Ancient China Quiz

Which of the following statements best explains how the geography of China affected civilization?

• The Great Wall of China included roads at the top of the structure that connected all of the major cities in the civilization.

• Monsoons refilled the water supply in China’s major rivers each year and allowed the people to grow many crops.

• Natural barriers made it easier for the Chinese government to maintain control over its massive territory.

• Travel and communication were difficult between the regions of China and it was isolated from other civilizations.

Why is the Huang He called “China’s Sorrow”?

• It carries large amounts of loess as it flows.

• Rivers limit China’s contact with other civilizations.

• Its valley is a small amount of China’s land.

• It often floods and kills many people.

Why is the Shang Dynasty often considered to be the first dynasty of China?

• Yu the Great was the founder and greatest leader of China.

• There was written and archaeological evidence for this dynasty.

• They were the first to learn to farm.

• They were the first to tame the Yellow River.

How did Shang kings in ancient China receive messages to guide their actions?

• through cracks in oracle bones

• through scratches on slate

• through messages written in pictographs

• through dreams and visions

How was using the Mandate of Heaven dangerous to Zhou rulers?

• It replaced a system based on merit with a system based on heredity, which meant that the Zhou would not continue to rule.

• It required Zhou kings to perform religious ceremonies to please the gods, which did not guarantee they would keep the mandate.

• The people of China did not believe in the mandate, so it was a weak claim that led to civil war when farmers revolted.

• Zhou rulers easily could be blamed for events beyond their control, such as famine or flooding, and were replaced.

What happened at the end of the Zhou Dynasty?

• Several states fought civil wars with each other.

• The Qin invaded the Zhou because Wu Wang was a cruel ruler.

• Lady Fu Hao was named Queen.

• A man named Confucius took control.

Which of the following is a central belief in Confucianism?

• Individuals have a duty to honor and support others.

• People should free themselves of their desires.

• The Dao is a path or way to social order.

• The government has the duty to punish citizens.

Filial piety refers to which responsibility in ancient Chinese society?

• Aristocrats should divide land equally among male heirs.

• Farmers must give some of their crops to the landowner.

• Children in farming families had to work in the fields.

• People should respect and obey their parents and elders.

According to Daoism, what type of person is the most likely to find happiness?

• The person who is ambitious and tries to improve society

• The person who is flexible and willing to go with the flow

• The person who is a perfectionist and understands the meaning of life

• The person who is strict and needs to have control at all times

Qin Shi Huangdi ruled using which philosophy?

• Buddhism

• Confucianism

• Legalism

• Daoism