GSAT English test easier this year than in 2024: Teachers' union

Taipei, Jan. 19 (CNA) The 2025 General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) for English was easier than the 2024 exam, featuring questions incorporating current events and references, the National Senior High School Teachers' Union (NSHSTU) said Sunday.

The GSAT, which assesses Taiwanese high school students looking to enroll in college, is testing the nation's teens in a variety of subjects between Saturday and Monday this year.

English was the first subject tested on Sunday and the exam comprised multiple choice questions, reading comprehension and writing.

High school teachers played a major role in the English test this year, as they were employed by the College Entrance Examination Center (CEEC) to review its English questions.

Teachers who assisted in evaluating the questions said this year's test partly focused on current affairs.

Questions also covered day-to-day situations, including how to fix a leaky faucet and what is available to buy at a farmers' market.

Teachers also said the 2025 comprehension section aligned well with the nation's updated 108 curriculum.

Other high school teachers were also invited by the NSHSTU to analyze the tests.

Those teachers said the current affairs references this year made the test easier compared to 2024 as the content became more relatable.

Moreover, this year's test lacks harder vocabularies compared to the past, with only the term "driving forces" in reference to Taiwan's advancement in the tech industry that was a part of the Chinese-to-English translation section of the examination posing as a challenge.

This year's writing test asked students to describe two pictures related to typhoons that highlight the contrasting situations people may experience during the weather phenomenon.

They were then required to share their thoughts on why many people in Taiwan engage in recreational activities when school and work are cancelled due to typhoons.

Teachers who analyzed the test said that because different parts of Taiwan have different policies on school and work cancellations when a typhoon hits, students will likely have varying perspectives depending on where they live.

Meanwhile, teachers said that while the topic was relatable, it would be interesting to see if students could pen a piece in line with the subject while keeping the reader entertained.