Wary parents

In addition to preparing to answer the gaokao questions, Feng said it is also vital to keep calm before the exam.

"My parents have become very cautious when they talk to me, to avoid any unnecessary disputes that could affect my mood," she said.

Her parents are among the numerous families and teachers caring for student emotions, as the gaokao candidates have trodden an uneasy path in recent months in coping with home isolation and tension due to the virus.

Since mid-February, when the resumption of school was postponed and studying at home began, teachers have been tasked with observing the exam pressure students face, along with any related mental problems.

Yao said, "By subtly observing behavior, such as the same question being asked repeatedly or one being asked that has just been answered by the teacher, we can spot signs that a student is experiencing emotional instability or is excessively nervous."

He said answering questions and giving students positive feedback plays an important role in relieving their anxiety.

Yao added that most teachers welcome students' questions through instant messaging apps－even late at night－a practice that has become more common this year due to the pandemic.

Feng, summing up her final year at high school, said the teachers have functioned as "pacemakers "for the students.

When there was a stressful atmosphere at the start of the academic year, "the teachers reminded us to slow down and keep a reasonable pace. When we became too relaxed, they inspired us to help boost our morale and make us fight to the end," she said.