Teachers share "secrets" to getting high scores on 10th grade entrance exam

Need to increase self-study capacity

Recently, the Gifted High School (Ho Chi Minh City National University) announced the results of the first round of the 10th grade entrance exam (March 29-30) in 2025. The exam attracted 1,000 candidates. Each candidate took 3 compulsory exams: Math, Literature, English and a specialized subject exam according to needs.

The results of the 10th grade entrance exam announced by the school caused many surprises when the Math results were considered quite low. Accordingly, the non-specialized Math subject had 1,060 tests, of which 714 were from 5 points or less (accounting for 67.3%). Of these, 264 tests had scores from 0 to 2; 183 tests from 2 to 3 points; 250 tests from 3 to 4 points; 117 tests had scores from 4 to 5 points. The average score of the non-specialized Math subject was 4.02 and there were 18 tests with a score of 10.

Score distribution of non-specialized Math exam. Photo: Gifted High School

In the specialized mathematics subject, there were 312 exams, of which 270 scored 5 points or less, accounting for 86.5%. Of these, 160 exams scored from 0 to 2, accounting for 51%; 49 exams scored from 2 to 3; 41 exams scored from 3 to 4 and 20 exams scored from 4 to 5. The average score for specialized mathematics was 2.47. There was one exam with the highest score of 9.25.

Speaking to reporters of the People's Representative Newspaper, Dr. Tran Nam Dung, Vice Principal of the Gifted High School, assessed that the results of the non-math exam are really worrying. The non-math exam is usually quite easy, so if a student cannot get 2 points, it needs to be re-evaluated.

Dr. Tran Nam Dung gave two opinions, either the school's exam is in the old format, so students who review the new exam structure find it difficult to keep up. On the other hand, the low score distribution may be due to the lack of teaching and developing students' abilities.

"A positive sign in the recent mock exam was that the majority of candidates did well on word problems, a type of math problem that they had difficulty with in previous years. Many of the answers were presented tightly and carefully," said Dr. Tran Nam Dung.

Evaluating the structure of the 10th grade Math exam, Ms. Le Thi Ai Van - Math teacher, Vo Van Ky Secondary School (Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa) said that the new program exam focuses on logical thinking, enhancing practical problems. There are many types of questions that require explanation and reasoning, instead of normal calculations.

Notably, the test has clear differentiation with easy, medium, and advanced questions to classify candidates.

"Although the types of exercises in the new program are not much different from the old program, the focus is on developing qualities and abilities. To achieve good scores, students need to focus on cultivating the requirements of the new program such as improving self-study skills, proactive learning, and creativity," said Ms. Van.

Surveying at Luong The Vinh Secondary and High School, Vice Principal Van Lien Na said that the learning results of 9th grade students this year continue to be stable and have many encouraging signs.

According to the first semester test results report of the Cau Giay Department of Education and Training, in the first semester test of the 2024-2025 school year, Math and English continue to be students' strengths; in the first semester Math, 61.98% of students scored 9-10, and in English, nearly 50% of students scored 9 points or higher.

However, many opinions reflect that the 10th grade entrance exam with many changes makes it difficult for 9th grade students. According to Ms. Lien Na, the main reason is that the new program requires self-study ability, critical thinking and creativity - qualities that have not been fully trained at lower levels. When switching from "passive" learning to "active" learning, teachers, parents and the entire education system need to support students to gradually adapt.

Strategy to conquer the exam according to the new program

Revealing strategies to help students do well in the 10th grade entrance exam, Dr. Tran Nam Dung said that students need to refer to the sample exam questions and structures announced by the Department of Education and Training or the school. This method helps students approach and orient themselves in the right direction to review more effectively. At the same time, it is necessary to review and redo previous years' exam questions to understand the structure, question types and difficulty of the questions, thereby knowing how to allocate time to do the test.

Another secret to conquering the exam is to have a minimum goal and a maximum goal. When setting goals, students will have effective review strategies and exam tactics. The results of mock exams or assessment exams help students determine their own abilities; strengths and weaknesses to correct.

“A current situation is that students do their homework randomly, jumping from one lesson to another without completing it. The reason is that they lack a plan, are hasty, and have uncertain knowledge. Candidates need to have a clear direction and focus on completing each lesson completely to achieve good results," said Dr. Tran Nam Dung.

To do well in the 10th grade entrance exam, students need to review the sample exam structure and avoid rote learning. Photo: Luong The Vinh Secondary and High School

Sharing the same view, Vice Principal of Luong The Vinh Secondary and High School Van Lien Na emphasized that students need to closely follow the structure of the illustrated exam questions, review according to the exam orientation, and avoid rote learning. From there, build a scientific review strategy, suitable for the requirements of the 2018 General Education Program. Because the new program requires self-study ability, students need to proactively review individually, systematize knowledge and take notes of important information.

According to Ms. Lien Na, taking part in mock exams is equally important because it helps students assess their own abilities, adjust their study methods and get used to the exam room atmosphere.

"Don't forget to create a reasonable schedule for yourself, balancing between studying and resting. Keep a steady mindset before the exam to ensure the best spirit," Vice Principal of Luong The Vinh Secondary and High School sent a message to students.

Trang Nhung

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/thay-co-chia-se-bi-quyet-thi-tuyen-vao-lop-10-dat-diem-cao-post410690.html