While Chinese, Mathematics, and a Foreign Language are core subjects in the Gaokao, Biology is an elective subject under the Science track. Students choose between Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as part of their science options.
Elective subjects in the Gaokao are categorized into Sciences (such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and Humanities (such as History, Geography, and Political Science). Students select one of these tracks based on their academic interests and career goals.
The Gaokao divides elective subjects into two tracks: Humanities and Science. Humanities students select from subjects like History, Geography, and Political Science, whereas Science students choose from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This distinction allows students to focus on their areas of strength and interest.
In the Science track of the Gaokao, students typically choose from Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. History and Political Science are part of the Humanities track, and Literature is not a core subject in the Gaokao.
The Gaokao examination papers generally include a combination of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essay questions. This format assesses a range of skills from knowledge recall to critical thinking and writing abilities.
