ZhongKao English (中考)
Junior High School Scholastic Aptitude Examination (初中学业水平考试). English component for senior high school placement.
Overview
ZhongKao (中考) serves both as a junior high school graduation assessment and as a selective gateway to senior secondary education. Students typically sit the exam at the end of grade nine (around age 15). English is one of the core subjects, alongside Chinese, mathematics, and others. ZhongKao English is administered at the provincial or municipal level, and exam format may vary between regions.
Structure
The ZhongKao English paper typically includes listening, reading, and writing components. Exact parts, question types, and timing differ by region. Consult your provincial or municipal education department for local specifications.
Listening
Short dialogues, monologues; multiple-choice and gap-fill. Format and length vary by province.
Reading
Comprehension passages, cloze, vocabulary tasks. Question types and weighting vary by province.
Writing
Short compositions, letters, or task-based writing. Requirements differ by province.
The exam is held annually in early June (or late June/July in some provinces). Simulation exams typically precede the official test.
Scoring & results
Scores determine placement into academic high schools, ordinary senior high schools, or vocational secondary schools. National policy quotas typically limit academic high school admissions to roughly 50–65% of examinees. Point scales and cut-offs vary by province. Some groups (e.g. children of disabled veterans, minorities) may receive policy bonus points within limits set by regulations. Check your provincial education authority for local scoring rules and thresholds.
Common candidate weakness patterns
Typical patterns observed at ZhongKao English level:
- Listening: missing key information; poor note-taking; unfamiliar accents or speeds
- Reading: vocabulary gaps; misreading questions; falling for distractors
- Cloze: weak grammar and collocation; ignoring context
- Writing: insufficient content; weak organisation; recurrent grammatical errors
- Time pressure: rushing or leaving sections unfinished
Reform notes
ZhongKao reform is ongoing at provincial level. Some regions have adjusted subject weightings, introduced oral components, or changed question types. Always confirm the current format with your provincial education department before preparation.
ZhongKao is administered by education authorities. EduZMS is not affiliated with examination bodies. This content is for informational purposes only.