Question

During the Restoration, ancient institutions:

• A. were no longer accepted as a viable alternative to western technology.
• B. were studied only as classical examples of a former glorious past.
• C. were to be the cornerstones of a changing but traditional society.
• D. were considered as a primary reason for the decline of traditional China.

Hint:

When a passage emphasizes “revival” or “restoration,” the goal is often to re-establish traditional systems in a way that suits new circumstances, not to discard them entirely.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The passage makes it clear that the Tung-chin Restoration aimed to revive Confucian values and ancient institutions while adapting them to new conditions.
These institutions were not discarded; instead, they were intended to serve as the foundation — or cornerstone — of a society that would retain its traditions but adjust to modern realities.
Option (a) is incorrect — there is no suggestion that ancient institutions were rejected in favor of Western technology; the focus was on blending tradition with necessary adaptation.
Option (b) is incorrect — they were not merely studied as historical relics, but actively restored for use in governance.
Option (d) is incorrect — the passage does not blame ancient institutions for China’s decline; rather, it sees their proper revival as a path to stability.
Thus, (c) correctly reflects the Restoration’s philosophy: using ancient institutions as the base for a modified, enduring traditional society.