The college entrance examination in the United States is generally considered harder than the simulation in Shanxi.

The college entrance examination in the U.S., commonly known as the SAT or ACT, is a standardized test that measures a student's readiness for college. It covers a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, reading, and writing, and is designed to assess critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The difficulty level of the SAT and ACT can vary significantly from year to year, and students often spend months preparing for these exams. The average score on the SAT is around 1050 out of 1600, while the average score on the ACT is around 21 out of 36. In contrast, the Shanxi simulation is a provincial-level exam that focuses on the curriculum taught in high schools in Shanxi province, China. It is designed to assess students' understanding of the material covered in their classes and is typically less challenging than the national college entrance examination.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the U.S. show that the average SAT score for the class of 2021 was 1050, with a standard deviation of 200. This indicates a wide range of scores, from 850 to 1250. In comparison, the average ACT score for the same class was 21, with a standard deviation of 5. This suggests that the SAT is more variable in difficulty and scoring, which could make it harder for students to achieve a high score. Additionally, the ACT is a content-based test, meaning that students must have a strong grasp of the material covered in their high school classes to perform well. The Shanxi simulation, on the other hand, is more focused on the curriculum and is less likely to include unexpected or difficult questions.

Furthermore, the college entrance examination in the U.S. places a significant emphasis on time management and test-taking strategies, which can be challenging for some students. The ACT, for example, has a strict time limit of 2 hours and 55 minutes for the entire test, including reading, mathematics, English, and an optional writing section. The SAT has a similar time limit of 3 hours and 45 minutes. In contrast, the Shanxi simulation is typically longer, with a duration of 4 hours or more, but the time pressure is less intense due to the focus on curriculum content rather than test-taking skills.

In conclusion, the college entrance examination in the United States, particularly the SAT or ACT, is generally considered harder than the simulation in Shanxi. This is due to the broader range of subjects covered, the emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the significant time pressure placed on students during the test.