Tai-Pan Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

1. Why does Dirk view Hong Kong as a valuable prize?

2. What is Dirk's reason for firing Captain Perry?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

3. How does Brock know about Dirk's financial problems?

4. If Dirk is unable to save his company, what will become of Brock and why does the outcome bother Dirk?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

5. Why does Dirk have to be very careful when he travels to visit Jin-qua?