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.
Worked solution
Option C is correct. The 'scar' represents the pain of loss and physical destruction (sorrow/nostalgia), while the 'warmth of childhood games' represents the precious, comforting memories of youth. The author combines these two emotions to show a bittersweet reflection.
Marking scheme
2 marks for choosing C. 0 marks for all other options.
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.
Worked solution
Option B is correct. 'Water flows without rest' symbolizes the ever-changing external world, while 'the boatman's heart is like a mountain' symbolizes maintaining a calm, unshakeable inner state. This reflects the philosophy of keeping inner peace amidst external changes.
Marking scheme
2 marks for choosing B. 0 marks for all other options.
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.
Worked solution
Option D is correct. In classical essays, natural imagery (such as raging waves vs. a steady boat) is often used as a metaphor to contrast turbulent external circumstances with steady inner minds, which serves to deepen the central philosophical message of the essay.
Marking scheme
2 marks for choosing D. 0 marks for all other options.
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.
Worked solution
Option B is correct. Text 1 focuses on human emotional attachment to the past (nostalgia and preserving memory), while Text 2 presents a Daoist-like perspective of viewing change as a natural law and maintaining an unperturbed, transcendent mind.
Marking scheme
2 marks for choosing B. 0 marks for all other options.
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.
Worked solution
'Artificial suns' symbolize relentless modernization, technology, and absolute rationality, which leave no room for uncertainty. 'Lost its shadow' means modern humans have lost the quiet, mysterious, and introspective space (shadow) required for deep spiritual contemplation and individuality. Option B correctly interprets this symbolic meaning.
Marking scheme
Award 2 marks for selecting Option B. Award 0 marks for all other options.
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'.
Worked solution
In this sentence, '難' (nàn) is used as a verb meaning to challenge, question, or object to. The guest ('客') is raising an objection or questioning the host's choice of living in seclusion instead of serving in office. Thus, option C is correct.
Marking scheme
Award 2 marks for selecting Option C. Award 0 marks for all other options.
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'.
Worked solution
The host's quote '天下有道則見,無道則隱' (when the Way prevails in the world, show yourself; when it does not, hide) is a direct application of Confucian political ethics regarding when to serve in office and when to withdraw. Confucius advocates that a gentleman should serve when society is moral but protect his integrity by retreating when the state is corrupt. Option A is the most accurate.
Marking scheme
Award 2 marks for selecting Option A. Award 0 marks for all other options.
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.
Worked solution
Both authors address the tension between the individual and a noisy or corrupt environment. Text 1 explores psychological silence amidst urban chaos, while Text 2 focuses on moral seclusion from political corruption. The common core is maintaining inner purity and intellectual independence instead of conforming to external pressures. Hence, B is the correct answer.
Marking scheme
Award 2 marks for selecting Option B. Award 0 marks for all other options.
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.
Worked solution
The protagonist's choice to close his doors to visitors ('閉門謝客') and spend his days enjoying the zither and books ('日以琴書自娛') symbolizes a classic literati pursuit of spiritual purity and distance from mundane political/societal entanglements. It illustrates a noble character who is indifferent to worldly wealth and fame, rather than representing negative depression (A), mere political evasion (C), or a calculated political move (D).
Marking scheme
Award 2 marks for selecting the correct option B. No marks will be given for incorrect choices.
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.
Answer
Both prioritized the national interest over personal pride, but they faced different types of crises (external military threat vs. internal routine administrative governance).
Worked solution
Similarity: Both figures demonstrated the nobility of prioritizing the nation's overall interests, refusing to let personal ego or minor disputes compromise their public duties.
Differences:
1. Lin Xiangru's tolerance was a strategic response to a major external threat (Qin). He avoided Lian Po to prevent internal conflict that would invite immediate foreign invasion.
2. Bing Ji's tolerance was an act of daily magnanimity toward a subordinate's minor error. He chose not to dismiss the driver to maintain administrative focus and show benevolence, which represents administrative stability rather than a military crisis.
Marking scheme
- Similarities (1 mark): Correctly point out that both prioritize national/overall interest and ignore personal face.
- Differences (2.5 marks total):
- Explaining Lin Xiangru's context (1.25 marks): Mentions the threat of Qin and the danger of internal division.
- Explaining Bing Ji's context (1.25 marks): Mentions administrative wisdom, tolerating a subordinate's minor daily mistake to focus on major state affairs.
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.
Answer
Both experienced a transition from feeling oppressed by their immediate environment to achieving spiritual liberation and self-transcendence through blending with nature.
Worked solution
Both texts depict a profound psychological shift from 'captivity/worry' to 'spiritual liberation/forgetfulness of self'.
1. Initial state of anxiety/confinement: In the modern prose, the author is weighed down by tedious urban life and secular pressure. In 'First Excursion', Liu Zongyuan is tormented by the political exile, living in 'constant fear'.
2. Transcendence through nature: The modern author integrates with the vast sunset, letting go of worldly troubles. Liu Zongyuan, upon ascending Mount Xishan, beholds its exceptional loftiness, which releases him from his psychological shackles, allowing him to blend with the universe and achieve a state of spiritual freedom.
Marking scheme
- Pointing out the similarity in psychological shift (1 mark): From depression/anxiety to spiritual release and self-forgetfulness.
- Analysis of the modern prose (1.25 marks): Elaborates on how the author moves from urban pressure to oneness with the sunset.
- Analysis of 'First Excursion' (1.25 marks): Explains how Liu Zongyuan transitions from the anxiety of exile to the state of 'soul bound and body freed' upon seeing Mount Xishan.
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.
Answer
The corresponding principle is perseverance and accumulation in learning. Both texts use natural phenomena as metaphors to show that persistent, small efforts can yield monumental results.
Worked solution
1. Corresponding Principle: Perseverance / continuous accumulation (1 mark).
2. Metaphor Analysis:
- In 'Encouragement to Learning', Xunzi uses the metaphor of 'carving without giving up' ('if you carve and never give up, even metal and stone can be engraved') and 'accumulating soil to form a mountain' to argue that persistent accumulation leads to success.
- In the unseen text, the metaphor of 'dripping water wearing away stone' is used. It demonstrates that although water is exceptionally soft and weak, its consistent, unceasing action allows it to eventually penetrate hard stone, emphasizing that steady persistence overcomes any difficult obstacle.
Marking scheme
- Identify Principle (1 mark): Award 1 mark for identifying perseverance, consistency, or continuous accumulation.
- Analysis of 'Encouragement to Learning' metaphor (1.25 marks): Must cite or explain metaphors like 'carving gold and stone' or 'accumulating soil/water' to show accumulation.
- Analysis of the unseen text's metaphor (1.25 marks): Must explain how 'dripping water' represents weak but persistent effort overcoming hard stone.
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.
Answer
The gentleman refuses survival and sustenance if it is given in a disrespectful way that violates moral principles, choosing integrity over basic physical desires.
Worked solution
1. Principle explanation: 'On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman' states that while wealth and survival are natural human desires, a gentleman must not accept them if they are obtained through improper, unrighteous, or disrespectful means (1 mark).
2. Connection to the unseen text:
- Food is the basic requirement for survival, equivalent to 'what men desire'. However, receiving it as '嗟來之食' (food given with insults/contempt) violates the dignity and moral principles (the 'proper way') that a human being should uphold (1.25 marks).
- By choosing to starve rather than accept the disrespectful food, the beggar prioritizes integrity and moral path over physical survival, which perfectly demonstrates the commitment of 'not keeping' desired things if they are not obtained in an principled way (1.25 marks).
Marking scheme
- Explain the philosophical principle (1 mark): Clarify that a gentleman does not accept desirable things (like wealth or life) if they violate moral principles/righteousness.
- Contextualize '嗟來之食' (1.25 marks): Explain that food represents basic desires/survival, but being insulted makes the means unrighteous/improper.
- Connect behavior to the principle (1.25 marks): Explain that preferring death over dishonor exemplifies refusing to 'keep' things obtained through unrighteous means.
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.
Answer
The rusted iron gate symbolizes the protagonist's closed, conservative state of mind and reluctance to connect with the outside world. The rust and block represent a refusal of change, while the locked years symbolize dwelling on past memories.
Worked solution
The rusted iron gate symbolizes the protagonist's closed and conservative state of mind, representing a reluctance to engage with the external world. First, the 'rusted' texture and the act of 'blocking the prosperity outside' symbolize the protagonist's inner decay, stagnation, and active refusal of new external developments or changes. Second, the action of 'locking the years inside' symbolizes that the protagonist is self-confined, deeply immersed in past memories, and unable or unwilling to move forward in life.
Marking scheme
Award marks based on the following: 1. Clearly identifying the symbolic meaning (closed/conservative mind): 1.5 marks. 2. Explaining 'rusted' and 'blocking prosperity' (refusal of change/stagnation): 1 mark. 3. Explaining 'locking years inside' (clinging to the past/self-confinement): 1 mark.
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.
Answer
The scholar refuses the gold because he has made no contribution, and accepting it would mean selling his reputation. This reflects his high moral integrity and lack of covetousness for ill-gotten wealth.
Worked solution
The scholar refuses the gold because he firmly believes that a gentleman must not receive rewards without making contributions ('not without merit'). Since he has not offered any useful strategy, accepting such a large sum of money would be equivalent to selling his fame or reputation for unearned wealth. This reflects his personality trait of high moral integrity, self-discipline, and adherence to the principles of a gentleman. He values his moral reputation and righteous conduct far above material riches, showing that he is not easily tempted by wealth.
Marking scheme
Award marks based on the following: 1. State the reason (accepting without merit equals selling reputation): 1.5 marks. 2. Analyze the personality trait (integrity, self-discipline, valuing righteousness over wealth): 2 marks.
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'.
Answer
Both authors experience a sense of unity with nature. However, the unseen text author proactively finds inner clarity and worry-free peace despite recognizing human insignificance, while Liu Zongyuan achieves liberation and forgets his exile anxieties through complete fusion with the infinite universe.
Worked solution
Similarity: Both authors achieve a state of 'unity between self and nature' (物我合一) when looking out from a high point. The unseen author feels 'flowing with heaven and earth', while Liu Zongyuan experiences 'merging with the infinite changes of nature'. Difference: The author of the unseen text, while recognizing his physical insignificance ('like a drifting leaf'), proactively maintains an optimistic and clear state of mind ('mind is bright') to dispel all worries. In contrast, Liu Zongyuan, who was deeply depressed by his exile, achieves a spiritual breakthrough where his body and mind feel completely liberated ('mind concentrated and body released'), allowing him to forget his personal suffering and integrate entirely with the cosmos.
Marking scheme
Award marks based on the following: 1. Pointing out the similarity (unity with nature, with textual support from both): 1.5 marks. 2. Explaining the difference on the unseen author's side (maintaining inner clarity/rational optimism): 1 mark. 3. Explaining the difference on Liu Zongyuan's side (spiritual release from exile anxieties/forgetting self): 1 mark.
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.
Answer
The author contrasts the noisy environment with the quiet corner to show peace, and contrasts the hurried passersby with the slow, tea-drinking protagonist to show a leisurely, detached, and independent mind.
Worked solution
The author uses two layers of contrast to express the protagonist's calm and detached state of mind. First, environmental contrast (noise vs. quiet): The noisy 'clamor of the market' is contrasted with the protagonist 'sitting alone in the corner', highlighting his inner tranquility and ability to remain peaceful amidst surrounding chaos. Second, behavioral contrast (busyness vs. leisure): The 'hurried faces' of passersby outside represent the frantic pace of worldly life, which contrasts with the protagonist slowly enjoying a cup of hot tea with 'rising white smoke'. This contrast emphasizes his independent, leisurely, and objective stance as an observer who refuses to be swept away by the fast-paced world.
Marking scheme
Award marks based on the following: 1. Identifying and explaining environmental contrast (market noise vs. quiet corner) and its effect (showing inner peace): 1.5 marks. 2. Identifying and explaining behavioral contrast (hurried people vs. leisure tea-drinking) and its effect (showing detachment/independence): 2 marks.
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)
Answer
Traditional Chinese: 蘇軾抱持超然隨緣、隨遇而安的積極態度,認為世間萬物皆有可觀、可樂之處,在貶謫逆境中能主動調整心態、自我排解;而柳宗元在發現西山前則顯得憂懼與消極,其遊山玩水只是排遣鬱悶與恐懼的麻醉手段,內心並未真正放下。 English: Su Shi maintains a transcendent and adaptable attitude, believing that everything in the world has something worth observing and enjoying, allowing him to actively adjust his mindset and find joy anywhere during exile. In contrast, before discovering West Mountain, Liu Zongyuan's mind is filled with fear and passivity; his wandering is merely a passive means to distract himself and numb his inner anxiety, without achieving true spiritual release.
Worked solution
Su Shi adopts an optimistic and transcendent attitude toward adversity. He argues that joy is not dependent on extraordinary external scenery but on one's internal perspective; hence, one can find happiness anywhere. On the contrary, Liu Zongyuan's travels before discovering West Mountain were a passive attempt to escape his constant fear ('constantly filled with dread') and political frustration. His mind remained trapped by his exile until he discovered West Mountain, whereas Su Shi's mindset is self-sustaining and independent of geographical or political circumstances.
Marking scheme
This question is worth a total of 3.5 marks: 3 marks for content and 0.5 marks for language expression. Content (3 marks): 1. Su Shi's attitude (1.5 marks): Point out that Su Shi adopts an adaptable and transcendent attitude, believing everything has joy to offer and that one can actively find comfort anywhere during exile without relying on magnificent scenery. 2. Liu Zongyuan's attitude (1.5 marks): Point out that before discovering West Mountain, Liu Zongyuan's mindset is fearful and passive ('constantly filled with dread'), and his wandering is merely an attempt to numb his senses and escape his political frustration rather than achieving genuine release. Language Expression (0.5 marks): 0.5 marks for clear, coherent, and well-structured comparison; 0 marks for disorganized presentation or incoherent expression.
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.
Answer
A gentleman prioritizes righteousness and values trustworthiness, acting out of internal moral standards rather than external pressure. Ji Zha's act of hanging his sword on the grave of the Lord of Xu, based on a purely unspoken internal promise, demonstrates this high self-discipline and commitment to moral integrity.
Worked solution
According to "On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman," a gentleman prioritizes righteousness over personal gain ("The gentleman understands what is righteous" / 「君子喻於義」) and values integrity ("A gentleman takes righteousness as his essential substance... and completes it with trustworthiness" / 「君子義以為質……信以成之」). Ji Zha's behavior is a profound manifestation of these virtues. He had never verbally promised the sword to the Lord of Xu, and with the Lord's passing, there was no one to hold him to account. Yet, he insisted on hanging the sword on the grave because his "heart had already promised it." This shows that his moral actions were guided entirely by his internal sense of righteousness and self-discipline, rather than external rewards or public reputation, which perfectly exemplifies the moral autonomy and unwavering integrity of a gentleman.
Marking scheme
1 mark: Correctly identify the relevant quality of a gentleman from "On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman" (e.g., prioritizing righteousness over profit "君子喻於義", or acting with trustworthiness "信以成之").
1 mark: Analyze the context of Ji Zha's action, pointing out that there was no verbal promise, nor any external witness or pressure, making it a purely self-imposed commitment.
2 marks: Elaborate on how hanging the sword demonstrates the gentleman's internal moral autonomy and supreme trustworthiness—acting out of conscience and refusing to betray one's heart even when the other party is dead. (Maximum 4 marks. Award marks based on depth of analysis and clarity of connection between the two texts.)