Easing up on English

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Speaking English is the focus of a class in Beijing on Wednesday. Liu Chang / for China Daily

World's second language to play smaller role in national college entrance exams, report Peng Yining, He Na and Wang Shanshan in Beijing.

Yin Zixuan, an 18-year-old high school student in Beijing, started learning English as a child in kindergarten.

"We've always been told that the English language is important for getting into a good college, finding a good job and a lot of other things," he said. "And then, all of sudden, we're told that its role will be reduced in the most important test for Chinese students."

Starting in 2016, the points for English in China's national college entrance examination, gaokao, will fall from 150 to 100, according to a draft paper released by the Beijing Education Examinations Authority on Monday, which was aimed at gauging public opinion.

Yin said the reform, if implemented, would be a big change for students and schools in Beijing.

"The school doesn't care about things that aren't related to exams, most importantly, the gaokao. Our classes are always test-oriented," he said. "I can imagine how happy those who are not very good at English would be, but I think English is important, not just for gaokao, but also for the future, to ensure better job opportunities. However, I'm applying to a college in the United States. If I succeed, I won't even have to take the national entrance exam," he said.

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