Many provinces and cities have released "breaking news" about the first semester exam questions.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - At this time, students nationwide are entering the end-of-semester 1 exams of the 2025-2026 school year. Many localities require schools not to conduct exams beyond the required learning objectives of the curriculum.

According to the guidelines of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training , junior and senior high schools must complete the end-of-semester 1 exams before January 3, 2026.

Student assessment is conducted through paper-based or computer-based tests, assignments, and learning projects.

For graded assessments, the test questions are constructed based on matrices and specifications, meeting the learning objectives of the subject according to the 2018 General Education Program.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training emphasizes that tests should not exceed the required learning objectives (Photo: Hoai Nam).

For assessment methods such as comments, assignments, and learning projects, guidelines and assessment criteria that meet the required learning outcomes of the course must be provided before implementation.

The format and structure of the test, following the new approach (essay, multiple choice, combination of multiple choice and essay, proportion of different question levels, etc.), will be decided by the principal after consultation with the subject departments, ensuring the assessment and classification of students.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training requires schools to develop assessment plans that are consistent with the teaching plan; not to conduct tests that exceed the required learning outcomes and levels of achievement of the general education program, and not to test content that has been simplified according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training .

According to the guidelines for the first semester examination of the 2025-2026 school year issued by the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long province , primary schools will organize examinations from December 29, 2025 to January 9, 2026.

The Culture and Social Affairs Department under the People's Committee of the commune/ward guides and directs schools in the preparation of periodic test questions for the first semester.

The principal directs the question setting and issues a decision to establish the Examination Question Setting Council; the subject-specific teams create unified questions for the entire grade level according to regulations. The Chairman of the Council is responsible for the accuracy of the questions.

The test ensures that it meets the required learning outcomes, competency components, and characteristics of the subject; it combines multiple-choice and essay questions, is designed according to the three levels prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training, and includes 1-2 questions on local education content.

For classes with a majority of Khmer ethnic students, the subject department can create separate exam questions tailored to their needs while still ensuring the general requirements are met.

In particular, the Department reminds teachers to inform parents privately about their children's test results.

For junior high schools, high schools, and continuing education centers, the first semester exams will be held from December 22, 2025 to January 3, 2026.

The principal directs the subject-specific teams and groups to jointly develop test matrices and specification tables based on the learning objectives of the subject and the actual implementation of the educational plan, and submit them to the unit's leadership for approval before implementation; the test questions must be developed in accordance with the approved matrix and specification tables.

Under no circumstances should exam questions be set outside the scope of the curriculum already covered and the learning objectives of the current education program.

According to the guidelines of the An Giang Provincial Department of Education and Training regarding the end-of-semester 1 examination for the 2025-2026 school year, principals of educational institutions shall develop examination plans to ensure the assessment and classification of students in accordance with Circular 22/2021 of the Ministry of Education and Training.

The principal is responsible for directing and organizing the test question preparation process in accordance with regulations, following five steps: determining the purpose; determining the format; constructing the matrix and specification; compiling questions, marking guidelines, and scoring scales; and reviewing and approving the test questions.

The subject-specification team develops a test matrix and specification that clearly shows the content and level of understanding; the matrix must be approved by the subject-specification team leader and school leadership before the test is released.

Each subject has at least two test papers (one official and one backup), ensuring confidentiality and appropriate differentiation.

In Dong Nai , the Department of Education and Training has instructed that the assessment for the 2025-2026 school year for junior and senior high schools must be based on the required qualities and competencies according to the General Education Program and the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training; no content exceeding the requirements or the level of achievement of the program should be tested.

Students nationwide are entering the first semester examination period of the 2025-2026 school year (Illustrative photo: Hoai Nam).

The test is constructed based on the matrix and specification, meeting the learning objectives of the course.

For subjects assessed using a combination of comments and scores, high schools must develop matrices, specifications, test questions, and marking guidelines that meet professional and technical requirements.

The school develops assessment plans that align with the teaching plan; strengthens supervision and effectively implements regular and periodic assessments; and encourages the creation of question banks and test banks.

For subjects where assessment is based on feedback, periodic testing through practical exercises and learning projects tailored to the subject matter should be encouraged; however, reforms in testing and assessment must ensure honesty, objectivity, fairness, and accuracy.

Specifically for history and geography, increase the number of questions that utilize source materials, pictures, diagrams, maps, and open-ended questions to develop students' qualities and abilities, and limit rote memorization.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/nhieu-tinh-thanh-thong-tin-nong-ve-de-kiem-tra-hoc-ky-1-20251215120111262.htm