We spoke with Professor Nguyen Tien Thao, Deputy Head of Training and Director of the Testing Center at Hanoi National University, about the best ways to achieve high results in the National Competency Assessment Exam.
Sir, on March 14th, Hanoi National University announced the sample exam questions for the 2021 National University of Hanoi's High School Competency Assessment Exam. Most of the questions are in multiple-choice format. What advice do you have for candidates taking the multiple-choice questions in this exam?
- For exams with multiple-choice questions, it is crucial for candidates to manage their time effectively by allocating time to understand the question and the instructions for each section and question before deciding on an answer.
For each section, candidates should save time reading the instructions by completing the practice test. Afterwards, they can allocate time for each section based on the number of questions to determine the total time needed to complete all questions.
Professor Nguyen Tien Thao provides guidance on how to take the aptitude test to achieve a high score. Photo: VNU.
If possible, save time on each question so you can review all the questions in a section, and redo any difficult questions in that section before moving on to the next.
Please also note that the exam questions are not arranged from easy to difficult, but rather structured according to interdisciplinary fields, with some questions integrating multiple disciplines. If a candidate encounters a question that is too difficult, they should move on to the next question and return to that question later if time permits.
An important note is that the test score is calculated based on the total number of correct answers; incorrect answers do not result in point deductions. Therefore, candidates should try to answer all questions within the allotted time for each section. If there is still time after completing a section, do not rush to the next section; instead, review any answers you were unsure of in that section. Candidates will not be able to go back to a previous section to correct answers after the time limit for that section has expired.
The National Competency Assessment Exam consists of three parts. In what order should candidates complete the exam to achieve the highest possible score, Professor?
- The National Competency Assessment Exam consists of three parts: Quantitative (75 minutes), Qualitative (60 minutes), and Scientific (60 minutes). Before starting each part, candidates should carefully read the answer instructions. The qualitative section includes questions in the fields of literature and language; candidates should read and consider all the answers, applying their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking to choose the answer they feel is most appropriate for the question.
Hanoi National University has prepared the necessary conditions to organize aptitude tests for high school students. Photo: VNU
Conversely, for questions in mathematics and natural sciences, candidates must find the exact answer. Candidates can do some rough work and choose the answer they feel is most correct. If they cannot find the answer through calculations, they should reread the question and review all the options.
Importantly, candidates must understand exactly what the question is asking. Some questions require candidates to do rough work, calculations, and reasoning to arrive at the correct or most appropriate answer, while other questions with easily identifiable answers require quick response.
For easy questions, candidates should finish quickly to save time for the more difficult ones. After completing the easy questions, candidates should go back and check the difficult ones before moving on to the next section.
When faced with a difficult question, candidates should use their logical thinking to eliminate incorrect answers. They should compare their chosen answers with the remaining options and identify the differences. These differences may suggest the correct answer. Candidates should eliminate as many incorrect answers as possible, then choose the correct answer based on the connections between the answers and the question.
According to him, what should candidates prepare for the National Competency Assessment Exam?- First, candidates should take a sample test to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and areas of knowledge gaps that need reviewing and improvement. The Examination Center - Vietnam National University, Hanoi organizes multiple test sessions throughout the year, so candidates can choose their test date and time slot.
www.khaothi.vnu.edu.vn(from April 1, 2021). After completing the registration steps, students take the sample test, allocating their time appropriately for each section.
Before the exam day, take care of your health, review the areas of specialized knowledge you haven't done well on from sample exam papers, and double-check the exam location, date, and time on your personal account.
www.khaothi.vnu.edu.vnAlternatively, check your email inbox for any new notifications (if any) from the Examination Center - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
