Ho Chi Minh City 10th grade exam: Emotional essay topic but not many high scores

Candidates in Ho Chi Minh City have completed the literature test for the 10th grade exam for the 2025-2026 school year. Teachers commented that the test was good and emotional, but the score would not be high.

Candidates finish the literature test

PHOTO: JADE STONE

Master Huynh Thanh Phu, Principal of Bui Thi Xuan High School (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), commented that the literature exam for the 10th grade entrance exam in Ho Chi Minh City was compiled with the mindset of "A correct change ineducating students' abilities and nurturing their souls. The exam was good and emotional, but there were not many high scores."

Grade 10 admission in Ho Chi Minh City is always of interest to society because it is not only a highly competitive exam, but also an important transition in the learning journey of students. In the context of the 2018 General Education Program being implemented synchronously at the secondary school level, this year's literature exam, according to Mr. Phu, has demonstrated a profound spirit of innovation, not only testing knowledge, but also focusing on forming and developing comprehensive capacity for students.

The exam structure is harmonious, promoting the advantages of integrating reading - understanding - writing, in line with the new literature program implemented up to grade 9. Students are no longer tested by mechanical memorization or copying sample texts, but must express personal feelings, independent thinking and clear views on social issues. This is a positive change, in the right direction and with long-term orientation.

Candidates in wheelchairs are carried by teachers to the 10th grade exam room

In particular, the selection of the poem Con Nam by poet Te Hanh for the literature reading section shows careful consideration of humanistic values. The poem is not sophisticated in terms of art but is full of emotion, gentle and profound. The image of a child lying between father and mother in a warm, loving family space touches the most primitive emotional bond in every human being - kinship. This is an important moral foundation, the starting point for all life values, and something that needs to be evoked at the age of transition from adolescence to adulthood.

"What I appreciate is that the way the exam questions are designed does not stop at requiring literary appreciation, but also extends to the ability to reflect and relate to reality. The question asking students to present their thoughts on the role of love in the journey of growing up not only helps them apply knowledge, but also trains their ability to question and reflect on themselves. An exam that focuses on people rather than a test of pure ability - that is what the 2018 program is aiming for," commented Mr. Phu.

Literature exam for 10th grade public schools in Ho Chi Minh City, school year 2025-2026

Photo: Bich Thanh

The social commentary section is excerpted from the work Flying Through the Clouds by journalist Ha Nhan, referring to the concept of "knowing how to read" in the context of a society strongly influenced by social networks and false information. This is a topical and deeply educational issue. "Knowing how to read" is not simply a language skill, but the ability to distinguish right from wrong, see through the truth, and select information from the noisy flow of public opinion. From an individual behavior, the exam opens up space for students to think about life skills, attitudes, and civic responsibilities.

The question of “knowing how to read to grow up” in a transition exam is a meaningful suggestion. It forces students not only to answer the questions, but also to have a dialogue with themselves. They have to think about what they have read, what they have understood from life, whether they have been fooled by fake information or touched by a kind story on the internet. That is what makes the real value of an exam: to stimulate awareness and form personality.

In the journey of educational innovation, exams are one of the important tools to convey teaching philosophy. When exams are no longer a burden, but an opportunity for students to express themselves and share their perspectives on life, then we are on the right track. "I believe that with exams like this, students will gradually develop more comprehensive abilities, and teachers will also have more motivation to continue to innovate teaching methods, creating emotional and meaningful literature lessons," said Principal of Bui Thi Xuan High School.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thi-lop-10-tphcm-de-van-cam-xuc-nhung-diem-cao-se-khong-nhieu-185250606105832381.htm