Colors+of+The+Mountain+(Hilary,+Colin,+Rachel,+Riley)

This is a very good start; I especially appreciate that you're using your Bloom's verbs at the beginning of your SA questions. You really need to increase the challenge level of your MC questions. Your questions tend to be very plot oriented and primarily level one. Let's think about the bigger issues presented in the novel. Consider author's purpose, character motivation, major conflict, themes, etc. Consider starting some your questions with "Which of the following most/least describes...." or "All of the following are reasons that/theme statements/whatever except...."Let me know if you need help. Mr. T.
 * Colors Group

__Essential Questions__ ** 1. Da’s Mother believed in doing “work, work, and more work” in order to get through their hard times. How does this reflect Chinese morals? 2. In what ways do manipulation and persuasion play a roll in the story? 3. How does __Colors of the Mountain__ display struggles between different types of power? 4. Why is it important to strive for your goals even when there’s a large chance you will fail? 5. What life lesson did Da have to learn to overcome his political prosecution?

__Date:___**
 * __Name:__

Colors of the Mountain Unit Test

Matching
 * //Rearrange the Answers to Match the Words//**

L**andlord..........................Da's Father Tragedy..........................Chinese MIT Acupuncturist..................Boatman/Headmaster Bejing University..............Prosecuted For Previous Government Position Old Mountain ..................Extreme Hardship or Event

Da was a well privileged child T / F Da was popular in grade school T / F Da began smoking in high school T / F Da got into a lot of fights growing up T / F Da did well in grade school to go to college T / F Da supported the Communist government T / F Da went off to college in America T / F**

Multiple choice
 * //Use your knowledge of// //__Colors of the Mountain__ to decide which answer is correct.Write your answer in the space provided.//

__How did Da meet his friends Sen and Mo Gong?__ A) School B) Family friends C) Gambling Pits D) Ping pong camp

__What was Da exceptionally good at and assisted Sen in doing?__ A) Homework B) Writing a love letter C) Learning English D) Learning to play the violin

__How does Da show his teachers he has truly changed his ways?__ A) Comes to class with only paper to show he isn't going to cheat on the test B) Told them in a meeting C) Helped them teach D) Did extra work than what was assigned

__If most of the friends Da made in school would just eventually betray him, what was important about their__ __friendship?__ A) They influenced Da to be a better student B) they taught Da about girls C) They would have a lsating impression on him that would help him grow D) They were all bad people and showed Da what he should avoid in order to become prosperous.

__How does Da get the opportunity to learn English with Professor Wei?__ A) She is his mom's best friend from when they were younger B)His dad cured his sister C) She is a teacher at his school D) She was his grandfather's friend

__Which words best describe Da's personality?__ A) Hard Working, but with tendencies to slack off B) Unrelentingly determined C) Socially poplular and an over-exaggerated worker D) A dreamer with far-fetched intentions

__Where did the story take place?__ A) Japan B) North Korea C) South Korea D) China

__Choose the main reason Da's family was disliked.__ A) They were sickly people B) They had little money C) They were former landlords D) They were communists E) All of the above

__What event do you think made Da want to be a better student?__ A) The death of his grandfather B) The oppression of the government C) The disappointing grades he received from school D) Scaring away the birds as a child E) All of the above

__What was the instrument Da first learned to play?__ A) The guitar B) The Ocarina C) The grass flute D) The violin

__What was the Chen family's religion was?__ A) Christian B) Judaism C) Hinduism D) Buddism

__Which of the following best describe Da's father?__ A) Outspoken politician B) Poor beggar with little ambition C) A smart, family oriented man D) A drinker with few cares other than himself

__At first why did Da not try hard in school?__ A) The loss of his grandfather shook him greatly B) His father discouraged him from learning C) Da wanted to become a farmer D) He thought the commune would never let him be successful E) All of the above

__What was the present Da delivered to Professor Wei on New Year's?__ A) An English book B) Da's report card showing his good grades C) A duck D) A rooster

__Which sport was Da given an opportunity to go to camp for?__ A) Tennis B) Tennis C) Ping pong D) Gymnastics

__Which of the following was the first skill that Da learned that was not education related?__ A) Playing an instrument B) Gambling C) Playing ping Pong D) Dancing E) All of the above

__Which job did Da attempt to help his siblings with, but quit after one day?__ A) Collecting garbage B) Farming C) Working at a store D) Selling shoes

__What was a typical meal in Da's household?__ A) Rice B) Sushi C) Yams D) Chicken soup

__How many brothers and sisters does Da have?__ A) 6, two brothers and four sisters B) 4, two brothers and two sisters C) 6, three brothers and three sisters D) 4, one brother and three sisters

__Which character was not one of Da's "brothers"?__ A) Mo Gong B) Zhang C) Siang D) Yi E) None of the above

__Who taught Da that he should "work, work, and keep working"?__ A) his mother B) his sister, Si C) his father D) his brother, Jin E) None of the above

__Where did Da learn to play the violin?__ A) in a field B) at his teachers house C) in a dentists office D) in school with other students

__Who do you think Da looked up to the most throughout the story?__ A) His father B) His borther C) Mo Gong D) I Fei

__Choose the possible theme for the story:__ A) Never give up. B) School is only for the gifted. C) It's important to keep trying, even when you might fail. D) Family support will help you achieve your goals. E) All of the above

__In Da's life to the point where it ends in the story, which of the characters could be described as a tragic hero?__ A) His father B) His grandfather C) His Mother D) Mo Gong

__What character pushed Da and told him all of his dreams were possible?__ A) Jin B) His father C) Peking Man D) Sen

__Based on Da's nature and his actions described in the book why would Da want to learn English?__ A) To help his family B) To help his friends C) To help his teachers D) A + B

__What values do you think were most important that Da learned on the ship that he sailed while accompanied by Old Mountain and Monkey?__ A) Self-Exploration B) Value Your Friends C) Tradition D) Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

__Explain Yi's reason for having to let the Master Carpenter's daughter go and marry somebody else.__ A)... because he did not have the money to support her B)... because thought HE did not deserve her C)... because he did not like her D)... because he did knew the guy she was marrying

__Go further: Do you think Yi's reason was sufficient?__

__List any and all character traits traits that apply to Da (List at least 10)__**

Quotes
 * //Use information from the story to match the quotes to the character that said it.//

A) Cousin Tan B) Da's Dad C) Professor Wei D)Yi E) Da F) Mo Gong G) Mr. Song

"For the first time we realized that it wasn't just food, drinks, smoking, and having fun together."

"I can't make an instrument. I make doors and chairs and tables."

"I'm no teacher. So don't call me teacher or anything. But I could use a friend like you."

"Way to go, sailor. Next time, go for the eyes. Then this piece of splendid paradise will be yours forever and you can start a family of Leaders, all with that sexy, red, crooked comb and gorgeous feathers that you loved to show off to your female friends."

"The Chen men have never been known for lack of talent, only for lack of opportunity."

"We were doing fine at the beginning, wiping out people like a typhoon. I mean big hands. Then someone snuck from the fields and reported us to the commune."

"Oh, it's the most popular brand on campus. Even the chairman of my department at AU smokes these."

"Now why don't you take these poisonous cigarettes, dump them in the trash can for me, and wash your hands with soap."**

Short Answer
 * //Write in complete sentences to complete the questions below.// //Use information from the text to support your answers.//

What was the symbolism of the cigarettes in the story?

What two characters most likely influenced Da the most to become a writer?

Investigate: Why do you think music was such an important element of Da's success and education?

Identify three instances of symbolism in the story and explain.

Evaluate how Da's life may be be different today if the college test wasn't available for everyone to take?

Justify Da's decision in joining Mo Gong's gambling group and starting to smoke.

Describe the political reason why Da and his family are discriminated against in China.**

__Extended Response
 * //Answer the following questions with a lengthy supported extended response with quotes and examples from the text.//**__


 * Evaluate and explain how discrimination plays a role in //The Colors of the Mountain//.

Identify the theme of __Colors of the Mountain__. Explain how this theme relates to real life struggles and obstacles that people face.**

Essay:

Government effected the Chinese people? Use examples from the text.**
 * Take the aspects of the story into account, how greatly do you think the Communist

=ANSWER KEY= Date:_**
 * Name:

__Essential Questions__ 1.Da’s Mother believed in doing “work, work, and more work” in order to get through their hard times. How does this reflect Chinese morals?

Chinese morals are very much based on the discipline of children to make sure that they grow up and are very much aware of their actions and they learn to not speak out and have unruly behavior. The chinese hold a pride to their people that shows that they are different than we (as Americans) are. In Colors of the Mountain, the pride for the country of China is shown inadvertently by the commoners that support the governments decision by continuing the public discrimination of the past landlords. The individual pride of being somebody in this world is shown clearly by Da's determination to do good in the world and to pursue his dreams in his life.

2.In what ways do manipulation and persuasion play a roll in the story?

Manipulation shows its face in Colors of the Mountain in such a way that it almost isn't there. The fact that Da started smoking in the end after all his parents did and he did to prevent it shows that there has to be some manipulation in the story somewhere. This manipulation is not intentional per-say, but it does happen; throughout the story Da has people smoking around him and even though he doesn't admit it, his brain starts to say to itself that its okay to smoke and its the right thing to do, so naturally after some time he started to as well. Persuasion, being the brighter side compared to manipulation, is also present and it shows up in the form of the teachers in Da's schools. Throughout the story Da is discriminated against and throughout the story, nice or not, most of the teachers all taught him to keep going and to persist through all the hardships and difficult times.

3.How does Colors of the Mountain display struggles between different types of power?

In Colors of the Mountain there are all types of levels of power; these power struggles lead to levels of conflict and eventually make of the story. The major power level that is shown in the story is Da's constantly changing power level. He first starts off with the lowest level and is only considered a landlord's son, throughout the story he raises and falls in these levels and learns from each of them and in the end, ends up at one of the highest levels that is possible. Throughout the story the main power struggles that occur are between the rude teachers and such and Da; Da and his former friends and classmates; and Da's family and the government. All of these power struggles end up being resolved but they are the most important and occur the most in Colors of the Mountain.

4.Why is it important to strive for your goals even when there’s a large chance you will fail?

Da had an extremely hard childhood and through almost every turn and cross roads in his life, he found a way to persist. When things start to get hard in life it is important to keep persisting and keep pursuing your goals because then even if you don't succeed there is a lesson learned in the process of pursuing the goal. Also, during that process the times when you think you can't do anymore you have to push forward and tell yourself 'I can do this and when I get done I can relax' and then when you look at the finished product and say 'I am glad I did this' then that is when you know that you were glad that you did not quit when things got hard.

5.What life lesson did Da have to learn to overcome his political prosecution?

The life lesson that Da had to learn to overcome his political prosecution dealt with the persistence that he owned his whole childhood. He had to learn the work ethics of an adult and the maturity of an old wise man. Da had to learn to simply overcome everybody else who confronted him and to keep persisting though life. The issues that presented themselves to Da because of his political position he had to rise above. Da had to stop and say 'I do not care what they think and I can persist through this school, do well, and become a great writer'; and he did.

__Colors of the Mountain Unit Test

Matching__
 * //Rearrange the Answers to Match the Words//**

//L//**//andlord..........................Prosecuted For Previous Government Position Tragedy.......................... Extreme Hardship or Event Acupuncturist.................. Da's Father Bejing University............. Chinese MIT Old Mountain ..................Boatman/Headmaster//**

__True or false__
 * //Decide// //whether or not the following statements are true or false.//**

F **Da was a well privileged child T / F** T **Da was popular in grade school T / F** F **Da began smoking in high school T / F** T **Da got into a lot of fights growing up T / F** T **Da did well in grade school to go to college T / F** F **Da supported the Communist government T / F** F **Da went off to college in America T / F**

__Multiple choice__
 * //Use your knowledge of// //Colors of the Mountain to decide which answer is correct.Write your answer in the space provided.//**

__C__ **How did Da meet his friends Sen and Mo Gong? A) School B) Family friends C) Gambling Pits D) Ping pong camp**

__B__ **What was Da exceptionally good at and assisted Sen in doing? A) Homework B) Writing a love letter C) Learning English D) Learning to play the violin**

__A__ **How does Da show his teachers he has truly changed his ways? A) Comes to class with only paper to show he isn't going to cheat on the test B) Told them in a meeting C) Helped them teach D) Did extra work than what was assigned**

__B__ **How does Da get the opportunity to learn English with Professor Wei? A) She is his mom's best friend from when they were younger B)His dad cured his sister C) She is a teacher at his school D) She was his grandfather's friend**

__ B __**__ Which words best describe Da's personality? __ A) Hard Working, but with tendencies to slack off B) Unrelentingly determined C) Socially poplular and an over-exaggerated worker D) A dreamer with far-fetched intentions **

__D__ **Where did the story take place? A) Japan B) North Korea C) South Korea D) China**

__C__ **Choose the main reason Da's family was disliked. A) They were sickly people B) They had little money C) They were former landlords D) They were communists**
 * E) All of the above**

__B__ **What event made Da want to be a better student? A) The death of his grandfather B) The oppression of the government C) The disappointing grades he received from school D) Scaring away the birds as a child**
 * E) All of the above**

__C__ **What was the instrument Da first learned to play? A) The guitar B) The Ocarina C) The grass flute D) The synth-funk bass**

__D__ **What was the Chen family's religion? A) Christian B) Judaism C) Hinduism D) Buddism**

A) Outspoken politician B) Poor beggar with little ambition C) A smart, family oriented man D) A drinker with few cares other than himself **
 * __ C Which of the following best describe Da's father? __

__D__ **At first why did Da not try hard in school? A) The loss of his grandfather shook him greatly B) His father discouraged him from learning C) Da wanted to become a farmer D) He thought the commune would never let him be successful**

__D__ **What was the present Da delivered to Professor Wei on New Year's? A) An English book B) Da's report card showing his good grades C) A duck D) A rooster**

__C__ **Which sport was Da given an opportunity to go to camp for? A) Soccer B) Tennis C) Ping pong D) Gymnastics**

A) Playing an instrument B) Gambling C) Playing ping Pong D) Dancing E) All of the above **
 * __ B Which of the following was the first skill that Da learned that was not education related? __

__B__ **Which job did Da attempt to help his siblings with, but quit after one day? A) Collecting garbage B) Farming C) Working at a store D) Selling shoes**

__C__ **What was a typical meal in Da's household? A) Rice B) Sushi C) Yams D) Chicken soup**

__D__ **How many brothers and sisters does Da have? A) 6, two brothers and four sisters B) 4, two brothers and two sisters C) 6, three brothers and three sisters D) 4, one brother and three sisters**

__B__ **Which character was not one of Da's "brothers"? A) Mo Gong B) Zhang C) Siang D) Yi**
 * E) None of the above**

__A__ **Who taught Da that he should "work, work, and keep working"? A) his mother B) his sister, Si C) his father D) his brother, Jin**
 * E) None of the above**

__C__ **Where did Da learn to play the violin? A) in a field B) at his teachers house C) in a dentists office D) in school with other students**

__D__ **Who do you think Da looked up to the most in the story? A) His father B) His brother C) Mo Gong D) I-Fei**

__A__ **Choose the possible theme for the story: A) Never give up. B) School is only for smart people. C) It's important to keep trying, even when you might fail. D) Family support will help you achieve your goals.**

A) His father B) His grandfather C) His Mother D) Mo Gong **
 * __ B In Da's life to the point where it ends in the story, which of the characters could be described as a tragic hero? __

__B__ **What character pushed Da and told him all of his dreams were possible? A) Jin B) his father C) Peking Man D) Sen**

__D__ **Based on Da's nature and his actions described in the book why would Da want to learn English? A) To help his family B) To help his friends C) To help his teachers D) A + B**

__C__ **What values do you think were most important that Da learned on the ship when he sailed while accompanied by Old Mountain and Monkey? A) Self-Exploration B) Value Your Friends C) Tradition D) Love Your Neighbor As Yourself** E) All of the above

__B__ **Explain Yi's reason for having to let the Master Carpenter's daughter go and marry somebody else. A)... because he did not have the money to support her B)... because thought HE did not deserve her C)... because he did not like her D)... because he did knew the guy she was marrying**


 * __Go further:__ Do you think Yi's reason is sufficient?**

Dependent on student answer, as long as facts and textual evidence are present, the answer is basicly correct.

List any and all character traits traits that apply to Da (List at least 10) 2. Determined 3. Rebellious 4. Responsible 5. Sensible 6. Smart 7. Experienced 8. Diligent 9. Obedient 10. Wise**
 * 1. Hard Working

__Quotes__
 * //Use information from the story to match the quotes to the character that said it.//

A) Cousin Tan B) Da's Dad C) Professor Wei D)Yi E) Da F) Mo Gong G) Mr. Song

"For the first time we realized that it wasn't just food, drinks, smoking, and having fun together."** E


 * "I can't make an instrument. I make doors and chairs and tables."** D


 * "I'm no teacher. So don't call me teacher or anything. But I could use a friend like you."** A


 * "Way to go, sailor. Next time, go for the eyes. Then this piece of splendid paradise will be yours forever and you can start a family of Leaders, all with that sexy, red, crooked comb and gorgeous feathers that you loved to show off to your female friends."** G


 * "The Chen men have never been known for lack of talent, only for lack of opportunity."** B


 * "We were doing fine at the beginning, wiping out people like a typhoon. I mean big hands. Then someone snuck from the fields and reported us to the commune."** F


 * "Oh, it's the most popular brand on campus. Even the chairman of my department at AU smokes these."** C


 * "Now why don't you take these poisonous cigarettes, dump them in the trash can for me, and wash your hands with soap."** C

Short Answer
 * //Write in complete sentences to complete the questions below.// //Use information from the text to support your answers.//

What was the symbolism of the cigarettes in the story?

The cigarettes in the story represent first, the freedom that Da finds with his friends outside of his family and school and he can just forget the world. Also, the cigarettes symbolize the rebellious nature that comes out in Da because at first Da's parents do not support smoking at all and he still goes out in the end and joins 'the gang' and starts to smoke.

What two characters most likely influenced Da the most to become a writer?

Da's grandfather was probably the first person to get the wheels of the English Major moving in Da's head because his grandfather expressed himself and he taught Da how to do the same and to show everybody who you are and to be proud of it. At first Da did not really know how to do that and that is what got him in trouble so then he learned that he was a great writer and he liked to do so and then it clicked in his head that, that was what he wanted to accomplish. The second person to affect Da in the writing sense was probably Professor Wei who showed Da that he could do whatever he wanted as long as he put his mind to it, he studyed, and he applied himself in life and that translated to Da as: study extremely hard for fifteen hours a day and then you can master the english language.

Investigate: Why do you think music was such an important element of Da's success and education?

Music allowed Da to be noticed and helped him to move through his schooling career. He was given the chance to learn how to play the violen which was a rare instrument at the time. By knowing how to play certain instruments he was able to then audition at a special music school which allowed him to be noticed there as well. Music allowed him to be noticed and gave him opportunites that he may not have gotten if music was not a part of his life.

Identify three instances of symbolism in the story and explain.

One instance of symbolism is the "nice" teacher's names (Mr. Sun and Mr. Sing) that symbolized the kind nature they expressed to everybody; another symbol would be Yi's young childhood friend and she symbolizes the good things that were taken away from Da that are good. Yi was great friends with this woman and her and Yi were going to get together and be together forever but things changed and it turned out that it wasn't meant to be; this symbolizes Da and his losses throughout the book. Lastly, Da had to climb his way up to being a great writer and an English major and that symbolizes the title of the book in that the Colors of the Mountain were the steps that Da had to climb to get up to where he was and how he got there.

Evaluate how Da's life may be be different today if the college test wasn't available for everyone to take?

With the Country allowing the test to be available to all, this allowed many people opportunites they may not have originally be granted. Da's family was descriminated for being former landlord's so he would have not gotten the chance to take the test if they hadn't allowed everyone to take it. This gave Da the chance to study hard and succeed on the test and to make a name for himself in his family. He would have never become the writer he is today if the test was not avaliable for everyone to take.

Justify Da's decision in joining Mo Gong's gambling group and starting to smoke.

Da was neverous and unsure about first going into the pits the day he decided to go. He was treated poorly at first by Mo Gong and the group until they decided to accept him. Although they seemed like trouble and seemed to be a bad influence on Da, they became his very good friends and stuck through all of the hard times with him. Although some of their bad habits such as drinking and smoking rubbed off on Da in the end he was able to get past all of that and still be sucessful.

Describe the political reason why Da and his family are discriminated against in China.

The changing government in China is what caused the Chens to be discriminated against in China. This new government looked down upon strongly, landlords and and other type of self-regulated business which is why a landlord (a mini ruler) is looked down upon in the newer society.**

Extended Response
 * //Answer the following questions with a lengthy supported extended response with quotes and examples from the text.//

Evaluate and explain how discrimination plays a role in __//The Colors of the Mountain//.__

In //__The Colors of the Mountain__// there are many different groups of people. Many of the groups are treated unfairly and not given opportunities like others are. Some of the kids get the chance to do things over others, such as school. Families have to pay tuition in order for their kids to be enrolled in school, those who are poor can not always pay the tutition, so they are unable to recieve an education. Another example is when Grandpa walks out into the street he has rocks thrown at him by neighboorhood children and he is sometimes beaten, this shows how former landlords are not respected in China, and they receive alot of abuse because of it.

Identify the theme o__f__ Colors of the Mountain. Explain how this theme relates to real life struggles and obstacles that people face.**

In Colors of the Mountain Da had to overcome his political prosecution, him being bullied in school, being bullied outside of school, and just the natural stress of being a kid. All those troubles that Da had to unfortunately experience he needed to overcome to be successful in life and to experience the good things in life. The theme that comes with all those problems Da had to conquer is that there are problems in life and they are hard to push through a lot of times but when everything is said and done the result and the feeling that one has when its over can change a person's life. Today this theme applies to everyday life and everything that is done everyday. For example, President Obama started out with nothing politically and he had to work his way through his rural life and hinderances. And all theses years later he has worked his way up to becoming the President of the United States and at the same time overcoming the hinderance of being an African American which, even though things are better, can still affect the vote in extreme ways.

Essay:**

Take the aspects of the story into account, how greatly do you think the Communist Government affected the Chinese people? Use examples from the text.

The chinese government has a pretty strong grip on the Chinese People. This is shown in Colors of the Mountain by the change of leadership in the towns and villages. The old leadership that ruled the streets and towns were the landlords and they owned mass amounts of land and they were the boss of many a people and their homes. Once the new ruler came into China leadership and changed the government and started looking down upon the landlords, so did everyone else. This expresses the influence that the chinese government has on the people and their choices.