topic

HOANG THI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tu-de-thi-tot-nghiep-thpt-2025-giu-hay-bo-ky-thi-2-trong-1-2025070112112847.htm