---
title: "Mechanical and Recoverable Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "\"Mechanical and recoverable\" describes a grading principle in China's Shenlun exam where answers match pre-set key points, crucial for civil-service candidates."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/mechanical-and-recoverable"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- "Mechanical and recoverable" is a scoring principle in China's申论 (Shenlun) exam whereby answers are graded by matching candidate text against fixed, pre-set key points (采分点) rather than by holistic impression.
- Does the 'mechanical and recoverable' principle apply to the Shenlun essay (大作文)?
- What is a 采分点 and why does it matter?
- What practical answering technique does this principle imply?
- Why is the answer described as 'recoverable'?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

"Mechanical and recoverable" is a scoring principle in China's申论 (Shenlun) exam whereby answers are graded by matching candidate text against fixed, pre-set key points (采分点) rather than by holistic impression.

Go beyond the definition

## Research mechanical and recoverable like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about mechanical and recoverable

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on mechanical and recoverable](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20mechanical%20and%20recoverable%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In the 2023 国考 (副省级) Shenlun paper, candidates summarising problems in a rural-revitalisation passage earned marks only by recovering pre-set采分点 — specific issues named in the materials — confirming the mechanical-and-recoverable grading model.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

[Application Essay Formats And Genres](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/china-shenlun-writing-application-essay-formats-and-genres)

Courses

[China Shenlun Writing](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/china-shenlun-writing)

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take mechanical and recoverable beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.