Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

FOREWORD

Reading Check

1. What does Hoff read to his group of peers?

2. With what does a thousand-mile journey start, according to a Taoist saying?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Hoff counter his peer’s beliefs about the Great Masters?

2. What is the significance of this foreword and its purpose to the reader?

Paired Resource

“Similarities Between Eastern and Western Philosophy”

• This discussion points out specific comparisons between the general philosophies of Eastern and Western cultures.
• The information in this video connects to the theme Taoism.
• Do you agree with of the premise that Western and Eastern philosophy is actually quite similar? Why or why not? Why might it be important for both sides of the world to examine philosophy from a different culture?

CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. How are K’ung Fu-tse’s and Buddha’s reactions described in The Vinegar Tasters?

2. Which two Taoist ancestors does Pooh claim to be his own?

3. What, according to Hoff, are potential problems with scholars studying and explaining Taoism?

4. Which character best demonstrates the idea of “scholarly thought”?