A
Who is the greatest teacher in Chinese history? Many people would say: Confucius (孔子). September 28 is his birthday. Although he was born over 2,000 years ago, people still remember him on this day.
Confucius lived in the kingdom of Lu, part of today’s Shandong province. He lived during the Spring and Autumn Period. His childhood was sad. His father died when he was only 3 and he had to work to help his mother. But young Confucius didn’t give up on studying. He visited many famous teachers and learned music, history, poetry and sports.
Later, he became a teacher and started the first public school in Chinese history. At that time only children from noble (贵族的) families could go to school, but Confucius believed everyone should go to school if they wanted to learn. He had about 3,000 students in his lifetime.
Today, people still follow Confucius’ lessons. He told us that everyone has something worthy to learn and to teach. “When I am with three people, one of them must be better than me in some areas. I select their good qualities and follow them. I take their bad qualities and change them in myself.”
He also taught us that thinking is very important in study. “All study but no thinking makes people puzzled (困惑的). All thinking but no study makes people lazy.”
Confucius is not only a great teacher, but also a famous thinker with wise thoughts about the world and society. His most important teachings are about kindness and good manners. “A kind person should care for others. Be strict with yourself, but be kind to others,” he said.
21. Confucius started the first public school so that ______.
A. children could learn at school rather than at home
B. children from poor families could go to school as well
C. he wanted to be the first teacher in Chinese history
D. he could find himself a job as a teacher
22. Confucius not only gave lessons but also _____.
A. taught students how to make friends B. provided students with puzzles
C. encouraged people to be strict D. advised people to behave well
23. Which is the best title for this story?
A. A person who changed Chinese history B. Confucius – a great teacher and thinker
C. A great man with hard childhood D. Confucius’ teaching methods
