The 2026 National College Entrance Examination in China
2026年中國高考
Introduction
The 2026 National College Entrance Examination, commonly known as the 'gaokao', began on June 7. This year, approximately 12.9 million students registered to take the exam.
2026年全國統一高考（通常稱為「高考」）於6月7日開始。今年約有1,290萬名學生報名參加。
Main Body
The scale of the exam is huge, with 7,981 testing centers and about 348,000 exam rooms across the country. The Ministry of Education stated that there are 450,000 fewer candidates this year compared to 2025. The tests cover Chinese, Mathematics, English, Science, and Humanities, starting with language and math skills.
此次考試規模龐大，全國設有7,981個考點及約348,000個考場。教育部表示，今年的考生人數比2025年減少了45萬人。考試科目涵蓋中文、數學、英文、理科及文科，首日測試語言與數學能力。
To prevent cheating, authorities used strict security measures. They used AI-powered monitoring systems and smart security gates to ensure honesty. Furthermore, the use of wireless devices, such as smartwatches and smart glasses, was strictly forbidden and monitored via video surveillance.
為了防止作弊，當局採取了嚴格的安保措施。他們使用AI驅動的監控系統和智能安檢門以確保誠信。此外，嚴格禁止使用智慧手錶和智慧眼鏡等無線設備，並透過視像監控進行監控。
At the same time, people's views on the exam are changing. Although parents used to have very high expectations, high youth unemployment rates have caused some to worry. Consequently, some people now believe that mental and physical health are more important than academic success. Additionally, universities are creating new degrees in fields like AI and brain-computer science to meet industry needs, which is why the exam now includes questions about technology and society.
與此同時，人們對考試的看法正在改變。雖然父母以往期望很高，但高青年失業率導致部分人感到擔憂。因此，現在有些人認為身心健康比學業成功更重要。此外，大學為了滿足產業需求，在AI和腦機科學等領域開設新學位，這也是為什麼考試現在包含關於科技與社會的問題。
Conclusion
The 2026 exams are currently taking place, featuring advanced technology for security and a changing perspective on the value of a university degree.
2026年考試目前正在進行，其特點是採用先進技術保障安全，且人們對大學學位價值的看法正在改變。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'Logic Leap': From Basic Lists to Complex Connections
An A2 student says: "Parents had high expectations. Now they worry. Health is important."
A B2 student says: "Although parents used to have high expectations, high youth unemployment rates have caused some to worry."
The Secret Ingredient: Transition Words (Connectors)
To move to B2, you must stop writing short, choppy sentences. You need to build 'bridges' between your ideas. In this text, we find three powerful bridges:
1. The Contrast Bridge: Although
Used to show two opposing ideas in one sentence.
- Example: Although it is a difficult exam, millions of students take it.
- A2 Tip: Don't just use "But". Use "Although" at the start of the sentence to sound more academic.
2. The Result Bridge: Consequently
This is a professional way to say "so" or "because of this".
- Example: The exam is very stressful; consequently, mental health is becoming a priority.
- B2 Shift: Use this when you want to show a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
3. The Addition Bridge: Furthermore & Additionally
Stop saying "And... and... and". Use these words to add new, important information.
- Example: Smartwatches are banned. Furthermore, AI is used to catch cheaters.
💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency Look at the phrase: "...to meet industry needs, which is why the exam now includes..."
That ", which is why..." is a classic B2 move. It allows you to explain the reason for something without starting a brand new sentence. Try adding it to your speaking today!