Characters
Who encourages Ji-li to accept the exhibition assignment?
Teacher Zhang
Where does Ji-li first hear about the exhibition?
At a meeting in the school auditorium.
What does “comrades” mean?
Fellow members or friends
What personal struggle does Ji-li face?
Balancing her family background with her own potential
Who says: “Every student here today was handpicked for both academic and political excellence”?
Chairman Jin
Who announces the Class Education Exhibition?
Chairman Jin
Why does Ji-li try to refuse the exhibition role?
She is afraid of being judged because of her family background.
What does “condemn” mean?
To disapprove of
What characteristics are shown when Ji-li tries to overcome her fear?
Courage and perseverance
Who says: “We cannot choose our families… but we can choose our own futures”?
Teacher Zhang
Which classmate appears on stage at the meeting?
Chang Hong
What assignment is Ji-li chosen for?
To be a guide at the Class Education Exhibition
What does “sneers” mean?
Disrespectful looks
Why does the Cultural Revolution affect Ji-li’s opportunities?
Her family background labels her as untrustworthy
Who thinks: “Political excellence? A black whelp criticizing landlords?”
Ji-li
Why does Ji-li believe her teachers know she shouldn’t have been chosen?
Because her grandfather was a landlord (bad family background)
How does Ji-li feel when Teacher Zhang first nominates her?
Nervous, doubtful, and afraid
What does “sincerity” mean?
Honesty
What does Teacher Zhang highlight by calling Ji-li an “educable child”, even though she has a bad political background?
People can rise above their circumstances
What does Ji-li mean when she says she felt “an older brother’s sincerity” in Teacher Zhang’s look?
He cared for her and trusted her abilities
What personal quality does Teacher Zhang recognize in Ji-li that makes him call her “educable”?
She has courage, self-esteem, and potential to overcome difficulties
What change happens in Ji-li by the end of the passage?
She becomes more confident and accepts the assignment
What does “piercing” mean (as in “piercing eyes”)?
Sharp and deep
How does the exhibition represent the larger goals of the Cultural Revolution?
It condemns the old society and encourages loyalty to the Party
When Ji-li says, “I was afraid I would cry if I said another word,” what does this reveal about how she is dealing with her emotions?
She was anxious but trying to be brave