Over Half of Chemistry Exam Questions in Subject Proficiency Test Include Charts; Nobel Prize and Experimental Inquiry Questions Increase

(Central News Agency reporter Hsu Chih-wei, Taipei, July 13) The second session of the 115th academic year Subject Proficiency Test was held today, focusing on chemistry. The exam questions were diverse, with an increased number of items related to Nobel Prize in Chemistry research. Over half of the questions involved charts and graphs, testing students' abilities to analyze experimental data.

The first day of the 115th academic year Subject Proficiency Test took place today, with chemistry scheduled in the second session. The University Entrance Examination Center invited high school teachers to participate in the question review process, while the Ministry of Education engaged a group of Taipei city high school chemistry teachers to assist in analyzing the test content.

High school teachers involved in the review process noted that this year's exam covered diverse topics, including theoretical concepts and experimental procedures, as well as Nobel Prize in Chemistry research from 2016, 2022, and 2025. Inquiry-based practical topics were also included, such as the oxidation of ferrous ions and the measurement of lactase hydrolytic activity. The exam also incorporated principles of sustainable development and green chemistry, exemplified by an experiment on the recycling and reuse of rare earth elements.

Regarding exam characteristics, the reviewing teachers highlighted that out of 30 total questions, 14 figures and 5 tables were used, with over half of the questions related to charts and graphs, assessing students' ability to interpret and analyze data. The overall volume of text and distribution of difficulty levels were similar to previous years, with the exam judged to be of moderate difficulty.

Chiang Hui-yu, a teacher from Taipei First Girls High School, stated that questions related to Nobel Prize research increased this year, totaling approximately 6 to 7 questions covering topics such as molecular machines, metal-organic frameworks, and organic synthesis reactions, all closely tied to organic chemistry.

Chang Chun-wei, a teacher from National Taiwan Normal University Affiliated Senior High School, pointed out that there were numerous experimental inquiry questions this year, totaling 8 questions worth 24 points. Out of the 30 questions, 20 involved charts or graphs, requiring students to possess strong skills in analyzing experimental data and visual information.

Liu Hung-chi, a teacher from Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School, mentioned that although there were not many calculation questions, many question sets involved experimental inquiry topics unfamiliar to students from regular classroom experiences. Students had to understand the experimental context from the question stems and apply their knowledge to answer. There were fewer rote memorization questions, but more experimental questions than last year, with overall difficulty level similar to the previous year. (Edited by Kuan Chung-wei) 1150713