Gaokao Exam Classical Chinese Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

In the sentence '青取之于蓝，而青于蓝' (from Xunzi), the two uses of '于' mean respectively:

Accepted Answer

'from' and 'than'

Answer

First '于' = 'from' (取之于蓝 = extracted from the indigo plant). Second '于' = 'than' (青于蓝 = bluer than the indigo plant). This sentence means 'Blue is extracted from the indigo plant, yet is bluer than it.'

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of '焉' (yān) at the end of a classical Chinese sentence?

Accepted Answer

It can serve as a sentence-final particle, a pronoun meaning 'there/therein,' or a locative adverb

Answer

'焉' is multifunctional: as a sentence-final modal particle (like 矣/也), as a pronoun/adverb meaning 'there' or 'therein,' combining the roles of a preposition phrase.

Question 3

The biographical record (列传, lièzhuàn) section of Sima Qian's Shiji (史记) is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Provided detailed accounts of individuals including commoners, rebels, and merchants — not just rulers

Answer

Sima Qian's 列传 innovatively included biographies of diverse figures — merchants, physicians, assassins, and foreign peoples — expanding the scope of Chinese historiography beyond noble and imperial subjects.

Question 4

In classical Chinese, the pattern '虽…然…' typically means:

Accepted Answer

Although… nevertheless…

Answer

'虽' (suī) means 'although/even though' and '然' (rán) here means 'but/nevertheless,' forming a concessive pattern: 'Although X, nevertheless Y.'

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the '序' (preface/introduction) in classical Chinese literary collections?

Accepted Answer

To explain the occasion, purpose, and significance of the work or event being commemorated

Answer

Classical '序' texts explain the background, purpose, and meaning of the associated work or event — e.g., Wang Xizhi's Preface to the Orchid Pavilion (兰亭集序) commemorates a gathering and reflects on life and death.

Gaokao Exam Practice Test

Gaokao Exam Practice Test

Gaokao Exam Classical Chinese Reading Comprehension 3