English, which has been one of the core subjects in China's national college entrance examfor 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 availableto the public for several times every year. The exam's full mark of the test will also be loweredfrom 150 at present to 100. The test result will also be graded into levels A, B and C which willcount towards the final Gaokao score.
This came amidst rumors sweeping online that English might be removed(退出) altogetherfrom 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 Chineselanguage might be further aroused.
