English, which has been one of the core subjects in China's national college entrance exam for almost 30 years, looks set to be reduced in importance (降低重要性)from 2016.
The current English test in the Gaokao is to be replaced by social English tests available to the public for several times every year. The exam's full mark of the test will also be lowered from 150 at present to 100. The test result will also be graded into levels A, B and C which will count towards the final Gaokao score.
This came amidst rumors sweeping online that English might be removed(退出) altogether from the Gaokao – a claim which has since been denied by the Beijing education authority – but not the central government. It is also said that the students' learning interests on Chinese language might be further aroused.
