2021年6月英语四级真题第1套 Part II Section B (1)

How about inviting people to come at 6:00 p.m.?

委婉建议类 How about What about Why don't we Maybe we could Perhaps we should What if we I was thinking

女士说的 "How about inviting people to come at 6:00 p.m.?" 表面是在 asking a question,实际上她已经认为 6:00 p.m. is the ideal time,只是通过 interrogative structure 来 soften her suggestion,给男士 room to negotiate。紧接着她补充理由 "Then we'll have the afternoon to prepare",进一步 reinforcing her preference。这种 indirect approach 对文章主旨的价值在于:它展现了两人的 collaborative dynamic 和 equal partnership in planning,为整个对话奠定了 consultative and cooperative tone,说明这不是 one-sided decision-making,而是 mutual discussion。

Well, I had thought about baking a cake, and some biscuits. And now I think we should prepare some sandwiches and snacks

对比类 I had thought I was thinking Originally I planned At first I considered Initially But now However

女士说 "I had thought about baking a cake" 使用 past perfect,然后转到 "now I think we should prepare sandwiches",这个 tense shift 传递的 implicature 是:她 originally 有个 simpler plan (just cake and biscuits),但经过 further consideration,认为需要 more variety 和 informal format。关键的言外之意在后面的 explanation:"so that people can just help themselves, rather than getting everyone to sit down"。她真正想说的是 formal sit-down meal is not appropriate for this party,她想要 casual and relaxed atmosphere。这对文章主旨的价值是:展现了 party planning 从 initial idea 到 refined plan 的 evolution,体现了 thoughtful and guest-oriented approach,强化了 informal buffet-style 这个 key decision。

I think that's a bit too formal

委婉否定类 I think that's a bit too a bit too somewhat rather might be too perhaps a little I'm afraid

女士说 "I think that's a bit too formal" 表面上只是 mild criticism,但在 context 中,这是 definite rejection of sit-down meal format。三层 hedging (I think + a bit + too) 让这个 rejection 听起来 diplomatic,但她的 real intention 非常 clear:she doesn't want formal dining。紧接着她提供 alternative ("It's better to let people walk around"),进一步 reinforcing her preference。这个言外之意对主旨的作用是:它 clarifies the party style – casual and relaxed rather than formal。这个 stylistic decision 是 party planning 的 key element,影响了后续的 food choice, seating arrangement, 和 overall atmosphere。通过委婉的 rejection,她成功引导了 planning direction。

I've not been there before

补充说明类 I've not been there before I've never tried I haven't seen It's my first time I've heard People say Apparently

男士说 "I've not been there before" 这个 seemingly casual remark 实际传递了 multiple layers of meaning。首先,它 explains his choice – he's choosing this supermarket partly out of curiosity,不仅仅是为了 convenience。其次,它 adds a tone of adventure and positive anticipation – 他对 trying new place 感到 excited。第三,它 subtly seeks agreement or validation – 暗示 "this would be a good opportunity to explore"。这个言外之意对主旨的作用是:它展现了 party preparation 不仅仅是 routine task,而是带有 positive attitude 和 exploration spirit 的 experience。这种 enthusiasm 为 party planning 增添了 pleasant and collaborative atmosphere,也暗示了两人对 party 的 positive expectations。

And I heard that the new supermarket offers some big discounts to attract customers

间接信息支持类 I heard that I've heard People say They say Apparently Word is I read that

女士说 "And I heard that the new supermarket offers some big discounts" 这个 hearsay statement 的 implicature 是多层次的。表面上她在 sharing information,实际上她在 endorsing 男士去 new supermarket 的 plan。通过 "I heard" 这个 evidential marker,她将 personal opinion 转化为 objective fact,让 endorsement 更 persuasive。紧接着她总结 "So going there should be a great idea",明确表达 approval。这个言外之意的关键在于:她用 external evidence (discounts) 来 justify practical benefit,将 exploration (男士的 curiosity) 和 pragmatism (省钱) 结合起来,让这个 decision 显得既 adventurous 又 sensible。对主旨的价值是:它展现了两人的 mutual support 和 collaborative validation,女士不仅 agrees,还 actively reinforces 男士的 suggestion,体现了 partnership dynamic。

Maybe we should ask Paul to bring his computer and speakers

委婉请求类 Maybe we should ask Maybe we should Perhaps we could We might want to It might be good to We could consider What if we

男士说 "Maybe we should ask Paul" 使用了 double modal hedging (maybe + should),表面上显得 tentative and optional,但实际上他已经 determined Paul is the best solution for music。关键的 implicature 在后面的 justification:"He has a great collection of different stuff"。这个 explanation 表明男士已经 thought through the options,Paul 不是 random choice,而是 ideal candidate。通过 maybe 和 we should 的组合,他 softens what is essentially a decision,让它听起来像 mutual suggestion 而非 unilateral plan。这对主旨的价值是:它完成了 party planning 的最后一个 element (music),同时体现了 considerate approach – 他们不想 impose,而是 politely involve a friend。这种 collaborative and respectful tone 贯穿整个对话,reinforcing 他们的 partnership dynamic。