Question 1 · Multiple Choice
2 marksIn Paragraph 3 of Text 1, the author describes the demolished old wall as 'a scar left on the earth by time, still oozing the warmth of childhood games.' Which of the following best describes the author's sentiment expressed here?
- A.Extreme anxiety and resentment towards the unstoppable flow of time.
- B.Complete detachment and indifference towards the changes in the physical world.
- C.Deep attachment and sorrow for the loss of childhood footprints, combined with a comforting recollection of past warmth.
- D.Sharp satirical critique of the alienation caused by modern urban development.
Question 2 · Multiple Choice
2 marksIn Text 2, the old ferryman's words 'The water flows without rest, but the boatman's heart is like a mountain' (水流不息,而舟子之心如山) imply what philosophy of life?
- A.Only by remaining steadfast in one's moral principles can one resist external material temptations.
- B.Life is full of changes, but one should maintain inner stability and calmness to cope with external fluctuations.
- C.Active engagement in society is as transient as flowing water, while withdrawing into seclusion is as eternal as mountains.
- D.Confronting life's difficulties directly is futile; one must flow with the tide to survive.
Question 3 · Multiple Choice
2 marksText 2 uses the contrast between the 'mighty waves' (怒濤) and the 'steady boat' (平舟) to argue a point. What is the main rhetorical function of this contrast?
- A.To vividly depict the perilous natural environment of the river to create suspense.
- B.To mock those who blindly pursue fame and fortune in dangerous situations.
- C.To highlight the ferryman's superb sailing skills and extraordinary courage.
- D.To emphasize the contrast between external chaos and internal composure, strengthening the main philosophical theme.
Question 4 · Multiple Choice
2 marksComparing Text 1 and Text 2, both authors express an attitude towards 'the passage of time'. Which of the following statements is correct?
- A.Both authors feel deeply powerless and pessimistic about the relentless flow of time.
- B.The author of Text 1 seeks to preserve precious memories amidst change, while the author of Text 2 advocates adapting to nature and achieving spiritual transcendence.
- C.Both authors advocate that humans should actively control and reshape time to give life meaning.
- D.The author of Text 1 laments the loss of the physical environment, while the author of Text 2 regrets the decay of human moral standards over time.
Question 5 · Multiple Choice
2 marksIn Text 1 (Modern Chinese), the author mentions that 'the modern world has lost its shadow because it is illuminated by too many artificial suns.' What does this sentence imply?
- A.Technological advancement has completely eliminated natural hazards.
- B.Excessive pursuit of transparency and rationality leaves no room for mystery and soul-searching.
- C.Human beings have achieved absolute control over their living environment.
- D.The urban landscape is physically brighter and more beautiful than rural areas.
Question 6 · Multiple Choice
2 marksIn Text 2 (Classical Chinese), the text reads: '客有難之曰:『子不仕而隱,是獨善其身,非兼濟天下之法也。』' What is the grammatical function and meaning of '難' (nàn) in this context?
- A.Noun, meaning 'disaster' or 'adversity'.
- B.Verb used as a causative, meaning 'to make things difficult for someone'.
- C.Verb, meaning 'to question', 'to challenge' or 'to object to'.
- D.Adjective, meaning 'difficult' or 'hard to accomplish'.
Question 7 · Multiple Choice
2 marksBased on Text 2 (Classical Chinese), the host responds: '天下有道則見,無道則隱。今政治昏暗,仕者皆阿諛奉承,吾不忍同流合污。' This response aligns best with which classical philosophical concept?
- A.Confucius's concept of opportunistic action and moral integrity depending on the state of the world.
- B.Mencius's idea that humans are born with inherent goodness but corrupted by social status.
- C.Xunzi's assertion that continuous education and artificial reform are necessary to correct evil nature.
- D.Zhuangzi's absolute pursuit of spiritual transcendence and 'the usefulness of uselessness'.
Question 8 · Multiple Choice
2 marksText 1 states that 'silence in a bustling city is a form of self-possession,' while Text 2 states that 'living in seclusion is to preserve one's integrity.' Which of the following statements best synthesizes the core similarity between the two authors' life attitudes?
- A.Both advocate for complete physical isolation from society to avoid any human interaction.
- B.Both emphasize maintaining inner purity and independence amidst external pressure or chaos.
- C.Both believe that quiet environments automatically guarantee superior moral achievements.
- D.Both express deep regret for failing to adapt to mainstream social values.
Question 9 · Multiple Choice
2 marksIn Reading Text (1), what is the author's primary intention in describing the protagonist's action 'He then closed his doors to decline guests, spending his days entertaining himself with the zither and books' (遂閉門謝客,日以琴書自娛)?
- A.To show that he was depressed and demoralized due to setbacks in his official career.
- B.To demonstrate his indifference to fame and wealth, and his noble, lofty character.
- C.To explain his helpless attempt to escape from the fierce political struggles of the court.
- D.To imply his hidden strategy of retiring temporarily while waiting for the right moment to make a comeback.
Question 10 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksBased on the unseen classical passage (describing Han Dynasty Minister Bing Ji tolerating his carriage driver's mistakes to avoid disrupting state affairs) and Lin Xiangru's avoidance of Lian Po in 'Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru', analyze the similarities and differences in how both prioritized the state.
Question 11 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksIn the unseen modern prose 'Sunset on a Barren Hill', the author states: 'Looking at the boundless sky, I felt a oneness with nature and all my worldly worries vanished.' How is this mental state similar to Liu Zongyuan's feeling of 'with soul bound and body freed, blending unconsciously with the infinite' at Mount Xishan in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan'? Analyze with reference to both texts.
Question 12 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksThe unseen classical text mentions: 'Dripping water wears away stone, not by its strength, but by its persistent consistency.' Which learning principle in 'Encouragement to Learning' does this align with? How do both texts use metaphors to illustrate this principle? Analyze briefly.
Question 13 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksThe unseen classical passage describes a starving beggar refusing 'food handed out in contempt' (嗟來之食) even though he was dying of hunger. How does this behavior practice the principle: 'Wealth and high station are what men desire but, if they got them in an unprincipled way, they would not keep them' in 'On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman'? Explain with reference to both texts.
Question 14 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksRead the following modern Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'The rusted iron gate, braving the wind and rain, makes a heavy creaking sound; though it blocks the prosperity outside, it also locks the years inside.' How does the author use the image of the 'rusted iron gate' to symbolize the protagonist's psychological state? Analyze with reference to the text.
Question 15 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksRead the following classical Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'A gentleman receives emolument not without merit. Now I have offered not a single strategy, yet I receive a hundred gold pieces; this is selling my reputation, which I will not do.' State the reason why the scholar refuses the hundred gold pieces, and analyze what personality trait this reflects.
Question 16 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksRead the following classical Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'Climbing high and looking far, the universe is boundless, and my body is like a drifting leaf; yet my mind is bright and flows with heaven and earth, so what is there to worry?' Compare the 'spiritual realm' of the author when climbing high in this excerpt with the realm experienced by Liu Zongyuan at Mount Xishan in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan'.
Question 17 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksRead the following modern Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'The clamor of the market surges like a tide and recedes; he sits alone in the corner, a wisp of white smoke rising from his hot tea, blurring the hurried faces outside the window.' How does the author use 'contrast' to express the protagonist's state of mind? Analyze with reference to the text.
Question 18 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marksRead the following passage depicting Su Shi's state of mind during his banishment: 'All things have something worth observing. If there is something worth observing, there is joy to be found, not necessarily only in the strange, magnificent, or beautiful. ... Extending this attitude, wherever one goes, how can one not find joy?' (Su Shi, 'An Account of Chao Ran Terrace') Based on this passage, compare Su Shi's view with Liu Zongyuan's attitude toward wandering and sightseeing ('strolling slowly and wandering aimlessly') before his discovery of West Mountain in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan'. How do their attitudes toward exile and adversity differ? (3.5 marks)
Question 19 · Comparative Evaluation
4 marksIn Text 1, after the Lord of Xu passed away, Ji Zha still hung his precious sword on the tree by the Lord's grave, saying, "My heart had already promised it to him at the beginning; how could I betray my own heart just because he has died?" (「始吾心已許之,豈以死倍吾心哉!」) How does Ji Zha's behavior embody the qualities of a "gentleman" (君子) as discussed in "On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman"? Explain with reference to both texts.