The exam paper designed by Zheng Jian, a biology teacher of Chengdu No 20 Middle School. With funny emoticons on it, the test paper has been widely welcomed by the students. [Photo from web]

Emoticons are a modern and popular form of expression. In Sichuan Province, a high school teacher has creatively put them to use in school tests, reports e.chengdu.cn.

Zheng Jian, a 34-year-old biology teacher in Chengdu No. 20 Middle School, created a cartoon figure named "Xiao Wang"- a single college boy with funny facial expressions.

The teacher then designed questions using Xiao Wang emoticons and printed them on the test paper.

The idea has been widely welcomed by the students. Some even posted photos of the exam paper online.

"I always feel nervous about pop quizzes. But the emoticons on this test paper look very funny, which make me relax," said one of Zheng's students.

According to Zheng, it took him a whole day to design and prepare a test paper with cartoon pictures. However, he hopes it can help relieve tension and stress among his students.

"Students in senior grades in high school are facing higher pressure and intensive learning tasks, which have worn them out. I hope my little idea can make them relax, and help deepen their knowledge of biology."

The teacher said he is planning to design more emoticons for his students in the future tests.