懒笔记
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows
CET-4 · 来自 2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 · Part III Section C (2) · 阅读理解（四选一）

Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows

《长高的故事?研究显示,在过去的-个世纪里,男性和女性都长高了》 —— 2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章逐层精读

本文选自 2016年 7月 25日发表在 ww.theguardian.com(《卫报》官网)上的一篇标题为“Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows”(《长高的故事?研究显示,在过去的-个世纪里,男性和女性都长高了》)的文章。

本页是 2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) 文章的精读视角页——这篇新闻报道全文 340 词、7 段，CEFR 难度 B2（B2 级在英语四级文章中占 46%），作者立场为「客观中立」；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

7 段英文原文

以下为2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) 的阅读理解（四选一）原文，共 7 段。左侧 P1–P7 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。

Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows

People have grown taller over the last century, with South Korean women shooting up by more than 20cm on average, and Iranian men gaining 16.5cm. A global study looked at the average height of 18-year-olds in 200 countries between 1914 and 2014.

The results reveal that while Swedes were the tallest people in the world in 1914, Dutch men have risen from 12th place to claim top spot with an average height of 182.5cm. Latvian women, meanwhile, rose from 28th place in 1914 to become the tallest in the world a century later, with an average height of 169.8cm.

James Bentham, a co-author of the research from Imperial College, London, says the global trend is likely to be due primarily to improvements in nutrition and healthcare. "An individual's genetics has a big influence on their height, but once you average over whole populations, genetics plays a less key role," he added.

A little extra height brings a number of advantages, says Elio Riboli of Imperial College. "Being taller is associated with longer life expectancy," he said. "This is largely due to a lower risk of dying of cardiovascular(心血管的) disease among taller people."

But while height has increased around the world, the trend in many countries of north and sub-Saharan Africa causes concern, says Riboli. While height increased in Uganda and Niger during the early 20th century, the trend has reversed in recent years, with height decreasing among 18-year-olds.

"One reason for these decreases in height is the economic situation in the 1980s," said Alexander Moradi of the University of Sussex. The nutritional and health crises that followed the policy of structural adjustment, he says, led to many children and teenagers failing to reach their full potential in terms of height.

Bentham believes the global trend of increasing height has important implications. "How tall we are now is strongly influenced by the environment we grew up in," he said. "If we give children the best possible start in life now, they will be healthier and more productive for decades to come."

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

7 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2019年6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

    Global Height Growth

    A global study shows that average height increased markedly worldwide over the last century.

    本段承担 news lead 的功能，用全球身高增长这一总事实打开全文，并为后文的国家排名、原因、益处及非洲问题建立讨论框架。

    首段抓总趋势
  2. P2

    New Leaders in Height

    The study identifies Dutch men and Latvian women as the world's tallest adults after major ranking changes.

    本段把首段的宏观增长落到具体 ranking 上，展示全球身高格局如何重新洗牌，从而增强报道的可读性和事实说服力。

    并列数据归类
  3. P3

    Why People Have Grown Taller

    Improved nutrition and healthcare, rather than genetics, mainly explain the global rise in average height.

    本段是全文的原因解释层，它把“身高增长”从单纯的统计现象转化为 nutrition 和 healthcare 改善所反映的社会发展结果。

    锁定因果词
  4. P4

    The Health Benefits of Height

    Greater height is linked to longer life expectancy because of lower cardiovascular mortality.

    本段说明身高增长并不只是外形或统计变化，还可能带来 health advantage，因此提升了全文议题的现实价值。

    结果原因合并
  5. P5

    A Concerning Reversal in Africa

    Recent height declines among young people in some African countries challenge the global upward trend.

    本段为全文加入关键的 negative exception，防止读者把全球趋势绝对化，并自然引出下一段对非洲身高下降原因的追问。

    转折后抓异常
  6. P6

    Economic Causes of Height Decline

    Economic hardship and resulting nutritional and health crises caused height declines in parts of Africa.

    本段完成对非洲反转趋势的深层解释，证明身高不仅受个人因素影响，也会敏感地反映 economic and public-health conditions。

    串起因果链
  7. P7

    Investing in Children's Futures

    Improving children's early-life environment can produce healthier and more productive adults in the future.

    本段作为报道结尾，把前文的身高研究升华为公共政策启示：保障儿童 nutrition、healthcare 和成长环境，将带来长期社会收益，也回应了全文的核心关切。

    结尾抓启示
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

7 道逐段细节自检题

针对2019年6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 global study examine

    What did the global study examine?

    • A It compared the height gains of South Korean women and Iranian men.
    • B It measured how much adults' genetics affected their height.
    • C It examined the average height of 18-year-olds in 200 countries from 1914 to 2014.
    • D It investigated cardiovascular disease among tall people.
    • E It ranked the world's tallest people in 2014 only.
    • F It focused on children's nutrition and healthcare in developing countries.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    该项完整保留了研究的四个限定：average height、18-year-olds、200 countries 和 1914 to 2014，没有改变任何 measurement 或 scope。命题障碍在于文章先给出两个国家的涨幅，容易使考生误把个别国家的变化当成研究对象；正确项却要求回到 looked at 后面的总体定义。

    范围四格核验 时间紧时直接扫读 第1段 中 global study 后的动词短语，不必先通读全文。把题干的 examine 与 looked at 视为同一信号，然后用“范围四格”核验选项：只有正确项能一次填满对象、年龄、国家数和年份；其余项即使含原词，也会缺格或换格。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 Dutch men ranking

    What change did Dutch men experience in the global height ranking?

    • A They fell from first place to 12th place.
    • B They rose from 28th place to first place.
    • C They remained the tallest people in the world.
    • D They rose from 12th place to first place.
    • E They reached an average height of 169.8cm.
    • F They overtook Iranian men after gaining 16.5cm.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    该项精确复现 risen from 12th place to claim top spot 的排名逻辑，first place 是 top spot 的等义转换。障碍在于原文还出现 Swedes、Latvian women 及多个平均身高数据，考生若只扫数字或忽略 men，容易把别的比较链移植过来。

    性别筛选读链 在 第2段 中先进行“性别筛选”：只读含 men 的分句，立即跳过 women 的 data。随后只看 from...to... 这个骨架，正确项是唯一与该骨架同向、同起点、同终点的选项，无须处理所有厘米数据。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 James Bentham primary reason

    According to James Bentham, what is the primary reason for the global increase in height?

    • A Genetic differences among individuals.
    • B A lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
    • C The structural adjustment policies of the 1980s.
    • D The rise in the average age of the population.
    • E Improvements in nutrition and healthcare.
    • F Better opportunities for adults to exercise.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    该项对应专家以 primarily 标出的两个并列主因，并完整保留 nutrition and healthcare 的组合。难点在于紧随其后的 genetics 也被说成 has a big influence；但该影响限定在 individual，且对 whole populations 被明确降为 less key role，因此不能替代主因。

    主因词后截取 直达 第3段，先不读第二句的细节，只在 Bentham 的首句中寻找 primary 的词形回声 primarily。正确项即该词后面的并列名词短语；再用第二句仅作“排除 genetics”的反证，不必逐项回全文。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 longer life expectancy taller people

    Why are taller people associated with longer life expectancy?

    • A They receive better nutrition and healthcare throughout life.
    • B They are genetically less likely to develop any disease.
    • C They are more productive for decades to come.
    • D They grow faster during their teenage years.
    • E They never suffer from cardiovascular disease.
    • F They face a lower risk of dying of cardiovascular disease.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    该项直接改写 lower risk of dying of cardiovascular disease，并回答了 due to 所引出的原因。障碍在于文章先说 longer life expectancy，容易诱使考生选择同义重复；此外选项必须保留 dying of，不能笼统改成“患病更少”，因为原文限定的是死亡风险。

    因果词后取证 在 第4段 只执行“因果连接词跳读”：先锁定 life expectancy，再直接跳到 largely due to 后面的名词结构。正确项是该结构的等义表达；用 lower 与 dying 两个限定词快速淘汰绝对化和概念扩大项。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 Uganda and Niger recent

    What recent pattern was observed among 18-year-olds in Uganda and Niger?

    • A Their average height has been decreasing after an earlier increase.
    • B Their average height has continued to increase steadily.
    • C They have become the tallest people in the world.
    • D Their height stopped changing after the early 20th century.
    • E Only women experienced a decline in height.
    • F Their height declined because of genetic changes.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    该项同时保留了 recent years 的 decreasing 和 earlier 的 increased，准确体现 trend has reversed 的动态含义。命题障碍是原文先陈述早期增长，后用 reversed 才给出当前变化；只读前半句会选到相反结论。

    双箭头判势 进入 第5段 后，直接用 recent years 与 reversed 做双词联读，不必处理前面的非洲区域概述。正确项必须同时含“先增”和“后降”两个箭头；任何只有一个箭头的选项都可立即排除。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 full height potential children and teenagers

    What prevented many children and teenagers from reaching their full height potential?

    • A Genetic differences within whole populations.
    • B Nutritional and health crises following structural adjustment policies.
    • C The higher risk of cardiovascular disease among taller people.
    • D The economic situation in the 1980s alone.
    • E A lack of genetic influence on individual height.
    • F The rise of Dutch men to the top of the ranking.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    原文明确以 led to 连接 nutritional and health crises 与 failing to reach full potential，并用 following structural adjustment 交代危机背景。干扰难点在于 economic situation in the 1980s 也是更上游的原因；题干紧扣 prevented，正确项应选与结果直接相连的 crisis，而不是只选宽泛背景。

    结果反查因果 在 第6段 先从 full potential 反向扫读到 led to，而不是从句首顺读。把 led to 左侧的 crisis 视为直接证据，正确项就是这组名词的等义压缩；economic situation 只作为上一层背景，用“直接/上游”两层筛除。

  7. 第 7 段 定位词 Bentham best possible start in life

    What does Bentham predict if children are given the best possible start in life?

    • A They will become the tallest people in the world.
    • B They will be unaffected by the environment they grow up in.
    • C They will be healthier and more productive for decades to come.
    • D They will have no risk of cardiovascular disease.
    • E They will rely less on nutrition and healthcare.
    • F They will reach their full height potential only in adulthood.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    该项完整对应条件句后的 will be healthier and more productive for decades to come，保留两个并列结果和长期时间限定。障碍在于首句谈环境对当前身高的影响，容易让考生只选 taller；但题干问的是在特定条件下的 prediction，必须抓主句中的未来收益。

    条件句后抓主句 在 第7段 使用“语法切片”：看见 if children...，立刻跳到逗号后的 will 主句。正确项是唯一完整复述该主句双谓语结果的选项；不需先分析前一句的 environment 解释。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

5 个意群的新闻报道骨架

按新闻报道 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. P1 P2

    全球身高增长现象的数据呈现

    这个 opening paragraph 直接抛出了 striking statistics,用 South Korean women 和 Iranian men 的 dramatic height increases 作为 concrete examples,然后 introduce 一个 global study 的 scope 和 timeframe,这是典型的新闻 lead paragraph,用 specific data 来 grab readers' attention

    作为新闻的 lead,这个意群通过 quantifiable evidence 来 establish 文章的 central phenomenon,让 readers immediately grasp 身高增长这个 trend 的 magnitude 和 global nature

    提供核心数据证据
  2. P3

    身高增长的原因解释

    这个 paragraph 从 data presentation 转向 causal explanation,通过 expert quote 的形式 introduce 了 nutrition 和 healthcare 作为 primary factors,同时 clarify 了 genetics 在 population level 的 limited role,这是新闻中典型的 expert interpretation section

    这个意群 fulfill 新闻报道的 explanatory function,通过 authoritative source 来 answer 读者的 implicit question: why is this happening? 它把 phenomenon 和 underlying causes 连接起来,deepening readers' understanding

    揭示增长机制
  3. P4

    身高增长的积极影响

    这段 shift focus 到 implications 和 benefits,通过另一个 expert 的 perspective 来 highlight 身高和 life expectancy 的 positive correlation,specifically pointing to cardiovascular health,这是 consequence-oriented analysis,属于新闻的 impact assessment 部分

    这个意群 add depth 到主旨,它不只是 report 数据或 explain causes,而是 evaluate 这个 trend 的 significance,告诉 readers why they should care about height increases beyond just numbers

    说明现象的健康意义
  4. P5 P6

    身高下降的反向趋势及原因

    这两段 introduce a contrasting scenario,用 'But' 开头明确 signal 一个 reversal。Focus 转到 African countries 的 height decreases,第5段 present 这个 concerning trend,第6段 则 explain 其 economic and nutritional causes,形成一个 complete counter-narrative

    这个意群对主旨起到 complicating 和 balancing 的作用,它 acknowledge 主旨中的 'however' clause,showing that the positive trend 不是 universal,同时 reinforce 了 nutrition 和 economic factors 的 critical role

    展现例外情况
  5. P7

    研究发现的现实意义与未来启示

    Closing paragraph 回到 lead author,用 'implications' 这个 forward-looking term 来 synthesize 全文。It connects height trends 到 childhood environment 和 long-term productivity,ending with a call to action about giving children 'the best possible start',这是新闻的 kicker,提供 broader significance

    作为 conclusion,这个意群 elevate 主旨从 descriptive findings 到 prescriptive implications。It 回答了 'so what' question,把 height data 和 public policy about child health 连接起来,给 readers 一个 actionable takeaway

    指出政策启示
MAIN IDEA · 速判主旨

4 步定位这篇文章的主旨

不读完全篇也能锁定主旨——以下 4 步按2019年6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. 首段核心数据 P1

    新闻报道的 lead paragraph 遵循 inverted pyramid structure，会在开篇就 present 最重要的 information。这个 pattern 让读者能立即 grasp 文章讨论的 central topic 和 key findings。

  2. 专家归因解释 P3

    新闻报道需要 credibility，所以会 quote experts 来 explain causes 或 provide context。这些 expert voices 帮助 readers understand 'why' behind the 'what'，是 distinguish descriptive facts from analytical insights 的关键。

  3. 转折与例外 P5 P6

    完整的新闻报道不只 present positive findings，还会 address complications 或 exceptions。这些 contrasting elements 通过 show different scenarios 来 enrich 和 balance 整体 narrative，让 main idea 更 comprehensive。

  4. 综合全文要素 P1 P3 P5 P7

    新闻报道的 main idea 需要 balance breadth and depth，既要 convey overall pattern 又要 acknowledge important deviations。单纯提 'height increased' 太 superficial，只提 'African decrease' 又 miss the global picture。Complete main idea 应该 synthesize 这些 elements into coherent whole。

主旨信号词 grown taller P1 global study P1 due primarily to P3 causes concern P5 trend has reversed P5 important implications P7

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

一项全球研究显示,过去一个世纪人类平均身高因营养和医疗改善而显著增长,韩国和伊朗等国增幅尤为明显。然而,一些非洲国家近年来身高下降引发了对经济和营养问题的担忧。
A global study reveals that average human height has increased significantly over the past century due to improved nutrition and healthcare, with notable gains in countries like South Korea and Iran. However, recent height decreases in some African nations raise concerns about economic and nutritional challenges.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

5 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。

  • shoot 快速大幅增长

    让我们把这些 clues 串联起来。首先，shooting up 出现在描述 height changes 的 context 中，紧跟着 by more than 20cm 这样的 measurement。其次，up 这个 directional word 明确了向上的 movement。第三，通过和 gaining 的 parallel structure 对比，我们确认这是表达增长的 meaning。最后，shoot 这个 root word 本身带有的速度感，暗示这不是普通的增长，而是快速、显著的增长。所有这些 evidence 共同指向一个 conclusion。

    分解短语+对比平行+验证语境
  • claim 夺得、赢得、占据

    我们来整合这些 threads。首先，from...to claim 的 structure 显示这是一个 positional change 的 endpoint action。其次，在 height ranking 这个 competitive context 中，claim top spot 描述的是获得最高 position。第三，通过和 rise 的搭配，claim 是 rising 的 outcome，表示最终获得或占据。所有这些 linguistic evidence 都指向同一个 core meaning。

    动宾关系+转换结构+竞争语境
  • reverse 逆转、反转

    让我们把所有的 pieces 放在一起。从 context 来看，increased 到 reversed 再到 decreasing 形成了一个清晰的 sequence：先上升，然后发生某种改变，结果是下降。从 morphology 来看，re- prefix 暗示着向后或相反。从 collocation 来看，trend 作为 subject，reverse 应该表示趋势的方向改变。所有这些 clues 汇聚到同一个 meaning。

    前后对比+词缀分析+主谓适配
  • implication 含义、影响、启示

    综合所有的 evidence：首先，从 discourse structure 看，implications 引出了后续的 explanation about consequences。其次，从 morphology 看，-ation suffix 表示这是个表示 result 的 noun。第三，从 collocation 看，important 修饰它，而在 academic context 中这种搭配通常指重要影响。最后，整个 paragraph 都在讨论 height trend 对 future generations 的 impact。所有这些 clues 指向一个一致的 meaning。

    后文展开+后缀识别+学术搭配
  • potential 潜力、潜能

    让我们整合这些 insights。从 phrase structure 看，reach full potential 表示达到某个完整的 level。从 causal context 看，nutritional crises 阻止了 reaching potential，说明 potential 是在良好 conditions 下应该达到的 state。从 broader theme 看，文章讨论 genetics and environment 对 height 的影响，potential 应该指 genetic capacity。所有这些 perspectives 都指向 potential 表示潜在的、可能达到的最大 capacity。

    动词搭配+因果阻碍+学科常规
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

6 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。

  • 数据引用

    P1 P2

    文章开篇就用 specific numbers 来 establish credibility，比如 South Korean women 增高超过 20cm，Iranian men 增加了 16.5cm。这种 concrete data 不是简单的 decoration，而是 serve 一个关键目的：让 abstract concept of height increase 变得 tangible and convincing。通过 quantifiable evidence，读者能 immediately grasp the magnitude of change，这为后续 discussion 奠定了 solid foundation。在 news reporting 中，这种 opening with hard numbers 的策略能 instantly capture attention 并建立 authoritative tone。

    信号词 shooting up gaining increased by rose from average percentage ratio statistics show data reveal numbers indicate measured at recorded reached

    仿写： 写作时要 identify your key finding，然后 search for the most striking statistics。问自己：which numbers will make readers say 'wow'？比如不要说 'significantly increased'，而是 specify 'rose by 16.5cm over 100 years'。仿写模版：[Subject] + [action verb] + [具体数值变化] + [时间跨度/对比维度]，例如：'Global carbon emissions surged by 45% between 1990 and 2020, with China's increase reaching 300%.'

  • 对比手法

    P2 P5

    文章在 Para 2 中 construct a powerful contrast：Swedes 在 1914 年是 the tallest，但 a century later，Dutch men claimed top spot。这种 then-versus-now comparison 不仅 show change over time，更 highlight the dynamic nature of global health trends。通过 juxtapose different countries' rankings（Latvian women from 28th to 1st），作者 demonstrate that improvement 不是 uniform，而是 varies dramatically across populations。这个 rhetorical move 让 static data become a dynamic story，帮助 readers understand that health outcomes are malleable and context-dependent。

    信号词 while meanwhile in contrast however on the other hand whereas but rose from...to compared to unlike conversely yet

    仿写： 构建 effective contrast 需要 select meaningful comparison points。问自己：what was the before state? What's the after? 或者：how does Group A differ from Group B? 使用 transitional markers like 'while', 'meanwhile', 'in contrast' 来 signal the comparison。仿写模版：[Group A] + [过去状态/特征] + [对比连接词] + [Group B] + [现在状态/特征]，例如：'While Japan dominated robotics in the 1990s, China has emerged as the leader in AI development, surpassing traditional tech powers.'

  • 引语运用

    P3 P4 P6 P7

    文章 strategically deploys expert quotations from James Bentham, Elio Riboli, and Alexander Moradi。这些 direct quotes 不是 random insertions，而是 serve multiple functions：首先 lend authority 通过 invoke academic credentials（Imperial College, University of Sussex）；其次 provide interpretive frameworks 来 explain the data（'genetics plays a less key role'）；第三 add human voices 来 balance statistical coldness。特别是 Bentham 的 closing quote about 'the best possible start in life'，它 transform 一个 scientific finding into a call for action，给 article 注入 forward-looking perspective 和 policy implication。

    信号词 says said added explains notes argues believes according to states emphasizes points out observes comments

    仿写： 选择 quotations 时要 strategic：identify moments where an expert's exact words add unique value。不要 quote obvious statements（'the study is important'），而是 capture insights, interpretations, or implications that only an expert can articulate。在 introduce quotes 前，establish the speaker's credentials。仿写模版：[Attribution with credentials] + [action verb of speaking] + [引语内容]。例如：'Dr. Sarah Chen, a climate scientist at MIT with 15 years of research experience, warns: "We're approaching tipping points faster than models predicted."'

  • 背景交代

    P3 P6

    Para 3 中 Bentham provides crucial context：'An individual's genetics has a big influence...but once you average over whole populations, genetics plays a less key role.' 这个 explanatory passage 不是 digression，而是 address a potential reader confusion。因为 people naturally think height is genetic，所以 article must explain why population-level changes can occur。这种 contextualization 帮助 readers grasp the significance of nutrition and healthcare，prevent misinterpretation of the data，并 deepen understanding of the mechanisms behind the trend。它 transform raw statistics into meaningful insights。

    信号词 primarily to largely due to the reason for this is because one factor is background to context shows historically traditionally it's important to note to understand this

    仿写： 提供 background 时要 identify what readers might misunderstand or miss。问自己：what assumptions might readers bring? What prior knowledge is needed? 然后 address those gaps preemptively。Use phrases like 'this is largely due to', 'the reason for...is' 来 signal explanatory content。仿写模版：[Potential misconception/question] + [explanation connector] + [clarifying information]。例如：'While many assume AI will eliminate jobs, economists point out that technology historically creates more positions than it destroys—though in different sectors.'

  • 客观描述

    P1 P2 P4 P5

    Para 4 采用 neutral, evidence-based language 来 present health implications：'Being taller is associated with longer life expectancy' 和 'This is largely due to lower risk of dying of cardiovascular disease.' 注意作者 carefully use 'associated with' rather than 'causes'，这种 precise wording reflects scientific caution about causality。这个 objective tone 增强 article's credibility，让 readers trust the information。在 news reporting 中，especially when covering health topics，maintaining objectivity prevents sensationalism 并 respects the complexity of scientific evidence。

    信号词 is associated with is linked to suggests indicates appears to tends to is correlated with research shows evidence suggests studies indicate data reveal largely due to

    仿写： 实现 objectivity 需要 choose verbs carefully：prefer 'is associated with', 'suggests', 'indicates' over 'proves' or 'definitely causes'。Avoid absolute terms（'always', 'never'）和 emotionally charged adjectives。让 data and expert views carry the message。仿写模版：[现象A] + [中性关联词] + [现象B]，辅以 [evidence/explanation]。例如：'Regular exercise is linked to improved cognitive function in older adults, according to a 10-year longitudinal study of 5,000 participants.'

  • 设问引导

    P5 P6

    虽然文章没有 explicit questions，但 Para 5 的 'But while height has increased around the world, the trend in many countries...causes concern' 这个 structure 实际上 implicit raise a question：why would height decrease in some regions? 这种 problem-posing approach 创造 anticipation，prompting readers to seek answers。随后 Para 6 immediately provide explanation（'One reason for these decreases'），形成 question-answer pattern。这个 rhetorical move 增强 engagement by making readers active participants in discovering causes，rather than passive recipients of information。

    信号词 But while However causes concern raises questions One reason for This is because The explanation is puzzling surprising unexpected yet paradoxically

    仿写： 要 create implicit questions，introduce anomalies, contradictions, or concerns that naturally prompt 'why?' or 'how?'。Use transition words like 'but', 'however', 'causes concern' 来 signal unexpected information that needs explanation。然后 follow up immediately with answers using phrases like 'one reason is', 'this is because'。仿写模版：[Established trend] + [contrasting connector] + [unexpected exception/concern] + [explanation introduction]。例如：'While renewable energy costs have dropped globally, adoption rates in developing nations remain stubbornly low. One key factor is the lack of grid infrastructure investment.'

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

6 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。

  • 荷兰男性身高的逆袭

    P2
    while Swedes were the tallest people in the world in 1914, Dutch men have risen from 12th place to claim top spot

    对比类 risen from 12th place to claim top spot risen from...to meanwhile while from...to compared to in contrast

    这个 implication 的真正含义是：荷兰在过去 century 实现了 extraordinary progress in public health and nutrition，从 mid-ranking position 跃升到 world's tallest，这 suggests 其 systematic improvements 值得 attention。对于 article theme 的 value 在于：它提供了一个 positive example 来 support 文章的 central argument——即 environmental factors (nutrition & healthcare) 能产生 profound impact on population height。这个 case study 让 abstract conclusion 变得 concrete and persuasive。

  • 遗传因素的相对弱化

    P3
    An individual's genetics has a big influence on their height, but once you average over whole populations, genetics plays a less key role

    转折类 but however yet nevertheless nonetheless although though

    这段的 underlying message 是：虽然 individual level 的 genetics matters，但从 population perspective 看，environmental interventions (如 improved nutrition) 才是 driving force behind height increases。这对 article's main thesis 至关重要，因为它 establishes 一个 scientific basis：height trends 是 malleable and responsive to policy changes，而非 genetically predetermined。这为后文讨论 African countries 的 height decline 提供了 theoretical foundation——暗示这些 reversals 是 preventable and correctable through better policies。

  • 身高优势的医学价值

    P4
    Being taller is associated with longer life expectancy. This is largely due to a lower risk of dying of cardiovascular disease among taller people

    因果暗示类 associated with linked to related to connected with correlated with due to because of

    这个 subtext 传递的 deeper meaning 是：身高增长不仅是 statistical curiosity，而是关系到 population health outcomes 和 life quality 的 serious issue。通过 establish height-health connection，作者 elevates 整个 discussion 的 importance，让读者理解为何 height trends deserve policy attention。这对 overall narrative 的 contribution 在于：它 transforms height from a mere physical measurement into a public health indicator，为后文批评 African countries 的 declining trends 提供了 moral urgency——height decrease 意味着 life expectancy 和 health outcomes 的 deterioration。

  • 非洲地区的令人担忧的逆转

    P5
    But while height has increased around the world, the trend in many countries of north and sub-Saharan Africa causes concern

    转折类 but however causes concern unfortunately worryingly disturbingly alarmingly

    这段的 implicit message 非常 critical：它 reveals 全球 height growth 的 benefits 并未 equally distributed，某些 African regions 甚至 experiencing reversal，这 implies systemic failures in governance, economy or healthcare。对 article's central argument 的 significance 在于：它 prevents 读者将 height increase 视为 inevitable progress，instead highlighting 它 requires sustained commitment to nutrition and healthcare。通过 juxtapose global success with African setbacks，作者 subtly critiques policy choices 并 calls for corrective action，同时 reinforces 环境因素的 decisive role——因为 same populations 曾经 gained height 后又 lost it，证明 genetics 不是 destiny。

  • 政策失误的长期代价

    P6
    The nutritional and health crises that followed the policy of structural adjustment, he says, led to many children and teenagers failing to reach their full potential in terms of height

    因果暗示类 led to resulted in caused brought about gave rise to contributed to triggered

    这段的 deeper subtext 是对 1980s economic policies 的 implicit condemnation：structural adjustment 虽然 economically motivated，但 produced devastating human costs，让一代人的 physical development 受损。这个 implication 对 article's overarching message 极为重要，因为它 demonstrates policy choices 有 measurable, long-lasting biological consequences。通过 specific historical example，作者 strengthens 论点：environmental factors (包括 policy-driven ones) 能 fundamentally shape population health。同时它 serves as cautionary tale，警告 policymakers 经济决策的 unintended health ramifications，并 justifies 为何 height trends 应该 inform policy discussions。

  • 投资儿童的长远回报

    P7
    If we give children the best possible start in life now, they will be healthier and more productive for decades to come

    条件暗示类 if if we provided that as long as on condition that assuming that given that

    这个 conclusion 的 implicit message 是强有力的 call to action：基于 article 展示的 evidence chain (nutrition affects height, height affects health, policy affects nutrition)，投资 children's early development 不仅是 moral imperative，更是 economically rational strategy。对 article's overall purpose 的 contribution 在于：它将 entire discussion 从 historical analysis 转向 future-oriented policy prescription，给读者留下 clear takeaway——height trends 不仅 reveal past successes and failures，更 offer roadmap for future interventions。通过 emphasize 'decades to come'，作者 highlights long-term multigenerational benefits，making the case 为何 policymakers 应该 prioritize childhood nutrition and healthcare 哪怕 short-term costs 较高。

AUTHOR ATTITUDE · 作者态度

作者态度：客观中立

结论先行：本文作者态度为客观中立（ Cautiously optimistic with underlying concern）。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 数据开篇定基调 P1 P2

    Opening paragraphs 用 statistical evidence（统计证据）而非 emotional language，这是 neutral reporting 的 key indicator。作者没有用 alarming 或 celebratory 的 tone，而是 straightforward presentation，表明态度是 measured and balanced。

  2. 多方引述求平衡 P3 P4 P5 P6

    作者通过 quoting authoritative sources 而不是 direct commentary 来 convey information，这是 objective journalism 的 hallmark。引用既包含 optimistic findings 又包含 concerning trends，说明 author 在 present both sides，而非 pushing a single narrative。

  3. 起承转合藏态度 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    这种 three-part structure 显示 author 既 acknowledge achievements 又 recognize challenges，最终 point toward future potential。不是 pure celebration 也不是 doom and gloom，而是 nuanced assessment，这是 concerned but hopeful 的 attitude marker。

  4. 词汇情感定调性 P4 P5 P6 P7

    Negative 和 positive terminology 的 coexistence，without either dominating，表明 author 在 present reality complexities。Closing paragraph 的 forward-looking language（'decades to come', 'best possible start'）带有 subtle optimism，但整体 remains grounded in evidence-based discussion，符合 objective reporting with underlying concern for improvement 的 stance。

文中的态度信号词

  • concern P5

    这个词 directly signals 作者对某些 trends 的 negative evaluation。在 news reporting 中，'causes concern' 是 journalist 表达 implicit criticism 或 warning 的 standard phrase，既 maintain objectivity 又 convey seriousness of the issue。

    同类词 worry alarm anxiety unease apprehension

  • advantages P4

    'Advantages' 是 explicitly positive 的词，author 用它来 highlight height increase 的 beneficial aspects。在 balanced reporting 中，这类词 signal 作者在 present the upside，与 concerns 形成 counterbalance，显示 comprehensive perspective。

    同类词 benefits merits positives gains upsides

  • reversed P5

    'Reversed' 是强烈的 negative indicator，表示 previous progress 被 undone。这个词 carries implicit criticism of the situations，暗示 author 认为这是 undesirable development，need attention 和 potentially action。

    同类词 declined decreased worsened deteriorated regressed

  • crises P6

    'Crises' 是 high-intensity negative term，author 引用 expert 的话来 label historical events。用这个强词 emphasize the severity，但因为是 quoted speech 而非 author's direct statement，maintain journalistic distance 的同时 convey gravity。

    同类词 crisis catastrophe disaster emergency calamity

  • best possible start P7

    这个 phrase 在 concluding paragraph 传达 optimism 和 forward-looking perspective。'Best possible' 是 aspirational language，显示 author 虽然 report problems，但 ultimately believe in potential for improvement through action。

    同类词 best possible optimal ideal promising hopeful

  • failing to reach their full potential P6

    这个 phrase 表达 lost opportunity 和 unrealized possibilities，带有 regret 和 criticism 的 undertone。'Failing' 和 'potential' 的 combination 暗示 author 认为这是 preventable loss，need corrective action。

    同类词 failing to reach potential falling short underachieving not realizing missing opportunities

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇新闻报道

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新闻报道？

  1. 开篇直陈数据事实 P1

    新闻报道的 characteristic feature 是开门见山地 present facts and figures，而议论文通常会先 state an opinion 或 pose a question，说明文则会先 define a concept 或 introduce a phenomenon 的定义。这里直接给出 height increase 的 specific numbers，是典型的 news reporting style。

  2. 多源专家引述 P3 P4 P6 P7

    新闻报道需要 maintain objectivity，所以会 rely on expert opinions 和 authoritative sources 来 support the facts，而不是 author's personal argument。议论文中作者会直接 express own views，说明文则主要是 author's explanation。这里多次出现 named experts with their affiliations（如 'Imperial College'、'University of Sussex'），是 journalism 的 standard practice。

  3. 事实层进式展开 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    新闻报道遵循 information hierarchy，从 most newsworthy facts 到 supporting details 和 background context。议论文则是 logical argumentation structure（thesis → arguments → conclusion），说明文是 systematic explanation structure（definition → features → examples）。这里的 structure 是在 layer by layer 地 unfold a story，而不是 build up an argument 或 systematically explain a concept。

  4. 研究事件为锚点 P1 P2

    新闻报道通常 anchor on events、studies、或 developments（'a global study looked at...'），而议论文围绕 debatable issues（'we should...'），说明文围绕 concepts or phenomena（'X is defined as...'）。这里明确是在 report findings of a study，而不是 debate whether height matters 或 explain what height is。

  5. 时效性信息报道 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    通过 four-step verification，我们确认这不是议论文（因为没有 argumentative thesis 和 persuasive intent），也不是说明文（因为不是 systematically explaining a concept 或 process）。文章的 core function 是 reporting newsworthy information based on recent research，这是 news report 的 defining characteristic。关键区分点：news reports what is，argumentative essays argue what should be，expository texts explain what it means。

哪些词暴露了新闻报道体裁？

  • James Bentham, a co-author of the research from Imperial College, London, says P3 新闻来源与引用词 Elio Riboli of Imperial College...said Alexander Moradi of the University of Sussex...said he added Bentham believes says Riboli
  • between 1914 and 2014 P1 即时性时间与地点词 over the last century in recent years the 1980s early 20th century a century later
  • more than 20cm P1 核心事实概括词 16.5cm 182.5cm 169.8cm 12th place 28th place
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

12 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。

FAQ · 常见问题

关于 《长高的故事?研究显示,在过去的-个世纪里,男性和女性都长高了》 的常见问题

2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) 文章 Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows 的原文出自哪里？
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) 文章 Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows 选自 2016年 7月 25日发表在 ww.theguardian.com(《卫报》官网)上的一篇标题为“Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows”(《长高的故事?研究显示,在过去的-个世纪里,男性和女性都长高了》)的文章。
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章《长高的故事?研究显示,在过去的-个世纪里,男性和女性都长高了》的主旨是什么？
一项全球研究显示,过去一个世纪人类平均身高因营养和医疗改善而显著增长,韩国和伊朗等国增幅尤为明显。然而,一些非洲国家近年来身高下降引发了对经济和营养问题的担忧。（英文表述：A global study reveals that average human height has increased significantly over the past century due to improved nutrition and healthcare, with notable gains in countries like South Korea and Iran. However, recent height decreases in some African nations raise concerns about economic and nutritional challenges.）
Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows（2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章）是什么体裁？难度如何？
体裁为新闻报道，作者立场是客观中立（Cautiously optimistic with underlying concern）。CEFR 难度 B2，全文 340 词、7 段；在英语四级全部 511 篇真题文章中，B2 级共 234 篇（占 46%）。
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章《长高的故事?研究显示,在过去的-个世纪里,男性和女性都长高了》的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 7 段按新闻报道骨架分为 5 个意群：第1段、第2段——全球身高增长现象的数据呈现；第3段——身高增长的原因解释；第4段——身高增长的积极影响；第5段、第6段——身高下降的反向趋势及原因；第7段——研究发现的现实意义与未来启示。
Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows 一文的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是客观中立（Cautiously optimistic with underlying concern）。判断路径：数据开篇定基调 → 多方引述求平衡 → 起承转合藏态度 → 词汇情感定调性；文中的态度信号词包括 concern（第5段）、advantages（第4段）、reversed（第5段）、crises（第6段）、best possible start（第7段）、failing to reach their full potential（第6段）。
2019年6月英语四级真题第2套文章 Tall story? Men and women have grown taller over last century, study shows 中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 5 个：shoot（快速大幅增长）、claim（夺得、赢得、占据）、reverse（逆转、反转）、implication（含义、影响、启示）、potential（潜力、潜能），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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