Reading Unit: China and Japan

“The Old Demon” by Pearl Buck

1. Before you read the story, explain what you know about these two topics. Work in a group.

How do China and Japan compare? Differ?

Ways they are similar:

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Ways they are different:

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Why did Japan attack China in the late 1930s? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What major war followed these attacks?

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What do you know about how old people are treated in Asia? Is this similar to the way old people are treated in the United States?

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Why major technological advances did Japan use to attack China?

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What advantage did China have when they were attacked?

AFTER YOU READ !

Treasure Hunt:

As a team, find as many answers as you can about the following.

The following sources can help you find your information:

Every effort has been made to assure that all information contained in our web site is accurate and appropriate. However, because of the constantly changing nature of the Internet, we cannot control information at sites for which we have provided links. We will take appropriate action to correct any inaccuracies or remove materials which are found to be inappropriate.

CIA Factbook - http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/

Inspire - http://www.inspire.net/

Yahooligans - Countries - http://www.yahooligans.com/Around_the_World/Countries/

Grolier Online Reference (for MSD of Martinsville students only) - http://msdadmin.scican.net/admin/grolier_online.htm

Try a search engine, such as - Google - http://www.google.com/, or Yahoo – http://www.yahoo.com/

1. Find the exact population of China and Japan now and prior to World War II (during the time of the story).

2. Find information about the Yangtze River and how it is being changed today to prevent flooding.

3. Find out who governed China and Japan during the 1930s and who governs them now.

4. Find out what the favorite recreations or sports are in China and Japan.

5. Find out who our diplomats and representatives are in China and Japan. (Bonus: Then and Now!)

6. Find out what holidays are celebrated in these countries.

BONUS POINTS:

Ask Mr. Lowe to give you a special question.

2. As you read the story, prepare to answer the following questions

1. What two forces endanger the village?

2. What do all the villagers do when the bombs begin to fall?

3. What is Mrs. Wang’s final action?

4. Explain what Mrs. Wang fears more—the river of the Japanese?

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5. Why do you think Mrs. Wang chooses to stay after the village is bombed?

6. This story teaches a lesson. In one sentence, explain what the lesson is.

7. Why do you think the title for this story is “The Old Demon?”

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