How does the new GCSE system work? 英国“会考”：GSCE 新体系有何变化？
GCSE 是“General Certificate of Secondary Education 普通中等教育证书”的缩写形式，相当于英国学生的“初中毕业文凭”。从前，GCSE 测试的成绩从 A* 到 G 划分。自今年起，英格兰地区部分科目，包括英语（文学和语言）和数学，已采用9到1级的新数字评分制度，其中9级为“最优秀”。另有20门科目会在2018年采用新的评分体系，剩余科目也将于2019年陆续开始使用此评分标准。
This is the year when the reform set in train by Michael Gove start to affect England’s exam system. Changes which he promised would make the qualifications more ambitious with the intention of stretching the brightest pupils further.
In English language, English literature and maths, the GCSE content is now more demanding. For these subjects only, grades will go from a top 9 down to 1, instead of A* to G. A number 4 will count as a ‘standard pass’. Fewer teenagers will get the very top grade of 9.
In Wales, the A* to G system is being kept, although six GCSEs have been reformed. There are now two maths GCSEs: one aimed at numeracy needed for work or training, the other more advanced, abstract maths needed for some university courses.
词汇表 set in train 启动
qualifications 证书，文凭
intention 意图，目的
stretching 挑战某人的本领
demanding 要求高的，困难的
standard pass 及格
numeracy 计算能力
abstract 抽象的
测验 请听报道并回答下列问题。
1. What will a number 4 mean in the new GCSE grading system?
2. How is the new system affecting Wales?
3. True or false? In English literature, the GCSE content is now much easier.
4. Which word in the text means ‘areas of knowledge that you study at school, college or university’?
答案 1. What will a number 4 mean in the new GCSE grading system?
A number 4 will count as a ‘standard pass’ in the new exam system.
2. How is the new system affecting Wales?
In Wales, the A* to G system is being kept, although six GCSEs have been reformed.
3. True or false? In English literature, the GCSE content is now much easier.
False. In English literature, the GCSE content is now more demanding, which means it is harder.
4. Which word in the text means ‘areas of knowledge that you study at school, college or university’?
Subjects.