Open-Ended Contextual Dictation
The sentences filled in the “open-ended context” are not fixed to any two specific sentences,but rather a number of sentences that fit the context,as long as two of them can be written.The characteristics of this type of contextual dictation are: the context is topical, the selection of sentences is open, and the answers are not unique. By carefully analyzing the context of the questions, we can find that “poetic imagery,” “cultural vocabulary,” and “themes of works” are three commonly used topics.
1.Poetic ImageryThe imagery in poetry is a unity of emotion and scenery, heart and object. Using “imagery” as a guide to connect related famous lines is a new examination method for dictation of famous works in the new college entrance examination. For example, in the 2021 New College Entrance Examination II in Liaoning, the word “falling leaves” was tested, which frequently appears in classical poetry. In addition to the line from Du Fu’s “Ascending the Heights” in the textbook, “Countless falling leaves rustle down, the endless Yangtze River rolls on,” we can also find, “In the ancient city, sparse trees, the desolate garrison is shrouded in cold clouds” (Du Fu, “South Pole”), “The autumn window still has the dawn color, falling leaves meet the wind” (Du Fu, “Guest Pavilion”), “At the border gate, the wind blows the leaves, the guesthouse is connected to the mountains by rain” (Du Fu, “Miscellaneous Poems from Qinzhou”), “Frost does not kill the grass, wind does not blow the leaves” (Bai Juyi, “Three Poems on Xunyang: Bamboo at Penpu”), etc.Practice reciting the following famous lines related to imagery.(1) Cuckoo① What do you hear at dawn and dusk? The cuckoo cries blood, the ape mourns.——Bai Juyi, “Pipa Song”② Zhuangzi’s morning dream confuses the butterfly, the heart of the emperor entrusts the cuckoo.——Li Shangyin, “Jinse”③ Again I hear the cuckoo cry under the moon at night, sorrowful in the empty mountains.——Li Bai, “Difficult Road to Shu”④ Ten thousand valleys of trees reach the sky, a thousand mountains echo the cuckoo.——Wang Wei, “Sending Li Shijun to Zizhou”⑤ The cuckoo is silent at dusk, returning home with a hoe to close the heavy door.——Cao Xueqin, “Funeral Flower Song”(2) Small Boat① Rowing a leaf of a small boat, lifting a gourd to share.——Su Shi, “Red Cliff Ode”② Whose small boat is this night? Where is the moonlit tower of longing?——Zhang Ruoxu, “Spring River Flower Moon Night”③ Life in the world is unsatisfactory, tomorrow I will let my hair down and play with the small boat.——Li Bai, “Farewell to the Bookkeeper Uncle Yun at Xuan Prefecture”④ A leaf small boat with light sails, temporarily moored on the south bank of the Chu River.——Liu Yong, “Lost in the Mind”⑤ A few sounds of the transverse flute, a leaf small boat.——Qin Guan, “Windy Child”(3) Chrysanthemum① Picking chrysanthemums at the eastern fence, leisurely seeing the southern mountain.——Tao Yuanming, “Drinking Wine” (V)② Half-open purple beauty, red clothes fall, the lotus grieves.——Zhao Jiao, “Autumn View in Chang’an”③ A cluster of chrysanthemums blooms, tears for another day, a lonely boat ties the heart of the hometown.——Du Fu, “Eight Poems of Autumn” (I)④ I long for the chrysanthemums of my hometown, they should bloom near the battlefield.——Cen Shen, “Thinking of Chang’an in the Army on the Ninth Day”⑤ On the ninth day, drinking at Longshan, the yellow flowers smile at the officials.——Li Bai, “Drinking at Longshan on the Ninth Day”(4) Iron Armor① The northern wind transmits the golden clapper, the cold light shines on the iron armor (from “Yuefu Poetry Collection: Mulan Poem”)② The general’s bow cannot be drawn, the protector’s iron armor is cold and hard to wear (Tang, Cen Shen, “Song of White Snow Sending Wu Judge Back to the Capital”)③ The iron armor has been stationed far away for a long time, the jade chopsticks should cry after parting (Tang, Gao Shi, “Song of the Swallow”)(5) Mountain① The cavalry and infantry are north of the mountain, leaning on the balcony with tears flowing.——Du Fu, “Ascending the Yueyang Tower”② There is not much road to Peng Mountain, the blue bird is diligent to explore.——Li Shangyin, “Untitled”③ When will we cut the candle at the west window, and talk about the night rain in Bashan?——Li Shangyin, “Night Rain in Bashan”④ Looking at each other without weariness, only Jingting Mountain.——Li Bai, “Sitting Alone on Jingting Mountain”⑤ Once having crossed the vast sea, it is hard to find water, except for the clouds of Wushan.——Yuan Zhen, “Parting Thoughts” (IV)(6) Water① Asking how much sorrow you can have, just like a river of spring water flowing east.——Li Yu, “Yu Meiren”② Drawing a knife to cut water, the water flows more, raising a cup to dispel sorrow, the sorrow increases.——Li Bai, “Farewell to the Bookkeeper Uncle Yun at Xuan Prefecture”③ The sorrow of parting gradually becomes endless, like spring water that never stops.——Ouyang Xiu, “Stepping on the Sand: The Plum Blossoms at the Houguan”(7) Seagulls① A thousand miles returning by boat playing the flute, my heart is pledged to the white seagull (Huang Tingjian, “Ascending the Fast Pavilion”)② Spring water flows on both sides, but I see flocks of seagulls coming every day (Du Fu, “Guest Arrivals”)③ Where to find the light seagull on the sea? The smoke and waves float for thousands of miles (Lu You, “Seagull”)2.Cultural VocabularyThis type of vocabulary contains rich cultural factors, has a long cultural accumulation, and appears frequently in ancient poetry, becoming a symbol of a region, an emotion, or a culture. Setting questions based on cultural vocabulary makes the dictation of famous works more humanistic. For example, in the 2021 New College Entrance Examination I (Fujian and other examination areas), “Three Qin” as a geographical term frequently appears in ancient poetry, such as “The city walls assist the Three Qin, the smoke and wind look towards the five crossings”; “At this moment, there is no inch of heart, where can I see the Three Qin?”; “The mirror reflects the color of the Three Qin, the window shakes the light of the eight waters”; “The blood of the Three Qin has already become a river, the yellow clouds at the border are idle”; etc., all of which can be answers to this question.Practice reciting the following famous lines related to cultural vocabulary.(1) Qingming (Festival Type)① During the Qingming season, the rain falls, and the travelers on the road are heartbroken.——Du Mu, “Qingming”② When the swallows come, the new community is established, and the pear blossoms fall after Qingming.——Yan Shu, “Breaking the Formation: Spring Scene”③ The plain clothes should not sigh in the dust, it is still possible to reach home by Qingming.——Lu You, “The Spring Rain in Lin’an After the Rain”④ On the beautiful festival of Qingming, the peach and plum trees smile, while the wild fields and desolate graves only bring sorrow.——Huang Tingjian, “Qingming”⑤ Qingming and Shangsi are good at West Lake, a view full of splendor.——Ouyang Xiu, “Picking Mulberries”(2) Weeping Willow (Custom Type)① In the flute, I hear the weeping willow, the spring color has not yet been seen.——Li Bai, “Song of the Frontier” (I)② This night, I hear the weeping willow in the song, who does not rise with nostalgia for the hometown?——Li Bai, “Spring Night in Luocheng Hearing the Flute”③ The willow branches are all broken, the flowers have all fallen, asking the traveler whether he will return.——Anonymous, “Farewell Poem”④ Due to the many farewells near the capital, the long willow branches are all broken, reducing the spring breeze.——Bai Juyi, “Willow at the Green Gate”(3) Luoyang (Geographical Type)① Where does the hometown letter reach? The returning wild geese are by Luoyang.——Wang Wan, “Next to Beigu Mountain”② In Luoyang City, I see the autumn wind, wanting to write a letter home, the feelings are heavy.——Zhang Ji, “Autumn Thoughts”③ I send a message to Luoyang, to convey the feelings of the border.——Cui Hao, “Written in Liaoxi”④ In Luoyang, the pear blossoms fly in March, the travelers from Qin land remember spring.——Cui Hao, “Weicheng Youth Walking”⑤ The scenery of Guilin is different, autumn is like spring in Luoyang.——Song Zhiwen, “Beginning of Autumn Day”(4) Emei (Geographical Type)① To the west of Taibai, there is a bird path that can cross the peak of Emei.——Li Bai, “Difficult Road to Shu”② The land of Shu has many immortal mountains, Emei is hard to match.——Li Bai, “Ascending Emei Mountain”③ The moon over Emei Mountain is half a wheel in autumn, the shadow enters the water of Pingqiang River.——Li Bai, “Song of the Moon over Emei Mountain”(5) Yellow River (Geographical Type)① Wanting to cross the Yellow River, the ice blocks the river, preparing to climb the Taihang, the snow fills the mountain.——Li Bai, “Difficult Road”② The Yellow River flows far above the white clouds, a lonely city stands among the towering mountains.——Wang Zhihuan, “Cool State Poem”③ The white sun sets behind the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea.——Wang Zhihuan, “Ascending the Stork Tower”3.Themes of WorksThe theme is the soul of poetry and prose; grasping the theme means understanding the core of the poetry and prose. Therefore, students can categorize and summarize a class of famous lines based on the “theme.” For example, traditional Chinese culture contains rich ideological essence, among which dedicating oneself to the country is the choice of many righteous people. Since Huo Qubing shouted, “The Xiongnu are not destroyed, how can I care for my family?” there have been many famous lines in Tang and Song poetry that inspire us to not fear sacrifice and fight for the country. The answers can be “Drunk in the battlefield, do not laugh, how many people return from ancient battles” (Wang Han, “Cool State Poem”), or “Looking at the white blade stained with blood, does one care for merit when dying for the cause” (Gao Shi, “Song of the Swallow”), “I wish to repay the country with this body, why must I be born into the Jade Gate” (Dai Shulun, “Song of the Frontier” (II)), “Leaving home without looking back, is it difficult to die for the country” (Li Bai, “Song of the Hu Horse in Youzhou”), “The ambition remains young, even in death, one can still be a hero” (Lu You, “Book of Resentment”), etc. This type of dictation is no longer a mechanical rote memorization, but reflects the purpose of applying what one has learned, which also aligns with the requirements of high-quality education for the college entrance examination.Practice reciting the following famous lines related to themes.(1) Aspirations① The old steed in the stable aspires to a thousand miles; the martyr in his twilight years, his ambition remains unyielding.——Cao Cao, “Though the Turtle Lives”② Ten years sharpening a sword, the frost blade has never been tested.——Jia Dao, “The Swordsman”③ The long wind will break the waves at times, directly hanging the cloud sail to cross the sea.——Li Bai, “Difficult Road” (I)④ Heaven born me must have use, a thousand gold spent will return.——Li Bai, “Bring in the Wine”⑤ To see a thousand miles, one must climb another floor.——Wang Zhihuan, “Ascending the Stork Tower”⑥ Do not wait idly, turning white in youth, only to lament.——Yue Fei, “Full River Red”(2) Patriotism① The yellow sand has fought a hundred battles, wearing golden armor, I will not return until I break the Loulan.——Wang Changling, “From the Army” (IV)② Why not take the Wu hook, to reclaim the fifty states of the mountain pass?——Li He, “Thirteen in the South Garden” (V)③ The wind is bleak and the water is cold, the hero goes and does not return!——”Song of Crossing the Yi River”④ The fallen petals are not heartless, they turn into spring mud to protect the flowers.——Gong Zizhen, “Miscellaneous Poems of 1899” (V)⑤ If it benefits the country, I will live or die; how can I avoid or seek fortune?——Lin Zexu, “On the Journey to the Garrison” (II)⑥ Alas, though Chu has three households, can Qin be without a strong China?——Lu You, “The Golden Knife”⑦ Since ancient times, who has not died? Let the loyal heart shine through the ages.——Wen Tianxiang, “Crossing the Lingding Ocean”⑧ Though my position is low, I dare not forget my worries for the country; even when the matter is settled, I must wait until the coffin is closed.——Lu You, “Writing While Sick”(3) Sacrificing Oneself for Justice① Since ancient times, who has not died? Let the loyal heart shine through the ages.——Wen Tianxiang, “Crossing the Lingding Ocean”② To repay your intentions on the golden platform, I will carry the jade dragon to die for you.——Li He, “The Song of the Commander of Yanmen”③ I wish to repay the country with this body, why must I be born into the Jade Gate?——Dai Shulun, “Song of the Frontier”4.Artistic Techniques(1) Juxtaposition of Time and Space(Juxtaposition of time and space refers to the poet describing scenery from both time and space perspectives to create an artistic conception, allowing readers to gain aesthetic experience in the interplay of time and space.)① A thousand miles of sorrowful autumn, often a guest, climbing the platform alone for a hundred years of illness.② The window contains the snow of the western ridge for a thousand autumns, the door moors the boat of Dongwu for ten thousand miles.③ The spring color of Jinjiang comes to the world, the floating clouds of Yulei change ancient and modern.④ The sound of drums and horns at dawn is tragic, the stars and rivers of the Three Gorges sway.(2) Contrast Writing(Writing from the perspective of the other party, subtly expressing emotions, can be said to be “this place of longing, the ink is on the other side”)① Looking back at the old hometown, the long road is vast.② I know my brothers are climbing high, inserting dogwood, but one person is missing.——Wang Wei, “Remembering My Brothers in Shandong on the Ninth Day”③ Tonight, the moon in Fuzhou, only I watch alone in the boudoir.——Du Fu, “Moon Night”④ The tears of the hometown are exhausted among guests, the returning sail is seen at the horizon.——Meng Haoran, “Early Cold with Longing”⑤ I think of sitting at home late at night, it should be said that the traveler is far away.——Bai Juyi, “Thinking of Home on the Winter Solstice”(3) Creating Atmosphere with “Self” and “Empty”① After the new rain in the empty mountains, the weather comes late in autumn.——Wang Wei, “Autumn Evening in the Mountain Residence”② The green grass reflects the spring color by itself, the yellow oriole sings beautifully through the leaves.——Du Fu, “The Prime Minister”③ Guarding the empty boat at the river mouth, the moon shines on the cold river water.——Bai Juyi, “Pipa Song”④ The Great Wall at the border is empty, the mirror reflects the gray hair first.——Lu You, “Book of Resentment”⑤ The cold is blown by the clear horn, all in the empty city.——Jiang Kui, “Yangzhou Slow”⑥ Again I hear the cuckoo cry under the moon at night, sorrowful in the empty mountains.——Li Bai, “Difficult Road to Shu”