Key Terms
What is another word for friends?
Comrades
What part of Ji-Li's life does she struggle with the most?
Her family background
Political Excellence?
Political Excellence means showing complete loyalty and support for the goals of the Chinese Communist Party during the Cultural Revolution.
Ji-Li feels she's not a good choice. Why?
Ji-Li doesn't feel good enough as a choice because of her family's background and political class. She worries that her grandfather's legacy/ history as landlord will make others question whether she deserves it.
The conversation between Mr. Zang and Ji-Li influences Ji-Li to
The relationship between Ji-Li and Mr. Zang is one of student and respected teacher. However it becomes strained and complicated because of the Cultural Revolution. However they are able to overcome it and he encourages her to do the right thing for her, not her family.
To condemn someone or something means
To express strong disapproval
She also struggles with
Her fear of being judged
What does it mean to be educable?
Capable of being taught or reformed through education.
List some of Ji-Li's feelings from paragraph 55
Why does Mr. Zang feel Ji-Li is an educable child?
A specific example is when Mr. Zhang encourages Ji-Li despite her family's political problems. He recognizes that she is intelligent and capable of growing as a student, showing that he values her character and potential rather than judging her solely by her family background. This demonstrates why he considers her "educable" and worth guiding.
What does stammered mean?
To speak with involuntary pauses and breaks.
What does Ji-Li desire
To be an "educable child"
The purpose of the Class Exhibition
Was created to teach students Communist ideas. It mainly pressures students to demonstrate their political obedience.
How does Ji-Li feel about being asked to join the exhibition?
She is initially excited about the opportunity of being nominated, however she is nervous, anxious because if she does the exhibition she is going against her family.
How does Zang convince Ji-Li to accept and participate in the Class Exhibition
Teacher Zhang nominates Ji-li to participate in the Class Education Exhibition. Ji-li tries to convince him to choose another student. He convinces her that she can face her challenges with bravery.
What is Mandarin
Standard Chinese culture and language
A conversation with who leads to Ji-Li changing her perspective?
Mr. Zang
What is Ji-li’s perspective on being asked to join the Class Education Exhibition?
She is surprised at being asked.
Ji-Li's opinions about herself changes throughout the story.
She starts off being very timid and anxious. However, with the support from Mr. Zang, her teacher, she becomes confident and feels proud about her decision to participate.
During her conversation with Teacher Zhang in paragraphs 53–54, Ji-li says that she “felt an older brother’s sincerity and trust in his look.” What does this statement tell you about Teacher Zhang?
Teacher Zhang encourages Ji-li to accept the assignment because he has faith in her abilities.
Sincerity. Mr. Zang showed so much sincerity with Ji-Li. What does that mean?
To be honest and genuine.
Who nominates Ji-Li for the Class Exhibition?
In paragraph 55, Ji-li states that “I was afraid I would cry if I said another word.” What does this statement reveal about Ji-li?
She is trying to be brave but is anxious about facing her family background.