The Six Kingdoms Theory of Language Translation
Su Xun's "The Six Nations" DSE Chinese sample essay is analysed in great detail, with 15,000+ words of in-depth content, providing complete translation, 100+ explanations of word meanings, argumentative techniques, rhetorical skills, previous years' DSE questions and answers, which will help you to cope with the DSE Chinese Paper 1 with ease!
📖 Overview of the Six Nations
Su Xun's The Six Kingdoms is one of the most important essays in the twelve designated sample essays for DSE Chinese Language, and it is also the chapter that appears most frequently in the examination. The essay is based on the history of the demise of the six states (Korea, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan and Qi) during the Warring States period. Through an in-depth analysis of the reasons for the demise of the six states, the essay puts forward the central thesis that "the disadvantage lies in the bribery of Qin", and reveals the truth that humiliating and begging for peace inevitably leads to the demise of a state.
🎯 DSE Exam Highlights
The importance of The Six Nations in the DSE is self-evident. According to the statistics of previous examinations, this article appears as frequently as 85% in the Reading Comprehension section, which is a key chapter that students must be familiar with. Common question types in the exam include: word meaning interpretation, sentence translation, summarising the purpose of a paragraph, analysing argumentative techniques, identifying rhetorical skills, and comprehending the main idea.
As a political treatise that makes a mockery of the past, The Treatise on the Six Powers is not only a review and analysis of historical events, but also a profound critique by Su Xun of the political reality of the Northern Song court. Against the backdrop of the threat posed by the Khitan and the Xixia, the Northern Song Dynasty adopted the policy of exporting money to foreigners in order to seek peace, which was similar to the practice of the Six Powers of the Warring States period of bribing Qin. Through this essay, Su Xun politely satirised and criticised the political decisions of the time and called on the rulers to learn from history and change their policy of humiliating peace.
This paper has a rigorous argumentative structure and clear logic, adopting a five-part layout. The first paragraph opens the door to put forward the central thesis, the second and third paragraphs from the positive and negative perspectives of the argument, the fourth paragraph through the assumption of the argument to further strengthen the point of view, and the last paragraph to point out the writing intention of the irony of the past and the present. This structure not only reflects the author's meticulous logical thinking, but also provides an excellent example for students to learn how to write an argumentative essay.
In terms of language use, The Treatise on the Six Powers demonstrates Su Xun's profound literary skills. The language of the article is concise and powerful, with precise wording and varied sentence patterns, including the use of rhetorical techniques such as prose and couplets, as well as the clever arrangement of questioning and rhetorical techniques. These linguistic features not only enhance the expressive effect of the essay, but also reflect the artistic charm of ancient prose.
💡 Learning Key Reminders
When studying The Six Kingdoms, students should focus on the following aspects: firstly, understanding the central thesis and argumentative structure of the text; secondly, grasping important literary vocabulary and sentence patterns; thirdly, analysing the use of argumentative and rhetorical techniques; and fourthly, understanding the writing technique of satirising the present with the past and the practical significance of the present. Only by fully grasping these key points can we achieve the desired results in the DSE examination.
📜 The Six Kingdoms Theory in its complete original text and sentence-by-sentence translation comparison
The following is the complete original text and detailed translation of The Six Kingdoms, with in-depth analyses and explanations of each paragraph to help students fully understand the content of the text.
First paragraph: presenting the central point
The destruction of the six kingdoms was not due to unfavourable troops or bad war, but to the fact that they were bribed by Qin. The disadvantage was that the Qin were bribed. Bribing the Qin and losing strength was also the way to destroy the six kingdoms. Or said: "The six countries are losing each other, the rate of bribery of Qin? He said, "Those who are not bribed will lose their lives in order to be bribed. Cover the loss of strong support, can not be completed alone, so that "the disadvantages in bribery of Qin" also.
The reason for the demise of the six vassal states was not that their weapons were not sharp and they did not fight well, but that they used land to bribe the Qin state. The problem was that they used land to bribe the Qin state, and their own strength was depleted by the bribe. Then someone said, "Is it true that all the six kingdoms fell one after another because they bribed the Qin state? And the answer was: "Those who did not bribe Qin fell because those who did bribe Qin fell. The reason for this is that those who did not bribe Qin were deprived of powerful assistance and could not protect themselves, so it is said, "The malady lies in the bribing of Qin.
📊 Key points of the first paragraph of the analysis
Paragraph Purpose:The central thesis of "the evils of bribing the Qin Dynasty" is presented at the outset, and this viewpoint is further explained and strengthened through the use of questions.
Methods of Argumentation:By combining the "bad" and "bad" approaches, it firstly dispels the wrong view that "soldiers are unfavourable and wars are not good", and then puts forward the correct argument that "the disadvantage lies in bribing the Qin Dynasty".
Language Features:The language is concise and powerful, the logic is rigorous, and the use of questions enhances the persuasive power of the argument.
Highlight vocabulary:"Malpractice," "Bribery," "Preservation," "Cover," "Because.
Paragraph 2: Positive Argument for Bribery Against Qin
The Qin's attack and capture of other countries, small or big, will result in the acquisition of an area or a city, which is in fact a hundred times more than the Qin's gain and the victory; and the loss of the marquis and the loss of the war is in fact a hundred times more than the loss of the war. Then the great desire of Qin and the great danger of the feudal lords are not in war. I am thinking of my grandfather, who had to cut down the thorns in order to have a place of his own size. His children and grandchildren did not value it much, and gave it to others as if it were a piece of grass. Today he cuts five cities, tomorrow he cuts ten, and then he can sleep for a night; he rises to look at the four borders, and the Qin soldiers are coming again. However, the land of the feudal lords is limited, and the desire of the violent Qin is insatiable, so that the service is more and more frequent and the invasion is more and more urgent, so that the strong and the weak have already been judged without a battle. As for the subversion, the reason is certainly appropriate. As the old saying goes: "Serving Qin with land is like holding a salary to put out a fire; if the salary is not exhausted, the fire will not be extinguished". This saying is true.
In addition to taking land through war, Qin was also bribed by the feudal lords to give them towns for small gains and cities for large gains. Comparing the amount of land Qin gained through bribery with the amount of land Qin gained through victory over other states, the former was actually a hundred times greater; and the amount of land Qin lost through bribery by the feudal lords of the six states was also a hundred times greater than the amount of land Qin lost through defeat. So what Qin wanted most, and what the Six Powers feared most, was not war. They thought of the fact that their ancestors and fathers had been exposed to the cold and the rain and had to fight their way through thick and thin before they could get their hands on a very small amount of land. But their children and grandchildren do not cherish those lands and give them away to others, just like throwing away grass. Today they gave up five cities, tomorrow they gave up ten, and then they were able to sleep soundly for one night; the next day they woke up and looked at the border around them, and the army of Qin was here again. The next day he woke up and looked around the border, and the Qin army was coming again. Since the land of the vassals was limited, the desire of the tyrannical Qin would not be satisfied, and the more land the vassals gave him, the more eager he would be to invade the land of the vassals, so there was no need for a war, as it was clear who was stronger and who was weaker, and who was victorious and who was defeated. And when they have come to the point of annihilation, they will be in the right state of affairs. The ancients said, "Serving the Qin state with land is like holding onto firewood to put out a fire; the fire will not be extinguished until the firewood is burned out. This is true.
📊 Key points of the second paragraph of the analysis
Paragraph Purpose:The danger of bribing Qin is argued from the positive side, and through contrastive and metaphorical arguments, it is shown that bribing Qin will inevitably lead to the destruction of the country.
Methods of Argumentation:The use of contrasting arguments (Qin's gain vs. the war's gain, the marquis's loss vs. the war's loss), analogies (holding a salary to put out a fire), and exaggeration of figures (a hundred times).
Repair tips:Pairing ("today we cut five cities, tomorrow we cut ten"), exaggeration ("a hundred times"), simile ("holding a salary to put out a fire", "like throwing away grass"), etc.
Highlight vocabulary:Aversion (厭 (通饜，滿足), Grandfather (祖輩和父輩), Judgement (分明), Subversion (覆滅).
Paragraph 3: A counter-argument to the argument that those who do not bribe will also perish
The Qi people have never tried to bribe the Qin, but eventually the five kingdoms moved on and perished. The Qi people had not bribed the Qin, but eventually the five kingdoms were destroyed. The five states are now lost, and the Qi will not be spared. The ruler of Yan and Zhao had a far-reaching strategy, and was able to defend his land without bribing Qin. Therefore, although Yan was a small state, it died later. But when Dan took Jingqing as his plan, the disaster was quickened. Zhao had fought five battles against Qin, losing two and winning three. Later, Qin attacked Zhao again, but Li Mu was defeated; Michael Cook was killed and Handan was killed, but his use of military force did not end. And Yan Zhao was at a time when Qin's destruction was complete, so it can be said that the intelligence of the lonely and perilous, and defeat and death, honestly had no choice. If each of the three states loved its own land, if the Qi people did not attach themselves to Qin, if the assassins did not work, and if the good generals were still around, then the number of victories and defeats, and the reason for survival and demise, would be comparable to that of Qin, and might not be easy to measure.
The people of Qi never bribed Qin, but eventually they followed the Five Kingdoms to their doom, why? Why? Because Qi was attached to Qin and did not help the Five Kingdoms. Since the Five Kingdoms fell, Qi was not spared either. The monarchs of Yan and Zhao were initially far-sighted enough to defend their own territories and insisted on not bribing Qin. Therefore, although Yan was a small state, it eventually perished. This was the effect of using military force to fight against the enemy. It was only when Prince Dan used the strategy of Jingkeshi's assassination of the Qin king that he incurred disaster. Zhao had fought with Qin five times, losing twice and winning three times. Later, Qin attacked Zhao twice, but Li Mu defeated the Qin army one after another; when Li Mu was killed for his mediocre words, Handan became a county of Qin, but unfortunately, Zhao's military force did not hold out to the end. Moreover, Yan and Zhao were at a time when Qin had almost annihilated all the kingdoms, so it can be said that they were in an isolated and dangerous situation in terms of both wisdom and strength, and they had no choice but to lose the war and perish. If Han, Wei and Chu had cherished their own lands, if the Qi had not attached themselves to Qin, if they had not sent assassins, and if their good generals had remained, then the fate of victory and defeat, and the reason for their existence and death, would have been comparable to that of Qin, and might not have been so easy to judge.
📊 Key points of the third paragraph of the analysis
Paragraph Purpose:The argument from the opposite side shows that even if the state did not bribe Qin, it would still be difficult to escape from extinction, which further proves the argument that "the disadvantage lies in bribing Qin".
Methods of Argumentation:Argument from example (the example of Qi, Yan and Zhao), hypothetical argument ("so that each of the three states would love its own land...")
Historical facts:Historical events such as the vassal state of Qi to Qin, the failure of Yan to assassinate Qin, and the murder of Li Mu of Zhao are analysed in detail.
Highlight vocabulary:With, to, from, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to
Paragraph 4: Hypothetical argument to show the possibility of unity against the Qin Dynasty
The people of Qin are not the only ones who have been in the country for a long time! If we give the world's strategists a place in Qin, and if we give the world's geniuses a gift with the heart of Qin, and if we go westward, then I am afraid that the Qin people will not be able to swallow their food. I am afraid that the Qin people will not be able to eat! If you have such an advantage and cannot use it, you will be robbed by the accumulated power of the Qin people, and you will be cut down day by day and cut down month by month, and you will be on the verge of death. The state will not be hijacked by the accumulated power of the Qin!
Alas! If we use the bribe of Qin's land to divide up the world's counsellors, and use the heart of serving Qin to honour the world's wizards, and join forces to attack Qin to the west, then I am afraid that the people of Qin will not even be able to eat. I am afraid that the people of Qin would not even be able to eat! Having such a situation but failing to make use of it, he was eventually threatened by the Qin's long-accumulated might, and cut back every day and made concessions every month, and thus came to his ruin. Those who govern the country should not be threatened by the long-accumulated power of the enemy!
📊 Key points of the fourth paragraph of the analysis
Paragraph Purpose:Through hypothetical arguments, it demonstrates the great potential of the unity of the six kingdoms against Qin, and expresses the regret for the missed opportunity.
Methods of Argumentation:Hypothetical arguments, contrastive arguments (hypothetical unity vs. realistic division)
Repair tips:Sighs ("Whoo-hoo! "Woe to you!") "exaggerations" ("I can't eat it"), "couplets" ("the sun cuts the moon").
Highlight vocabulary:Jiewei (a power accumulated over a long period of time), hijacking (threatening), tending (towards)
Paragraph 5: Irony of the past and the present, pointing out the intention of the writing.
The six kingdoms and Qin are all vassals, and their power is weaker than Qin's, but they still have the power to win without being bribed. If we take the world as a whole and follow the story of the six states, we will be under the six states again!
The Six Powers and Qin were both vassals. The Six Powers were weaker than Qin, but they still had the power to defeat Qin without bribing it. If the Six Powers, with such a great power in the world, were to repeat the same mistake as the Six Powers in their demise, they would be even worse than the Six Powers!
💡 DSE Highlights Reminder
The fifth paragraph is the pointers of the whole text. "The greatness of the world" obviously refers to the Northern Song Dynasty, and "the story of the Six Kingdoms" refers to a repeat of the Six Kingdoms' mistakes. This technique of making a mockery of the past is a key component of the DSE examination, and students must have a deep understanding of its practical significance.
📊 Key points to analyse in paragraph 5
Paragraph Purpose:Ironising the present by borrowing from the past to illustrate the writing intention and criticise the Northern Song's policy of seeking peace.
Methods of Argumentation:Contrasting arguments (Six Kingdoms vs. Northern Song Dynasty), Counterfactuals ("It's under the Six Kingdoms again")
Writing techniques:Ironise the past and learn from history.
Reality:Criticising the policy of the Northern Song Dynasty of exporting money to the Khitan and Western Xia to seek peace
📚 Detailed Explanation of Important Vocabulary Terms
The Six Kingdoms contains a large number of important Chinese vocabulary words, which are not only key to understanding the content of the text, but are also key test subjects in the DSE exam. Below is a breakdown of the vocabulary according to importance and frequency.
🔥 High-frequency test vocabulary (must be mastered)
| vocabulary | literary (rather than colloquial) pronunciation of a Chinese character | lexical | Gouyi or Guiyi (6th century AD), one of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan | modern meaning | Example sentences | frequency of exams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boring. | yàn | Vocabulary | Satisfaction | I don't like it. | The Desire of the Tyrannosaurus Rex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| detriment | bì | Nouns | Ills, Symptoms | malpractice | Bribery is in the Qin dynasty (idiom); fig. a scourge on the people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| be over | wán | Vocabulary | save from damage | Complete, finished | I can't finish it. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| obviously (different) | pàn | Adjectives | Distinct and clear | judgement | It's all over now. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| grandfathers | zǔ fù | Nouns | Grandparents and fathers | Father's father. | think of one's great-grandfather | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| and | yǔ | Vocabulary | Affinity | And, and with | Going with Ying but not helping the Five Kingdoms | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| cook | jì | prepositions | by the time when (sth. is ready etc) | No Present Meaning | Michael Cook is implicated in mediocre behaviour. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| instruct sb. to do sth. | xiàng shǐ | Conjunctions | provided | No Present Meaning | To make the three kingdoms love each other | ⭐⭐⭐ |
📖 Important Vocabulary Details
1. bored (通饜) - satisfied
Usage Analysis:The word "厭" is a generic character for "饜", which means "to satisfy" in the text. The word "暴秦之欲望無厭" means that the desires of the tyrannical Qin state are not satisfied. This word occurs very frequently in the DSE and candidates should master its generic and archaic meanings.
Memory Tips:You can think of the word "饜 足" to help remember its meaning of "satisfaction".
Related Example Sentence:"Greedy and insatiable." (The ancient meaning is preserved in modern idioms.)
2. cons - drawbacks, symptoms
Usage Analysis:The word "ills" in the phrase "ills in Bribery" refers to the ills, the crux of the problem, that is, the root cause of the problem. This is the central thesis of the whole article. Understanding the meaning of this word is crucial to grasping the main idea of the article.
Compare and contrast the past and present:The ancient meaning focuses on the "fundamental problem", while the modern meaning refers to the "drawbacks and disadvantages", which are similar in meaning but more profound in the ancient sense.
Extended Usage:Modern usage such as "利弊得失" and "興利除弊" have retained their ancient meanings.
3. Completion -- preservation
Usage Analysis:"The word "完" in "不能獨完" is a verb meaning "to preserve. Here it means that the country that did not bribe Qin could not preserve itself alone.
Lexical analyses:There is a clear difference between the ancient meaning of "保全" and the modern meaning of "完整、完成", which is often examined in examinations.
Related Terms:The word "完" in "完璧歸趙" also means "preserve".
🎯 key vocabulary in frequently examined sentences
💡 DSE Compulsory Sentence Vocabulary
"He who is not bribed, is bribed to die."
- "in order to": preposition, because
- "Mourn": verb, to perish.
- Translation of the whole sentence: The state that did not bribe Qin perished because the state that did bribe Qin perished.
"Think of your grandfathers."
- "Turk": pronoun, of them.
- "prior": adjective, deceased, previous
- "Grandfather": noun, ancestor and father (archaic and modern).
"Let no man's kingdom be robbed of its power."
- "For the state": those who govern the state
- "No make": don't let
- "Jiu Wei": the power accumulated over a long period of time.
- "Hijacking: Threatening, coercion.
📝 Vocabulary Practice
To help students better master these important vocabulary words, we offer the following practice suggestions:
Learn from the recommendations:It is recommended that students make vocabulary cards with vocabulary and example sentences on the front and explanations and usage on the back. Review 10-15 vocabulary words every day, and you will be able to master all the key vocabulary words within a month. Meanwhile, you should pay attention to the difference between ancient and modern meanings, which is the key point of the DSE exam.
🔍 Word Classification Memory
| classification | vocabulary | Memory Points |
|---|---|---|
| Tongjizi | Boring. | It is important to remember the relationship between Chinese and English |
| Ancient and Modern Anagrams | Grandfather, Finish, Judge. | Difference in meaning between ancient and modern times |
| Multiple meanings for one word | With, By, Of | Determine the specific meaning according to the context |
| word usage | West (westward) | Watch out for word changes |
🔍 In-depth analyses of argumentative techniques and rhetorical skills
The Six Kingdoms Theory is exemplary in its use of argumentative and rhetorical techniques. The author has skilfully employed a variety of argumentative and rhetorical techniques to make the text both logically convincing and artistically contagious.
🎯 In-depth analyses of argumentation methods
1. Contrastive Argumentation (the most important method of argumentation)
📊 Hierarchy of Contrastive Arguments
Level 1 Comparison: Quantity Comparison
"Comparing what Qin gained with what it gained by winning the war, it was actually a hundred times as much" - by comparing the numbers, it shows that bribing Qin allowed Qin to gain huge benefits without fighting.
"The loss of the feudal lords is in fact a hundred times as great as the loss of those who were defeated in battle" - a description of the enormous losses suffered by the feudal lords as a result of bribing Qin to keep them out of the war.
Second level of comparison: time comparison
"I think of my grandfather, who was a man of many talents.... The children and grandchildren did not value it much, and gave it to others as if it were a piece of grass" - through the contrast between the ancestor's entrepreneurship and the grandchildren's squandering, the short-sightedness of the future generation is criticised.
Level 3 Comparison: Results Comparison
"Although Yan was a small state, it died later" vs. "The five states are now lost" - the value of resistance is demonstrated through the contrast between Yan's insistence on resisting and the different outcomes of other states' attempts to bribe Qin.
2. Argument by example (specific and strong)
📊 Tips for Using Example Arguments
The example of Qi:"The Qi people have never tried to bribe the Qin, but eventually the five states moved on and perished. The Qi people have not yet bribed the Qin, and yet the five kingdoms have been destroyed.
Function: To illustrate that even if Qin was not bribed, it would still be difficult to escape the fate of destruction if it did not unite against the enemy.
The example of Yan Zhaoge:Detailed analyses of specific incidents such as the failure of Yan to assassinate Qin and the murder of Li Mu of Zhao.
Function: To illustrate that persistent resistance, though ultimately unsuccessful, can be sustained for a longer period of time, and to justify the policy of resistance.
3. Hypothetical arguments (to enhance persuasiveness)
💡 Tips for Using Hypothetical Arguments
First hypothesis:"If the three states love their own land, and the Qi people do not attach themselves to Qin, and if the assassins do not work, and if the good generals are still around, then the number of victories and defeats, and the reason for their existence and death, will be comparable to that of Qin, and may not be easy to measure."
Function: To illustrate that if the Six Powers could be united, the result could be completely different.
The second assumption:"If we grant the world's counsellors the land of Qin, and gift the world's wizards with the heart of Qin, and endeavour to go westward, then I am afraid that the Qin people will not be able to swallow their food."
Function: To emphasise the great power of the unity of the Six Powers through exaggerated assumptions.
4. metaphorical arguments (vivid images)
"This analogy vividly illustrates the danger of the policy of bribing Qin: the more one bribes Qin, the greater the ambition of the Qin state, which will inevitably lead to its downfall in the end.
🎨 Comprehensive analysis of revision techniques
| Rhetoric | Specific examples | role analysis | frequency of exams | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ask a question | "When the six kingdoms are mourning each other, do they always bribe Qin?" | Provides food for thought, actively solves problems, and enhances the effectiveness of argumentation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ask a question and then answer it |
| dyad | "Five cities today, ten tomorrow." | Enhance the rhythm of the language to highlight the contrasting effect | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Equal number of words, same structure, related meaning |
| exaggerate | "It's a hundred times better." "I can't eat it." | Highlighting the extent to enhance the impact and persuasive power | ⭐⭐⭐ | Deliberate exaggeration and highlighting of features |
| simile | "Like throwing away a grain of grass," "Putting out a fire with a paycheck." | Vivid images to enhance the effect of expression | ⭐⭐⭐ | Use this as a metaphor for the other, turning the abstract into the concrete. |
| sigh | "Whoo-hoo!" "SORRY MAN!" | Expressing strong emotions and enhancing infectiousness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | direct expression of emotion |
| parallelism | "The frost and the dew, the thorns and the thistles." | Enhance the language to highlight the difficulties of our ancestors in starting up their own business | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Structural similarity and coherence |
📚 Argument Structure Analysis
🏗️ Five-part argument structure
First paragraph:Presentation of the argument - the central point of the argument is "the evils of the Qin Dynasty" is presented directly at the beginning.
Second paragraph:Positive Argument - Argument from the Direct Harm of Bribery Qin
Third paragraph:Counter-argument - Argument from the point of view of the demise of the non-bribery Qin state
Fourth paragraph:Hypothetical Argument - Demonstrating the Possibility of Uniting Against the Qin Dynasty
Fifth paragraph:Irony of the past and the present - to illustrate the intention of the writing and to link it with reality
The argumentative structure of The Six Kingdoms demonstrates the beauty of strict logic. From the presentation of the argument to the positive and negative arguments, from the hypothetical reasoning to the clarification of the main idea, each step is interlocked, forming a complete chain of argumentation. This structure is not only logically convincing, but also artistically contagious, and is a typical representative of ancient polemical essays.
🎭 Language Feature Analysis
📝 Summary of Language Features
Succinct and powerful:Well-phrased, concise sentences with no unnecessary embellishments.
The logic is rigorous:The argumentation is progressive, interlocking and logical.
Emotionally charged:Expressing strong emotions through exclamations and rhetorical devices.
Ancient and modern bonding:The use of ancient history to testify practical issues has strong practical significance.
🎯 DSE Exam Highlights and Test Taking Strategies
As one of the twelve sample essays for DSE Chinese Language, the Six Kingdoms Theory has appeared very frequently in the past examinations, and it is a chapter that candidates must focus on mastering. The following is a detailed guide based on past examination data and professional analyses.
📊 Examination Frequency Statistics in previous years
📈 Examination Statistics (2012-2024)
Frequency:85% (11 occurrences in 13 years)
Average score:12-15 marks (15-20% of the total marks for Paper 1)
Question distribution statistics:
- Explanation of Terms: 95% (almost every year)
- Sentence Translation: 90% (focusing on long sentence translation)
- Paragraph Purpose Summarisation: 80% (Examining Comprehension)
- Argumentation Technique: 75% (focuses on contrastive arguments)
- Rhetorical Skills: 70% (Frequently Asked Questions, Couplets)
- Main idea comprehension: 85% (borrowing from the past to satirise the present must be tested)
🎯 Frequently Asked Questions and Answering Strategies
1. Definitional questions (compulsory)
💡 Answer Techniques
- Judgement of the word "generic":For example, "厭" means "厭" and "饜", the relationship between the two should be clearly pointed out.
- Distinguish between ancient and modern meanings:Focus on ancient meanings, e.g. "grandfather" refers to ancestors and fathers.
- Contextualisation:Determine the meaning of words according to the context to avoid going out of context.
- Note the multiple meanings of words:For example, the word "以" is used in a variety of ways
2. Sentence translation questions (compulsory)
📝 High Frequency Test Sentences and Standardised Answers
"The evil is in Bribery."
Standard Answer: The drawback is bribing the Qin Dynasty.
Points to note: "弊" is translated as "弊病" and "賂" is translated as "賄賂".
"He who is not bribed, is bribed to die."
STANDARD ANSWER: the state that did not bribe Qin perished because the state that did bribe Qin perished
Points to note: "以" is translated as "因" and "喪" is translated as "滅亡".
"The tyrannical Qin's desire is insatiable."
Standard Answer: The desire of the tyrannical Qin is not fulfilled.
Points to note: "厭" means "饜", which translates to "滿足".
"Let no man's kingdom be robbed of its power."
STANDARD ANSWER: He who governs a nation should not be intimidated by the long-accumulated might of his enemies!
Scoring Points: Accurate Translation of "For the Kingdom", "Jai Wei" and "Robbery".
3. Argumentation Analysis Questions
🔍 Argumentation Techniques Key Points of Examination
Contrastive Argumentation (most often tested):
- Identification: Identify contrasts in the text
- Analysing: Explaining the content and effect of contrasts
- Function: To highlight the argument and make it more convincing.
For example:
- Identification: Finding specific historical examples
- Analyse: Explain the relationship between the example and the thesis.
- Function: Specific and powerful, enhance credibility.
Hypothetical argument:
- Identify: Identify hypothetical statements
- Analysing: Explaining the content and meaning of the hypothesis
- Role: Prove the opposite of the argument
4. Identification of Rhetorical Skills
| Rhetoric | Identify the key points | Answer Mode | Common Errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask a question | Question and Answer | Use of questions to stimulate thinking and enhance the effect of argumentation. | Confused with rhetorical questions |
| dyad | Equal number of words, same structure | Use of couplets to enhance the rhythm of the language | Confused with prose |
| simile | use this as a metaphor for others | Use of metaphors to turn the abstract into the concrete | Find only the body metaphor. |
| exaggerate | exaggerate | Use exaggeration to highlight features | Mixing up with metaphors |
⚠️ Common Missing Score Pitfalls and Ways to Avoid Them
🚫 Common Errors in Lexical Interpretation
Error 1: Confusing ancient and modern meanings
Example: Interpreting "grandfather" as the modern meaning of "爺" (爺).
Correct: Ancestors and fathers
Mistake 2: Ignoring wildcards
Example: I didn't know "obnoxious" meant "obnoxious".
Correct: "Hate" means "to be satisfied".
Mistake 3: Getting out of context
Example: The word "與" has a variety of meanings, which need to be judged according to the context.
Correct: Determine the meaning in relation to specific sentences.
🚫 Common Errors in Sentence Translation
Mistake 1: Verbatim Translation
Example: "Those who do not bribe are bribed to perish" is translated verbatim as "Those who do not bribe are bribed to perish".
Correct: Adjust the order of the words to conform to the modern Chinese language expression habits
Error 2: Sequence error
Example: Failure to understand the grammatical features of the language
Correct: Mastering Common Sentence Forms in the Literary Language
Mistake 3: Omission of keywords
Example: Omission of Important Vocabulary Translations
Correct: every word must have a corresponding translation
💯 Strategies for Higher Scores
🏆 DSE High Score Tips
- Familiarise yourself with key vocabulary:Suggest the production of glossary cards, especially for Chinese characters and ancient and modern anagrams.
- Mastering Article Structure:A five-paragraph structure with a clear purpose for each paragraph
- Understand the method of argumentation:Ability to identify and analyse the role of various argumentative techniques
- Grasp the main idea:Understand thoroughly the writing intention of making a mockery of the past and present.
- Do more exercises:Familiarise yourself with the exam format and marking scheme through past exam questions.
- Pay attention to the format of the answer:Answer according to the requirements of the question, paying attention to the word limit.
📋 Explanation of real DSE questions in previous years
Below are the real questions and detailed explanations of Six Nations Theory in previous DSE exams to help students familiarise themselves with the exam pattern and improve their test-taking skills.
📚 2023 DSE True Questions
📝 Question 1: Definitional Explanation (3 marks)
Title:Explain the meaning of the underlined words in the following sentences:
"The Desire of the Tyrannical Qinpesky"
Standard Answer:Aversion is the same as "饜", satisfaction.
Scoring Criteria:
- Point out the relationship between Chinese and English (1 mark)
- Explain the meaning of the word correctly (2 marks)
Common Errors:Explained as "disgusting".
📝 Question 2: Sentence Translation (4 marks)
Title:Translate the following sentences:
"He who is not bribed, is bribed to die."
Standard Answer:The countries that did not bribe Qin perished because the countries that did bribe Qin perished.
Scoring Criteria:
- "Those who do not bribe": not to bribe the state of Qin (1 point)
- "in order to": because (1 point)
- "Bribe": a state that bribes Qin (1 point)
- "Mourning": extinction (1 point)
📚 2022 DSE True Question
📝 Question 1: Analysis of Argumentation Techniques (5 marks)
Title:What method of argumentation does the author use in the second paragraph? Explain.
Standard Answer:
The author employs the method of comparative argumentation. By comparing the amount of land Qin gained from bribery with the amount of land Qin gained from victory ("in fact, it was a hundred times as much") and the amount of land the feudal lords lost from bribery with the amount of land they lost from defeat ("in fact, it was also a hundred times as much"), the author highlights the great harm done by bribery to Qin, which is a strong proof of the argument that the disadvantage lies in the bribery of Qin.
Scoring Criteria:
- Correctly identifies the method of argumentation (2 marks)
- Accurately state the contrast (2 marks)
- Analysing the effect of argumentation (1 mark)
📚 2021 DSE True Questions
📝 Topic 1: Main idea comprehension (6 marks)
Title:What is the author's purpose in writing this article? Explain this in the context of the article.
Standard Answer:
The purpose of the author in writing this article is to make a mockery of the past and to criticise the peace-making policy of the Northern Song Dynasty. By analysing the historical lesson of the demise of the six kingdoms in the Warring States period as a result of bribery of Qin, the author implied that the policy of the Northern Song Dynasty of exporting money to the Khitan and the Xixia to seek peace would inevitably lead to the demise of the country, and called upon the rulers to learn from the history, change the policy of begging for peace and adopting a positive attitude of resistance. The last paragraph of the article, "If we take the world as a whole and follow the story of the Six Kingdoms, we will be under the Six Kingdoms again", clearly expresses this writing intention.
Scoring Criteria:
- Point out the writing technique of making use of the past to satirise the present (2 marks)
- Explain the criticism of the Northern Song's policy of seeking peace (2 marks)
- Analyse in the context of the article (2 marks)
📚 2020 DSE Real Questions
📝 Topic 1: Analysis of rhetorical techniques (4 marks)
Title:What rhetorical device is used in the phrase "five cities today, ten tomorrow"? What is its effect?
Standard Answer:
The rhetorical technique of couplets is used. The words "today" and "tomorrow", "five cities" and "ten cities" are equal in number, identical in structure and harmonious in sound. The effect is to enhance the sense of rhythm and expressive effect of the language. It vividly describes the situation in which the feudal lords kept cutting off land to bribe Qin, and highlights the harmfulness of the policy of bribing Qin.
Scoring Criteria:
- Correctly state the rhetorical device (2 marks)
- Analyse the effect of rhetoric (2 marks)
📊 Statistical analysis of real questions
| years | Topic Type | value of a score | Examination highlights | difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Lexical explanation + sentence translation | 7 points. | Translations of Chinese Characters and Sentences | medium |
| 2022 | Analysis of Argumentative Techniques | 5 points | comparative argument | medium |
| 2021 | Keynote understanding | 6 points | make use of the past to satirize the present | Harder |
| 2020 | rhetorical skills | 4 points | dualistic device | easy |
| 2019 | Summarisation of the purpose of the paragraph | 5 points | Paragraph comprehension | medium |
💡 Suggestions for Practising the True Questions
- Practice regularly:Complete the questions in accordance with the examination timetable
- Compare the answers:Carefully compare standardised answers to identify gaps
- Summarise the rules:Summarise common question types and answer patterns
- Repeated practice:Focused practice on error questions
- Mock exams:Regular full-length mock examinations
📥 Learning Resources Download Centre
GetUtor has prepared a wealth of learning resources for students, including worksheets, notes, practice questions, etc., all of which are free to download, helping you to master the Six Kingdoms Theory with ease.
🎁 Free access to the full Learning Resource Kit
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Six Nations Theory Worksheet
Includes vocabulary practice, sentence translation, comprehension quizzes and more.
Focused Note Organisation
Compact notes covering all DSE exam key points
Chart of Argumentation Techniques
Visualisation of diagrams and charts to clearly demonstrate the various methods of argumentation
DSE Mock Exam Questions
Simulation of DSE questions with detailed marking criteria
Glossary Card
Make memory cards for easy revision of key words.
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💡 Suggestions for Using Learning Resources
- Progress in a gradual and orderly manner:Read the notes first, then do the worksheet exercise
- Focus on breakthroughs:Focusing on weak areas
- Review regularly:Use memory cards to review vocabulary on a regular basis
- Mock exams:Regular use of mock exams to test learning effectiveness
- Seek help:Seek guidance from professional tutors when you encounter difficulties.
🎮 Interaction test
Test your mastery of The Six Kingdoms through interactive quizzes and get instant feedback to improve your learning efficiency.
📝 Vocabulary test
🔍 Argumentation Manipulation Tests
📚 Understanding and Analysing Tests
🎯 Recommendations after completion of the test
Suggestions if you are having trouble with the quiz:
- Re-read the relevant chapter
- Download our learning resources for consolidation
- Find a professional tutor for one-on-one guidance
- Join our Online Learning Groups
📊 Comparative analysis of model texts
Through comparative analyses with other DSE sample essays, students will be helped to better understand the characteristics and values of The Six Kingdoms and master the skills of writing in different genres.
🔍 Comparative analysis with The Master's Discourse
Style:political commentary
Topic:Analysing the reasons for the demise of the Six Powers
Methods of Argumentation:Contrastive argumentation is the mainstay
Language Features:Succinct and logical
Writing techniques:make use of the past to satirize the present
Reality:Criticism of Northern Song's policy of seeking peace
Style:science fiction
Topic:Discuss the importance of being a teacher
Methods of Argumentation:Pros and cons argument
Language Features:Clearly organised and well reasoned
Writing techniques:a combination of the old and the new
Reality:Criticising the prevailing culture of not attaching importance to teacher ethics
📈 Analysis of Similarities
- The argument is rigorous:Both articles use rigorous logical arguments.
- The contrast is stark:All of them make extensive use of contrasting arguments to enhance their persuasive power.
- Reality Targeted:They all spoke out on the social issues of the day.
- The language is excellent:Precise wording, concise and powerful expression.
📉 Different points of analysis
- The subject matter is different:The Six Kingdoms Theory is based on history, while The Teacher's Commentary is based on education.
- The techniques are different:The Six Kingdoms Theory satirises the present by borrowing from the past, while The Teacher's Commentary discusses the present directly.
- The structure is different:The Six Kingdoms in five paragraphs, The Teacher's Discourse in four paragraphs
- The tone is different:The Six Kingdoms Theory is more impassioned, the Teacher's Commentary is more peaceful.
🔍 Comparative analyses with The Getaway
Style:argumentative essay
Thought Content:political criticism
Expression:rational argument
Language style:Simple and clear
Philosophical Colours:Confucian thoughts
Style:Philosophical Prose
Thought Content:Philosophical Criticism
Expression:allegory
Language style:Fantastic
Philosophical Colours:Taoist thought
📚 Learning Value Comparison
| 範文 | Key Learning Values | DSE Exam Highlights | learning difficulty | Practicality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six Kingdoms Theory | Tips for writing an argumentative essay | Methods of Argumentation, Making Use of the Past to Ironise the Present | medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| The teacher said | Rationale Writing Methods | Contrasting Argumentation, Combination of Positive and Incorporated | medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Getaway | philosophical thinking | Allegorical understanding, philosophical ideas | Harder | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Yueyang Tower | narrative and lyric technique | Situational integration and main idea comprehension | easy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Suggestions for learning the model text
It is recommended to refer to other sample texts when studying the Six Kingdoms:
- Comparative Learning:Deepen your understanding of the characteristics of each text through comparison
- Summarise:Summarise the techniques of writing in different genres
- The integration of the two:Apply the skills learnt to your writing.
- Focus on breakthroughs:Focus on weak areas
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