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Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, 2025, 8(11); doi: 10.25236/AJHSS.2025.081131.

Research on Test Item Design for the Gaokao Reading Section Based on the Double Reduction Policy and Core Competencies

Author(s)

Wei Liqin1, Liu Yumei2

Corresponding Author:
Liu Yumei
Affiliation(s)

1Zhanjiang Huguang Middle School, Zhangjiang, China

2School of Foreign Languages, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, China 

Abstract

This paper systematically examines the distribution data, proposition cases, and common issues in senior high school English test design over the past four years, based on the Academic Quality Levels in the General Senior High School English Curriculum Standards (2017 Edition, 2020 Revision)[2] and the educational requirements of “reducing quantity and improving quality” under the “Double Reduction” policy. It provides an in-depth analysis of the proposition characteristics of various question types, including Reading A/B/C/D passages, Seven-Select-Five, Cloze Test, Grammar Gap-filling, and Writing (including Continuation Writing), and proposes targeted test design strategies. The research indicates that high school English test design must achieve a four-dimensional integration: policy empowerment—competency orientation—question-type adaptation—problem avoidance. Guided by the “Double Reduction”, benchmarked against Academic Quality Level II (the core criterion for the Gaokao), and utilizing the differentiated assessment objectives of each question type, teachers should design tests that avoid common pitfalls such as out-of-syllabus vocabulary, loose logic, and lack of educational value, ultimately achieving the goals of assessment-driven instruction, precise burden reduction, and competency enhancement.

Keywords

High school English; Test design; “Double Reduction” policy; Academic quality levels; Core competencies; Question type characteristics

Cite This Paper

Wei Liqin, Liu Yumei. Research on Test Item Design for the Gaokao Reading Section Based on the Double Reduction Policy and Core Competencies. Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2025), Vol. 8, Issue 11: 214-221. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJHSS.2025.081131.

References

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[2] Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China. General Senior High School English Curriculum Standards (2017 Edition, 2020 Revision) [S]. Beijing: Beijing Normal University Press, 2020.

[3] General Office of the CPC Central Committee, General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Further Reducing Homework and After-School Training Burdens for Compulsory Education Students [Z]. 2021-07-24.

[4] Wang Qiang, Cheng Xiaotang. Core Competency-Oriented Senior High School English Teaching and Assessment [M]. Beijing: Higher Education Press, 2022.

[5] Li Lijuan. Analysis of Gaokao English Reading Comprehension Question Characteristics Based on Academic Quality Standards and Teaching Suggestions [J]. Zhejiang Examination , 2025(2): 21-26.

[6] Zhang Min. Research on “Reducing Quantity and Improving Quality” Practice in Senior High School English Question Design Under the “Double Reduction” Background [J]. Foreign Language Teaching in Schools (Secondary School Section) , 2024(8): 35-40.

[7] National Education Examinations Authority. Analysis Report on 2025 Gaokao English National Test Questions [R]. 2025-06-09.