1. The central question: 

This chapter talk about how Su's family had influenced Su's childhood and youth. At age of between eight and ten, Su's mother played an imprtant role in the personal instruction of the child at home. And at age of eleven, reciting and copying the classics served Su well in the future, he was never at a loss to quote historic examples when pleading with the emperor or drafting an edict for him. Su's father's standing for simplicity of style had influenced Su's writing style. Su's father's impetuosity and intolerance of evil were shown in Su's later career. 

2. Interesting sentences

1. The love and devotion between these two brothers and their constant loyalty to each other through all vicissitudes of fortune was a theme song of the poet's entire life. 

This sentence reminds me of my brother. My brother and I are like Su Tungpo and his brother. My brother was 5 years older than me. And he's the kind of person who is kind to the elders and patient to teach me how to play basketball and badminton and so on. If I need his help, he'll be there no matter what. 

2. I had knowledge from you, my brother. You cared for me as an elder and and guided me as a teacher.

I want to say this to my brother.

3. 好词好句

1. ... saying that it would involve his old mother and condemn her to the life of a fugitive form justice. If circumstances condemn you to an unpleasant situation, they make it certain that you will suffer in that way. e.g. Their lack of qualifications condemned them to a lifetime of boring, usually poorly-paid work.

2. Such visits of the officials produced a deep impression upon the child. produce表示“引起”

3. Too much intelligence or originality might be a hindrance, rather than an aid, to success at the examinations. hindrance表示“妨碍” e.g. You would be more of a hindrance than a help.帮不上忙，反倒会碍事（我们常说的“帮倒忙”）

4. The home atmosphere seemed just right for the growing up of an adolescent with a strong literary bent. 这里的bent表示“天赋” If you have a bent for something, you have a natural ability to do it or a natural interest in it. e.g. Stefan has a bent for math.

5. When Su Tungpo was sixteen, there was an episode which put a heavy strain on the relationship between the father's and the mother's family, and which reveals something of the father's character. put a heavy strain on the relationship between表示“关系紧张” 我们说某一件事显露了某人的性格，比如食堂插队买饭 e.g. At canteen he cut in line ,which reveals something of his character.