Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 3...

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

The academic landscape of 2026 is poised to witness a seismic shift as the "Golden Rat" cohort, born in 2008, confronts the National High School Graduation Examination. [I] This pivotal event marks the inaugural assessment under the 2018 General Education Program, signalling a definitive departure from the antiquated rote-learning methodologies of the past. No longer will regurgitating textbook definitions suffice; instead, candidates must demonstrate a profound command of competency-based application. This transition has precipitated a palpable sense of apprehension among students and educators alike, who are navigating uncharted pedagogical waters.

The structural overhaul of the examination is perhaps the most daunting aspect of this educational reform. The tests are meticulously designed to evaluate critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than mere memory retention. [II] Questions now demand that examinees analyze data, interpret complex texts, and apply theoretical knowledge to pragmatic real-world scenarios. This radical departure aims to align national standards with international benchmarks, ensuring that graduates possess the requisite soft skills for a volatile global economy. Consequently, the classroom dynamic is being forced to evolve from passive listening to active inquiry.

Despite the noble intentions behind the reform, the immediate reality is one of turbulence and uncertainty for the pioneers of this new system. Many students feel they are serving as experimental subjects, burdened by a scarcity of reference materials and standardized practice tests. Teachers, too, are grappling with the imperative to recalibrate their instructional strategies overnight. The abrupt transition from a content-heavy curriculum to a capacity-building model has left many stakeholders feeling ill-equipped to handle the rigorous demands of the upcoming assessment. [III] This anxiety is compounded by the high stakes associated with university admissions, where a single misstep could alter a career trajectory.

However, educational experts contend that these teething troubles are a necessary price for modernization. By prioritizing the ability to process information over the accumulation of static facts, the system fosters a more resilient and adaptable workforce. [IV] While the initial shock is unavoidable, it serves as a catalyst for a long-overdue metamorphosis in the nation's educational philosophy. Ultimately, the success of the 2008 generation will be measured not just by scores, but by their agility in navigating a complex, knowledge-driven future.

(Adapted from Vietnam News)

Question 31. According to paragraph 1, the 2026 examination differs from previous ones because it ______.

A. requires students to memorize definitions from textbooks accurately

B. focuses on assessing competency rather than rote memorization

C. allows educators to continue using traditional teaching methodologies

D. serves as a final review of the 2006 General Education Program