Controversy erupts over a high school graduation English exam question having two correct answers.

Teachers pointed out that question 31 of test code 401 in the 2023 high school graduation English exam has two correct answers. Specifically, the question asks candidates to find the word that needs correction in the sentence: "Their pioneering (A) research showed that the learning motivation of the two groups of learners was quite distinctive (B) from each other, and the comparative (C) group whose learning motivation was stronger performed better than the control (D) group".

However, the requirement is that candidates can only choose one correct answer, which confuses students and teachers, making it difficult to determine the most accurate answer.

English exam paper for the 2023 high school graduation exam.

Teachers are confused about whether option B or C would both be correct in this sentence. This is because the phrase "distinctive from" (B) has no meaning in the Cambridge and Oxford dictionaries. The dictionaries explain that "distinctive" means characteristic, typical, usually combined with a noun, and not with "from". The correct usage is "distinct from".

Alternatively, choosing answer C, "comparative group," would also be acceptable because it uses the wrong terminology; "comparison group" would be more appropriate.

Therefore, teachers suggest that the Ministry of Education and Training should recognize both answers B and C to avoid disadvantaging candidates.

Similarly, question 18 of test code 401 also caused controversy, with the question asking to fill in the blank: The journalist is talking about having a new ______ published in the local newspaper next week.

The four suggested answers are: A. editor; B. documentary; C. cartoon; D. article. Candidates can choose either C or D, both are correct.

Article (answer D) fits the subject "journalist". However, answer C - cartoon (cartoon/humorous drawing/comic) could also fit "published in the local newspaper". This is one of many categories commonly found in foreign newspapers. Therefore, the answer "cartoon" sounds awkward but is perfectly correct in both content and grammar.

Professor Nguyen Ngoc Ha, Deputy Director of the Quality Management Department, Ministry of Education and Training - Head of the High School Graduation Exam Question Drafting Committee, said that they have received feedback. Regarding question 18, Professor Ha said that the English exam question drafting team confirmed that D - article is the correct answer.

Specifically, "cartoon" means animated film (a film that is made by photographing a series of drawings - Longman Dictionary of Contempary English). With this meaning, "cartoon" does not fit the context of "newspaper". Therefore, among the four options, D is the correct answer.

Regarding question 31, Mr. Ha said that the exam committee is reviewing it and will provide an answer later.

Ha Cuong

Beneficial
Emotion
Creative
Unique
Wrath