Beijing expected to see exam reforms in 2014

Beijing will reform the senior high school and college entrance examination in 2014, and the English-language score will be a smaller part of the exam, Guangming Online reported on Oct 21.

According to education and examination authorities, a series of reforms will be released to guarantee students a fair chance to enter a higher school.

The English score will account for a lower percentage of the total score, while scores in Chinese and math will have a higher percentage.

The English score will be reduced to 100 points from 150, while the score for Chinese will go up to 180 points from 150.

New policies are to be adopted, and the English-level test will be held twice a year to select qualified personnel instead of the old selection system. More attention will be attached to the ability to use English.

Setting up English courses until the third grade in elementary schools is not permitted. And new policies will not only combat the school-selection issue, but lessen the students' homework burden as well.