Millions of Chinese teenagers sweat over exams
Friday, 8 June 2007
BEIJING, Jun 7 (AFP): More than 9.5 million Chinese teenagers started a tough two-day exam Thursday that will decide if they can go to college, amid concerns that cheating will taint the process, state media said.
Nervous youngsters, most of them accompanied by their equally worried parents, turned up at high schools for what has become an annual ritual in a society where a diploma vastly improves chances in the job market.
"The exam is regarded as one of the most important events for the participants, and could change their lives in a fiercely competitive society," said the Xinhua news agency.
Only 5.7 million students will be able to enter college-meaning there is huge pressure to perform.
Some students have rented hotel rooms near the exam venues to ensure they get a good night's sleep, while others follow special diets to be as alert and energetic as possible.
Nervous youngsters, most of them accompanied by their equally worried parents, turned up at high schools for what has become an annual ritual in a society where a diploma vastly improves chances in the job market.
"The exam is regarded as one of the most important events for the participants, and could change their lives in a fiercely competitive society," said the Xinhua news agency.
Only 5.7 million students will be able to enter college-meaning there is huge pressure to perform.
Some students have rented hotel rooms near the exam venues to ensure they get a good night's sleep, while others follow special diets to be as alert and energetic as possible.