Summary of the Key Points
This article discusses how the content of the college entrance examination (Gaokao) essays has shifted in recent years from a focus on rote memorization of textbook knowledge to an emphasis on analyzing real-world issues and proposing solutions. This year’s essay topic, “The sun and moon do not lose their essence; therefore, they can darken and then brighten again; the Yangtze and Han rivers do not lose their source; therefore, they can dry up and then flow again,” directly relates to a hot online discussion from last year, indicating that Gaokao essays are beginning to address current social issues in the field of social sciences. This means that future candidates cannot simply bury themselves in books; they must pay attention to the times and understand reality if they want to write effective essays.
1. What is a “policy essay”? —— It’s not about memorizing texts, but about solving real problems
The term “policy essay” may sound abstract, but it essentially means “proposing solutions to real-world problems.” In ancient imperial examinations, the “Mingjing” section required candidates to memorize the Four Books and Five Classics (for example, explaining the meaning of a certain passage from The Analects of Confucius), which was a form of rote learning. In contrast, the “Cilun” section tested candidates’ ability to solve practical problems—such as how to improve the military system during the Tang Dynasty or why the reforms in Japan and Egypt had different outcomes. These questions could not be answered by simply memorizing textbooks; they required a genuine understanding of social conditions and independent thinking.
In today’s Gaokao essays, policy essay topics require candidates to analyze current events. For example, if you follow online discussions from the past year (such as those about traditional culture or historical debates), you can easily find relevant material. If you only rely on textbooks, you might end up merely explaining the literal meaning of sentences without providing any depth.
2. The “evolution of Gaokao essays”: From textbooks to reality
The changes in Gaokao essay topics over the past few decades reflect a shift from an approach that focused on memorization to one that encourages a broader perspective:
- 1990s: Dominance of Mingjing-style essays —— Topics were drawn from classic texts. For instance, understanding the background and content of “Yueyang Tower” was sufficient to score well.
- Millennium: Limited relevance to technology —— New technologies (such as memory transplantation or shared bicycles) began to appear in the exams, requiring candidates to be aware of recent developments beyond their textbooks, though still at a technical level.
- Present: Social science-based policy essays —— This year’s topic is directly linked to last year’s social hotspots, demanding an understanding of current social and academic discussions (such as the inheritance of traditional culture or debates about historical interpretations). It’s no longer enough to just know about recent events; candidates need to understand the deeper issues in society.
3. The “trick” behind this year’s essay topic: Those who follow trends vs. those who only study textbooks
This year’s topic is clearly tied to online discussions. If you regularly browse the internet and are familiar with last year’s debates on topics like the Han Dynasty, interpretations of A Dream of Red Mansions, or historical evaluations, writing the essay will be much easier, as you’ll have ready-made arguments and materials. However, if you avoid such trends and only focus on textbooks, you might struggle to find meaningful content, as the topic’s literal meaning (such as “the sun and moon’s essence remaining unchanged”) could lead to a superficial approach.
4. The changing approach to setting essay topics: Future learning requires a broader perspective
The core message of this article is that the changes in Gaokao essay topics reflect a shift in the direction of talent selection. In the past, we needed people who could memorize knowledge; now, we need those who can understand the times and solve problems. Parents used to advise students not to spend time on the internet but to focus on their studies. However, this no longer applies—without paying attention to current events, candidates may struggle to understand even the essay topics. For example, if you’re unaware of last year’s social discussions, it will be difficult to write a profound essay.
5. Behind the shift to policy essays: Society needs problem-solvers
The reason for this shift in Gaokao essay requirements is that society has become increasingly complex, with economic transformations, cultural conflicts, and technological advancements all requiring individuals who can analyze issues and propose solutions. In ancient times, policy essays were used to select officials capable of governing; today, they are used to identify individuals who can adapt to social changes. Simply put, those who rely on rote memorization can only answer “what is the problem,” while those who can think strategically can propose “what to do.” The future society will need people who can solve problems, not just those who can recite answers.
In essence, this article emphasizes that Gaokao essays are no longer a mere exercise in writing but a test of practical abilities. Future students must not only study well but also understand society and the times in order to adapt to the changes in exams and prepare for real life.