Examinees who use Internet slang or jargon in their essays in the college entrance exam might lose credits, according to the outline of the 2007 college entrance exam, which was published on Wednesday.

This year's exam will be easier than last year's, said West China Metropolitan Daily, citing some famous experts.

The outline also said difficult questions will only account for 30 percent of the total in this year's exam.

The English portion of the test will focus on students' reading and practical abilities.

China's college entrance exam once was one of the most competitive around the world. In the early 1980s, only one among 20 would be admitted by colleges or universities.

However, the country's central government has expanded the enrollment quotas since 1999, now one among every two examinees will be accepted into college.

(Shanghai Daily February 16, 2007)