In a move that has sparked concern among Vietnamese citizens, English will no longer be a compulsory subject in the national high school graduation exam in 2025. Many readers are expressing their disagreement with this decision, emphasizing the importance of English in a globalized world.
One reader, Phil, asserted that English is an international language that everyone should possess a basic understanding of, particularly considering that it is a requirement for university entrance and many professional fields. Vietnam’s poor language skills were also highlighted by minhnt581, who argued that removing English as a mandatory subject could have negative consequences in a global economy.
Hans van Goor questioned the government’s aspirations to upgrade Vietnam’s status to an advanced country and attract foreign direct investment in advanced technologies while devaluing the importance of English. Hans emphasized that the future belongs to the school kids, and they should have had a say in the matter.
Reflecting on the impact of making English learning compulsory, b.aret69 cited the example of Singapore, where the decision in 1960 had a transformative effect. The reader expressed disappointment at seeing Vietnam take a different path.
Another reader, ducthanhduong40, shared their personal experience as a recent high school graduate, emphasizing the necessity of English as an essential skill in satisfying knowledge demands. They highlighted the challenges faced by university students who have to interpret foreign language references, suggesting that without English proficiency, these students may struggle to grasp the essence of the matter.
blackoffi88 pointed out the contradiction of excluding English in a globalized world. By doing so, the reader argued, the government is setting up additional obstacles for students hoping to become international employees.
The decision to remove English as a compulsory subject in Vietnam’s high school graduation exam has generated significant criticism from readers who believe that language proficiency in a globalized world is crucial. Some have highlighted the importance of English in international communication, university admissions, and career opportunities. Singapore’s success story in making English learning mandatory has been cited as an example of the positive impact such a decision can have. As the debate rages on, concerns remain about the potential consequences of downplaying English in Vietnam’s education system.
