Vocabulary in Context
What does “condemn” mean in the passage?
(disapprove of / praise)
Where was the meeting held?
(auditorium)
How does Ji-li feel when she’s first chosen?
(Surprised)
Why does Teacher Zhang bring up Ji-li’s speech contests?
(To remind her she’s capable)
What is one main theme in this passage?
(Courage / Overcoming fear)
In the story, “formal meeting” means what?
(official or casual?)
Who was giving the speech at the start?
(Chairman Jin)
Why is she nervous about accepting the position?
(Her family background)
What does it show when he calls her an “educable child”?
(He believes she can grow and improve to support the Communist Party).
What lesson does Teacher Zhang teach Ji-li?
(You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your future)
What does the word “sincerity” suggest about Teacher Zhang?
(He is honest / He is trustworthy)
Why does Ji-li leave the auditorium during Chang Hong’s speech?
(She feels uncomfortable and wants to see Teacher Zhang)
What does it mean when she says she was “afraid I would cry”?
(She was emotional and trying to be brave)
Why does Ji-li imagine people sneering at her?
(She’s insecure about her family background)
What message does the author want readers to learn?
(Bravery means doing hard things even when you’re scared)
What does “steadily” improving mean?
(slowly and evenly / quickly and suddenly)
What assignment is Ji-li asked to take on?
(Guide for the Class Education Exhibition)
How does Teacher Zhang make her feel?
(Trusted / Encouraged)
What does Ji-li’s hesitation reveal about her values?
(She wants to be honorable but is afraid)
How does Ji-li change from the beginning to the end?
(From doubtful to determined)
What does “piercing eyes” suggest about how Teacher Zhang was looking at Ji-li?
(kind and understanding / sharply and deeply)
What event causes Ji-li to finally say “I’ll do it”?
(Teacher Zhang’s encouraging words)
What does Ji-li think about herself by the end?
(She was hesitant, but decided she can be brave and overcome difficulties)
Why does Teacher Zhang NOT answer her question about her file?
(He wants her to focus on her future, not her past)
What does the passage teach about identity?
(Your past doesn’t define your future)