Question

The traditional method for selecting officials was:

• A. approximately by the civil government.
• B. the examination system.
• C. through a subjective testing system.
• D. sponsorship by a high government official.
• A. to modify traditional Chinese society to reflect new conditions.
• B. to create a new society based on truth.
• C. the knowledge that Chinese conservatism is superior to western conservatism.
• D. the desire to familiarize China with military technology.
• A. that Chinese conservatism attempted to preserve traditions.
• B. that Chinese conservatism developed during the Taiping Revolution.
• C. the cosmopolitan nature of western conservatism.
• D. that Chinese conservatism is primarily land oriented.
• A. Tung-chin.
• B. I. Ching.
• C. Buddha.
• D. None of the above.
• 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.
• A. Christianity.
• B. private property.
• C. cosmopolitanism.
• D. aristocratic elements.
• A. The Chinese examination system.
• B. Chinese Conservatism.
• C. How the officials rose.
• D. Impact of the Taiping Rebellion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The passage clearly states that the examination system was the traditional avenue for selecting officials in China.
This system was based on merit, where candidates demonstrated their knowledge, morality, and administrative capabilities through rigorous exams.
During the chaos preceding the Restoration, this system declined in effectiveness due to irregular promotions and corruption.
The Restoration leaders sought to revive this method as the primary way to ensure the quality of officials.
Option (a) is incorrect — while the civil government oversaw administration, the method of selection was specifically the examination system, not arbitrary appointment.
Option (c) is incorrect — the system was not subjective; it was structured, formal, and merit-based, even though it had limitations.
Option (d) is partially true for the supplementary recommendation system introduced later, but this was not the traditional method — it was an addition to the examinations.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b).

Answer 2

The Restoration leaders sought to revive Confucian values and institutions, but they understood that some modifications were necessary for these traditions to survive in changing times.
They were not revolutionaries aiming to create an entirely new system, but conservatives working to adapt the old system to new realities.
Option (b) is incorrect — the goal was not to create a new society, but to preserve the best of the old with modifications.
Option (c) is incorrect — although the passage contrasts Chinese and Western conservatism, this was not presented as the main objective of the Restoration.
Option (d) is incorrect — while military capability was part of governance, the primary aim was political and social stability through adapted Confucian governance.
Thus, option (a) best captures the objective of adapting traditional Chinese society to meet new challenges.

Answer 3

The passage emphasizes that the only point of agreement between Chinese and Western conservatism is the intention to conserve — that is, to preserve traditions and established systems.
Chinese conservatism aimed to protect Confucian values and pre-Opium War social structures, while Western conservatism sought to preserve Christian and aristocratic traditions.
Option (b) is incorrect — although Chinese conservatism arose around the Taiping Rebellion, this is a historical origin detail, not a similarity with the West.
Option (c) is incorrect — Western conservatism actually distrusted cosmopolitanism, so this is a difference, not a similarity.
Option (d) is incorrect — the passage makes no mention of Chinese conservatism being primarily “land oriented.”
Thus, (a) is correct as the only true shared feature between the two conservatisms.

Answer 4

The passage primarily discusses Chinese conservatism during the Tung-chin Restoration and the revival of Confucian values.
While Confucian philosophy plays a central role in the Restoration’s ideology, the passage does not explicitly mention the names of individual philosophers like Confucius or any of the options listed.
Option (a) Tung-chin — refers to the period of the Restoration, not a philosopher.
Option (b) I. Ching — the “I Ching” is an ancient Chinese text, not an individual philosopher, and it is not mentioned in the passage.
Option (c) Buddha — Buddhism is not discussed in the passage at all.
Therefore, since none of the given names represent philosophers explicitly mentioned in the passage, the correct choice is (d) None of the above.

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

The passage explains that Western conservatism originated during the French Revolution and sought to preserve Christian values, aristocratic elements, and the sanctity of private property.
However, it also explicitly states that Western conservatism distrusted cosmopolitanism.
Therefore, cosmopolitanism is the one item in the list that Western conservatives did not intend to preserve — in fact, it was opposed.
Option (a) Christianity — preserved as a central cultural and moral foundation.
Option (b) private property — considered sacred and fundamental to stability.
Option (d) aristocratic elements — another key aspect that conservatives aimed to maintain in the societal hierarchy.
Thus, option (c) is correct because it represents the opposite of what Western conservatives valued.

Answer 7

The passage covers the origins, nature, and differences of Chinese conservatism in comparison to Western conservatism, particularly during the Tung-chin Restoration.
While it discusses the examination system and the rise of officials, these are presented as part of a broader theme rather than the central subject.
Option (a) The Chinese examination system — relevant but too narrow, as the passage covers much more than just this method of selection.
Option (c) How the officials rose — again, too narrow, as it misses the ideological and historical context of conservatism.
Option (d) Impact of the Taiping Rebellion — mentioned only briefly as a historical starting point, but not the main focus.
Option (b) Chinese Conservatism — accurately captures the central focus: the meaning, goals, and adaptations of conservatism in China during this era.