Is China’s college entrance exam testing political loyalty?

Grace Tsoi:

In writing exams, students are usually graded for use of language, writing style and clarity of thought.

But for millions of Chinese students who are taking the annual gaokao college entrance exam this week, the first section of the marathon test – Chinese language and literature – felt like a test of political loyalty.

The essay questions varied slightly by region, but the vast majority featured questions highlighting political buzzwords created by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who could stay in power for life after presidential term limits were scrapped in March.