The Art of War

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What is the one thing Sun Tzu describes warfare as relying on?

2. What quality is valued in a leader who does not make hasty calculations?

3. At the time The Art of War was written, how much did it cost per day to raise an army of 100,000 men?

4. For a military leader, what is the ideal condition of the country the leader is trying to capture?

5. What is the worst-case scenario in warfare, according to Sun Tzu?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What five factors decide the outcome of war?

2. How does Sun Tzu describe the use of deception in warfare?

3. What does Sun Tzu recommend to prevent resources from drying up for military forces?

4. What are the three ways in which leaders can undermine their army’s chances?

Paired Resource

“What Makes a Great Leader?”

• This 6-minute video describes the qualities of good leadership.
• How has thinking on leadership changed? What role does vision play in leadership? What are the ABCs of leadership? What is collective genius? How are the thoughts in this video like Sun Tzu’s thoughts on leadership? How is this video related to the novel’s themes of Planning Is Primary and Adapting Rapidly to Changing Conditions?

The Cost of Warfare

• This article describes the costliest wars in United States history.
• What is the costliest war in American history? Which war is the longest in US history? How is this article related to Sun Tzu’s belief and the novel’s theme of Planning Is Primary?

Chapters 4-8

Reading Check

1. What should a good army wait to see in the enemy before attacking?

2. What are the two basic ways energy is sent toward an enemy?

3. When is the best time to attack an opponent?

4. What are the five character flaws of military leaders?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the difference between wise generals and public heroes?

2. Why should commanders keep their armies largely hidden from opposing forces?

3. What is the difference in organization between a large military force and a small one?

4. What does Sun Tzu suggest military leaders do to create weaknesses in enemies?

5. What is the best way to attack when faced with a large army?

Paired Resource

“How to Use The Art of War in Your Business: Strategies for Success"

• This article describes how The Art of War applies to business strategy.
• How are Sun Tzu’s strategies used in businesses? What are the five lessons used to build a small business? How is this article related to the novel’s themes of Planning Is Primary, Striking at the Enemy’s Weak Spots, and Adapting Rapidly to Changing Conditions?

Chapters 9-11

Reading Check

1. If attacking an enemy near a river, where should the attack be made?

2. What would the ideal military camping location look like?

3. In which territory are soldiers most likely to run away to families?

4. What are the early reaches of the enemy’s country called?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What clues indicate signs of trouble in enemy camps when assessing the soldiers?

2. What is Sun Tzu’s advice for building relationships before punishing troops?

3. Why is terrain important while navigating troops?

4. What are the six errors of leadership?

Paired Resource

“Military Geography and Military Strategy”

• An article from the US Army War College on the extent to which strategy in war depends on geography (teacher-appropriate; not student-facing)

“Sun Tzu’s Art of War: How Ancient Strategy Can Lead to Modern Success”

• This article describes the relevance of Sun Tzu’s work in the modern age.
• According to the article, how can smaller forces beat larger forces? What is the problem with knowledge in the age of information? How does one wage war from the cubicle? How is this article related to the book’s themes of Striking at the Enemy’s Weak Spots and The Importance of Deception?

Chapters 12-13

Reading Check

1. In what kind of weather does Sun Tzu advise using fire?

2. What kind of spy does Sun Tzu think should be especially well cared for?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What are the uses of fire, according to Sun Tzu?

2. What are the five types of spies?

3. How should spies be treated?

4. Why are spies important in warfare?

Recommended Next Reads

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli

• This book advises a monarchical ruler on policies and maintaining power.
• Shared topics include strategy, deception, and leadership.
• Shared themes include Planning Is Primary, The Importance of Deception, Striking at the Enemy’s Weak Spots, and Adapting Rapidly to Changing Conditions.
• The Prince on SuperSummary

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

• This self-help book outlines 48 laws to acquire, maintain, and fight against power.
• Shared topics include deception, leadership, and strategy.
• Shared themes include The Importance of Deception, Striking at the Enemy’s Weak Spots, and Adapting Rapidly to Changing Conditions.
• The 48 Laws of Power on SuperSummary

“Rules of the Game” by Amy Tan

• In this story from The Joy Luck Club, the young protagonist competes—and wins—in chess competitions with skilled strategy and precision, eventually finding a formidable foe in her own mother.
• “Rules of the Game” on SuperSummary