Assessment and Review Material

ASIAN STUDIES
Ancient Chinese Civilizations Explanation: The emperor and his family occupied the highest
position on the social scale in ancient China. They were believed
1. In ancient China, social structure was considered: to be appointed by heaven and had significant power and
A. Unimportant authority.
B. Ever-changing
C. A key to a successful society 5. Who believed they were appointed by heaven in ancient
D. Irrelevant China?
A. The nobles and officials
Correct answer: C. A key to a successful society B. The peasants
C. The artisans
Explanation: Social structure played a significant role in ancient D. The emperor
China. The Chinese believed that strict social groups and
adherence to social position were crucial for maintaining order Correct answer: D. The emperor
and harmony in society.
Explanation: In ancient China, emperors believed that they were
2. Who reinforced the belief in strict social order and discipline in appointed by heaven and therefore did not need to obey
ancient China? humans. This belief reinforced their authority and justified their
A. Confucius rule.
B. The emperor
C. The nobles 6. What happened to the mother of the son chosen to succeed
D. The peasants the emperor?
A. She became a peasant
Correct answer: A. Confucius B. She became the empress
C. She became a noble
Explanation: Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, emphasized the D. She became a merchant
importance of strict social order and discipline for a successful
society. His teachings greatly influenced ancient Chinese society. Correct answer: B. She became the empress

3. How were men and women treated in ancient China?
A. Equally
B. Men were afforded more privileges than women
C. Women were afforded more privileges than men
D. Men and women had the same rights and responsibilities
Correct answer: B. Men were afforded more privileges than
women
Explanation: In ancient China, men held a higher social status
than women and enjoyed more privileges and opportunities.
Women were expected to fulfill traditional roles within the
household and were subordinate to men in society.
Explanation: Once the emperor chose the son he wanted to
succeed him, the mother of the son would become the empress.
This position granted her significant power and influence within
the imperial family.
7. What privileges did the nobles have in ancient China?
A. They were exempt from taxes
B. They owned land and collected taxes from peasants
C. They had the power to overrule the emperor
D. They received a higher education than others
Correct answer: B. They owned land and collected taxes from
peasants

4. In ancient China, who were the most respected members of Explanation: Nobles in ancient China often became landowners
society? and collected taxes from those who lived on their land. In return,
A. The emperor and his family they would receive privileges and some protection from the
B. The nobles and officials emperor.
C. The peasants
D. The merchants 8. How were officials arranged in ancient China?
A. By social class
Correct answer: A. The emperor and his family B. By age
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Assessment and Review Material

C. By rank D. Slavery did not exist in ancient China

D. By region
Correct answer: C. By rank
Explanation: Officials in ancient China were arranged in ranks
based on their position and level of authority. The two most
senior officials acted as advisers to the emperor.
Correct answer: C. Both A and B
Explanation: Slavery in ancient China existed in two forms.
Some people were born into slavery because their mothers were
slaves, while others were sold into slavery, often as a means to
pay off debts or as captives of war.

9. What was the main occupation of peasants in ancient China? 13. How were slaves treated in ancient China?
A. Artisans A. With great respect
B. Officials B. With cruelty
C. Merchants C. With indifference
D. Farmers D. With kindness

Correct answer: D. Farmers Correct answer: B. With cruelty

Explanation: The main occupation of peasants in ancient China Explanation: Slaves in ancient China were treated with great
was farming. They worked in the fields and produced the food cruelty. They had no freedom and were subjected to the whims
that sustained the society. and mistreatment of their masters. Slaves often had to do
whatever they were told and were considered property.
10. What was the social status of artisans in ancient China?
A. Very high 14. Who was considered inferior to men in ancient China?
B. Very low A. Men
C. Equal to that of peasants B. Women
D. Above that of nobles C. Children
D. Elders
Correct answer: B. Very low
Correct answer: B. Women
Explanation: Artisans, although skilled in their craft, belonged to
the commoner class and had a lower social status than nobles Explanation: In ancient China, women were considered inferior
and officials. They were respected for their skills but did not to men. While older people, both men and women, were greatly
enjoy high social standing. respected, women were expected to fulfill traditional roles within
the household and were subordinate to men in society.
11. What was the status of merchants in ancient China?
A. Very high 15. As per Confucius, where were women's roles in ancient
B. Slightly above that of peasants China?
C. Slightly below that of nobles A. In the government
D. Very low B. In the military
C. In the home
Correct answer: D. Very low D. In religious ceremonies

Explanation: Merchants were considered the lowest social class
in ancient China. Although some merchants became wealthy,
they were viewed as primarily working for their own gain and not
contributing to the good of society.
12. How did slavery exist in ancient China?
A. Born into slavery
B. Sold into slavery
C. Both A and B
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Correct answer: C. In the home
Explanation: Confucius taught that women's roles in ancient
China were primarily in the home. Marriages were arranged, and
women moved into their husband's home, where their loyalty
was expected to be to their husband's family.
16. What was the staple crop in northern China during ancient
times?
Assessment and Review Material

A. Rice A. The pursuit of individual happiness

B. Wheat B. The importance of family and community
C. Millet C. The accumulation of wealth and power
D. Corn D. The rejection of societal norms

Correct answer: C. Millet Correct answer: B. The importance of family and community

Explanation: In northern China during ancient times, millet was Explanation: Confucianism emphasized the importance of family
the staple crop. It served as a crucial food source for the majority and community in social matters. Acting with virtue and fulfilling
of the population in that region. one's responsibilities within the family and society were
considered essential for a harmonious society.
17. Which dynasty introduced the use of iron tools in agriculture?
A. Shang dynasty
B. Zhou dynasty
C. Qin dynasty
D. Han dynasty

Correct answer: D. Han dynasty

Explanation: The Han dynasty introduced the use of iron tools in

agriculture. The widespread use of iron plows allowed for deeper
soil cultivation and increased productivity in farming.

18. What was the aim of Confucianism?

A. To achieve immortality
B. To attain wealth and power
C. To act with virtue and ensure social order
D. To explore the mysteries of the universe

Correct answer: C. To act with virtue and ensure social order

Explanation: Confucianism emphasized the importance of acting

with virtue in all social matters. The aim was to ensure social
order and harmony by upholding moral principles and fulfilling
one's responsibilities in society.

19. What did Taoism believe about the universe?

A. It was controlled by gods and ancestors
B. It flowed with a mysterious force called the Tao
C. It was a reflection of human nature
D. It was constantly changing and unpredictable

Correct answer: B. It flowed with a mysterious force called the

Tao

Explanation: Taoism believed that the universe flowed with a

mysterious, unknowable force called the Tao. The Tao was
considered the ultimate reality and explained the powers that
drove the universe.

20. What did Confucianism emphasize in social matters?

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