The exam is viewed by many as a turning point in their lives - and something they cannot afford to fail - to open the door to their choice of the country's higher learning institutions.

Previously, China's college entrance examinations were held every year from July 7-9, dubbed by students as "Black July" due to the immense pressure they felt at the time.

Starting this year, the examinations last only two days and candidates will sit for four tests, including Chinese, English and mathematics. In addition, elective tests have been prepared for art and science applicants.

About 250,000 more students will be accepted to colleges and universities this year thanks to the government's continuing expansion of college enrolment. Altogether, 2.75 million out of the 5.27 million, or 52 percent of the people taking the examination, will gain entry to institutions of higher learning.

The enlargement of enrolment has satisfied more young people's desire for higher education. The move is in response to the growing market demand, as well as part of the efforts of invigorating the country through science and education.

A Ministry of Education spokesman said students from poor families will be able to realize their university dreams with financial assistance from universities, governments and other organizations.

The ministry urged provincial education authorities to make sure all financially strapped students who pass the college entrance examination will get adequate aid to attend university.

The exams have been a focus for the nation, not just students, this year to make sure examinees have as much success as possible.

Since early June, all construction sites in Beijing have been banned from working from 10 pm to 6 am to reduce noise that might disturb high school graduates preparing for the examination, under a Beijing municipal government stipulation.

In northwest Shaanxi province, seriously hit by floods in its southern part, students are still on course to sit the exam, according to Li Quanzhi, an official with the provincial enrolment office. Li said, in the past week, the office sent a working group to southern Shaanxi to supervise the preparation work - and everything is on schedule.

In Foping County, worst hit by the flood on June 8, students taking the exam have been relocated away from the disaster area near Foping High School, the exam site, Li said.

In Guangdong, the flood that plagued most areas of west and north Guangdong Province began to subside on Thursday, and the restoration and sanitary work are now in process, according to the local Control and Drought Relief Bureau.

(China Daily July 6, 2002)