NOTE: a scalper is a person who sells tickets for something such as a sports game or theatre performance unofficially, usually at a much higher price than the official price [the British word for scalper is tout] (from dictionary.cambridge.org)

1. a) What is the population of China? (do an internet search for "population of China" or find the answer at the CIA World FactBook link in "Resources" below)
b) How many people are expected to travel by train in China during the 2009 Chinese New Year holiday?

2. Why are many people in China having trouble purchasing train tickets to return home for the New Year celebration this year?

3. How has the state-run Ministry of Railways responded to the accusations?

4. What evidence did reporter David Eimer offer from Beijing to confirm complaints about scalpers selling train tickets?

5. In addition to problems purchasing tickets, what challenge do travelers face once they actually get on a train?

6. Why do so many people travel over Chinese New Year?

7. How do you think Chinese response to corruption and inefficiency differs from what American response would be to the same issues? Explain your answer.