Battle

by Chu’ü Yüan, translated by Arthur Waley

Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the central theme of the poem "Battle" by Chu’ü Yüan?
A. Love and devotion
B. War and valor
C. Nature and beauty
D. Betrayal and revenge
2. What is the significance of the line "Arrows fall thick: the warriors press forward" in
the poem?
A. The warriors are retreating.
B. The battle is intensifying.
C. The sun is setting.
D. The enemies are surrendering.
3. How does the poet describe the fallen horses in the poem?
A. Blocking the way home
B. Swift and victorious
C. Unharmed and powerful
D. Surrendering to the enemy
4. What do the warriors do in response to the situation described in the poem?
A. They retreat from the battle.
B. They beat the sounding drums.
C. They negotiate with the enemy.
D. They surrender to fate.
5. According to the poem, why do the dread Powers decree the fall of the warriors?
A. The warriors are invincible.
B. The Gods are pleased.
C. Heaven is angered.
D. The warriors lack courage.
6. What fate awaits the fallen warriors, according to the poem?
A. They will be captured by the enemy.
B. They will live on as heroes.
C. They will be forgotten in history.
D. They will return home victorious.
7. How does the poet describe the plains in the poem?
A. Rugged and uneven
B. Flat and wide
C. Dark and mysterious
D. Covered with flowers
8. What emotion is conveyed through the line "Their bodies were stricken, but their
souls have taken Immortality"?
A. Despair
B. Triumph
C. Sorrow
D. Regret
9. What is the significance of the warriors being described as inspired with the spirit of
"Wu" in the poem?
A. They were filled with fear.
B. They possessed extraordinary courage.
C. They lacked motivation.
D. They were defeated easily.
10. What is the overall tone of the poem?
A. Joyful
B. Tragic
C. Romantic
D. Comedic

The Boy Named Crow

(an excerpt from Kafka on the Shore)
by Haruki Murakami
Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the boy named Crow's initial inquiry about?
A. The protagonist's age
B. The protagonist's destination
C. The protagonist's financial readiness
D. The protagonist's education
2. How does the boy named Crow describe the protagonist's financial situation?
A. Impressive
B. Inadequate
C. Satisfactory
D. Extravagant
3. What does Crow say about the protagonist's plan after the money is gone?
A. It's a well-thought-out plan
B. It's unnecessary to plan ahead
C. Money will keep coming
D. The protagonist will face challenges
4. How does Crow suggest the protagonist could sustain himself after the money runs
out?
A. By finding a job
B. By borrowing more money
C. By stealing
D. By relying on family support
5. What is Crow's perspective on the protagonist's ability to get a job?
A. Confident
B. Skeptical
C. Supportive
D. Indifferent
6. How does the protagonist react to Crow's remarks about getting a job?
A. He disagrees with Crow.
B. He acknowledges the challenge.
C. He is confident about finding a job.
 D. He plans to ignore the advice.
7. Why does the protagonist want to leave his current situation?
A. To escape his father's control
B. To explore a new town
C. To avoid school
D. To find a small library
8. What does Crow say about running away from the protagonist's current location?
A. It's easy to escape.
B. It won't solve everything.
C. It's the best option.
D. It's a guaranteed solution.
9. How does Crow describe the protagonist's upcoming journey?
A. Adventurous
B. Magical
C. Like a fairytale
D. Mundane
10. What metaphor does Crow use to describe life's challenges and changes?
A. A gentle breeze
B. A turbulent storm
C. A sunny day
D. A peaceful river

The Taximan’s Story

by Catherine Lim “Little Ironies”: Stories of Singapore
Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the taximan's initial response to the passenger's request to go to the National
University of Singapore?
A. He declines the request.
B. He agrees enthusiastically.
C. He suggests an alternative route.
D. He expresses concern about time.
2. Why does the taximan say that he must work hard in Singapore?
A. To buy a new taxi.
B. To support his wife and children.
C. To travel around the world.
D. To retire early.
3. How many children does the taximan have?
A. Four
B. Six
C. Eight
D. Ten
4. What does the taximan reveal about his daughter's behavior?
A. She is shy and obedient.
B. She is often sick.
C. She is involved in inappropriate activities.
 D. She is a successful student.
5. Why does the taximan prefer working after 1 a.m.?
A. The streets are quieter.
B. Taxi fares double.
C. He enjoys the nightlife.
D. He has fewer customers.
6. How does the taximan describe the behavior of some young schoolgirls after school?
A. They go home immediately.
B. They engage in inappropriate activities.
C. They participate in sports and games.
D. They attend extra coaching sessions.
7. What does the taximan suggest parents should do if their daughter claims to have a
meeting after school?
A. Trust her completely.
B. Ask her about the details.
C. Ignore her activities.
D. Punish her without questioning.
8. What is the taximan's reaction when he discovers his daughter's inappropriate
behavior?
A. He ignores it.
B. He discusses it with her teacher.
C. He punishes her severely.
D. He praises her for her honesty.
9. Why does the taximan share his story with the passenger (who is a teacher)?
A. To seek advice.
B. To warn about the behavior of young people.
C. To complain about his daughter.
D. To request a discount on the taxi fare.
10. Why does the taximan refuse to wait for the passenger to finish her meeting?
A. He has another passenger waiting.
B. He is in a hurry to go home.
C. He needs to pick up people at Hotel Elroy.
D. He doesn't like waiting for extended periods.