On June 7, the 2026 National College Entrance Examination, known as the Gaokao, kicked off, with a staggering 12.9 million students taking part. The essay questions in the Chinese language section of the Gaokao captured widespread interest, especially those in the Beijing and Shanghai papers, which delved into themes like technological progress and artificial intelligence. The micro-essay segment of the Beijing paper featured tasks such as devising community service activities and creating catchy promotional slogans for a nursing home event centered around 'Artificial Intelligence and a Joyful Senior Life.' In contrast, the Shanghai paper prompted students to contemplate how technological advancements are reshaping our world and influencing our imagination.
