Sound Bites

I think this reform will put a bigger burden on students because it requires them to focus on more subjects after they get into high school, rather than mainly focusing on arts or humanities subjects. But in the long run, it is beneficial for students' further development.

Wang Xueping, 46, a public servant and mother of a 16-year-old senior high school student from Taiyuan, Shanxi province:

"I totally support canceling the division of social sciences and natural sciences. That can stimulate students like my daughter to better achieve all-round development in all subjects. However, I still believe that the government should introduce more regulations to let students from all provinces and municipalities compete on a level playing ground."