Abstract：The sorting method, although a primitive and straightforward common approach that is known to everyone, has not received sufficient theoretical attention in the past. The Chinese Language Curriculum for General High Schools (2017 Edition, Revised in 2020) made a major breakthrough by placing the sorting method in an imminent position and we have seen repeated emphasis on its importance since then on. However, the language sorting method has not yet attracted the widespread attention it deserves in Chinese language teaching. Based on our findings through the case analysis of language sorting in the context of whole-book reading, if categorized into “clothing”, “food”, “dwelling”, “travel” and “speech”, Xiang Dang Pian chapter in the Analects, reflects both Confucius’s role as a social being and records his aspects as a natural being, which can give audiences a comprehensive understanding of Confucius and the Analects. When comparing the teaching effectiveness between sequential reading and sorting method practices, the learning outcomes of conventional sequential reading often result in insights or personal experiences, falling short of the critical thinking level expected of a secondary school student. On the other hand, the sorting method, based on inquiry methods such as identification, hypothesis, inference, and judgment, is more conducive to enhancing students’ thinking skills in inquiry, discovery, analysis, and argumentation.
