Ho Chi Minh City 10th grade literature exam: "Balancing between testing and arousing life values"

(Dan Tri) - According to MSc. Phan Thi Thanh Giang, teacher at Dao Son Tay High School, Ho Chi Minh City, the literature exam for grade 10 in Ho Chi Minh City has balanced between testing knowledge and arousing life values.

Closer to the student, illustration – a subtle strategic adjustment

If the illustration question chose the text “From: Crying” (Gianni Rodari) - a concise, metaphorical work that requires imagination and abstract thinking - the official exam chose the poem “The Lying Child” by Te Hanh, which is intimate and full of emotion.

The shift from foreign literary materials to the familiar space of Vietnamese poetry, from abstract concepts to everyday images - a child lying between parents on a windy night - is a strategic "step back" to go deep into the students' inner psyche. To help them easily approach and express themselves naturally, avoiding the phenomenon of "writing according to a model" when encountering unfamiliar material.

Integrity: The emotional circuit that runs from perception to experience

This year's exam clearly demonstrates high integrity:

- The reading comprehension and discussion sections revolve around the same theme: maturity – not only physical, but also the process of growing up emotionally, personality and social awareness.

- The order of questions is arranged logically, leading students from perception → analysis → reflection → connection to practice.

It is the coherent connection between the parts that turns the exam into a complete journey of thinking, not only testing knowledge but also becoming a humane lesson about life.

Differentiation: Moderately open, not confusing

This year's exam is clearly graded without being overwhelming:

- Reading comprehension (0.5-1 point/question) is clear, suitable for average students.

- The essay section requires coherent expression, independent thinking, and flexible evidence - creating conditions for good students to demonstrate depth, avoiding the mechanical "right/wrong" grading style.

Differentiation is not about technical difficulty, but about openness of thinking, ability to connect and personal emotions – in the right direction to test true ability, not memorization ability.

The 10th grade literature exam in Ho Chi Minh City is assessed to help students easily approach and express themselves naturally, avoiding the phenomenon of "writing according to a model" when encountering unfamiliar material (Photo: Trinh Nguyen).

Reading and understanding argumentative texts – a remarkable new step

One notable change is that this year's social argumentation section is no longer simply an open-ended question, but requires students to read and understand an argumentative text and from there develop their personal opinions.

- The text by author Ha Nhan talks about "reading" - not only a skill but also a sign of maturity in thinking and ethics.

- Students must analyze arguments and reasoning before writing their own essays, demonstrating their ability to read - understand - think - write in an integrated way.

This is a very correct way of giving questions, not only reducing dependence on sample essays but also encouraging students to become independent readers with their own opinions - something that moderneducation always aims for.

Highlights: Respect learners and maintain necessary stability

It is commendable that the official exam closely follows the structure of the sample exam, leaving no surprises for teachers and students. The way the exam is designed demonstrates consistency, seriousness and responsibility in organizing the transfer exam.

In particular, the lack of strict regulations on the length of articles has opened up creative space, helping students to write freely according to their inspiration and ability, instead of worrying about having to limit the number of words.

Conclusion: A humanistic and liberal exam

The 2025 Ho Chi Minh City 10th grade entrance exam literature test is a harmonious combination of tradition and innovation. Close yet sharp, within reach yet differentiated, the test has opened up opportunities for students to not only demonstrate their academic ability but also to be true to their emotions and thoughts.

This is not simply a test of knowledge, but a message of humane, liberal and responsible education. Ho Chi Minh City has shown a clear vision: putting students at the center of the journey of learning, understanding and growing up.

MSc. Phan Thi Thanh Giang, teacher at Dao Son Tay High School, HCMC

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/de-van-thi-lop-10-tphcm-dung-hoa-giua-kiem-tra-va-khoi-day-gia-tri-song-20250606120331526.htm