South Korea removes non-textbook questions from university entrance exams

Questions that use knowledge outside of textbooks to challenge students will be eliminated from Korean university entrance exams to reduce the pressure of exams and extra study.

Starting this year, the Suneung, a university entrance exam, will only include questions related to knowledge taught in public education , according to a request from President Yoon Suk Yeol. The presidential office said the changes will be applied to a mock test in September, followed by the official exam in November.

At a meeting between the government and the People’s Power Party (PPP) last Thursday, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said that previously “killer questions” accounted for the lion’s share of exam points, testing students on knowledge not taught in class. More students are turning to private exam preparation centers, or hagwons.

"Many critics say that broadening the scope of the test means students have to study extra," said Mr. Lee.

The Yoon administration sees promoting public education as a way to provide equal educational opportunities for everyone. This also helps parents reduce the financial burden of investing in private tutoring, and students feel less pressure.

"If the test requires candidates to have a lot of background knowledge and answer questions that are not in the public education program, isn't that making candidates completely dependent on exam preparation centers?", the President said. According to him, that is "very unfair".

South Korean Education Minister at a press conference of the Presidential Office, June 15. Photo: Joint Press Corps

This has led many to believe that the Suneung test will be easier. Many parents and students are worried about the direction of preparation when the test is only 5 months away.

"Although we study in public schools, most of what we learn depends on knowledge from tutoring centers. I am confused about how to prepare for the exam that can decide my fate," said Han Yu Rim, a senior high school student in Ilsan.

However, the President's Office said he did not mention whether the exam was easy or difficult, but only asked to eliminate what is not taught in school.

"The Ministry of Education should eliminate parts that are not part of the public education program, while still maintaining the ability to assess competencies," Mr. Yoon requested.

South Korean students count down to college entrance exams, 2021. Photo: Kang94213/Naver

The Suneung Test (CSAT in English) assesses students' higher-order thinking skills in six areas: Literature, Mathematics, English, Korean History, Science , and Career Guidance. The last two tests include a variety of subjects for candidates to choose from.

Last year, South Korean parents spent 26 trillion won ($20.3 billion) on private tutoring centers, with English being the most heavily invested subject.

Phuong Anh (According to Korea Herald, Korea Times )

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