Students Think That Cheating Should Be Allowed at University Exams

Chinese students in the city of Zhongxiang protest strict security measures during university entrance exams by saying, "We want fairness. There is no fairness if you do not let us cheat." ("Chinese Students and Families Fight for the Right to Cheat Their Exams," The Sydney Morning Herald, June 22, 2013). Metal detectors used by proctors found cell phones and transmitters used to gain unfair advantage during the test. Angry parents claim that cheating on such tests in China is widespread and that not allowing it puts their children at a disadvantage. At the exam held last year in this city, some 99 papers were found to be copied.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the point of allowing everyone to cheat on a university entrance exam?
2. Comments on the weight placed on memorization and recitation in China prevent students from learning how to think for themselves. The Chinese government hopes that "creativity and innovation" will help the country grow economically (The Atlantic, June 21, 2013 http://goo.gl/DVllu). Do you think that essay and short answer tests are the solution for curbing cheating and producing students who improve China's future outlook?