Yunnan launches probe after errors found in history exam

The Yunnan Provincial Department of Education has established an investigation team to determine accountability after errors were found in the 2026 high school entrance exam history paper, according to a statement issued by the Yunnan Provincial Admissions and Examinations Authority on Sunday.

The background information for question 29 mistakenly stated that American inventor Thomas Edison was born in New York in 1882. The correct information is that he was born in Ohio in 1847. Moreover, the question also claimed that "Edison invented the light bulb, telephone, and movies, among over 1,000 other patented technologies", which is imprecise. A more accurate statement, it said, would be that Edison held over 1,000 patents across various fields and contributed significantly to the development of the light bulb, telephone, and movies.

Following a thorough evaluation by a panel of history experts, frontline teachers, and representatives from local examination authorities, it was concluded that the scoring criteria do not hinge on Edison's birth date and birthplace. However, students were expected to analyze how Edison's inventions have influenced societal production and everyday life, drawing on the key contributions highlighted in the background information.

The Yunnan Provincial Admissions and Examination Authority has set a standardized scoring guideline for question 29 to ensure that grading is conducted truthfully, objectively and fairly, with each result undergoing careful review.

The official in charge at the Yunnan Provincial Admissions and Examination Authority, along with the head of the Exam Setting Department and the secretary overseeing the history section of the entrance exam, have been suspended pending investigation. Additionally, the head and members of the exam-setting team are also facing strict accountability measures, according to the statement.