Over 1.2 million Vietnamese students nationwide commenced the 2026 high school graduation exam with the literature portion this morning, June 11th. Many students anticipated the essay topic would center around themes of youth and adolescence, having focused their preparation accordingly in the days leading up to the test. This pre-exam speculation suggests a perceived trend in exam content or a common focus in recent curriculum. The phenomenon raises questions about the predictability of exam questions and the effectiveness of current study methods. Educators are observing this trend and considering its implications for future exam design. The literature exam is the first of the national graduation tests, with further subjects to follow. This year’s exam is particularly significant as it assesses students’ preparedness for higher education or entry into the workforce.