2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2)
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2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2)

说明文 · 听力 · 真题文章逐层精读

本页是 2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的精读视角页——这篇说明文全文 245 词、4 段,CEFR 难度 B1(B1 级在英语四级文章中占 22%),作者立场为「积极支持」;英文原文之外,本篇已有的 11 项精读维度逐项展开,其中能迁移到其他英语四级真题文章的判断方法(篇章结构、修辞、言外之意、作者态度、体裁速判)随各维度一并讲透。

精读最佳实践

本页解析里的段号(P1)都可以点——点一下,原文在顶部翻开并定位到该段,解析引用的原文同步标亮;合上原文,你还停在刚才读到的位置。点 P1 试试。

PASSAGE · 文章原文

4 段英文原文

以下为2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 的听力原文,共 4 段。左侧 P1–P4 是段落编号——本页全部解析(结构、逐段、修辞、自检题)都以它为坐标回指原文,点击解析里的段号,原文即在顶部翻开并定位到该段、引用的原文同步标亮;合上原文仍停在当前阅读位置。原文保持卷面形态,不带翻译与标注。

We know we have to pay for what we get. If we buy food, we have to pay for it. If a doctor treats us, we know there will be a bill to pay. These are private bills. But there are also public bills to be paid. They are paid by the government. In turn we get the needed services. We pay for these services through taxes.

What would happen if everyone stopped paying taxes? The water supply would stop; the streets might not be cleaned; schools would be closed. We would not want to live in such a city. The chief duty of every government is to protect persons and property. More than three-fourths of government expenses are used for this purpose. The next largest amount of public money goes to teach and train our citizens. Billions of dollars each year are spent on schools and libraries. Also, a large amount of public funds is spent on roads.

Most of the needed funds are raised by taxes. The law orders us to pay taxes. We have no choice in the matter.

Years ago the government made money by selling public lands. But most of the best public lands have now been sold. There are still some public lands that contain oil, coal and other natural resources. They could be sold, but we want to save them for future years. So we all must pay our share for the services that make our lives comfortable.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

4 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 的这篇原文——每段给出英文段落主旨、段落标题与中文解读,并提炼一条「这段为什么这样读」的具体方法。

  1. P1

    Paying for Public Services

    Taxes pay for essential public services.

    本段承担全文的引入功能,先建立“服务需要付费”这一 common-sense premise。这个前提为后文解释 taxes 具体资助什么、为何必须缴税提供了逻辑起点,从而服务于全文“税收不可或缺”的 article thesis。

    抓住类比后的结论句
  2. P2

    What Taxes Provide

    Taxes support vital government functions and public facilities.

    本段是全文的主体论证部分,它回答了“为什么必须缴税”这一核心问题。作者通过生活后果和支出项目两组 evidence,把第一段的抽象关系转化为可观察的社会事实,从而有力支撑 taxes are essential 的文章主旨。

    从列举事项上提共同功能
  3. P3

    The Legal Duty to Pay Taxes

    Taxes are legally required because they are the main source of public funds.

    本段在篇章中起到承上启下的强化作用,它承接第二段的公共支出,说明这些支出最主要的 funding source 是税收。与此同时,legal requirement 将“税收有用”进一步推进为“公民必须缴税”,使全文论证更完整。

    锁定法律义务与资金来源
  4. P4

    Why Taxes Are Still Necessary

    Because land sales are no longer a sustainable revenue source, citizens must pay taxes.

    本段是全文的收束与深化,它补充回答了一个隐含问题:政府能否依靠其他收入而不征税。作者借 historical contrast 说明土地出售既已受限又应兼顾未来资源,因此最终回到 every citizen pays taxes 的结论,完整闭合全文论证。

    沿着过去、转折、结论追踪
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

4 道逐段细节自检题

针对2016年12月英语四级真题第2套这篇原文,每段配 1 道细节题( 1 个正确项 + 5 个干扰项 ,由懒笔记精读引擎基于本段命制,非试卷原题)。 选项默认中性;点「显示答案与解析」展开正确项、解析与最快解法,现代浏览器会同步高亮正确选项。

  1. 第 1 段 定位词 public services paid for

    How are public services ultimately paid for?

    • A They are paid for directly by the government without public contribution.
    • B They are covered by private bills from individual users.
    • C They are financed through taxes paid by the public.
    • D They are financed by doctors and food sellers.
    • E They are paid for only when citizens receive treatment.
    • F They are funded mainly by the sale of public land.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    该项准确复原了本段的资金路径:公共服务对应 public bills,政府先支付,而公众通过 taxes 负担成本。选项中的 financed 是 pay for 的同义改写,through taxes 保留了原文方式,paid by the public 合理补足了 we 的指代。障碍在于原文没有把整条链压缩成一个句子,考生必须跨句整合 government、services 与 taxes,而不能把“政府付款”误判为最终资金来源。

    资金箭头闭环 时间紧张时,直接用题干中的 public services 回扫 第1段,再沿同一句群向后寻找 pay 的方式表达,不必逐句翻译。采用“资金箭头法”:把候选项迅速还原为“来源 -> 付款 -> 服务”,只有正确项能形成无断裂的闭环;其余选项要么把中间环节当源头,要么把私人例子塞入公共机制。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 more than three-fourths government expenses

    What purpose accounts for more than three-fourths of government expenses?

    • A Teaching and training citizens.
    • B Keeping streets clean and water supplies running.
    • C Building roads across the country.
    • D Protecting persons and property.
    • E Selling public lands to raise revenue.
    • F Paying private medical bills for citizens.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:D

    原文先断言 every government's chief duty 是 protect persons and property,紧接着说明 more than three-fourths of government expenses are used for this purpose。this purpose 明确回指前句的保护职责,正确项保留了原文的核心动宾结构。障碍是答案跨越了代词回指:若考生只盯住比例句而不向前找 this 的所指,就会在后面的教育、图书馆和道路项目中误选。

    比例句前回指 直接用 more than three-fourths 定到 第2段,不读整段,先读数字句前一整句。采用“代词反指法”:题干的比例对应 this purpose,只需把 this 的指向写成一个动宾短语,再检查正确项是否等值复述。这样能绕开后文连续列举的教育、图书馆和道路信息。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 must pay taxes

    Why must citizens pay taxes?

    • A Because they can choose the public services they want.
    • B Because schools and libraries are privately owned.
    • C Because doctors send every citizen a tax bill.
    • D Because oil and coal must be purchased from the government.
    • E Because the law requires them to do so.
    • F Because tax payments are the largest type of private bill.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:E

    该项将 The law orders us to pay taxes 进行同义改写:requires 对应 orders,them 对应 us,to do so 指代 pay taxes。后一句 We have no choice in the matter 进一步确认这是一项法律强制,而非自愿的公共贡献。障碍在于全文也提供了许多“应当纳税”的实用理由,例如维持服务和保护资源;但题干中的 must 要求的是最直接、最高强度的制度依据。

    强制语气对压 用 must 直接检索 第3段 中的强制语义,不必追踪全文所有 taxes。采用“语气等压法”:把题干 must 与每个选项的强度对齐,只有正确项提供 law-level 的必然性;服务便利、公共利益和历史事实的力度都不足以回答这种问法。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 sell the remaining public lands prefer not to

    Why does the government prefer not to sell the remaining public lands?

    • A Because all public lands have already been sold.
    • B Because the lands contain no valuable natural resources.
    • C Because the law forbids the sale of oil and coal.
    • D Because selling land would close schools and libraries.
    • E Because private citizens should pay fewer taxes.
    • F To preserve the remaining public lands for future years.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:F

    该项准确概括了 could be sold, but we want to save them for future years。preserve 对应 save,the remaining public lands 是 them 的明确所指,for future years 保留了原文的目的和时间指向。障碍在于文章承认土地可以出售,考生若只看到 could be sold,容易误以为出售仍是政府的偏好;但 but 后的 save 才是作者强调的最终立场。

    转折后定案 通过 sell 和 remaining public lands 直达 第4段,只读取包含 could、but 和 future years 的三句。采用“让步删前法”:先把 could be sold 视为被作者承认但未采纳的方案,立即保留 but 后的目的信息;正确项必然是该目的的同义概括,而非让步前的可行事实。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

4 个意群的说明文骨架

按说明文 的行文骨架切分意群,每个意群标注它覆盖的段落与对主旨的作用——逐段读完后回到这里俯瞰全篇,能看清作者为什么按这个顺序行文。

  1. 税收的基本概念引入

    这个 opening paragraph 通过对比 private bills 和 public bills 来引出 taxes 的概念,建立起一个从 familiar 到 unfamiliar 的认知桥梁,让 readers 理解我们为 government services 付费的基本逻辑就像为 food 和 doctor 付费一样自然。

    作为 expository text 的 introduction,这个意群通过 analogy 的方式降低读者对 taxes 这个 abstract concept 的理解难度,为后续展开 why taxes are essential 奠定认知基础,让 argument 更容易被接受。

    概念铺垫
  2. 税收缺失的后果与政府职能

    这个 sense group 采用 hypothetical scenario(假设没有 taxes)来 demonstrate 税收的 necessity,然后系统列举 government 的 chief duties 和 budget allocation,用 concrete examples 如 water supply、streets、schools 来支撑 taxes are essential 这个 central argument。

    这是 expository text 的 body 核心部分,通过 cause-and-effect logic 和 statistical evidence(three-fourths of expenses)让 abstract claim 变得 concrete and convincing,直接回应 why taxes are essential 这个 central question。

    核心论证
  3. 纳税的法律强制性

    这个简短的 sense group 聚焦于 legal obligation,用 direct and authoritative tone 强调 taxes 不是 voluntary choice 而是 legal requirement,通过 The law orders us 这种 imperative language 建立起 compulsory nature。

    在 expository structure 中,这个 sense group 补充了一个 crucial dimension(法律维度),让对 taxes 的解释更 complete,从 why we need them 过渡到 why we must pay them,增强了 argumentation 的 authority。

    强制属性说明
  4. 税收的历史必然性

    这个 concluding sense group 引入 historical perspective,对比 past revenue sources(selling public lands)和 present necessity,用 temporal logic 解释为什么 taxes 成为 inevitable choice,最后以 collective responsibility(we all must pay our share)呼应开篇的 shared obligation。

    作为 expository text 的 conclusion,这个 sense group 提供了 diachronic dimension,让 taxes are essential 这个 claim 不仅具有 synchronic validity(当前需要),还具有 historical inevitability,同时用 future-oriented language(save them for future years)强化 sustainability argument,形成完整的 temporal framework。

    历史维度补充
MAIN IDEA · 速判主旨

5 步定位这篇文章的主旨

不读完全篇也能锁定主旨——以下 5 步按2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 这篇原文的实际行文顺序给出,每步说明看哪里、看出什么,可直接迁移到其他英语四级文章。

  1. 首段定位核心话题 P1

    说明文的 opening paragraph 通常会 establish the main subject,这篇文章第一段通过 private bills 和 public bills 的 contrast 引出 taxes 这个 core concept,最后一句 'We pay for these services through taxes' 明确了 topic

  2. 主体段落提取论证逻辑 P2

    第二段通过 hypothetical scenario(停止交税会怎样)和 factual data(政府支出分配)来 explain taxes 的 necessity。这些 explanatory elements 直接 support 文章的 main purpose:解释为什么 taxes are essential

  3. 过渡段落捕捉强调信息 P3

    第三段虽然 brief,但通过 the law orders、we have no choice 这样的 strong language 强化了 taxes 的 compulsory nature,这是 support main idea 的 critical point

  4. 结尾段落确认总体信息 P4

    第四段通过 contrast past revenue sources(卖公共土地)和 present necessity(必须交税),结合 forward-looking perspective(为未来保留资源),最终 conclude 公民 must pay taxes。这个 conclusion 呼应了全文的 explanatory purpose

  5. 整合全文形成主旨 P1 P2 P3 P4

    将首段的 topic introduction(taxes for public services)、主体的 explanation(what taxes fund and why we need them)、过渡段的 emphasis(legal obligation)、结尾的 justification(historical necessity)整合起来,形成完整的 main idea:taxes are essential because they fund vital services and citizens must pay them as historical alternatives are exhausted

主旨信号词 needed P1 must P4 duty P2 protect P2 no choice P3

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

这篇说明文解释了为什么税收对现代社会至关重要。文章描述了税收如何资助保护、教育和基础设施等重要政府服务,并论证由于公共土地出售等历史收入来源已经枯竭,公民必须纳税以维持舒适的生活。
This expository text explains why taxes are essential for modern society. It describes how taxes fund vital government services like protection, education, and infrastructure, and argues that since historical revenue sources like public land sales are exhausted, citizens must pay taxes to maintain comfortable lives.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

4 个生词的上下文推断

不查词典,只用文中线索推出词义——每个词给出推断出的释义与 完整推理链。已收录进英语四级高频真题词集的单词可点击进入词条页。

  • property 财产、所有物

    我们来串联这些 clues。首先,property 和 persons 在 protect 的宾语位置 parallel 出现,persons 是人,property 就应该是与人对应的非人事物。其次,government 需要 protect 的,结合 第1段 中提到的 food、doctor's service 等,都是我们 own 或 use 的东西。最后,从 word formation 看,proper(专属的)+ -ty(名词后缀)→ "专属于某人的东西"。三条线索共同指向:property 是"财产、所有物"。

    并列定位+语境具化+构词验证
  • bill 账单

    让我们整合这些 clues。首先,bill 是 pay 的 direct object,是需要支付的东西。其次,无论是 private 还是 public 的 bills,都涉及 payment,说明它是记录 payment information 的 common carrier。第三,从 transaction logic 看,bill 在 buying 之后、paying 之前出现,是 triggering payment 的 document。综合这三点,bill 指的是"账单"——一份告诉你需要付多少钱的 written statement。

    动宾功能+分类共性+事件角色
  • fund 资金、经费

    我们来 synthesize 这些 clues。首先,funds 可以被 spent,是 spending 的 target,说明它是 monetary resource。其次,它和 public money 在 similar sentence patterns 中 parallel 出现,是 money 的 synonym or near-synonym。第三,funds 可以被 raised by taxes,这种 collocation 进一步 confirms 它是 financial nature 的东西。综合来看,funds 就是"资金、经费"。

    动词搭配网络+同义对照+语义场验证
  • chief 首要的、主要的

    我们来 connect 这些 evidence。首先,chief duty 对应的 expense 超过 three-fourths,这个 overwhelming proportion 说明它的 importance。其次,文章用 chief 和 next largest 构成 hierarchical sequence,chief 处于 top position。两条线索共同指向:chief 表示"首要的、主要的"。

    数量支持+结构排序定位
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

7 处修辞手法与仿写

每处修辞给出它在本文的具体用法、同类信号词清单与一份可直接套用的 写作仿写建议——读完能认,也能写。

  • 举例子

    P1

    作者在 第1段 开篇时用了 food 和 doctor 两个 concrete examples 来说明 private bills 的概念。这种 everyday scenarios 的引入让 abstract concept 变得 tangible,帮助 readers 快速理解什么是 private bills,进而为后面引出 public bills 和 taxes 的 main topic 做好铺垫。这个 strategy 非常有效,因为它从 reader's daily life 出发,建立了 familiarity,降低了理解 threshold。

    信号词 if for example for instance such as like take...as an example consider suppose imagine

    仿写: 当你需要 explain abstract concepts 时,问自己:readers 的 daily life 中有哪些 familiar situations 能体现这个 concept?选择 2-3 个 simple yet representative examples,用 parallel structure 排列。模版:We know [general truth]. If [example 1], [result]. If [example 2], [result]. These are [category name].

  • 举例子

    P2

    在 第2段 中,作者用 water supply、street cleaning、schools 这三个 specific services 来 demonstrate 如果 everyone stopped paying taxes 会发生什么。这些 examples 都是 essential public services,直接关系到 citizens' daily life quality。通过这种 vivid illustration,作者让 readers 深刻感受到 taxes 的 necessity,强化了文章的 central argument。这个 technique 比单纯说 'taxes are important' 更有 persuasive power。

    信号词 what would happen if suppose imagine consider what take the case of look at think about

    仿写: 当你需要 show consequences 或 demonstrate impact 时,选择几个 readers 能立即 visualize 的 concrete results。用 modal verbs(would、might)配合 negative scenarios 可以增强 urgency。模版:What would happen if [condition]? [Result 1] would stop; [result 2] might not happen; [result 3] would be closed. We would not want [negative outcome].

  • 列数字

    P2

    第2段 中出现了 'more than three-fourths' 和 'billions of dollars each year' 这两个 quantitative data。这些 precise figures 让 government expenses 的 allocation 变得 concrete 和 credible。Three-fourths 这个 proportion 强调了 protection 的 primary importance,而 billions 这个 large number 则凸显了 education investment 的 scale。这种 numerical evidence 比 vague descriptions 更有 convincing power,支撑了 taxes are necessary 这个 main argument。

    信号词 more than over approximately nearly about around up to as many as as much as percent billion million

    仿写: 当你需要 show importance 或 demonstrate scale 时,寻找 relevant statistics、proportions 或 quantities。用 fractions(three-fourths)表示 proportions,用 large round numbers(billions)强调 magnitude。注意在 presenting numbers 后,要 immediately explain their significance。模版:More than [proportion] of [total] is/are used for [purpose]. [Large number] each year are spent on [specific area].

  • 下定义

    P1

    第1段 中 'These are private bills. But there are also public bills' 以及 'They are paid by the government' 这几句构成了对 public bills 的 definition。作者先用 contrast(private vs. public)来 distinguish,然后明确 who pays。这个 clear definition 是 entire article 的 foundation,因为只有 readers 理解了 what public bills are,才能理解后面关于 taxes 的 discussion。这种 precise terminology establishment 是 good expository writing 的 hallmark。

    信号词 is are means refers to is defined as is called we call known as that is in other words

    仿写: 当你 introduce key concepts 时,先给出 clear category,再说明 distinguishing characteristics。可以用 contrast 来 highlight differences。结构建议:These are [term A]. But there are also [term B]. They are [defining characteristic]. 或者:[Term] is/are [category] that [distinguishing feature].

  • 分类别

    P1 P2

    文章整体运用了 classification 的 structure,将 bills 分为 private bills 和 public bills,然后在 第2段 中又将 government expenses 按 usage 分为不同 categories:protection、education、roads 等。这种 systematic categorization 让 complex information 变得 organized 和 easy to follow。Classification 帮助 readers 理解 how tax money is allocated,使 abstract concept of taxation 变得 structured 和 comprehensible。这是 expository writing 的 classic organizational strategy。

    信号词 the chief the primary the next another also in addition first second one type different kinds various categories can be divided into

    仿写: 当你处理 complex topics 时,identify clear classification criteria,然后 systematically present each category。用 clear transitions(The chief...、The next largest...、Also)来 guide readers。确保 categories 有 logical order(importance、size、sequence)。模版:[Subject] can be divided into [category 1] and [category 2]. The chief/primary [category] is... The next/another [category] is... Also/Additionally, [category 3]...

  • 作比较

    P1

    第1段 中 private bills 和 public bills 的 juxtaposition 构成了 implicit comparison。作者通过 'But' 这个 contrastive marker 来 highlight the difference:private bills 由 individuals pay,而 public bills 由 government pay。这个 comparison 的 purpose 不是 show superiority,而是 clarify distinction,帮助 readers 理解 different payment mechanisms。这种 contrastive structure 是 expository writing 中 common 的 clarification strategy。

    信号词 but however while whereas in contrast on the other hand compared to unlike different from similarly likewise

    仿写: 当你需要 clarify concepts 时,identify comparable elements,用 contrastive markers(but、however、while)来 create juxtaposition。保持 parallel structure 让 comparison 更 clear。模版:[Statement about A]. But [contrasting statement about B]. 或:While [A does X], [B does Y].

  • 作诠释

    P4

    第4段 中 'But most of the best public lands have now been sold' 后面接着说 'There are still some public lands that contain oil, coal and other natural resources. They could be sold, but we want to save them for future years.' 这几句是对 why government no longer relies on land sales 的 explanation。作者不仅 state the fact,还 elaborate on the reasoning(saving for future)。这种 interpretive elaboration 让 readers 理解 deeper logic behind current tax system,解释了 why taxes are now the main revenue source。

    信号词 that is in other words this means because since the reason is this shows we want to in order to so that

    仿写: 当你 present facts 时,不要 stop at bare statement,而要 explain the reasoning 或 implications。用 'but' 或 'so' 引入 explanation,说明 why this matters。模版:[Fact]. But [additional context that explains or qualifies]. [Implication or reason].

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

4 处话里有话

作者没有明说、但靠信号词传递出来的态度与暗示——每处给出原文片段、信号词类型与解读。

  • 政府服务停摆的严重后果

    P2
    What would happen if everyone stopped paying taxes? The water supply would stop; the streets might not be cleaned; schools would be closed. We would not want to live in such a city.

    情态词 would could might should must may can

    作者通过描绘 catastrophic scenario(灾难性场景)—— water supply stopping、streets not cleaned、schools closing ——来制造 emotional impact(情感冲击)。这个 rhetorical strategy(修辞策略)的言外之意是:taxes are not just payments(税收不仅仅是付款),而是 the foundation(基础)that sustains our civilized life(维系文明生活)。这段的 implicit argument(隐含论证)perfectly supports(完美支撑)文章主旨中的 'essential for modern society'(对现代社会至关重要)这一核心观点。它不是 directly stating(直接陈述)'you must pay',而是让读者 自己得出结论(draw their own conclusion):living without these services 是 unacceptable(不可接受的),因此 paying taxes 是 inevitable(不可避免的)。

  • 纳税的强制性与无可选择性

    P3
    The law orders us to pay taxes. We have no choice in the matter.

    否定强化类 no choice no alternative no option must have to obliged to required to

    这两个简短的 declarative sentences(陈述句)contain powerful subtext(包含强大的潜台词)。'The law orders' 传递的是 external authority(外部权威),而 'no choice' 则 eliminates agency(消除主动性)。言外之意是:这不是 voluntary contribution(自愿贡献),而是 legal obligation(法律义务)。This implicit message(这个隐含信息)directly addresses(直接回应)potential resistance(潜在抗拒)——你可能 不情愿(reluctant),但这是 non-negotiable(不可协商的)。对于文章主旨而言,这段 reinforces(强化)了 'must pay' 的 inevitability(必然性),与前面的 hypothetical disasters(假设性灾难)形成 two-pronged argument(双管齐下的论证):既有 practical necessity(实际必要性),又有 legal compulsion(法律强制)。

  • 资源保护与世代责任

    P4
    There are still some public lands that contain oil, coal and other natural resources. They could be sold, but we want to save them for future years.

    转折类 but however yet nevertheless nonetheless still although

    这个转折句的言外之意是 multi-layered(多层次的)。表面上讲的是 resource management(资源管理),但 implicit message(隐含信息)包含 intergenerational responsibility(代际责任)和 long-term thinking(长远思维)。'We want to save them for future years' 不是 simple statement(简单陈述),而是在说:当代人有 moral obligation(道德义务)to preserve resources(保护资源)。这与主旨 directly connects(直接联系):既然我们 can't rely on(不能依赖)selling land anymore,而且我们 choose not to(选择不)exploit remaining resources,那么 the only sustainable way(唯一可持续方式)to fund services 就是 through taxation(通过税收)。这段通过 establishing what we won't do(确立我们不会做什么)来 justify what we must do(证明我们必须做什么),是一种 powerful rhetorical closure(强大的修辞闭合)。

  • 集体责任的道德呼吁

    P4
    So we all must pay our share for the services that make our lives comfortable.

    因果总结类 so therefore thus hence consequently as a result accordingly

    这个 concluding sentence(总结句)的言外之意超越了 simple logic(简单逻辑)。'We all' 这个 inclusive pronoun(包容性代词)creates shared responsibility(创造共同责任),'must' 表达 obligation(义务),而 'our share' 暗示 fairness and equity(公平与公正)。Most subtly(最微妙的是),'services that make our lives comfortable' 这个表达 shifts the frame(转换框架)from 'paying burden'(支付负担)到 'receiving benefits'(接受好处)。言外之意是:税收不是 taken from us(从我们拿走),而是 invested in us(投资于我们)。这个 final appeal(最终呼吁)directly serves(直接服务于)文章主旨,它把整个 argument(论证)condensed into(浓缩为)a moral imperative(道德命令):since we benefit from comfortable lives(既然我们受益于舒适生活),and there's no alternative funding source(没有替代资金来源),paying our share is both logical and ethical(既合逻辑又合乎道德)。这是 transforming economic necessity(将经济必然性转化)into civic virtue(公民美德)的 rhetorical move(修辞手法)。

AUTHOR ATTITUDE · 作者态度

作者态度:积极支持

结论先行:本文作者态度为积极支持( rational and instructive)。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 观察开头代词和陈述语气 P1

    说明文的 author 通常会在开头建立 shared understanding,通过 we、our 这样的 inclusive pronouns 来拉近和 reader 的距离。这种 tone 表明作者不是在 criticize,而是在 educate and persuade。

  2. 识别假设场景的论证功能 P2

    当 author 用 rhetorical questions 和 imagined consequences 时,说明他在 guide readers toward a conclusion。这种 persuasive technique 在说明文中表明作者有 clear position 并希望 convince readers。

  3. 统计义务型情态动词 P3

    在说明文中,modal verbs 的 strength 直接反映 author's stance。Must 比 should 更 forceful,have no choice 比 it's better to 更 absolute。这种 definitive language 说明作者对 topic 有 firm supportive position。

  4. 提取结尾的价值判断词 P4

    说明文的 ending 往往 reveal author's true position。这里作者没有说 we are forced to,而是说 we must pay our share,把 taxation 框架为 collective responsibility 而非 burden。这种 reframing 表明 supportive attitude。

  5. 四维度态度画像法 P1 P2 P3 P4

    说明文的 attitude 判断需要综合 linguistic markers 和 structural patterns。这篇文章从 establish common ground 到 show negative alternatives 到 state obligations 到 highlight benefits,形成了完整的 persuasive arc,说明作者对 taxation 持 rational supportive stance。

文中的态度信号词

  • we know P1

    We know 是一个 certainty marker,表明作者把这个 statement 当作 established fact 而非 personal opinion。在说明文中使用这种 shared knowledge expression 能建立 author-reader alliance,让 reader 更容易接受后续的 reasoning。

    同类词 we understand we recognize it's clear that obviously evidently

  • would not want to P2

    Would not want to 是 negative evaluation 的委婉表达,作者用 hypothetical scenario 中的 negative outcome 来 justify current system。这种 aversive language 暗示作者认为 alternative 是 unacceptable,从而 support status quo。

    同类词 would be undesirable would be disastrous no one would wish unacceptable intolerable

  • chief duty P2

    Chief duty 是 priority marker,表明作者认为 government's protective function 是 most important。在说明文中用这种 hierarchical language 能 emphasize author's value judgment,显示他对 government role 有 clear normative view。

    同类词 primary responsibility main purpose essential function core mission fundamental role

  • must pay P3

    Must pay 是 strong obligation modal,表明作者认为 paying taxes 是 non-negotiable duty。这种 deontic necessity language 在说明文中显示作者不是在 suggest,而是在 prescribe,反映 firm supportive stance。

    同类词 have to pay are required to are obliged to it's mandatory compulsory

  • we want to save P4

    We want to save 包含 collective desire 和 future orientation,表明作者认为 current policy 是 wise and forward-thinking。这种 positive volition language 在说明文结尾出现,强化了 supportive attitude through value alignment。

    同类词 we wish to preserve we aim to protect we hope to maintain our goal is we intend to

  • no choice in the matter P3

    No choice in the matter 是 absolute necessity expression,比 must 更 emphatic。作者用这种 definitive language 来 preempt objections,表明 taxation 不是 debatable issue,显示 very strong supportive position。

    同类词 no choice no alternative no option but to inevitable unavoidable

  • make our lives comfortable P4

    Make our lives comfortable 是 positive outcome framing,作者把 taxation 的 result 描述为 personal benefit 而非 sacrifice。这种 benefit-oriented language 在说明文结尾 reframe 整个 topic,显示作者 positive evaluative stance。

    同类词 improve our quality of life ensure our wellbeing benefit our society serve our needs enhance our living

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇说明文

体裁决定读法与出题套路。以下判断步骤与标志词全部以本文为例,可直接迁移到其他英语四级 真题文章。

如何快速判断这是一篇说明文?

  1. 开篇陈述普遍事实 P1

    本文 第1段 开头就是 'We know we have to pay for what we get',这是在 explain 一个 basic concept about payment and services。这种 matter-of-fact tone 和 explanatory approach 是 expository writing 的典型特征。议论文会有 arguable claim,新闻报道会有 specific event 和 time frame。

  2. 假设场景说明机制 P2

    第2段 使用了 'What would happen if everyone stopped paying taxes?' 这个 hypothetical question,然后 list 出 consequences:water supply would stop,streets might not be cleaned,schools would be closed。这是 explanatory technique,用来 demonstrate the importance of taxes。议论文会 argue for a position,新闻报道不会用 hypothetical scenarios。

  3. 客观数据支撑说明 P2

    第2段 中的 'More than three-fourths of government expenses' 和 'Billions of dollars each year' 是 quantitative information,用来 explain government spending patterns。这些 facts and figures 是为了 inform readers,不是为了 persuade them to take action。议论文会用 data 来 support an argument,新闻报道会用 specific numbers tied to recent events。

  4. 客观中性陈述 P3

    第3段 说 'The law orders us to pay taxes. We have no choice in the matter.' 这是 stating a fact about legal obligation,tone 是 neutral and matter-of-fact。没有 emotional language 或 call to action。议论文会有 'should','must','it's important that' 等 persuasive markers,新闻报道会有 attributed quotes 和 specific sources。

  5. 系统解释无立场 P1 P2 P3 P4

    本文的 overall structure 是 explaining a system(taxation and public services),从 personal bills 到 public bills 的 progression 是 logical explanation。没有 thesis statement to argue,没有 news peg or breaking event,没有 call for policy change。这是 pure exposition:inform readers about how taxes work and why they're necessary。

哪些词暴露了说明文体裁?

  • What would happen if P2 假设性情景说明词 If we imagine that Suppose that In the event that Should we consider Let's assume
  • is to P2 功能定义描述词 is used to serves to functions as aims to is designed to
  • Most of P3 事实性量化描述词 Three-fourths of A large amount of Billions of The majority of A significant portion of
  • But there are also P1 分类对比引导词 In addition to Besides Apart from There are two types can be divided into
  • are used for P2 用途功能说明词 are spent on is applied to goes to is utilized for serves for
  • In turn P1 因果逻辑关联词 As a result Therefore Consequently This leads to Thus
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

1 句真题句逐层精讲

下列真题句各有独立的句子解析页——中文翻译、结构树逐层拆解、成分与时态、考点讲解与真题高频词。点击句子进入完整解析。

  • In turn we get the needed services.
    第1段,第7句

    主谓宾加状语是英语基本句型之一,在各类考试中常见,但本句过于简短,不涉及从句或复杂修饰,作为真题句式的代表性一般。

FAQ · 常见问题

关于 2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 的常见问题

2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的主旨是什么?
2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 文章说明文解释了为什么税收对现代社会至关重要。文章描述了税收如何资助保护、教育和基础设施等重要政府服务,并论证由于公共土地出售等历史收入来源已经枯竭,公民必须纳税以维持舒适的生活。(英文表述:This expository text explains why taxes are essential for modern society. It describes how taxes fund vital government services like protection, education, and infrastructure, and argues that since historical revenue sources like public land sales are exhausted, citizens must pay taxes to maintain comfortable lives.)
2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 文章是什么体裁?难度如何?
体裁为说明文,作者立场是积极支持(rational and instructive)。CEFR 难度 B1,全文 245 词、4 段;在英语四级全部 511 篇真题文章中,B1 级共 113 篇(占 22%)。
2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的篇章结构是怎样的?
全文 4 段按说明文骨架分为 4 个意群:第1段——税收的基本概念引入;第2段——税收缺失的后果与政府职能;第3段——纳税的法律强制性;第4段——税收的历史必然性。
2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的作者态度是什么?
作者态度是积极支持(rational and instructive)。判断路径:观察开头代词和陈述语气 → 识别假设场景的论证功能 → 统计义务型情态动词 → 提取结尾的价值判断词 → 四维度态度画像法;文中的态度信号词包括 we know(第1段)、would not want to(第2段)、chief duty(第2段)、must pay(第3段)、we want to save(第4段)、no choice in the matter(第3段)、make our lives comfortable(第4段)。
2016年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part II Section C (2) 文章中有哪些值得积累的生词?
按文中出现顺序共 4 个:property(财产、所有物)、bill(账单)、fund(资金、经费)、chief(首要的、主要的),每个词的词义都可以由文中上下文线索推断得出。

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