Vocabulary in Context
Events in the Passage
Character Thoughts & Feelings
Making Inferences
Theme & Message
100

What does “condemn” mean in the passage?

(disapprove of / praise)

100

Where was the meeting held?

(auditorium)

100

How does Ji-li feel when she’s first chosen?

(Surprised)

100

Why does Teacher Zhang bring up Ji-li’s speech contests?

(To remind her she’s capable)

100

What is one main theme in this passage?  

(Courage / Overcoming fear)

200

In the story, “formal meeting” means what?

(official or casual?)

200

Who was giving the speech at the start?

(Chairman Jin)

200

Why is she nervous about accepting the position?

(Her family background)

200

What does it show when he calls her an “educable child”?

(He believes she can grow and improve to support the Communist Party).

200

What lesson does Teacher Zhang teach Ji-li?

(You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your future)

300

What does the word “sincerity” suggest about Teacher Zhang?

(He is honest / He is trustworthy)

300

Why does Ji-li leave the auditorium during Chang Hong’s speech?

(She feels uncomfortable and wants to see Teacher Zhang)

300

What does it mean when she says she was “afraid I would cry”?

(She was emotional and trying to be brave)

300

Why does Ji-li imagine people sneering at her?

 (She’s insecure about her family background)

300

What message does the author want readers to learn?  

(Bravery means doing hard things even when you’re scared)

400

What does “steadily” improving mean?

(slowly and evenly / quickly and suddenly)

400

What assignment is Ji-li asked to take on?

(Guide for the Class Education Exhibition)

400

How does Teacher Zhang make her feel?

(Trusted / Encouraged)

400

What does Ji-li’s hesitation reveal about her values?

(She wants to be honorable but is afraid)

400

How does Ji-li change from the beginning to the end?

(From doubtful to determined)

500

What does “piercing eyes” suggest about how Teacher Zhang was looking at Ji-li?

(kind and understanding / sharply and deeply)

500

What event causes Ji-li to finally say “I’ll do it”?

(Teacher Zhang’s encouraging words)

500

What does Ji-li think about herself by the end?

(She was hesitant, but decided she can be brave and overcome difficulties)  

500

Why does Teacher Zhang NOT answer her question about her file?

(He wants her to focus on her future, not her past)

500

What does the passage teach about identity?

(Your past doesn’t define your future)