2024年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part Ⅲ Section C (2) Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists
CET-4 · 来自 2024年12月英语四级真题第2套 · Part Ⅲ Section C (2) · 阅读理解(四选一)

Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists

2024年12月英语四级真题第2套文章逐层精读

本文改编自网站https://www.teenvogue.com 2018 年 1 月 2 日发表的一篇题为 “Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists” 的文章。

本页是 2024年12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 349 词、6 段,CEFR 难度 B2(B2 级在英语四级文章中占 46%),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

6 段英文原文

以下为2024年12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 6 段。左侧 P1–P6 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。

Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists

Chocolates save us from many things, especially emotional distress. They comfort us in times of trouble, calming down a racing heart by channelling happy calories inside us. We all have faith in chocolates to delight us in an instant!

Recently, chocolate lovers were heartbroken as scientists claimed that they can become extinct by 2050! But hey, we have some happy news for you. Scientists can still help save chocolates from dying out! If you are not aware as to why scientists made the statement about the death of this wonderful thing, let us tell you the facts. Chocolate trees, whose seeds are used to make chocolate, grow in the tropical plant world and require very specific weather conditions to prosper.

Now, fifty percent of the world's cocoa(可可) beans come from two countries in West Africa: Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Scientists believe that both of these countries will experience a 3.8°F temperature increase by 2050 due to global warming, endangering the cacao(可可树) farms in the rainforests. These farms will then have to be shifted to cooler mountainous areas, which are the natural habitat of wildlife. This will lead to some tough decisions: whether to grow chocolate or save wildlife.

Unfortunately, the crisis of global warming has already had a serious negative impact on cacao farms' yields, leading to the prices of chocolates skyrocketing.

Scientists, however, are trying to find a long-term and eco-friendly solution to this problem! They are trying to modify the species with a gene-editing technology, which will transform the seedlings into a species that survives even in a drier and warmer climate.

According to a report by The Business Insider, in the University of California's new bio-sciences building, tiny green cacao seedlings are lined up in refrigerated greenhouses for a new experiment by using a technology called CRISPR. By manipulating the DNA of plants, this technology is already being used across the world to make plants tougher and cheaper. Similarly, in this unconventional experiment, scientists will make tiny, precise changes to the DNA of the seedlings to make the cocoa crops survive in warmer and drier climates.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

6 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2024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

    Chocolate: Our Emotional Savior

    Introduces chocolate's emotional importance as universal comfort food to establish reader engagement.

    这个paragraph作为article的emotional anchor,establishes chocolate的cultural and emotional significance。它creates the emotional investment needed让readers care about后续提到的extinction threat。通过presenting chocolate as emotional necessity而非mere luxury,这个paragraph为整篇article关于climate change threatening chocolate的narrative提供了emotional urgency和personal relevance。

    识别情感铺垫的参与策略
  2. P2

    The Threat and the Hope

    Transitions from emotional setup to introducing extinction threat while providing scientific basis for chocolate's climate vulnerability.

    这个paragraph serves as critical transition,从emotional hook转向article的factual core。它introduces the central problem while immediately提供hope,creating a balanced narrative framework。通过mentioning chocolate trees和their specific requirements,这个paragraph begins building the scientific foundation that subsequent paragraphs will expand upon。这个balanced approach between crisis和solution aligns perfectly with文章主旨about both the threat和the technological solution。

    识别情感与事实的过渡手法
  3. P3

    West Africa's Climate Crisis and Ethical Dilemmas

    Details climate threat with specific geographic and temperature data while introducing ethical complexity of potential solutions.

    这个paragraph提供article的factual core,通过specific geographic和temperature data来substantiate the extinction claim。它demonstrates how climate change specifically threatens chocolate production,同时introducing the ethical complexity that solutions entail。这个paragraph deepens文章主旨by showing the threat不仅是technical问题,还涉及conservation和economic trade-offs。这种complexity adds depth to the overall narrative about climate challenges。

    解析数据支撑的论证构建
  4. P4

    Crisis Already Here: Economic Impact Now

    Emphasizes current economic impact of climate crisis through price increases, making threat immediate and personally relevant.

    这个brief paragraph serves crucial function of grounding future threats in present reality。通过highlighting current price increases,它makes the climate crisis tangible和immediately relevant,strengthening the overall argument about chocolate's vulnerability。虽然short,这个paragraph powerfully connects environmental discussion到personal economic experience,reinforcing文章主旨about urgent need for solutions。它bridges the problem exposition和upcoming solution discussion。

    捕捉时态转换的强化效果
  5. P5

    Gene-Editing: An Eco-Friendly Solution

    Pivots to solution phase by introducing gene-editing technology as eco-friendly approach to create climate-resistant cacao plants.

    这个paragraph serves as pivotal turning point,shifting narrative from crisis to hope。通过introducing gene-editing as solution,它addresses文章主旨's second component about technological solutions。The emphasis on eco-friendly approach also responds to earlier ethical concerns,suggesting solution won't require choosing between chocolate和wildlife。这个paragraph maintains article's balanced tone by acknowledging problems while presenting viable path forward。

    识别解决方案的预判性框架
  6. P6

    CRISPR in Action: The Science Behind the Solution

    Provides detailed technical explanation of CRISPR application to cacao, establishing credibility through specific examples and proven track record.

    这个concluding paragraph完成article的solution narrative,providing detailed evidence that supports文章主旨关于gene-editing solutions的claim。通过describing actual experiments和citing established technology applications,它transforms abstract hope into concrete possibility。This paragraph delivers scientific credibility needed to convince readers that chocolate can indeed be saved,completing the article's journey from emotional hook through crisis exposition to viable solution。它effectively concludes the narrative by grounding hope in real scientific progress。

    解构科学细节的可信度策略
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

6 道逐段细节自检题

针对2024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 difficult moments primarily help

    How do chocolates primarily help people in difficult moments?

    • A They provide people with essential nutrition during emergencies.
    • B They enable people to avoid all kinds of trouble.
    • C They comfort people and calm emotional distress.
    • D They make people more productive at work.
    • E They protect people from the effects of global warming.
    • F They replace the need for medical treatment.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    该项完整保留了核心因果链:chocolates 对 people 产生 comfort,并进一步 calm emotional distress。它把原文较形象的 racing heart 概括为更上位的情绪反应,属于四级常见的同义概括,而没有改变对象、方向或程度。障碍在于原文还写到 happy calories 和 delight;这些词很醒目,却只是补充性的描写,不能替代主功能。

    强弱动词筛 时间极紧时,直接抓题干的 difficult moments,并把它在首段同义映射为 trouble 和 emotional distress。随后不必逐句翻译,只做“动词强度”筛查:正确项描述的是温和的 emotional relief;含 avoid、replace、protect 等强动词的选项均超出报道表述。正确项因此最符合原文力度。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 vulnerable environmental change

    Why are chocolate trees especially vulnerable to environmental change?

    • A Their seeds cannot be used to make chocolate in tropical regions.
    • B Scientists have stopped studying ways to protect them.
    • C They can grow only after being moved to refrigerated greenhouses.
    • D They require very specific weather conditions to prosper.
    • E They are no longer demanded by chocolate lovers.
    • F Their growth depends mainly on lower chocolate prices.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:D

    该项直接复现了报道给出的生物学原因:chocolate trees 的生长依赖 very specific weather conditions。题干中的 especially vulnerable 是对这一依赖关系的概括,因此答案不是简单词汇匹配,而是“特殊条件”与“环境变化风险”的逻辑对应。障碍在于 prosper 容易被误读成“盈利”,但在植物语境中它表示良好生长。

    锁定条件动词 快速作答时,用题干中的 environmental change 反向找“生长前提”而非找 climate 这个字。定位到 第2段 后,扫读含 require 的句子即可;在选项中优先选择保留条件结构的正确项。其余选项若谈需求、价格、研究进度,均没有回答 why。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 cooler mountainous areas tough decision

    What tough decision may arise if cacao farms are moved to cooler mountainous areas?

    • A Whether to reduce the temperature increase or close all cacao farms.
    • B Whether to import cocoa beans from countries outside West Africa.
    • C Whether to use CRISPR or abandon chocolate production immediately.
    • D Whether to raise chocolate prices or lower workers' salaries.
    • E Whether to grow chocolate or preserve wildlife habitat.
    • F Whether to keep farms in rainforests or build more greenhouses.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:E

    该项准确概括报道最后呈现的两难:迁移农场会占用 wildlife 的 natural habitat,因此发展 cacao farming 与保护 wildlife 形成直接冲突。preserve wildlife habitat 是对 save wildlife 的合理具体化,没有额外加入未出现的利益主体。障碍在于前文的 3.8°F 和 two countries 都是显眼事实,但它们解释背景,不能回答 decision 的内容。

    截取二选一 紧张时不必完整重建升温数据。直接以题干中的 cooler mountainous areas 定位 第3段,沿句末寻找 choice 的语法外形,即 whether...or...。把这一结构的两个并列宾语与选项做形状匹配,正确项会保留“生产目标 versus 保护目标”的冲突,判断速度最高。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 soaring chocolate prices directly led to

    What has directly led to soaring chocolate prices?

    • A The growing popularity of chocolate among consumers.
    • B The relocation of all cacao farms to mountainous areas.
    • C Scientists' precise changes to plant DNA.
    • D The use of refrigerated greenhouses for seedlings.
    • E A 3.8°F fall in temperature in West Africa.
    • F A serious decline in cacao farm yields caused by global warming.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:F

    该项保留了完整因果链中最贴近价格的一环:cacao farms' yields 受到 global warming 严重负面影响,继而 leading to prices skyrocketing。它既没有只写 yields 而丢失报道归因,也没有只写 global warming 而忽略直接市场机制。障碍在于题干的 directly 容易诱使考生只选 global warming;但该词需要考生优先锁定 yield decline。

    从结果左读 只抓题干的 soaring chocolate prices,在 第4段 用 soar 与 skyrocket 的同义替换秒定位。接着从结果词向左读一个因果单位,先得到 yields 这条近因;正确项中唯一同时覆盖“产量下降”与其环境归因的表述即应选出,无须回读全文。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 gene-editing technology main aim

    What is the main aim of modifying cacao seedlings with gene-editing technology?

    • A To enable the crops to survive in warmer and drier climates.
    • B To make chocolate taste sweeter for consumers.
    • C To move cacao farms into wildlife habitats permanently.
    • D To reduce the need for any weather conditions.
    • E To make cocoa beans cheaper through lower labor costs.
    • F To predict the exact temperature increase by 2050.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:A

    该项准确指向基因编辑的最终目的:将 seedlings 转化为即使在 drier and warmer climate 中也能 survive 的物种。它把 transform 的过程压缩成 enable,但保留了对象、能力和两项环境条件。障碍是 modify 和 gene-editing 本身很容易被误选为答案内容;它们只是 means,不是题干要求的 aim。

    越过手段找目的 高压下以 gene-editing technology 定位 第5段,只读它后的一个结果句。将题干的 main aim 转换为“to make what possible”,再在选项中寻找包含 survive 与 climate condition 的正确项。凡是重复 modify、谈价格或预测数据的选项,均未跨越“手段到目的”的门槛。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 CRISPR adapt to harsher climates

    How will CRISPR help cacao crops adapt to harsher climates in the experiment?

    • A By storing all cocoa beans in refrigerated greenhouses.
    • B By making tiny, precise changes to the seedlings' DNA.
    • C By transferring farms away from every rainforest.
    • D By raising the global temperature of cacao-growing regions.
    • E By replacing cacao seedlings with wildlife species.
    • F By persuading consumers to pay more for chocolate.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:B

    该项直接回答 how:科学家会对 seedlings' DNA 做 tiny, precise changes,以使 cocoa crops 在 warmer and drier climates 中 survive。它保留了方式标记 By、操作对象 DNA 及 precision,准确区别于仅称为 gene-editing 的笼统表述。障碍在于 refrigerated greenhouses 和 University of California 都是真实细节,但它们是实验地点或机构,不是技术机制。

    动作对象双核 先以 CRISPR 直接定位 第6段,然后忽略 University of California 与 refrigerated greenhouses 等名词,只扫描 by、manipulating、changes 这些操作信号。题干问 how,故正确项必须是可执行的 DNA 操作;包含地点、迁移或价格的选项可立即剔除。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

6 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. 引子:巧克力的情感价值

    这个 opening paragraph 通过 emotional connection 建立读者和 chocolate 的 bond,强调 chocolates 在我们 daily life 中的 comforting role,为后文的 crisis 做 emotional groundwork。

    作为 news report 的 hook,这个 opening 用 emotional appeal 来 engage readers,让后续关于 chocolate extinction 的 serious news 更能 resonate with audience,增强 story 的 human interest。

    铺垫读者对巧克力的情感依赖
  2. 问题提出:巧克力濒危及其原因

    这个 section 通过 dramatic statement about extinction 引出 core issue,然后立即 shift to solution-oriented tone,同时 explain 了 chocolate trees 的 growing requirements,为理解 crisis 提供 necessary background。

    作为 news report 的 lead paragraph,这段完成 double function:既 deliver 了 headline-worthy information about potential extinction,又 immediately pivot to hopeful angle about scientists' efforts,这种 balanced presentation 是 responsible journalism 的 hallmark。

    引出气候威胁主题
  3. 问题深化:地理成因与环境冲突

    这个 explanatory section 用 specific data 和 geographic facts 来 illustrate 为什么 climate change 会 threaten chocolate,并 introduce 了 ethical dilemma between chocolate production 和 wildlife conservation,将 crisis 从 simple agricultural issue 升级为 complex moral question。

    在 news structure 中,这是 nut graph 的 extension,提供 detailed evidence 和 context 让 readers understand the scope and complexity。通过 concrete numbers 和 geographic specifics,这段 transform abstract threat into tangible crisis,同时 raise ethical stakes。

    详述西非可可产地面临的具体威胁
  4. 现状补充:当前影响

    这个 brief paragraph 作为 transitional bridge,用 'Unfortunately' 引出 current consequences,将 future threat 和 present reality 连接,通过 concrete economic impact 让 crisis 更 immediate and relatable to readers。

    在 news structure 中,这段 serve as reality check,确保 report 不只是 future speculation。通过 mention current price increases,它 ground the story in present-day relevance,这是 journalism 的 timeliness principle at work。

    说明危机已造成实际经济影响
  5. 解决方案:基因编辑技术概述

    这个 solution-focused paragraph 用 'however' 实现 major tonal shift,从 problem exposition 转向 solution presentation。它 introduce gene-editing 作为 long-term eco-friendly solution,为 detailed explanation in next paragraph 做 preview。

    作为 news report 的 solution section 的 opening,这段 fulfill hope-offering function。它 balance 前面的 dire predictions,符合 constructive journalism 的 approach,给 readers actionable information rather than just despair。

    提出基因编辑应对方案
  6. 方案详解:CRISPR技术应用细节

    这个 concluding paragraph 提供 detailed evidence 和 specific examples,通过 cite authoritative source 和 describe concrete experiments,将 abstract solution 变为 tangible ongoing work。它用 technical details about CRISPR 和 UC research 给 story credibility and depth。

    作为 news report 的 closing section,这段 provide satisfying conclusion through concrete details。它 demonstrate solution feasibility with real research,且 explain technical mechanism,满足 informed readers 的 depth requirement,这是 science journalism 的 explanatory function。

    详述CRISPR实验的具体应用
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2024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. 前三段定位核心问题 P1 P2 P3

    News articles 遵循 inverted pyramid structure,最 critical information 会 appear early。通过 scanning 第1段-3,我们能快速 identify that climate change threatening chocolate production 是 the main issue being addressed,而不仅仅是 emotional comfort of chocolates。

  2. 追踪因果链条深度 P3 P4

    News reports about complex issues 会 establish causality。这篇文章通过 geographic specificity(Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana)和 quantitative data(3.8°F increase, 50% of cocoa beans)来 demonstrate that this is a well-researched, serious threat,不是 speculation。

  3. 后半部定位解决方案 P5 P6

    News articles about crises 通常会 balance problem and solution。这篇文章 dedicates two paragraphs 到 scientific interventions,用 'however' 作为 transition signal,表明 solution 是 a key component of the main idea,而不是 afterthought。

  4. 整合威胁-范围-应对 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    完整的 main idea statement 应该 reflect the article's complete structure。这篇文章不是单纯报道 chocolate extinction,也不是只讲 CRISPR technology,而是 presenting a narrative of crisis and hope,所以 main idea 必须 capture this duality。

主旨信号词 extinct P2 global warming P3 gene-editing P5 by 2050 P2 West Africa P3

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

气候变化威胁西非可可种植,可能导致巧克力在2050年前灭绝。科学家正在利用CRISPR基因编辑技术开发抗旱耐热的可可植物,为在全球变暖挑战中保护巧克力生产带来希望。
Climate change threatens cacao cultivation in West Africa, potentially causing chocolate extinction by 2050. Scientists are developing gene-editing solutions using CRISPR technology to create drought and heat-resistant cacao plants, offering hope to preserve chocolate production amid global warming challenges.
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。

  • distress 痛苦、忧虑、苦恼

    我们把三条 clues 串联起来:首先,distress 是需要被 save from 的 something negative;其次,它和 trouble 语义相近,都需要 comfort;最后,它的 physical manifestation 是 racing heart,需要 calm down。将这些 clues 整合,我们可以推断:emotional distress 是一种 emotional state of pain, anxiety, or suffering,是让人感到痛苦、需要安慰的 negative emotion。

    动词搭配+同义词场+具体表现
  • prosper 繁荣、兴旺、茁壮成长

    我们整合三条 clues:第一,prosper 是 growth 之上的 higher state,需要 specific favorable conditions;第二,unfavorable conditions(temperature increase)导致 negative impact on yields,说明 prosper 与 producing well 相关;第三,word 本身带有 positive, forward-moving 的 sense。综合来看,prosper 应该是指在 favorable conditions 下 thrive, flourish, do very well 的意思,强调的是 successful growth and productivity。

    条件-结果框架+反义对照
  • endanger 使处于危险中、威胁

    三条 clues 形成完整的 reasoning chain:首先,从 cause-effect relationship 看,temperature increase 导致 farms 被 endanger;其次,morphology 直接告诉我们 en-danger = cause to be in danger;最后,subsequent actions(转移农场、做艰难决定)都是为了应对这种 threat。所有 clues 都指向同一个 meaning:endanger = put in danger, threaten the existence or safety of something。

    前缀分解+语境验证
  • skyrocket 飞涨、暴涨、急剧上升

    两条 clues 互相印证:经济 logic 告诉我们 yields 下降导致 prices 大幅上升;compound word 的 visual metaphor 告诉我们 skyrocket 描述的是像 rocket 一样 shoot up 的 rapid, dramatic movement。两个 perspectives 都指向同一个 meaning:skyrocket = increase very rapidly and dramatically, shoot up。

    隐喻映射+经济逻辑验证
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。

  • 设问引导

    P2

    第2段先用“why scientists made the statement”制造读者的疑问,再以“let us tell you the facts”转入解释,这种 question-to-answer 的推进把“巧克力会灭绝”的惊讶感转化为对气候条件的理性关注。它使报道的主旨不只是传递 alarming news,更自然地引出可可树生长环境这一核心原因。

    信号词 why how what but why the question is if you wonder let us explain the answer is

    仿写: 写作时你可以先想:读者看到一个反常现象后,最想问的“why”或“how”是什么?随后不要停在提问,而要立刻用 facts 回应,例如先提出“Why are local rivers disappearing?”,再说明降雨减少和过度取水等原因。仿写模版:面对“____”这一现象,读者或许会问“Why/How ____?”;答案在于“____”,因为____。

  • 背景交代

    P2

    第2段说明可可树生长在 tropical plant world,且需要“very specific weather conditions to prosper”,这段 background information 先交代物种的生长前提。它为后文全球变暖威胁可可种植建立因果基础:正因为条件 specific,气温变化才会格外危险。

    信号词 require depend on grow in be found in normally traditionally is native to under certain conditions

    仿写: 写背景时可追问:如果删掉这句话,读者还能理解危机为何发生吗?若不能,就应补入必要的 condition、location 或 process,但避免堆砌无关知识。仿写模版:____通常生长于/依赖于____,并且需要____条件才能____;因此,当____发生时,____将面临风险。

  • 数据引用

    P3

    第3段使用“fifty percent”与“3.8°F”两组 precise data,分别量化西非两国的可可豆产量占比和未来升温幅度。前者突出 Côte d'Ivoire 与 Ghana 的全球供应地位,后者把抽象的 global warming 变成可衡量的威胁,因此有力支撑“巧克力生产受危及”的主旨。

    信号词 percent % 3.8°F by 2050 more than less than about nearly from...to... increased by

    仿写: 使用数据前可先问:这个数字究竟证明“规模”、 “变化”还是“严重性”?数字要服务于观点,并最好交代比较对象、时间点或来源,不能只孤立罗列。仿写模版:目前,____占____的____%;研究预测,到____年,____将增加/下降____,从而使____面临____。

  • 对比手法

    P3

    第3段以“whether to grow chocolate or save wildlife”并列两个难以兼得的选择,形成 grow-versus-save 的尖锐对比。这里并非普通列举,而是揭示气候适应可能带来的生态代价:把农场迁往山区,可能侵占 wildlife 的自然栖息地,从而深化报道关于 environmental dilemma 的主旨。

    信号词 whether...or or while whereas in contrast instead of rather than versus on the one hand...on the other hand

    仿写: 仿写时先找出事件中的两种 competing interests,再用平行结构呈现它们;你要问自己:这两项选择是否真的存在 tension,而不是表面上的不同?仿写模版:这一变化迫使人们作出艰难选择:是____,还是____;前者能够____,但后者关系到____。

  • 客观描述

    P4

    第4段用“global warming has already had a serious negative impact on cacao farms' yields”说明已发生的后果,并进一步指出巧克力价格“skyrocketing”。虽然 skyrocketing 带有形象色彩,但整句仍以 cause-and-effect 方式呈现气候、减产与涨价的现实链条,使危机从遥远的2050变成 already visible 的当下问题。

    信号词 leading to resulting in causing due to because of therefore as a result have an impact on consequently

    仿写: 写事实后果时可自问:我是否写清了“什么因素导致什么结果”?应优先使用具体对象与清晰动词,如 reduce、increase、lead to,而少用没有依据的情绪化评价。仿写模版:____已经对____产生了____影响,导致____下降/增加,并使____随之____。

  • 对比手法

    P4 P5

    第5段开头的“Scientists, however”与第4段的“Unfortunately”构成危机与希望的转折:前段呈现 negative impact,后段转入 long-term and eco-friendly solution。这个 however 让文章不止停留在灾难叙述,而是把主旨推进到 CRISPR 可能提供的解决路径。

    信号词 however but yet nevertheless still on the contrary despite this although unfortunately

    仿写: 使用转折时先检查:转折前后是否确有意义上的反向变化,例如“风险—应对”或“下降—恢复”?若只是补充信息,就不宜滥用 however。仿写模版:____带来了____问题;however,____正在通过____来解决/缓解这一问题。

  • 引语运用

    P6

    第6段通过“According to a report by The Business Insider”引入外部媒体来源,虽没有直接 quotation,但属于新闻中常见的 source attribution。它把大学温室中的 CRISPR experiment 放在可追溯的报道来源之下,增强了这一解决方案的 credibility,也避免作者把信息写成无依据的断言。

    信号词 According to said reported noted stated the report found researchers said experts believe a study shows

    仿写: 写作时可追问:这条专业信息是谁提供的,读者能否追溯?对于研究结果、预测和争议性判断,应优先标出 source;若使用直接引语,还要确保原话准确且服务主题。仿写模版:According to a report by ____,____正在/已经____;该报告指出,____将可能____。

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

5 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。

  • 巧克力情感价值的夸张强调

    P1
    Chocolates save us from many things, especially emotional distress. They comfort us in times of trouble, calming down a racing heart by channelling happy calories inside us.

    夸张表达类 save us from many things rescue dying out extinct heartbroken crisis endangered

    作者用 save、emotional distress、comfort 这些 emotionally charged words 来 dramatize 巧克力的 importance,营造一种 chocolate 对人类 indispensable 的 impression。这种 exaggerated emotional appeal 实际上是在 set up 一个 contrast:后文会揭示 chocolate 面临 extinction crisis。这个 opening strategy 的 value 在于通过 emotional hook 来 capture readers' attention,让读者对后续的 scientific warning 产生 stronger emotional response。它为 article's main message 关于 climate threat 建立了 emotional stakes。

  • 坏消息后的转折安慰

    P2
    Recently, chocolate lovers were heartbroken as scientists claimed that they can become extinct by 2050! But hey, we have some happy news for you.

    转折类 But hey However Yet Nevertheless On the other hand In contrast Fortunately

    这个 But hey 制造了一个 dramatic emotional reversal,从 heartbroken 到 happy news,形成 sharp contrast。言外之意是作者在 manipulate readers' emotions,先制造 anxiety,再提供 relief,这种 emotional roller coaster 能 maintain reader engagement。对 article theme 的 value 在于它 frames 整篇文章为一个 hopeful narrative 而非 doomsday story。这个 transition 暗示虽然 climate crisis 很 severe,但 human ingenuity 和 scientific solutions 依然 promising,为后文介绍 CRISPR technology 这个 solution 做了 psychological preparation。

  • 艰难抉择的道德困境

    P3
    These farms will then have to be shifted to cooler mountainous areas, which are the natural habitat of wildlife. This will lead to some tough decisions: whether to grow chocolate or save wildlife.

    委婉表达类 tough decisions challenges difficult choices complications trade-offs concerns issues to address

    这个 tough decisions 表面上 presents 一个 balanced choice,但言外之意是这是一个 impossible dilemma:either destroy wildlife habitats or lose chocolate。这个 euphemistic expression 掩盖了更深层的 message——在 economic interests 和 ecological conservation 之间,人类往往选择前者。对 article's thesis 的 value 在于它 highlights climate change 造成的不仅是 agricultural problems,更是 ethical crises。这为后文的 gene-editing solution 提供了 stronger justification:如果能 avoid 这个 painful choice,科技 intervention 就显得 necessary and moral。这个 implied conflict 增强了文章的 urgency。

  • 温和表达下的严峻现实

    P4
    Unfortunately, the crisis of global warming has already had a serious negative impact on cacao farms' yields, leading to the prices of chocolates skyrocketing.

    让步类 Unfortunately Regrettably Sadly Disturbingly Alarmingly Worryingly It is unfortunate that

    这个 Unfortunately 表面上是 polite acknowledgment,但言外之意是 climate crisis 已经不是 future threat 而是 present reality。通过 has already had 这个 present perfect tense 和 serious negative impact 这些 strong descriptors,作者在强调 urgency 和 irreversibility。Skyrocketing prices 这个 concrete economic consequence 把 environmental issue 转化为 consumer's immediate concern,增强 relatability。对 article's main message 的 value 在于它 validates 前文的 2050 extinction warning,证明这不是 alarmism 而是 evidence-based prediction。这个 reality check 为后文的 scientific solution 制造了 time pressure 和 practical necessity。

  • 科技乐观主义的谨慎表达

    P5
    Scientists, however, are trying to find a long-term and eco-friendly solution to this problem! They are trying to modify the species with a gene-editing technology

    模糊限制语类 trying to attempting to hoping to may might could possibly

    这两个 trying to 表面上 describes scientific efforts,但言外之意是 solution 尚未 proven 或 implemented,仍在 experimental stage。这个 hedging 暗示 CRISPR technology 虽然 promising,但不是 guaranteed fix。对比前文的 definitive problems 比如 has already had impact 和这里的 tentative solutions,作者在 tempering 过度的 optimism。对 article's message 的 value 在于它 maintains journalistic integrity——承认科技 solutions 的 limitations 而非 present them as silver bullets。这种 cautious optimism 让文章更 credible,同时为读者保留了 realistic expectations about timeline and success rate of these interventions。

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( cautiously optimistic)。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 在 news reporting 中,作者选择 problem-solution framework 而不是单纯 expose problems,说明作者想要 highlight 解决方案的 potential。这种 structural choice 反映了作者并非 pessimistic,而是相信 human agency 和 scientific progress 能够 address the crisis。

  2. 转折词后重点 P2 P5

    Transitional words 在 news reporting 中是 attitude indicators。'But' 和 'however' 引出的 content 往往是作者想要 emphasize 的 perspective。这里这两个 markers 都 introduce positive developments,说明作者的 focus 不在 dwelling on crisis,而在 highlighting hope。特别是 'happy news' 这种 explicitly positive expression,directly reveal 作者的 emotional stance。

  3. 在 news reporting 中,word choice 是 subtle attitude indicator。作者在 describe scientific efforts 时使用 'save', 'help', 'long-term', 'eco-friendly' 这些 inherently positive terms,而不是 neutral expressions like 'attempt' or 'try to change'。这种 lexical choice 表明作者 view these efforts favorably。而且 negative terms 主要 concentrated in problem description,并且被 presented as solvable challenges,这是 optimistic framing。

  4. 细节丰富度检验 P5 P6

    在 news reporting 中,detail level 反映 credibility assessment。如果作者对某个 solution provide extensive, specific details(包括 institution names, technical processes),这 suggest 作者 view it as viable 和 credible。如果作者 remain vague or only briefly mention solutions,这 indicate skepticism。这里作者 dedicate two full paragraphs with rich technical details 来 describe CRISPR application,showing confidence in this approach。

  5. News report 的 opening and closing strategies 是 crucial attitude indicators。这篇文章 begin with emotional connection(chocolate comforts us),acknowledge serious threats(extinction, global warming),然后 conclude with detailed scientific response。这种 trajectory 从 emotional stake 到 rational solution 体现了 balanced optimism:作者 recognize the gravity but emphasize human capacity to respond。'Cautiously optimistic' 因为文章 acknowledge real obstacles(temperature rise, habitat conflict)但 frame them as addressable through technology。

文中的态度信号词

  • happy news P2

    这是 explicit positive evaluation marker。在 news reporting 中,'happy news' 这种 overtly emotional expression 直接 reveal 作者的 attitude orientation。它 signal 作者想要 shift reader's focus from crisis to solution,并且作者本人 embrace this positive development。这个 phrase 出现在 transitional moment,immediately after mentioning extinction threat,creating strong contrast that emphasizes optimism。

    同类词 good news positive development encouraging sign hopeful indication bright spot

  • save P2

    这是 positive action verb with heroic connotation。'Save' 不仅 describe technical action,还 carry moral implication:科学家是在 perform noble act。在 news reporting 中使用 'save' 而非 neutral alternatives like 'maintain' or 'sustain' 表明作者 view these efforts as commendable and worthwhile。这个词 frame scientists as heroes 而非 merely technicians,revealing positive attitude toward their work。

    同类词 rescue preserve protect safeguard salvage

  • long-term and eco-friendly P5

    这是 compound positive qualifier。作者在 describe solution 时不只说 'solution',而是 add 'long-term and eco-friendly' 这两个 highly valued attributes。在当代 discourse 中,这两个 terms 都 carry strong positive connotation,especially in environmental context。使用这些 qualifiers 表明作者 view the solution not just as effective but as morally superior,这 reflect enthusiastic endorsement rather than neutral reporting。

    同类词 long-term eco-friendly sustainable environmentally sound green solution

  • transform P5

    'Transform' 是 powerful positive verb,implying fundamental improvement 而非 minor adjustment。在 describe gene-editing 时,作者选择 'transform' rather than 'alter' or 'change',这 suggest 作者 view the technology as capable of achieving significant positive outcome。'Transform' carries connotation of metamorphosis—something becoming better,这 reveal optimistic expectation about technology's potential。

    同类词 revolutionize change fundamentally remake convert modify successfully

  • Unfortunately P4

    这个词 express 作者对 crisis impact 的 sympathetic stance,但它的 limited occurrence(只出现一次)和 immediate follow-up with solution discussion 说明作者不想 amplify negativity。如果作者是 pessimistic,会在 multiple paragraphs use negative evaluatives。这里 single 'unfortunately' 后立即转向 'however, scientists are trying',构成 problem-acknowledgment-then-solution pattern,这是 optimistic structure。

    同类词 unfortunately sadly regrettably disappointingly troublingly

  • already being used across the world P6

    这是 credibility-building phrase。'Already being used across the world' 告诉读者 CRISPR 不是 theoretical concept 而是 proven technology。'Already' 和 'across the world' 都 emphasize widespread adoption 和 existing success。这种 phrasing 增强了 solution 的 feasibility,作者通过 cite existing applications 来 support optimistic outlook about chocolate-specific application。

    同类词 already being used currently applied proven effective established practice widely adopted

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. 时间标记+事件披露 P2

    第2段 用了 'Recently' 这个典型的 time marker,然后直接抛出 'scientists claimed that they can become extinct by 2050' 这个 news event。这种 immediate news disclosure 是新闻报道的标志,而议论文会先 state a viewpoint,说明文会先 define a concept。

  2. 信源明示引用 P3 P6

    第3段 明确提到 'Scientists believe',第6段 引用 'a report by The Business Insider' 和 'University of California'。这种 explicit source attribution 是新闻报道的 verification mechanism,议论文虽然也会 cite sources,但更多是为了 support argument 而不是 report facts。

  3. 事件驱动叙事 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    文章 structure 是:第2段 introduce the crisis,第3段-4 explain the causes 和 current impact,第5段-6 present the solution。这是典型的 news narrative structure:problem → background → consequences → solutions。议论文会是 claim → evidence → counterargument → conclusion,说明文是 definition → features → types → examples。

  4. 本文完美 demonstrate 了新闻报道的 triple signature:'Recently' 带出 timely event (即时性),'scientists claimed' 和 'The Business Insider' 提供 source verification (归属性),problem-solution flow 展现 news narrative (叙事性)。这三者缺一不可,是 news reporting 的 DNA。

哪些词暴露了新闻报道体裁?

  • Recently P2 即时性时间词 by 2050 Now
  • scientists claimed P2 新闻来源引用词 Scientists believe According to a report by The Business Insider
  • Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana P3 核心事实地点词 West Africa University of California
  • will experience a 3.8°F temperature increase P3 核心事实数据词 3.8°F temperature increase fifty percent by 2050
  • a new experiment P6 即时性事件词 new bio-sciences building are trying to find
  • let us tell you the facts P2 事实陈述引导词 If you are not aware the crisis of
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

10 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 Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists 的常见问题

2024年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part Ⅲ Section C (2) 文章 Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists 的原文出自哪里?
2024年12月英语四级真题第2套 Part Ⅲ Section C (2) 文章 Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists 改编自网站https://www.teenvogue.com 2018 年 1 月 2 日发表的一篇题为 “Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists” 的文章。
2024年12月英语四级真题第2套文章 Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists 的主旨是什么?
气候变化威胁西非可可种植,可能导致巧克力在2050年前灭绝。科学家正在利用CRISPR基因编辑技术开发抗旱耐热的可可植物,为在全球变暖挑战中保护巧克力生产带来希望。(英文表述:Climate change threatens cacao cultivation in West Africa, potentially causing chocolate extinction by 2050. Scientists are developing gene-editing solutions using CRISPR technology to create drought and heat-resistant cacao plants, offering hope to preserve chocolate production amid global warming challenges.)
Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists(2024年12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,作者立场是积极支持(cautiously optimistic)。CEFR 难度 B2,全文 349 词、6 段;在英语四级全部 511 篇真题文章中,B2 级共 234 篇(占 46%)。
2024年12月英语四级真题第2套文章 Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists 的篇章结构是怎样的?
全文 6 段按新闻报道骨架分为 6 个意群:第1段——引子:巧克力的情感价值;第2段——问题提出:巧克力濒危及其原因;第3段——问题深化:地理成因与环境冲突;第4段——现状补充:当前影响;第5段——解决方案:基因编辑技术概述;第6段——方案详解:CRISPR技术应用细节。
Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists 一文的作者态度是什么?
作者态度是积极支持(cautiously optimistic)。判断路径:结构比重分析 → 转折词后重点 → 情感词汇聚类 → 细节丰富度检验 → 首尾呼应定调;文中的态度信号词包括 happy news(第2段)、save(第2段)、long-term and eco-friendly(第5段)、transform(第5段)、Unfortunately(第4段)、already being used across the world(第6段)。
2024年12月英语四级真题第2套文章 Chocolate May Be Extinct by 2050, According to Scientists 中有哪些值得积累的生词?
按文中出现顺序共 4 个:distress(痛苦、忧虑、苦恼)、prosper(繁荣、兴旺、茁壮成长)、endanger(使处于危险中、威胁)、skyrocket(飞涨、暴涨、急剧上升),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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