On the morning of 26/6, over 1.1 million students completed the literature portion of the 2025 high school graduation exam. This is the first exam under the new curriculum, with the essay question no longer using material from textbooks. Many students expressed excitement, finding the exam manageable.

The exam consisted of two parts: reading comprehension (4 points) and writing (6 points). The reading comprehension section used an excerpt from Nguyen Minh Chau's "Different Skies," asking about the role of specific details and the effect of rhetorical devices.

The writing section had two questions, both based on the same excerpt. The literary analysis question asked students to analyze Le's feelings for Son. The social commentary question explored the theme "every homeland sky is a sky of the Fatherland", drawing on students' understanding of the country's current significant changes.

Many teachers noted the exam closely followed the sample exam structure released by the Ministry of Education and Training late last year. The question types aligned with the cognitive levels in the sample exam matrix.

High school graduation literature exam - suggested answers

Students in Hanoi after completing the literature exam. Photo: Giang Huy

Trinh Thu Tuyet, a teacher at Luong The Vinh Secondary and High School in Hanoi, commented that the literature exam reflected fundamental changes in line with the student competency-based approach, adhering to the knowledge and skill requirements of the 2018 general education program.

"The exam structure, content, and question phrasing demonstrate efforts towards innovation, offering students excitement, challenges, and opportunities," Tuyet said.

Nguyen Thanh Son, a high school literature teacher in Binh Chanh district, TP HCM, assessed the exam as well-designed and highly topical, while still prompting reflection and evoking emotions in young people. The structure mirrored the Ministry's sample exam, with questions progressing from easy to difficult.

"Amidst provincial mergers, the exam raises the question of whether one's homeland remains their homeland when its name changes. This is a shared concern, not just for young people," he said.

Do Thanh Thuy, head of the 12th-grade literature department at M.V. Lomonosov Secondary and High School, provided further analysis. She noted the reading comprehension questions were at a basic recognition level. Students needed logical thinking, Vietnamese language skills, literary knowledge, and life experience to answer them.

For question 5, students needed literary sensitivity and life experience to express their thoughts and feelings about the significance of personal connections to places they've been, and more broadly, to the country. According to Thuy, this question resonated with 18-year-olds, shaping their dreams and ideals.

"These are excellent questions with good differentiating power and the potential to stimulate student thinking," Thuy said.

In the writing section, the literary analysis question presented a fundamental requirement, allowing most students to apply learned analytical and argumentative skills. However, without strong analytical skills, students could easily lapse into summarizing the story.

The social commentary question on "Every homeland sky is a sky of the Fatherland" was highly relevant to the current national context.

"The open-ended format allows students to express their independent opinions, fostering a sense of love and responsibility for their homeland and country," Thuy observed.

Nguyen Thanh Son considered the social commentary question the most impressive part of the exam. However, students might find it challenging to develop ideas and arguments.

"Students will identify the issue, but their analysis depends on their argumentative skills," Son said. "The question provides ample room for free expression."

Trinh Thu Tuyet also praised the social commentary question. She considered it a traditional and sacred topic, yet relevant to the country's current development, especially in this "era of rising". This made the topic both relatable and engaging for students.

"The essay's theme aligns with the current trend of innovation and integration," Tuyet said.

Both Thanh Thuy and Thanh Son predicted scores would mostly fall between 6 and 7.

"High scores will be awarded to students with strong skills and literary sensitivity, aligning with the 2018 general education program's focus on innovation," Thuy said.

Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh, a teacher at Tuyensinh247 Center, predicted a higher average, around 7.5.

Last year, literature scores were relatively high compared to other subjects. The average score was 7.23. The most frequent score was 8. Two students achieved a perfect 10.

Students after the literature exam at Trung Vuong High School, District 1, TP HCM. Photo: Thanh Tung

This afternoon, students will take the 90-minute multiple-choice math exam.

Tomorrow, students following the new (2018) curriculum will take two elective subjects: foreign language, chemistry, physics, biology, history, geography, economics and law, computer science, technology (agriculture, industry).

The 2025 high school graduation exam scores will be announced on 16/7.

Duong Tam - Le Nguyen