Ancient China Review

Which sentence(s) best support(s) the topic sentence, “The Ancient Chinese adapted to their terrain”?

“ [1] Then 1,500 years later, villagers along the Huang He (Whon-chee) River (Yellow River) invented rice terrace farming (growing crops on steep hills). [2] The Yellow River is named for the yellow silt it carries during flood season, and is 3,430 miles long emptying into the Yellow Sea” (China Historical Snapshot 1).

• sentence [1] only

• sentence [2]

• Both sentences [1] & [2]

Which sentence from the primary source best supports the topic sentence, “Confucianism prescribes a way people should behave in relationships”?

[1] According to Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius,” At home, a young man should be a good son, when outside he should treat others like his brothers, his behaviour should be one of trustworthy and proper. [2] He [should] keep himself close to people of benevolence and morality. [3] If after all these activities, he has any energy to spare, he should read widely to stay cultivated” (Motivating Thoughts of Confucius 56 ).

• Sentence [1]

• Sentence [2]

• Sentence [3]

Which sentence best supports the topic sentence, “The Ancient Chinese were concerned with the accuracy of measurement to ensure fair trade”?

“[1] Shi Haungdi (Qin Dynasty Emperor) unified China by creating weight units, measurements, and a writing system to be used by everyone. [2] He improved trade by standardizing coins and the width of roads” (Ancient China Notes 2).

• Sentence [1]

• Sentence [2]

• Both sentences [1] and [2]

Which sentence best supports the topic sentence, “Buddha prescribed a way of how to achieve inner peace”?

“[1] Buddha and Buddhists around the world believe that people are reincarnated (re-born on earth) back to earth until they have reached inner peace. [2] According to Buddha, following an Eightfold Path by conducting a life of discipline, mindfulness and meditation. [3] Buddhists believe that nirvana is the highest state (where) a person’s individual desires and suffering go away” (Buddha Enlightened One 1).

• Sentence [1]

• Sentence [2]

• Sentence [3]

Which sentences best support the topic sentence, “War was necessary for the Zhou Dynasty to keep control of Ancient China”?

“[1] King Wu (of the Zhou Dynasty) defeated the Shang Dynasty in 1122 BC. [2] He was believed to have a “mandate from heaven” which gave leaders to order to rule China. [3] The last 200 years of the dynasty is referred to as the Warring Kingdoms Period, where fighting took place between nobles and the Zhou (king)” (Ancient China Notes 1).

• Sentence [1]

• Sentence [2]

• Sentence [3]

Which sentence above supports the topic sentence, “Feudalism of Ancient China was based on payment for services rendered between several social classes”?

“[1] (Zhou Dynasty) Kings provided land to nobles for military support. [2] Peasants paid nobles for land use and lived hard lives of farming and serving in Zhou armies. [3] The nobles in turn, helped protect the peasants from northern invaders and enemies” (Ancient China Notes 1).

• sentence [1] only

• sentence [2] & [3]

• sentence [3] only

Key Concept: Religion Skill: Interpreting Text

“In the beginning while China was still without unified leadership, the people worshiped many gods, Shangti was the main god. He presided over war, weather, good government, and agriculture. But he was so busy, the people practiced ancestor worship. They believed when people died they received divine powers to help the living” (Ancient China Historical Snapshot 5).

Based on the information in the passage, you can conclude that Ancient Chinese:

• Based their religious beliefs on events of everyday life.

• Prayed daily for good weather and good government.

• Thought that their leader should have divine powers to help the people thrive.

Key Concept: Government Skill: Interpreting Primary Source Text

“According to Lord Shang (338 BCE) in applying punishments, light offenses should be punished heavily; if light offenses do not appear, heavy offenses will not come. This is said to be abolishing penalties by means of penalties,and if penalties are abolished, affairs will succeed. If crimes are serious and penalties light...troubles will arise.This is said to be bringing about penalties by means of penalties, and such a state will surely be dismembered” (Sources of Chinese Tradition 197).

Based on primary source passage, you can conclude that Ancient Chinese:

• Believed punishment should fit the crime in order to ensure a unified state.

• Believed punishment should be weak on light offenses.

• Believed even minor crimes should be punished heavily.

Key Concept: Achievements Skill: Interpreting Text

According to the Ancient China Notes, “200 BC—China’s ‘Golden Age’, was filled with economic growth, success in war, and an increase in education, all benefiting the Han Empire. Artists flourished creating paintings, sculptures, and silk weavings. Han’s scientists also made the first seismograph, sundials, paper and water clocks” (2).

What could you predict from the excerpt?

• The population of China grew during the Golden Age.

• Very little of the art from Ancient China has survived.

• The Hans only ruled for a short time.

Key Concept: Government Skill: Interpreting Text

“Confucius was interested in changing the political climate of the Chou Dynasty in China. He believed that educated men should rule the ideal political society. Confucius wanted to teach morality along with education. Confucius developed his philosophy based on two older Chinese ideas: li (a person's place in society) and jen (a person's conscience). A person became mature once he was aware of these two aspects of himself” (Confucius Influences China 1).

What could you conclude from the excerpt?

• A. Confucius did not believe education was important.

• B. Confucius followers probably were only the wealthy.

• C. Both A and B are correct.

• D. Neither A nor B are correct.