Beijing organizing English listening test for college entrance exam

The capital is stepping up efforts to secure the upcoming college entrance examination in early July and arrange affairs for college graduates who are not allowed back on campus following stricter control measures since the cluster of COVID-19 infections emerged in the city.

On Saturday, Beijing organized an English listening test - part of the college entrance examination - with over 39,000 third year senior high school students, including those in medical observation and self-quarantine at home.

"It's not just a large-scaled exam but a practice for the upcoming college entrance examination, when the city is still faced with great challenges in the control and prevention of the coronavirus," said Li Yi, spokesman for the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, at a news conference on Sunday.

He said that the smooth conduct of the listening test owes to the cooperation between different administrative departments, such as transportation, and health authorities.

"The governmental departments have also offered customized services to these students in self-isolation and medical observation to secure the operation of the exam," he said.

The detailed measures and operations for the upcoming exam will be disclosed by the end of the month.

Also, universities and colleges at the capital are helping graduates to pack their luggage and disinfecting campuses for the next autumn semester.

Li said universities are unlike elementary or high schools. Supermarkets, hospitals, dormitories and public restrooms on campuses have posed mounting pressure in environmental disinfection.

"It is practically impossible for college students to get back to the campuses before the autumn semester in September when the university will finish environmental disinfection and safety examination."

According to Li, universities' staff members are working to help pack luggage for graduates, with consideration for their property.

"Schools are urged to communicate with every single graduate before packing their stuff," he said. "Graduates can also voice their own demands to the universities to keep their privacy."

"It's a pity that there is no on-site graduation ceremony this year, but universities promise that graduates are welcomed whenever they want back for graduation ceremony next year or in the future," he added.