Controversy erupts over the content of the 10th-grade math exam in Ho Chi Minh City; has the Department of Education and Training responded?

Problem number 5 in the 10th grade exam is causing controversy.

Teachers point out flaws in the 10th grade exam.

Mr. Mai Van Tuc, a physics teacher at the High School for Gifted Students affiliated with the University of Science, Hanoi, has pointed out several issues regarding question 5 in the 10th grade math exam, related to physics knowledge, as follows:

The problem states a rule regarding power loss during water heating that does not occur in reality and is fundamentally incorrect. The energy conversion process during water heating begins when the switch is turned on (at t = 0); electrical energy is converted into heat energy, causing the heating element (if the kettle uses a heating element) to heat up. The heating element reaches a higher temperature than the water in the kettle and transfers heat to the water, which in turn transfers heat to the kettle. A certain amount of time must pass for the kettle's temperature to rise above the ambient temperature before heat loss to the environment occurs. The power dissipated to the environment depends primarily on the contact area between the kettle and the environment and the temperature difference between the kettle's temperature and the environment (power loss also depends on the level of air circulation or wind in the heating location). When the power dissipated to the environment by the kettle equals the power received by the heating element, the water temperature no longer increases.

It can be understood as follows: A heating element with a power of 1000W can boil water in a 2-liter kettle, but if this same heating element is used to heat a large fish tank, the water might only heat up from 100°C to 300°C and then stop increasing in temperature. Therefore, the statement in question 5 that the power loss follows the law P = at + b, meaning that at t = 0 the power loss is already 85W and the power loss increases uniformly, is incorrect (I'm ignoring the more obvious errors).

Furthermore, in part b) of question 5, the question states: If water is heated with a power loss of 105W, how long will it take to heat it?

"In my opinion, that's wrong. Even if we assume the existence of an illogical rule as the author suggests, we should still ask: 'Calculate the heating time until the power loss reaches 105W,' instead of writing 'If water is heated with a power loss of 105W, how long will it take?' This shows the author doesn't understand physics, and how would the reader possibly calculate it?", the teacher said.

Besides pointing out the flaws in the physics knowledge incorporated into the practical problem, the teacher also suggested that the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training should adjust the answer to question 5 to be fair to all candidates. Many students who are good at physics would not be able to answer question 5 because some candidates said the physics knowledge was too "unfamiliar".

At the same time, Mr. Mai Van Tuc commented: "First of all, I appreciate the idea of ​​applying mathematics to life by the exam question authors. However, when applying mathematics to real-life situations related to knowledge in other fields, extreme caution is needed because, in my opinion, this is an exam outside of university entrance exams, and it is essentially a very focused self-study session for the test-taker."

Therefore, regardless of whether students pass or fail, the exam content must ensure that participants gain some knowledge after the test. And when using scientific knowledge, it must be accurate, as science exists entirely objectively. Every subject needs accuracy; there's no such thing as understanding math one way and physics another," Mr. Tuc stated.

Students after finishing the 10th grade exam.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training responds to the 10th grade exam questions.

Following feedback and comments from teachers regarding the 10th-grade math exam, a reporter from Thanh Nien Newspaper contacted the leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, and the agency has provided an official response.

Regarding the opinion that question 5 of the 10th grade math exam contains errors in physics knowledge, the Department of Education and Training responds as follows:

The problem involves a real-world phenomenon: the process of boiling water in an electric kettle (a common household item). This observation only covers a short phase of the boiling process; the start time of the observation (t = 0) is not the start time of the boiling process. The data is mathematically presented using a diagram and a function that students have learned in the curriculum. Using their knowledge of linear functions, graphs of linear functions, points on graphs, systems of linear equations with two variables, calculations, etc., and their mathematical abilities, students can solve the problem's requirements.

Mr. Nguyen Bao Quoc, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, added: "During the grading process, according to general regulations, cases where students have solutions that differ from the grading guidelines but are reasonable will be considered and evaluated. The Department of Education and Training always appreciates feedback on the 10th grade exams to continuously improve the organization of the exams."

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