The imperial examination system, as an important political system in feudal society, is an important stage in the history of Chinese examination, which selected elite talents to become civil officials by way of examinations. It came into being because of the need of a unified centralized sovereign. It once played a positive historical role, but it changed with the development of the times and society, and gradually declined. It was terminated in the face of western industrial civilization in exchange for the accelerated modern transformation of Chinese society and education. Although the imperial examination system was abolished, the examination continues through system reform, content update and method changes. The rational elements of the imperial examination system include selecting officials through examination oriented towards cultural accomplishments; flexible and multiple examining subjects to enlist able men; open registration and extensive participation; fair competition in the same exam; stringent regulations and impartial grading. The eightlegged essay exam implemented in the Ming and Qing dynasties has become quite controversial in recent years in terms of its political function, content, form, testing function, and style of writing. The eightlegged essay was not a necessity for social life, but a dependency of the imperial examinations. If the imperial examination exists no more, where does the eightlegged essay attach to? In ancient times, the mixed judgment of the eightlegged essay was biased by interest, but contemporary people no longer have a direct stake in it, so it can be evaluated objectively. The eightlegged essay is a cultural phenomenon in history. A modern state cannot use it as a tool for thought control, nor do individuals need it as a skill to make a living. There is no more social condition for its thriving. Modern China is a pluralistic society. As a style of writing, the eightlegged essay can become a personal interest and hobby, but it no longer has universal value and cannot be widely advocated.