If you're a Grade 12 student in a Chinese high school, then the Gaokao (aka the Chinese university entrance exams) is a word that'll send shivers down your spine. This year taking place nationwide from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 June, the Gaokao is an annual examination that brings anxiety and dread not only to students, but also everyone else living in the city.
In the Chinese education system, the Gaokao is the equivalent of the American SAT and British A-Levels. The exam results determine which of the three bands of universities students are qualified to go to.
But if you're not a parent or a student, what's this got to do with you? Well, most parents will be driving their kids to the exam centres tomorrow and as exam times coincide with rush hours, these major roads are likely to be jam-packed from Wednesday to Friday, according to Sina Shanghai:
North-South Highway
Xiangyin Tunnel
Yan'an Highway
Humin Highway
Gaoke Xi Lu
Apart from heavy traffic warnings, those living in the city are also urged to show consideration for students by reducing unnecessary noises such honking horns, loud construction work, and ayi dancing in public squares have been urged to down the music and wrap up early. You've gotta feel for the poor kids who have to answer mind-imploding maths questions like:
A. { 1,3 }
B. { 3,5 }
C. { 5,7 }
D. { 1,7 }
Or try this geography question from last year's Gaokao. It's not for the faint-hearted, mind:
'The Yangtze saury are migratory fishes. Every spring, they will migrate from the Yangtze river estuary into its tributaries, lakes and wetlands to spawn. The Yangtze saury was once also seen as a common delicacy. In recent years, the Yangtze saury is facing severe resource exhaustion.
Analyse the reasons behind the depletion of the Yangtze saury and propose measures to protect them.'
We're excited to see what head-scratchers come up in this year's exam, but for now, here's a shout out to all candidates. Good luck y'all!