雅思作文:如何攻克議論文寫作難點

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對于大多數(shù)雅思考生來說,雅思寫作的難度不止在于時間和字?jǐn)?shù)的限制,而更多的是有關(guān)題目提問的準(zhǔn)確理解和回答方向的完全把握。可惜的是,并沒有太多的考生真正意識到此問題的嚴(yán)重性,反倒是把準(zhǔn)備的重心壓在語言提升上。倒不是說語言不重要,只是在大方向面前,再好的語言都抵不過偏題甚至是跑題的摧殘。這也是為什么我們總是能聽到考生類似的疑惑:“我明明感覺寫的不錯,挺順暢的,可是結(jié)果卻仍然只有5分呢?我需不需要復(fù)議呢?”因此,專家們就針對此現(xiàn)實存在的現(xiàn)象進行了討論分析,認為要想真正做有用功,首先就必須調(diào)整態(tài)度,真正明白“磨刀不誤砍柴工”的道理,而不是拿到試卷就立即爭取時間開始漫無目的地瞎寫。
    就近幾年的雅思出題動態(tài)看來,雅思議論文大致可以分成2大題型——辯證型及分析解決型,共計5小類提問方式,分別為:
    (1) To what extent do you agree or disagree?
    (2) Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
    (3) What is your opinion?
    (4) What are the benefits and disadvantages? / Do the advantages outweigh its disadvantages?
    (5) What are the reasons, effects or solutions?
    相信考生們在復(fù)習(xí)過程中對此類知識并不陌生,不論是老師講解還是書本介紹都必定涉及過。但是我們不得不承認的是,大多數(shù)培訓(xùn)中心的老師在介紹雅思議論文題型時都只是蜻蜓點水,走個過場,學(xué)生們也因為怕時間不夠而有意忽視,或是自以為十分了解而不夠重視。因此,真正讀懂題目、把握方向?qū)τ诳忌鷤?,尤其是要拿高分的考生來說,就顯得更重要了。否則就算擁有再完美的語句和詞匯功底,都敵不過偏題跑題的悲慘下場。
    那么以上提及的5小類提問方式到底該如何一一應(yīng)對呢?哪些是出現(xiàn)幾率更高一些的呢?哪些又是十分容易出錯的呢?這一系列的問題都需要及時得以解決。在本系列文章中,筆者將以雅思考試的經(jīng)典方向標(biāo)作品——劍橋系列書籍Cambridge IELTS 4-7中考官給出的Sample Answer 和Model Answer為參考范本對各個話題及應(yīng)對方式進行具體詳盡的講解和分析。
    Ø To what extent do you agree or disagree?
    此提問方式可以說是雅思議論文的典型代表提法,正如其他所有的英語語言考試一樣,雅思也有自己獨特的代表。因此,要想準(zhǔn)備好雅思的題型,首先應(yīng)該掌握的就是Do you agree or disagree的回答。此類提問方式在我們劍橋系列4-7共16題中出現(xiàn)3次,約為20%之多,分別出現(xiàn)于Cambridge IELTS4 Test3, IELTS5 Test1 及IELTS6 Test1。那么,對于如此重要的提問方式,我們該如何進行回答,文章的段落安排又該如何?
    Cambridge IELTS4 Test3有關(guān)是否該給有創(chuàng)造力的藝術(shù)家足夠的自由一題中,考官給出了一篇打分為7分的Sample Answer;該考生直接在開頭段就表明了自己的觀點:I agree with the statement that there should be no government restriction on creative artists who express themselves in the way they do…并且在接下來的其余3個段落中分別就這一觀點進行了充分的論證,全文共分4段結(jié)構(gòu)??脊俚脑u語中出現(xiàn)的第一句話就是:This answer considers the main issues raised by the question and presents a definite opinion about the statement. 由此我們也不難發(fā)現(xiàn),考官在批閱卷子時對于是否直接正面回答提問是看的相當(dāng)重要的。
    而對于Cambridge IELTS6 Test1有關(guān)廣告的文章,考官更是給出了打分為7.5分的Sample Answer。但是不同于前面一篇的是,此次考生并沒有在開頭段直接提出自己的看法,而是以更客觀公正的角度敘述著自己的觀點,首先在開頭段就他人的看法提出This argument may be true. 然后在主體第一段證明人們購買東西會受到廣告的影響,而在下一段則提到on the other hand, there are various aspects against these arguments. 最后結(jié)尾段落正面擺出自己的觀點:It is fairly difficult to say everyone is swayed by advertising and buy goods impulsively… 若粗略一看,我們的確不能像之前那篇文章一樣直接點出作者的觀點,但是卻不難理解他的看法。而考官的評語中第一段話為:The way in which the candidate has responded to the task is a strong point of this script. It is a well-developed answer that addresses the issues relevantly and at length. The writer introduces the topic, examines both sides of the argument and expresses a clear position. 相信看完此段評論我們不難理解考官為何會將此篇文章當(dāng)作范文參考,畢竟此類回答方式有其可取之處。
    就考官給出的兩篇參考范文及評語我們不難發(fā)現(xiàn)這兩種回答方式及結(jié)構(gòu)安排模式都是可取的。可以選擇第一種的開門見山型,然后用4段安排文章,給人清晰直接的印象,一目了然;也可以參考第二種的全面分析比較型,然后以5段來結(jié)束文章,給人更客觀公正的概念,面面俱到。也就是說,考生在準(zhǔn)備過程中完全可以結(jié)合實際的題目,選擇一個更為適合的回答方式,一邊倒或是兩面俱到均可。而至于具體如何選擇,雅思專家建議各位考生一定要結(jié)合具體題目在這兩者中進行有效挑選,而切不可盲目認定,生搬硬套。
    Ø Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
    此類提問的題目中必然會有雙方觀點??赡苁钦捶?,觀點完全對立,如:2009年1月10日考題Some people believe that the range of technology available to individuals today is increasing the gap between the poor people and the rich people, while some others say this has an opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 也可能只是對于某一話題的不同看法意見而已,如2010年2月11日考題Some people think that politicians have the greatest influence on the world. Other people, however, believe that scientists have the greatest influence. Discuss both of views and give your opinion. 但是不論是何種對立觀點,在回答此類題目時基本要把握的是考生必須在同一篇文章里面同時出現(xiàn)這雙方的觀點并進行適當(dāng)?shù)挠懻?,同時也絕不能忘記提問中的后一半問題give your own opinion,也就是說全文完成后應(yīng)該要有包括自己觀點在內(nèi)的3方人的看法和意見。
    當(dāng)然此類Discuss both of views and give your opinion在最近幾年里的上升速度和出鏡次數(shù)是遠遠蓋過了雅思的典型提問方式Do you agree or disagree,在劍橋系列4-7的16次題目中有6次是討論雙方的題目,分別是Cambridge IELTS5 Test3, IELTS6 Test2, IELTS6 Test3, IELTS6 Test4, IELTS7 Test1, IELTS7 Test2. 那么到底該如何在短短的250個字內(nèi)安排好3方人的看法呢?考試時若碰到此類問法,我們又該用什么樣的回答結(jié)構(gòu)來應(yīng)對呢?還是以劍橋系列考官所給范文為例,我們分析如下:
    Cambridge IELTS5 Test3有關(guān)競爭與合作的題目中,考官最后給出的參考范文是得分為6分的學(xué)生作文,文章共分成4段,結(jié)尾段是闡述自己觀點和理由的段落,而中間兩段分別介紹雙方的看法,但是兩個段落明顯存在長短詳略,所以考官給出的評語中有這么一句話:Although the answer considers the main issues in the question, it deals much more with the aspect of “competition” than it does with “cooperation”… However, the main points are relevant and the writer’s point of view is generally clear. 這篇文章也正好提醒我們的考生在完成此類文章時一定要注意在分析雙方看法時不要有明顯的字?jǐn)?shù)差距。
    我們再看一例Cambridge IELTS6 Test2有關(guān)體育明星高收入是否公平的題目回答,考官給出了一篇Model Answer,我們可以清楚的看到全文的4個段落的框架分法,開頭和結(jié)尾段字?jǐn)?shù)略少,并未在開頭段直接亮明自己的觀點和看法,相反的是留到結(jié)尾段才首次提出Personally, I think the amount of money such sports stars make is more justified than the huge earnings of movie stars, but at the same time, it indicates that our society places more value on sport than on more essential professions and achievements. 主體兩段字?jǐn)?shù)比較接近,分別論證雙方不同的看法,但是這篇考官范文也明確解答了不少考生的疑惑,就是在討論雙方的時候該以何種姿態(tài)來寫,贊同還是批判?在此文中考官更推薦的是盡管未在開頭段給出自己的觀點,但是在論證雙方看法時卻有明顯表露出自己的看法,因為在證明有人認為不公平時,考官除了提出他們的看法外,更是直接用However提出這些看法的錯誤性——Many people find their rewards unfair, especially when comparing these super salaries with those of top surgeons or research scientists… However, sports salaries are not determined by considering the contribution to society a person makes, or the level of responsibility he or she holds… So the notion of “fairness” is not the issue. 而在下一段證明另一方,也是考官贊同的一方時,卻并未出現(xiàn)如此的辯駁。
    由此可以看出,各位考生在回答此類文章時該采取何種姿態(tài)。當(dāng)然我們在考官給出的Cambridge IELTS6 Test4有關(guān)改變的題目回答中也能再次得到證明此種回答方式的科學(xué)性??脊俚挠^點不像上篇是偏向某一方的,而是認為雙方都有可取和不全面的地方,所以在4段論證過程中,考官對主體討論他人看法時都同樣地表達出了他們看法的片面性,出現(xiàn)類似Even when people believe they are resisting change themselves, they cannot stop the world around them from changing.以及However, reaching the conclusion that change is inevitable is not the same as assuming that change is always for the better. 最后在結(jié)尾段概括自己觀點時,考官就給出了一個更為客觀全面的觀點,認為改變有時是有好處的,但是并不是所有的改變都會有好結(jié)果。
    基于以上的各方面論證,雅思專家相信考生對于此兩類最常出現(xiàn)的考題應(yīng)該會具備起碼的回答思路了,那么在接下來的系列文章中,筆者會就剩余的幾個提問方式該如何回答進行詳細的介紹,以更好地為考生們答疑解惑。
    在本系列文章上篇中,雅思寫作最常見的兩種提問方式(1) To what extent do you agree or disagree? (2) Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.及它們的應(yīng)對方法已經(jīng)得到了深刻的剖析;那么在本篇論文中,朗閣海外考試研究中心將就雅思大作文剩余的三種提問方式(3) What is your opinion? (4) What are the benefits and disadvantages? / Do the advantages outweigh its disadvantages? (5) What are the reasons, effects or solutions?應(yīng)該如何回答論證進行仔細的解答。
    本系列文章中,筆者仍然以雅思考試最經(jīng)典的方向標(biāo)作品——劍橋系列書籍Cambridge IELTS 1-8中考官給出的Sample Answer 和Model Answer為參考范本對各個話題及應(yīng)對方式進行具體詳盡的講解和分析。
    Ø What is your opinion?
    
  此種提問方式屬于雅思寫作幾種提問中最開放、最自由的提問;考生只需就題目中出現(xiàn)的某個話題或是看法發(fā)表自己的相關(guān)意見,而不用糾結(jié)是否完全贊同還是反對。也可以說這種提問是我們常見的To what extent do you agree or disagree的變式提法,只要你的回答是圍繞著題目走,而未偏題的答案都可以接受。以對班級規(guī)模大小的題目為例,some people think larger class size is a good choice while others argue that small class teaching is better. 若是提問What is your opinion的話,則可以有以下多種回答:認為大班好;認為小班好;認為大班小班都好;認為班級規(guī)模大小要取決于學(xué)生的年齡段或是具體的科目;認為大班小班都不好而中班好等。
    那么此類提法是考生在考試過程中需要特別注意的嗎?事實上就我們出現(xiàn)的真題及劍橋書籍來看,并不是十分常見的。就目前市面上的Cambridge IELTS 1-8的考題來看,一共出現(xiàn)過2次此類提問的考題,分別為Cambridge IELTS3 Test3和Cambridge IELTS7 Test4的兩題。當(dāng)然這也并不能說明它不重要,而恰恰相反的是它十分重要,因為真正掌握了這種提問方式,對于考生更好地了解贊同與否的題目有極大的幫助。
    Cambridge IELTS3 Test3:In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What are your opinions on this? 對于這道有關(guān)孩子的paid work的問題,我們可以就考官給出的Model Answer來進行具體的分析并且掌握回答的方式及布局。通讀全文后,我們不難發(fā)現(xiàn),考官并未像之前看的贊同題那樣直接在開頭段給出明確的答復(fù),而是認為It is difficult to say who has the right to judge whether children working is wrong or valuable. Opinions will also differ as to learning benefits. 并且在接下去的一個段落中進行了論證,提出了一些“wrong”和“less learning”的證明:It is an unfortunate fact that many employers may prefer to use the services of children simply to save money. 而在主體第二段中提到有些work的valuable:in many countries children work because their families need the additional income, no matter how small. 而在最后一段又提及建議part-time jobs or doing tasks around the family home.
    由此我們并不難看出,考官并未直接說明對孩子工作是支持還是不支持,而是圍繞孩子工作的問題,采用了客觀的態(tài)度,分情況來論證說明。考生在回答類似提問時自然也可以試用。
    Ø What are the benefits and disadvantages?
    
  優(yōu)缺題在雅思寫作中一般有3種提法:(1) Do the advantages outweigh its disadvantages(最常見),如2010.11.27考題:In some countries, small town-centre shops are going out of business because people tend to drive to large out-of-town stores. As a result, people without cars have limited access to out-of town stores, and it may result in an increase in the use of cars. Do you think the disadvantages of this change outweigh its advantages? (2) What are the advantages and disadvantages? (3) Is this a positive or negative development,如2010年10月14日考題:In some countries, it is illegal for companies to reject job applicant for their age. Is this a positive or negative development? 朗閣海外考試研究中心建議各位考生在回答時一定要仔細審題,絕不可以想當(dāng)然地隨意套用。
    以考官在劍5中給出的參考范文為例,就優(yōu)缺題進行分析:In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this. 題目中明確提出了要求討論優(yōu)點和缺點,那么自然文章段落安排應(yīng)該是4段,優(yōu)缺點各一段。考官在優(yōu)點段落中提到:They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the challenges of student life. 而在缺點段第一句話就提到:However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. 更值得注意的是對于此類題目,不僅分析優(yōu)缺兩方面,考官還在結(jié)尾段落中明確給出了自己的看法:My view is that young people should be encouraged to … 考生在完成類似提問時自然也可以學(xué)習(xí)這種寫法,讓全文更客觀公正。
     Ø What are the reasons, effects or solutions?
    
  這種提問方式是一般被稱為分析解決型的文章所有的提問,可以是分析原因,也可以是說明影響,當(dāng)然也可以提出建議,甚至是同一題目要求回答其中的2-3個問題。所以對于這種提問,考生也只需要做好認真讀題審題,做到“問啥答啥”即可。
    盡管相比較之前出現(xiàn)的幾種辨證型的題目來說分析解決型題目相對出現(xiàn)幾率不那么高,但是我們也決不可小覷了它的重要性,尤其是最近幾年明顯更為常見了,在Cambridge IELTS1,4,5,7,8中都有不少考題的分析。一般說來,分析解決型因為提問十分明顯,所以考生在回答時難度也并不會特別大,甚至不少辯證性的題目若換成分析解決提問,難度都會明顯下降,如2010年1月23日考題:The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming much wider, the rich more richer, the poor even more poorer. What problems can the situation cause and give the solutions? 這一題目本來是有關(guān)貧富差距的社會類話題,之前在2009年出現(xiàn)過討論雙方的提問方式時難倒了一大片考生,而此時的分析問題和解決方案就容易解決了。
    但值得注意的是,在最近幾年里出題的難度明顯有所提升,甚至比某些辨證型的文章難度更大,如:Many people believe that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour and lack of respect for others. What might have caused this situation? How to improve it? 這個題目之所以難,倒不是在于提問而是因為題中出現(xiàn)了anti-social behaviour這個考生所不能準(zhǔn)確找到社會現(xiàn)象對應(yīng)的詞。反社會行為,其實是一種越軌行為,有時候還是違法犯罪行為,主要指為了個人或少數(shù)人的利益(有時候?qū)嵤┍┝φ卟o利益可求,只為泄憤)而違背社會公認的行為規(guī)范,并因此對他人和社會造成損害乃至嚴(yán)重破壞的行為,因為施暴者和施暴對象沒有明顯的目標(biāo)關(guān)系,這就有點“濫殺無辜”的意味,對社會而言會產(chǎn)生強烈的不安全感。因此朗閣海外考試研究中心的專家們也在此建議各位考生絕對不要在準(zhǔn)備考試過程中一味地注重常見話題,而應(yīng)更多留心社會類考題,尤其是其中出現(xiàn)的一些專業(yè)術(shù)語的理解。
    那么除了在審題這一步要特別仔細以免丟了冤枉分之外,到底該如何回答安排此類分析解決型文章呢?接下來我們就以考官范文為參考進行仔細的分析。如Cambridge IELTS4 Test2: Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are important in achieving happiness? 既然題目中出現(xiàn)了2個提問,那么在回答時自然也要一一對應(yīng)回答,而不能忽略了其中某一個。所以考官給出的參考范文一共有5個段落,主體第一段說明原因,第一句話就點明:Because people interpret happiness for themselves in so many different ways, it is difficult to give any definition that is true for everyone. 第二段提出重要因素Of course, factors such as loving relationships, good health, the skills to earn a living and a peaceful environment all contribute to our happiness too. 主體第三段融入了自己的看法I think an ability to keep clear perspectives in life is a more essential factor in achieving happiness. 從這篇考官范文中我們不難發(fā)現(xiàn),對于此類文章只要能做到一一對應(yīng),不要漏題即可輕松拿下,若能加入自己看法自然是更好。
    另外我們再以Cambridge IELTS8 Test2的題目為例(Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make? Has this become a positive or negative development?),就考官給出的一篇5.5分的范文進行分析:考官對于該學(xué)生范文的評語中明確寫到This answer addresses both questions, but the first is not well covered in terms of how actual relationships have changed. Nevertheless, there is a clear opinion that the effects have been positive and relationships have improved, with some relevant ideas to support this. 這篇范文分析也十分明確地告訴我們,在回答此類題目時切記要回答到位,而且字?jǐn)?shù)一定要滿足題目的要求。