What's the buzz

What role should English play in China's college entrance exam (gaokao)? This debate has been going on for some time. The Jiangsu provincial government's new reform plan has reportedly excluded English from the total score, with the performance in "English" being used only as a point of reference by colleges to admit candidates. People from across society have voiced their opinions on the issue. Following are the views of China Daily's mobile news readers:

The craze to learn English is evident across China, with some children starting in primary schools or even kindergartens. Many students have to attend special English classes because their parents don't want them to fall behind in the academic race, especially because English tests are compulsory both in undergraduate and postgraduate entrance exams. English has come to occupy a prime position in academics at the cost of Chinese. That's why we should applaud the Jiangsu provincial government's reform plan.

Dongdong, Ji'an, Jiangxi province