Tang and Song Prose Masters List | Generated by AI
Question: Which of the following ancient Chinese writers are included among the “Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties”?
Answer:
Correct Answer
A, B, C, E
Explanation
The Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties (唐宋八大家) refers specifically to eight influential prose writers, not poets. They are known for shaping classical Chinese prose (散文), especially the classical prose movement (古文运动).
The eight writers are:
- Han Yu (韩愈) – Tang dynasty
- Liu Zongyuan (柳宗元) – Tang dynasty
- Ouyang Xiu (欧阳修) – Song dynasty
- Su Xun (苏洵) – Song dynasty
- Su Shi (苏轼) – Song dynasty
- Su Zhe (苏辙) – Song dynasty
- Wang Anshi (王安石) – Song dynasty
- Zeng Gong (曾巩) – Song dynasty
Now check each option:
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A. 韩愈 (Han Yu) ✅ Core leader of the Tang classical prose movement.
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B. 柳宗元 (Liu Zongyuan) ✅ Major Tang prose writer, close associate of Han Yu.
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C. 欧阳修 (Ouyang Xiu) ✅ Leading Song prose writer and mentor of later masters.
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D. 白居易 (Bai Juyi) ❌ Famous Tang poet, not included among the prose masters.
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E. 苏轼 (Su Shi) ✅ One of the most important Song prose writers (also a poet and calligrapher).
Why Your Answer Was Incorrect
Your choice was ABE, missing C (欧阳修). This is a common mistake, but Ouyang Xiu is a central figure of the Song dynasty prose tradition and absolutely must be included.
Key Exam Tip
If you see “唐宋八大家”, immediately think:
Prose (散文), not poetry (诗)
Poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi are never part of this group.
If you want, I can also:
- Give a memory trick to remember all eight
- Provide similar exam trap questions
- Compare 唐宋八大家 vs 唐代诗人
Just say the word.