What was the Ming era "eight-legged essay"?Group of answer choicesA genre of fantasy literature popular during the Ming eraThe essays one had to write to pass the Ming era imperial examinationA form of puppet show popular during this periodA genre of literary satire making fun of Confucian classicsA genre of poetry influenced by Daoist nature imagery

Which of the following categories of popular literature emerged in Ming China long before it made its appearance in the west?Group of answer choicesPuppet ShowsShadow playsNovelsDetective storiesBallads

When did the Ming dynasty rule?Group of answer choices1368-16441698-19001770-19201450-16001800-1911

Which of the following statements about the Ming Emperor Hongwu is NOT correct?Group of answer choicesHe came from a peasant backgroundHe was notorious for his extravagant habitsHe was given to violent fits of temper and initiated the practice of public beating of government officialsHe was an able administrator and a very hard workerHe was a great patron of literature, art, and painting.

Under Song emperors, the idea of scholar-officials reached its height. The Song relied on civil service exams and made them available to far more candidates, creating a meritocracy.A new school of thought known as neo-Confucianism influenced the exams. This new teaching blended the teachings of Confucius with elements of Buddhism and Daoism (two traditional religions in China).A Confucian scholar, Zhu Xi (JU SHEE), commented on classic Chinese writings. In 1190, his work was published as the Four Books, which became the basis of study for all civil service exams.Confucius taught that people must act properly in five important relationships: ruler and subject, father and son, older sibling and younger sibling, husband and wife, and friend and friend. Except for friends, one person in each relationship is above the other. Those above should be kind to those below, while those below should respect and obey those above. In particular, subjects must be loyal to their rulers. Song emperors and scholars believed that officials who had studied Confucius would be rational, moral, and able to maintain order.Under the Song, people from lower classes gained the ability to become scholar-officials since they could attend the new state-supported schools and continue on to the university. If they passed a local test, they became eligible to take the imperial exam in the capital. On those exams, they wrote essays and poems in a certain style and answered questions about political and social problems based on Confucian ideas.The exams were organized to prevent cheating. Candidates were locked in a small room for several days. A second person copied each paper so that the examiners would not know whose work they were reading.Only a small proportion of candidates passed the difficult exams. Those who failed could take the tests again in the future. Those who passed had to wait a few years before their first appointment. When it came, it was for a job far from their hometown, so that they could not give unfair advantages to their family and friends. At the end of three years, officials could move up in rank.Despite the challenges, people were happy to receive such respected positions. As government officials, they also enjoyed certain privileges, such as being excused from taxes and military service.

Zhang Xiaogang's "Bloodline Series" is about memory, history, and identity in contemporary China, with his paintings featuring enigmatic portraits and blurred faces. His distinct artistic style and exploration of complex themes have earned him widespread recognition and ______ serve as poignant reflections of the multifaceted layers of personal and collective experiences within the context of Chinese society.20 Mark For Review20Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?A) acclaim and his worksB) acclaim, his worksC) acclaim: his worksD) acclaim; and his works