10th Grade Entrance Exams in Ho Chi Minh City Showcases Innovation

Ho Chi Minh City saw approximately 151,000 students begin their 10th-grade entrance examinations on June 1st, 2026. The first day included tests in Vietnamese language in the morning and a foreign language in the afternoon. Students are scheduled to take the mathematics exam on June 2nd.

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I predict that the score distribution for the Vietnamese exam this year will be very beautiful, in a bell shape. That is, average students will easily achieve 5-6 points. Good students will reach 7 points, and excellent students with appreciation, reasoning skills, and proficient writing skills... will achieve 8 points or more.

Early assessments of the Vietnamese language exam suggest it was perceived as accessible and relevant to students' lives. Teachers noted that the exam's themes touched upon contemporary issues, blending modernity with humanistic concerns, which likely fostered engagement among the ninth-grade test-takers. The use of engaging reading materials that addressed topics such as humanity and machinery was also highlighted.

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The Vietnamese language exam for the 10th-grade entrance exam in Ho Chi Minh City has both modernity and humanism.

Similarly, the English language exam reportedly incorporated some significant changes. Educators anticipate a favorable score distribution for the Vietnamese exam, with a bell curve expected, indicating that average students could achieve scores between 5 and 6, while stronger students might reach 7 points or higher. Teachers praised the exam's structure, noting its ability to differentiate student abilities effectively.

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The exam addresses issues relevant to the times, touching on the concerns of ninth graders, creating interest for the candidates when taking the test.

Specifically, the social commentary section of the Vietnamese exam was identified as a key element for distinguishing student capabilities. Success in this section requires independent thinking, the ability to select appropriate evidence, construct solid arguments, and express personal viewpoints on contemporary issues. This suggests that the exam not only tests linguistic knowledge but also assesses students' broader understanding of modern life and their capacity for critical analysis.

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The exam is topical, with a good, meaningful, and close-to-life theme. The exam poses practical issues related to digital technology and artificial intelligence but still affirms the special role of humans in modern society.