about the imperial examinaion (科舉制度), i recommend the book 釧影樓回憶錄 by 包天笑 (page 81-103). it talked about his experience (~1890) to attend the 縣試, 府試 and 院試 (the first three entry level exams) with details; very interesting :)
the first "entry" in another book 世載堂雜憶 by 劉禺生, is "清代之科舉", also a good read
about questions in the exam 縣考:
大題者,於"四書"文中,兩章三章,或一節一句為題目,不得割裂
小題者,於"四書"文中,任擇一句為題
第一場試《論語》、《學》《庸》時文一篇,《孟子》文一篇,試帖詩一首
第二場試時文一篇,五經文一篇,試帖詩一首
第三場考八股文一篇,史論一篇,試帖一首
第四場試雜作,律賦一篇,古近體詩數首,有加時文一篇者
終場亦作時文起講,或作兩大比時文不等
about questions in 院考:
試題為《論語》、《學》、《庸》題目八股文一,《孟子》題目八股文一,五言六韻試帖詩一首。
翌日覆試,或作起講,或作八股文兩大比,限香一寸,並默寫正場起講
i'm sorry to provided these in chinese only, hope you can comprehend and get the info.
have fun :)