Reprinted with permission from the BBC (bbc.co.uk)
Pre-Reading Questions: Keep a look out for these details when reading! Then, after you’ve read, fill in the answers.
What problems do critics have with this change in the standards of Chinese law?
Why do ministry officials say that this change is required?
How do most lawyers in China view this announcement?
How long do lawyers have after receiving their certificate, to take an oath to the government?
A year
Three months
They must swear immediately
They must swear before receiving their certificate
Why is this a politically sensitive time?
The Communist Party is preparing to transfer power
China is in massive debt
China is involved in tense discussions with Russia
This is not a politically sensitive time
What kinds of cases are lawyers prevented from taking?
Cases defending government critics
Cases defending human rights activists
Cases defending foreigners
Both A and B
Both A and C
What sort of cases was Chen Guangcheng detained for taking on?
Cases defending religious minorities
Cases attacking the government
Cases defending foreigners
Cases involving smuggling
Which of these lawyers has NOT been detained by the government?
Ghao Zhisheng
Chen Guangcheng
Jian Tianyong
Mo Shaoping
Now that you’ve answered the questions, use them to compile a summary. Remember, you want to hit on the main ideas, explaining who (or what) did what when and where, as well as (if possible) why they did it. After that, explain what’s happened as a result and what might happen in the future.
Vocabulary: define the following words using context clues. Explain how you arrived at the definition from the surrounding information.
