How should we understand the phrase 'avoid including textbook material in literature exams'?

This guideline from the Ministry of Education and Training is not new, as schools have been required to apply it for the past two years during the implementation of the 2018 General Education Program. However, this year, when applied to all students, especially in the final year, it has sparked mixed opinions, causing many parents to worry.

Students during a literature class under the new curriculum.

Can I use a different section of the text that I'm studying but isn't in the textbook?

The exclusion of textbook material from literature exams is consistent with the teaching and learning methods of the 2018 General Education Program.

First, it's necessary to understand what the "texts and excerpts studied in textbooks" as required by the Ministry of Education and Training mean.

"Text" here could be a short story, an informational text, or a poem that is relatively completely excerpted in the question. "Excerpt," on the other hand, refers to a longer part of a text of a particular genre. Therefore, with the above requirement, the literature exam cannot use excerpts from textbooks. However, other excerpts from studied texts are permitted. For example, with *The Tale of Kieu* (a narrative poem), the examiner cannot use excerpts from textbooks, but can use a different passage. This is clearly demonstrated in the Ministry of Education and Training's sample literature exam for the upcoming 2025 high school graduation exam, which includes an excerpt from the epic *Dam San *. This epic is covered in the curriculum, and the excerpt in the sample exam is not found in any of the textbooks (from all three sets of books).

The teaching and learning method for literature in the 2018 General Education Program is based on a system of text genres, using learning objectives and linguistic knowledge as benchmarks. When students study a text, their goal is not just to deeply understand its content and artistry (as in the old program), but primarily to develop reading skills (and also writing, speaking, and listening skills) about the characteristics of that particular text genre. This helps them apply the skills they have learned to read other works, which are abundant in real life.

The exclusion of textbook material from literature exams is consistent with the teaching and learning methods of the 2018 General Education Program.

Eliminate model essays; avoid rote learning and memorization.

The practice of not using textbook texts for literature exams has been adopted by schools from junior high to high school for many years. Observing and surveying students, we found that most did not encounter any major obstacles, although they were initially a little surprised and found it difficult due to unfamiliarity. Many students expressed agreement, enjoyment, and inspiration when working on the exam with the new text.

The obvious positive aspect that every literature teacher can see is the elimination of model essays; avoiding rote learning and plagiarism; and reducing cheating... However, how to guide students in their revision before the test, how to design the questions and formulate the grading criteria so as not to create difficulties for students, remains a crucial requirement.

The move by the Ministry of Education and Training, just as preparations are underway for the 2024-2025 school year, is essential. It reaffirms the spirit of innovation in the literature exam, preparing teachers and students to be proactive in important exams, namely the entrance exam for grade 10 and the high school graduation exam.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hieu-the-nao-ve-tranh-dua-ngu-lieu-sach-giao-khoa-vao-de-kiem-tra-mon-van-185240804175712923.htm