The American education system loves to use standardized testing, but would you be able to pass China’s university entrance exam?

CNN reports:

China’s university entrance exams: Would you pass the test?

Now breathe.

Almost 9.5 million high school students in China have just finished possibly the most important exam of their lives.

The annual National College Entrance Exams — or gaokao — are the only way to get into college. Failure means no degree, poorer job prospects and possibly a life of regret.

The stakes are so high some students have stooped to ingenious methods of cheating — so much so that authorities have started using drones as hall monitors.

One look at the questions is enough to send a shiver down the spine of even the most diligent student.

Different essay questions were set for different regions, and accounted for around one third of total test result.

How would you answer them? You have 60 minutes* No cheating.

Beijing “Big essay”

1. Write an essay on either of the topics in no fewer than 700 words:

a) There are numerous heroes in Chinese history who set examples. Please write an essay with the title “If I were given a chance to spend a day with my hero.” Select a hero and imagine spending a day with him/her.

b) For what object you have a “passion deep in the soul?” You can choose a plant, an animal or a utensil to write about.