1.
In the later years of the Zhou dynasty, what condition in China led to new philosophies?
Correct Answer
B. Disorder
Explanation
During the later years of the Zhou dynasty, China experienced a period of significant disorder and instability. This disorder created a sense of uncertainty and unrest among the people, which in turn led to the emergence of new philosophies. The existing political and social systems were seen as ineffective in addressing the issues at hand, prompting intellectuals and thinkers to develop alternative ideologies and philosophies to bring order and stability to the society.
2.
The Zhou dynasty came after which dynasty?
Correct Answer
D. Shang
Explanation
The correct answer is Shang. The Zhou dynasty succeeded the Shang dynasty. The Shang dynasty was the first recorded dynasty in ancient China and ruled from around 1600 BC to 1046 BC. The Zhou dynasty then overthrew the Shang dynasty and established their own rule, which lasted from 1046 BC to 256 BC.
3.
According to belief in the Mandate of Heaven, earthquakes and floods might be signs that...
Correct Answer
A. The king did not govern well
Explanation
According to the belief in the Mandate of Heaven, natural disasters like earthquakes and floods were often seen as signs that the king did not govern well. This belief system, which originated in ancient China, held that the ruler's legitimacy and right to rule were granted by the heavens. If the ruler failed to govern effectively and maintain harmony, it was believed that the heavens would withdraw their support, leading to calamities like earthquakes and floods. Thus, the occurrence of such natural disasters was interpreted as a reflection of the king's incompetence or misrule.
4.
Which group belongs in the shaded area of the diagram?
Correct Answer
A. Lords
Explanation
The shaded area in the diagram represents the highest social class or the ruling class. The term "lords" refers to individuals who hold power, authority, and wealth. They typically have control over land and resources, and often have a higher social status than soldiers, farmers, and servants. Therefore, the group that belongs in the shaded area of the diagram is "lords".
5.
What happened during the Warring States period?
Correct Answer
C. Six or seven large Chinese states fought for power
Explanation
During the Warring States period, six or seven large Chinese states fought for power. This period was characterized by intense warfare and political instability as these states vied for dominance and sought to expand their territories. The constant conflicts and power struggles among these states eventually led to the unification of China under the Qin dynasty.
6.
Which of these would Confucius have valued most highly?
Correct Answer
B. Respect
Explanation
Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, emphasized the importance of respect in his teachings. He believed that respect was the foundation of harmonious relationships and social order. Confucius valued respect as it encompassed virtues such as filial piety, loyalty, and benevolence. He believed that through respecting others, individuals can cultivate moral character and contribute to a harmonious society. Therefore, respect would be the value that Confucius would have valued most highly.
7.
Which phrase below best completes the following quotation?
"I am a follower of Confucius. I am the oldest of three children in
my family. My younger sister and brother have to obey me. In
return, I..."
Correct Answer
C. "must set a good example."
Explanation
In the given quotation, the speaker establishes that they are the oldest sibling and their younger sister and brother have to obey them. Therefore, it is expected that the speaker should fulfill their role as an older sibling and "set a good example" for their younger siblings to follow. This implies that the speaker has a responsibility to behave in a manner that is worthy of emulation, guiding their siblings in the right direction.
8.
Which later practice in China most shows the influence of Confucian thought?
Correct Answer
D. Exams for civil servants
Explanation
The correct answer is exams for civil servants. This practice demonstrates the influence of Confucian thought because Confucianism emphasized the importance of education and meritocracy. The civil service exams were based on Confucian teachings and were designed to select individuals for government positions based on their knowledge and moral character rather than their social status or connections. This system aimed to create a fair and efficient bureaucracy that would promote social harmony and stability, aligning with Confucian ideals of good governance and social order.
9.
If you were a laborer, what would Confucius say that you should do?
Correct Answer
B. Behave properly for your role
Explanation
Confucius would advise a laborer to behave properly for their role. Confucius emphasized the importance of each individual fulfilling their social responsibilities and duties. He believed that everyone should adhere to their roles and responsibilities in society, and this included laborers. By behaving properly for their role, laborers would contribute to the overall harmony and stability of society, which was a central principle in Confucian philosophy.
10.
Scholars disagree about the origins of Daoism. What is one point on which scholars agree?
Correct Answer
C. Daoism's book, the Dao De Jing, was written by many writers
Explanation
Scholars agree that Daoism's book, the Dao De Jing, was written by many writers.
11.
Daoists taught that people could gain happiness by...
Correct Answer
C. Living in harmony with nature
Explanation
Daoists taught that people could gain happiness by living in harmony with nature. Daoism emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe and finding balance in all aspects of life. By living in harmony with nature, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace, contentment, and happiness. Daoists believe that by observing and following the patterns of nature, one can achieve a state of tranquility and fulfillment. This involves embracing simplicity, letting go of desires, and appreciating the natural rhythms and cycles of the world.
12.
In a chart titled "Yin and Yang", pleasure would be paired with...
Correct Answer
A. Pain
Explanation
In the concept of Yin and Yang, pleasure is often seen as the opposite or counterpart of pain. Yin and Yang represent the dualistic nature of the universe, where one cannot exist without the other. Pleasure and pain are considered to be interdependent and interconnected, symbolizing the balance and harmony between positive and negative aspects of life. Therefore, pain is the most suitable pairing for pleasure in the chart titled "Yin and Yang".
13.
What is one way Daoism influenced China?
Correct Answer
D. It became a popular religion
Explanation
Daoism influenced China by becoming a popular religion. This means that it gained a significant following among the Chinese people and had a strong impact on their beliefs, practices, and cultural values. As a popular religion, Daoism would have influenced various aspects of Chinese society, including philosophy, spirituality, ethics, and rituals. It would have provided a framework for understanding the world and one's place in it, as well as offering guidance on how to live a harmonious and balanced life in accordance with the principles of Daoism.
14.
What was one Legalist view of human nature?
Correct Answer
A. People are basically selfish
Explanation
Legalism was a philosophical school of thought in ancient China that believed people are inherently selfish. According to Legalists, individuals are primarily driven by their own self-interest and seek personal gain. They argued that humans are naturally inclined to pursue their own desires and act in their own self-centered ways, often disregarding the needs and well-being of others. This view of human nature influenced Legalist policies, which emphasized strict laws, harsh punishments, and centralized control to maintain social order and ensure obedience from the population.
15.
Hanfeizi, whose teachings were the basis for Legalism, wrote that rulers should emphasize...
Correct Answer
D. Reward and punishment
Explanation
Hanfeizi, the philosopher behind Legalism, believed that rulers should prioritize reward and punishment. This means that they should establish a strict system of laws and regulations, rewarding those who obey them and punishing those who violate them. Hanfeizi argued that this approach would create a stable and orderly society, as individuals would be motivated to follow the rules in order to avoid punishment or gain rewards. By emphasizing reward and punishment, rulers can effectively maintain control and ensure compliance among their subjects.
16.
What did Hanfeizi say that rulers must do to avoid being overthrown?
Correct Answer
A. Exercise absolute power
Explanation
Hanfeizi believed that rulers must exercise absolute power in order to avoid being overthrown. This means that rulers should have complete control and authority over their subjects, making all decisions and enforcing them without question. By doing so, Hanfeizi believed that rulers could maintain order and stability in their society, preventing any potential threats to their rule. This approach is based on the idea that a strong and centralized government is necessary to maintain control and prevent rebellion.