Application and Consideration on Open-ended Problems in Mathematics Tests of Shanghai Senior Middle School Entrance Examination

After reviewing China's appearance and research on the Math open-ended problems, together with the application of those problems in mathematics test of Shanghai Senior Middle School Entrance Exams (SSMSEE) since 1999, this paper points out the difficulty in establishing an evaluation system for such problem. Through comparative study, the paper gives an operational definition of open-ended problem, and it attempts to establish an evaluation system and non-systematic competence targets that are appropriate to Math open-ended problems. Meanwhile, it describes the performance feature of those targets. By applying the standard international grading system of difficulty, it discusses the elements of difficulty in Math open-ended problems, and puts forward an evaluation as well as a level-of-difficulty forecasting system that is appropriate to the Middle School Entrance Exam.