What was Tao Ying's profession?

Correct Option: C. Solution: Tao Ying worked as a cook in the canteen of a factory.

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Learning Objectives

Analyze the use of similes and metaphors in literature.
Identify and explain the significance of figurative language in enhancing narrative.
Discuss the impact of parental influence on children's behavior and perceptions.
Evaluate the themes of ethics and morality as portrayed in character actions.
Examine the narrative techniques used to convey unity of thought in storytelling.
Reflect on the differences in perspectives between children and adults.

Detailed Notes

Notes on Literary Devices and Character Analysis

Figures of Speech

Simile: A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.
- Example: "ballooning up like a tent behind her"
- Comparison: Jacket vs. tent
- Example: "The white of the wall looks like a virgin canvas"
- Comparison: Wall vs. canvas
Metaphor: An implicit comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.
- Example: "melt the ice in her son's eyes"
- Comparison: Coldness in son's eyes vs. ice

Character Analysis: Tao Ying

Role: A mother striving to be an ideal parent.
Characteristics:
- Careful with money, yet generous with her child's diet.
- Struggles with the pressures of parenting and societal expectations.
- Exhibits love and tenderness in her actions, such as how she eats watermelon in front of her son.
Conflict: Balances her desire to be a good mother with the realities of her life as a blue-collar worker.

Themes

Parenting: The challenges and expectations of being a mother in a modern society.
Societal Norms: The arbitrary nature of rules and how they affect personal decisions.
Childhood Innocence: The difference in perception between children and adults, as seen through Xiao Ye's actions and thoughts.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

He refused and expressed distrust.

He was excited and cooperative.

He was indifferent.

He was scared and cried.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Xiao Ye refused to be measured and expressed distrust, thinking his mother was trying to avoid buying him a ticket.

He questions why they can't claim back bus tickets during a private outing.

He insists on visiting the temple despite Tao Ying's reluctance.

He helps Tao Ying with her work in the canteen.

He refuses to eat watermelon because he dislikes the taste.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Xiao Ye's question about claiming back bus tickets during a private outing shows his observant nature.

It marked the entrance to the temple.

It was a height requirement for children to enter without a ticket.

It was a decoration.

It indicated the direction of the temple.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The red line on the wall marked the height requirement for children to enter the temple without a ticket.

She believed it was the right thing to do.

She received a gift ticket from Lao Chiang.

Children under 110 cm needed a ticket.

She wanted to teach her son about honesty.

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Tao Ying wanted to set a good example for her son by being honest and buying tickets for both of them.

Children under 110 cm do not need a ticket.

She received a free ticket from Lao Chiang.

The temple officials insisted on it.

She wanted to set a good example for Xiao Ye.

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Tao Ying wanted to set a good example for her son by following the rules and buying a ticket for him.

She wrote a letter to the temple administrators.

She paid for another ticket.

She argued with the temple guard.

She decided not to visit the temple again.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying decided to write a letter to the administrators at the temple.

She wanted to save money for her son's education.

She and her husband were blue-collar workers, and any saving would help.

She was saving for a vacation.

She was planning to buy a new house.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying was careful with her spending because both she and her husband were blue-collar workers, and any saving would have been a help.

To request a refund for the tickets.

To complain about the guard's behavior.

To clarify her son's height and address the misunderstanding.

To ask for a job at the temple.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Tao Ying decided to write a letter to clarify her son's height and address the misunderstanding with the temple administrators.

She forgot to keep the tickets.

She wanted to set a good example for her son.

The tickets were not valid for reimbursement.

She was not aware of the reimbursement policy.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying did not claim back the tickets because she wanted to set a good example for her son.

The subjective nature of truth.

The importance of physical fitness.

The inevitability of aging.

The kindness of strangers.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The old lady's scales, which make people seem lighter and taller, metaphorically represent the subjective nature of truth and how perceptions can be manipulated.

By setting a good example herself.

By reading him stories about good behavior.

By punishing him when he misbehaved.

By enrolling him in a behavior class.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying realized that children are the best imitators, so she concentrated on setting a good example for her son.

Her pride and self-respect.

Her financial independence.

Her belief in karma.

Her distrust of authority.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying's refusal to accept compensation from the temple officials indicates her pride and self-respect, as she values her dignity over material compensation.

She believed the bus would run regardless of her buying a ticket.

She forgot to buy a ticket.

She didn't have enough money.

She was in a hurry.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying often did not buy a ticket because she thought the bus would operate with or without her ticket.

It was a popular magazine among the common people.

It contained speculation about the Middle East war.

It was called 'Big Reference' because of its large size.

It was a collection of local recipes.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 'Big Reference' contained speculation about the war in the Middle East, which was of interest to Tao Ying.

They symbolize the arbitrary nature of societal standards.

They represent the technological advancements in measuring devices.

They are a metaphor for the accuracy of Tao Ying's financial calculations.

They highlight the importance of physical fitness in Tao Ying's life.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The scales symbolize the arbitrary nature of societal standards, as they are adjusted to make people seem taller and lighter.

She always buys a ticket regardless of the conductor's demeanor.

She buys a ticket only when the conductor seems responsible.

She never buys a ticket as she believes the bus would operate without her.

She buys a ticket only when traveling with her son.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying assesses the conductor's demeanor and decides whether to buy a ticket based on their perceived responsibility.

They made people seem taller and lighter.

They showed incorrect time.

They played music.

They were broken.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The old lady's scales were adjusted to make people seem taller and lighter, which puzzled Tao Ying.

She was nervous and worried.

She was calm and composed.

She was angry and confrontational.

She was indifferent and uninterested.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying was nervous and somewhat depressed when the officials came to measure Xiao Ye's height.

Metaphor

Simile

Personification

Hyperbole

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The phrase 'ballooning up like a tent behind her' is a simile, as it uses 'like' to compare the jacket to a tent.

To demand a public apology.

To ensure her son understands she did nothing wrong.

To request a refund for the tickets.

To complain about the temple's facilities.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying writes the letter to ensure her son understands that she did nothing wrong.

By reading him moral stories every night.

By being a perfect example herself.

By sending him to a strict school.

By hiring a tutor to teach him manners.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying realized that if she wanted her son to behave well, she must concentrate and never fail in her own example.

They are always strictly adhered to without exception.

They are arbitrary and can be manipulated based on the situation.

They are designed to be fair and just.

They are universally accepted and respected.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The interaction shows that official rules are often arbitrary and can be manipulated, as seen when the guard insists on a rule that Tao Ying challenges.

She is lenient and allows her son to make his own decisions.

She is strict and enforces rules without exception.

She strives to set a perfect example for her son by adhering to ethical standards.

She is indifferent to her son's actions and focuses on her own life.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Tao Ying is determined to be an ideal mother, setting a perfect example for her son by following ethical standards.

She read many books on parenting.

She set a personal example for him to follow.

She enrolled him in etiquette classes.

She constantly corrected his behavior.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying realized that she needed to set a personal example for Xiao Ye to follow if she wanted him to behave as if he were from a cultured home.

To request a refund for the tickets.

To express her admiration for the temple.

To seek justice for the incident involving her son.

To apply for a job at the temple.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Tao Ying writes a letter to the temple administrators to seek justice for the incident where her son was wrongly measured and denied entry.

They accurately measure height and weight.

They are used to deceive people by making them seem taller and lighter.

They are a family heirloom.

They are used to weigh goods in the market.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The old lady's scales are described as flattering scales that make people seem taller and lighter, highlighting the theme of deception.

She was grateful and accepted it.

She was indifferent and ignored it.

She refused it because the incident left unhappy memories.

She negotiated for more compensation.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Tao Ying refused the compensation because the incident at the temple left unhappy memories for her and her son.

Her desire to uphold her dignity and principles.

Her belief that the compensation is insufficient.

Her fear of repercussions from accepting the compensation.

Her wish to avoid further confrontation with the officials.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying refuses the compensation as she values her dignity and principles over monetary compensation.

She felt the happiness of that day could not be bought.

She wanted more money than what was offered.

She was afraid of the officials.

She didn't understand the offer.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying refused the compensation because she believed that the happiness of that day could not be bought again.

She praised him for eating healthily.

She scolded him for gnawing at the melon.

She ignored his behavior.

She encouraged him to eat more.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying scolded her son for gnawing at the melon, showing her concern for setting a good example.

The guard accused Tao Ying of stealing.

The guard claimed her son was over the height limit and needed a ticket.

The guard refused to let them enter because they were late.

The guard did not believe Tao Ying's story about the ticket.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The conflict arose because the guard claimed her son was over the height limit and needed a ticket.

Because she was a believer and wanted to pray.

Because the ticket was a gift from Lao Chiang.

Because she wanted to support the temple financially.

Because Xiao Ye insisted on having a ticket.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying's ticket was a gift from Lao Chiang, who worked at the meat counter.

Metaphor

Simile

Personification

Hyperbole

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The phrase uses 'like' to compare the wall to a virgin canvas, which is a simile.

She refuses to buy a bus ticket when the conductor seems careless.

She insists on buying tickets for both herself and her son.

She accepts a free ticket from Lao Chiang.

She buys expensive food for her son despite her financial situation.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying's decision to not buy a bus ticket when the conductor appears careless demonstrates her carefulness with money, as she sees it as a small saving.

It highlights the futility of Tao Ying's efforts.

It demonstrates the power of authority.

It emphasizes the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.

It shows the innocence of childhood.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Xiao Ye's interaction with the temple officials emphasizes the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, as Tao Ying seeks validation for her actions and truth.

1.00 m

1.05 m

1.10 m

1.15 m

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The height threshold for needing a ticket was 1.10 meters.

She buys a ticket out of habit.

She does not buy a ticket, considering it a small punishment for the conductor.

She buys a ticket but later claims a refund.

She waits to see if the conductor asks for a ticket.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying chooses not to buy a ticket if the conductor appears casual and careless, as she considers it a small punishment for him.

She feels that the compensation is insufficient.

She wants an apology for the misunderstanding.

She associates the temple with unhappy memories and doesn't want to return.

She believes accepting compensation would be unethical.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Tao Ying refuses the compensation because she associates the temple with unhappy memories and does not wish to return.

She always buys him expensive gifts.

She tries to set a perfect example for him to follow.

She allows him to make his own decisions.

She frequently scolds him for minor mistakes.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying is depicted as trying to be the ideal mother by setting a perfect example for her son, which highlights her sense of parental responsibility.

Tao Ying's struggle to maintain her job.

The difficulty of setting a good example for her son.

The challenge of understanding complex rules.

The effort required to manage household expenses.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The phrase 'shooting down aeroplanes with a small gun' metaphorically represents the difficulty Tao Ying faces in setting a good example for her son, as it suggests an overwhelming and nearly impossible task.

She was a teacher.

She was a doctor.

She was a cook in a factory canteen.

She was a writer.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Tao Ying worked as a cook in the canteen of a factory.

She believes the happiness of that day cannot be bought back.

She wants a formal apology instead.

She is waiting for a larger compensation.

She plans to sue the temple.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying refuses the compensation because she feels that the happiness of that day cannot be bought back, indicating her emotional attachment to the incident.

She forgot to keep the tickets.

She wanted to set a good example for Xiao Ye.

The tickets were not valid for private outings.

She did not need the money.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying did not claim back the tickets to set a good example for her son, Xiao Ye.

It restores her faith in the system.

It proves her innocence to her son.

It allows her to visit the temple again.

It brings her financial compensation.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Tao Ying's final vindication is important because it proves her innocence to her son, ensuring that he understands she did nothing wrong.

Official rules are always fair and just.

Official rules are often arbitrary and inflexible.

Official rules are designed to protect the public.

Official rules are easy to understand and follow.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The story highlights the arbitrary nature of official rules, as seen in the height measurement incident at the temple.

She believes the happiness of that day cannot be bought.

She is afraid of the officials.

She wants to teach her son a lesson about honesty.

She plans to take legal action against the temple.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying refuses the compensation because she believes that the happiness of that day cannot be bought again.

She buys a ticket only when the bus conductor seems responsible.

She always buys the most expensive fruits for her son.

She refuses to accept compensation from temple officials.

She donates money to the temple despite her financial constraints.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Tao Ying's habit of buying a ticket only when the conductor seems responsible shows her carefulness in spending money.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying was determined to be the ideal mother and set a perfect example for her son.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying did not accept the compensation as she felt that the happiness from the day they were denied entry could not be regained.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying rationalized not buying a ticket by thinking that the bus would still run and require the same resources whether she paid or not.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Tao Ying was not a believer and did not intend to ask her son to kow-tow, as she considered it superstition.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying was determined to be the ideal mother and create a perfect example for her son to look up to.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Tao Ying refused the compensation offered by the temple officials because she associated the place with unhappy memories.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying refused the monetary compensation offered by the temple officials because she believed that day's happiness could never be bought again.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The old lady admitted her scales were not accurate and made people seem taller and lighter.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Tao Ying was not a believer and did not intend to ask her son to kow-tow at the temple, as she considered it superstition.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The old woman explained that her scales were adjusted to make people seem taller and lighter, which she referred to as 'fitness scales'.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The temple guard insisted that Xiao Ye was over 110 centimeters tall, which was the reason for the conflict over the ticket.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Xiao Ye accused his mother of not wanting to buy him a ticket because she believed he was not tall enough.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Writer critiqued Tao Ying's letter, suggesting it needed a stronger emotional appeal to stand out and touch the editor's heart.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Tao Ying was nervous and somewhat depressed when the temple officials visited her home.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Xiao Ye was measured to be under 110 centimeters, which was the height limit for free entry.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying did not always buy a ticket when she was alone, especially if the conductor seemed casual and careless.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Xiao Ye was not over the height limit of 110 cm for free entry, but the guard insisted otherwise.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying refused the compensation offered by the temple officials because she believed that day's happiness could not be bought.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying often did not buy a bus ticket when she was alone, considering it a small saving for herself.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying was careful with her spending, as indicated by her consideration of whether to buy a bus ticket and her refusal of compensation from temple officials.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Tao Ying was astonished at the power of the Buddha as a sarcastic remark, questioning how her son could grow several centimeters within minutes.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The text mentions that Tao Ying is careful with her purse but never skimps on her child's diet, ensuring he is healthy and clever.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying did not buy a ticket when the conductor seemed casual, as she believed the bus would still operate without her ticket.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The officials offered a five-dollar bill as compensation for the incident at the temple.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Xiao Ye was reluctant to be measured again, fearing it would show he was shorter and that his mother did not want to buy him a ticket.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Tao Ying refused the compensation offered by the temple officials because the day's happiness could never be bought again, and she wanted her son to understand that she had done nothing wrong.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The old woman admitted that her scales were adjusted to make people appear taller and lighter, as it was fashionable.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Xiao Ye was not over the height limit; Tao Ying insisted that he was less than 110 centimeters.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying was astute and would not buy a ticket if the conductor appeared to be casual and careless, considering it a small punishment for him and a little saving for herself.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Tao Ying decided to write a letter to the temple administrators after the incident with the height measurement.

One Centimetre

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Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Detailed Notes

Notes on Literary Devices and Character Analysis

Figures of Speech

Character Analysis: Tao Ying

Themes

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1.What was Xiao Ye's reaction when Tao Ying tried to measure his height at home?

Correct Answer: A

Q2.In the story, Tao Ying's son, Xiao Ye, is very observant. Which action of his demonstrates this trait?

Correct Answer: A

Q3.What was the significance of the red line on the wall at the temple?

Correct Answer: B

Q4.What was the reason Tao Ying decided to buy tickets for both herself and her son when visiting the temple?

Correct Answer: D

Q5.What was the reason Tao Ying decided to buy a ticket for her son Xiao Ye at the temple?

Correct Answer: D

Q6.How did Tao Ying try to resolve the issue with the temple officials?

Correct Answer: A

Q7.What was the main reason Tao Ying was careful with her spending?

Correct Answer: B

Q8.Why did Tao Ying decide to write a letter to the temple administrators?

Correct Answer: C

Q9.What was the reason Tao Ying did not claim back the bus tickets?

Correct Answer: B

Q10.What does the old lady's scales metaphorically represent in the story?

Correct Answer: A

Q11.How did Tao Ying ensure her son Xiao Ye would behave well?

Correct Answer: A

Q12.What does Tao Ying's refusal to accept compensation from the temple officials indicate about her character?

Correct Answer: A

Q13.What was the reason Tao Ying did not buy a ticket when riding the bus alone?

Correct Answer: A

Q14.What was the significance of the 'Big Reference' that Lao Chiang showed to Tao Ying?

Correct Answer: B

Q15.What is the significance of the old lady's scales being 'fitness scales' in the story?

Correct Answer: A

Q16.In the narrative, Tao Ying is faced with a moral dilemma regarding bus tickets. Which of the following best describes her approach to this situation?

Correct Answer: B

Q17.What did the old lady's scales do that puzzled Tao Ying?

Correct Answer: A

Q18.How did Tao Ying react when the officials came to measure Xiao Ye's height?

Correct Answer: A

Q19.Which literary device is used in the phrase 'ballooning up like a tent behind her'?

Correct Answer: B

Q20.Tao Ying writes a letter to the temple administrators. What is her primary motivation for doing so?

Correct Answer: B

Q21.How did Tao Ying try to ensure her son followed a good example?

Correct Answer: B

Q22.In the story, what does the interaction between Tao Ying and the guard at the temple gate reveal about official rules?

Correct Answer: B

Q23.How does Tao Ying's approach to parenting influence her actions in the story?

Correct Answer: C

Q24.What did Tao Ying do to ensure her son Xiao Ye behaved as if he were from a cultured home?

Correct Answer: B

Q25.Why does Tao Ying decide to write a letter to the temple administrators?

Correct Answer: C

Q26.What is the significance of the old lady's scales in the story?

Correct Answer: B

Q27.How did Tao Ying feel about the officials' offer of compensation after the temple incident?

Correct Answer: C

Q28.Tao Ying's decision to refuse the compensation offered by the temple officials is primarily driven by:

Correct Answer: A

Q29.Why did Tao Ying refuse the compensation offered by the temple officials?

Correct Answer: A

Q30.What did Tao Ying do when she found her son eating a melon like she did?

Correct Answer: B

Q31.What was the conflict between Tao Ying and the temple guard?

Correct Answer: B

Q32.Why did Tao Ying decide to buy a ticket for the temple visit?

Correct Answer: B

Q33.Which literary device is used in the comparison 'the white of the wall looks like a virgin canvas and Xiao Ye a painting filling up the space'?

Correct Answer: B

Q34.In the story 'One Centimetre', Tao Ying is known to be very careful with her spending. Which of the following actions best illustrates this trait?

Correct Answer: A

Q35.In the narrative, what is the significance of Xiao Ye's interaction with the temple officials?