a. many people are still living in poverty.

b. the government and company bosses hold too much power.

c. the government has tight control over the economy.

d. the government does not allow free flow of cash in and out of the mainland.

2 Which social groups receive the least benefits in the economic boom?

a. students

b. owners of small businesses

c. Chinese citizens working overseas

d. workers and farmers

3 Why was Xu Qinxian jailed and exiled from Beijing?

a. He refused to obey orders to crack down on student-led protests.

b. He refused to leave the country.

c. He refused to fight in the Korean war.

d. He refused to leave his position as commander of the 38th Army.

4 Which of the following is not true about Xu?

a. He was commander of the 38th Army.

b. He had kidney stones.

c. He tried to overthrow Deng Xiaoping.

d. He retired in Shijiazhuang.

Think about

1 There is no doubt that the mainland has achieved remarkable success in developing its economy, but what are the other factors that need to be taken into account to create a harmonious society?

2 The Hong Kong government has been criticised for making the cake larger but not dividing it fairly when it comes to economic policies. How does the situation here compare to the unequal distribution of wealth on the mainland?

3 What do you think of Xu Qinxian? Do you consider him a patriot or a disobedient solider who should be condemned?

Vocabulary

1Citizens responded to the government's decision to increase income tax by 50 per cent with .........................

2You should consult your ....................... before deciding to cut a deal with clients.

3It will be more convincing if you are able to produce a written document instead of giving a .................

Answers:

Reading comprehension: 1. b, 2. d, 3. a, 4. c

Vocabulary: 1. mass protests, 2. superior, 3. verbal order