Was the imperial Chinese examination system an effective tool of governance?
Respond to this question in a carefully written, argument-driven analytical essay that
draws carefully on class readings, Ichisada Miyazaki’s China’s Examination Hell in
particular, for support.
Your essay must be approximately 3-4 pages (~1000 words) in length and include all of
the following:
a. A thoughtful, carefully-chosen title that reflects the argument of the essay
b. An introduction that
a. engages the reader’s attention by making clear the significance of the
topic
b. ends with a clear thesis statement that responds directly to the question
in the prompt above
c. Meaningfully distinct body paragraphs that
a. begin with clear topic sentences that connect their content to the larger
argument of the essay
b. are analytical rather than narrative in focus
c. are coherent (composed of sentences that work together in a meaningful
way)
d. use evidence to support claims in a specific, detail-conscious way that
draws directly Miyazaki and, as appropriate, other class readings, for
support
e. use footnote citations in Chicago Style appropriately
d. An effective conclusion