2025年12月英语四级真题第1套 Part Ⅲ Section C (2) The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing
CET-4 · 来自 2025年12月英语四级真题第1套 · Part Ⅲ Section C (2) · 阅读理解(四选一)

The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing

《七十多岁仍在工作的美国人数量正在激增》 —— 2025年12月英语四级真题第1套文章逐层精读

本文选自2019年6月3日刊登在 qz.com(Quartz 石英财经网)上的一篇标题为“The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing”(《七十多岁仍在工作的美国人数量正在激增》)的文章。

本页是 2025年12月英语四级真题第1套 Part Ⅲ Section C (2) 文章的精读视角页——这篇新闻报道全文 353 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2025年12月英语四级真题第1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。

The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing

Katharine Abraham, an economics professor, was chatting with her hairdresser(理发师) about retirement plans. The economist said she plans to continue working because she wants to. The hairdresser agreed but for a different reason: She needs the money.

Both scenarios(情况) are contributing to a big increase in the number of people in the U.S. working into their 70s. Over the past 20 years, the share of Americans working in their 70s has risen from less than 10% to nearly 15%.

In addition to people being healthier and living much longer, economists say that a combination of financial considerations such as years of slow rise in real wages and a shift away from traditional pensions in the private sector are some of the reasons people delay retirement. The decline of manufacturing and the increase in the number of people working in less labor-intensive occupations also has contributed to the trend, says Abraham, who researches work and retirement decisions of older Americans.

"Which matters more depends on what your history up until that point has been in the type of work you're doing," Abraham says.

The overall trend is hitting Americans of all different levels of educational attainment, although the percentages vary by category. The share of Americans with bachelor's degrees who were working into their 70s reached nearly 20% in 2018. For those with a high school degree or less, the proportion of those working in their 70s had risen to around 10%, while those with some college education were in the middle at around 15%.

Martin Neil Baily, an economist who is leading a research project on retirement security, notes that quitting a career can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly for men. He suggests that many college-educated workers are choosing to stay in the labor force more for social benefits than for financial reasons. They're also more likely to be in professional occupations where they tend to enjoy their work more.

Workers in more physical jobs, meanwhile, may be more likely to look forward to retiring, Baily says, suggesting those who stay on are more likely doing so for financial reasons.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

7 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2025年12月英语四级真题第1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

    Different Reasons to Keep Working

    Two women illustrate different motivations for working past retirement age.

    本段是全文的 lead,通过两位普通或专业劳动者的经历,把“70多岁仍在工作”这一宏观现象变得可感。它为文章主旨中的 motivations varying 奠定基础,说明增长趋势背后并不存在单一原因。

    人物对比引话题
  2. P2

    A Growing Older Workforce

    The proportion of Americans working in their 70s has risen substantially.

    本段提出全文最核心的事实,即美国70多岁劳动者比例明显增加。它把第一段的个人选择提升为 nationwide trend,并为后文追问“为什么会增长”建立了论述前提。

    数据证明上升
  3. P3

    Why Retirement Is Delayed

    Health, financial pressures, and occupational changes are delaying retirement.

    本段是全文解释层的核心,系统回答了高龄就业比例为何上升。它尤其支撑文章主旨中的 better health、stagnant wages 和 pension decline,并补充了职业结构变化这一重要背景。

    三类原因延迟退休
  4. P4

    Different Factors Matter to Different Workers

    The reasons for delayed retirement vary according to workers' backgrounds and jobs.

    本段避免读者把第三段理解为所有老人都因同一种原因延迟退休。它强调 individual differences,并为后面按教育程度和职业类型展开的分群讨论作了逻辑铺垫。

    因素权重因人而异
  5. P5

    Education Levels and Older Employment

    Working into one's 70s has increased across education levels, but rates differ.

    本段用教育程度验证了高龄就业增长具有广泛性,同时显示其分布并不均等。它落实了文章主旨中 motivations varying across education levels 的前半层背景,并为下一段解释大学教育者的动机作准备。

    教育分组看比例
  6. P6

    Social Benefits of Working Longer

    College-educated workers may remain employed for social connection and job satisfaction.

    本段补足了“为什么继续工作”的非经济解释,尤其聚焦 college-educated workers。它使全文主旨不局限于经济困境,而呈现高龄就业也可能源于 social connection 和职业满意度。

    社交满足留职场
  7. P7

    Financial Pressure on Physical Workers

    Older workers in physical jobs are more likely to stay employed for financial reasons.

    本段与第六段构成职业类型上的对照,说明高龄劳动者的继续就业不能用单一动机解释。它回扣全文开头理发师的 needs the money,并完整支撑文章主旨中 occupation levels 与 financial necessity 的部分。

    体力工作对应经济动机
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

7 道逐段细节自检题

针对2025年12月英语四级真题第1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 Abraham hairdresser

    What distinguishes Abraham's reason for continuing to work from that of her hairdresser?

    • A Abraham wants to retire soon, while her hairdresser plans to work indefinitely.
    • B Abraham needs more income, whereas her hairdresser enjoys her job.
    • C Abraham works by choice, whereas her hairdresser works out of financial necessity.
    • D Both women continue working mainly to maintain social connections.
    • E Both women have received traditional private-sector pensions.
    • F Abraham works because her job is physically demanding, while her hairdresser does not.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    该项完整保留了两个人物的对照关系:前半的 by choice 对应主观意愿,后半的 financial necessity 对应金钱压力。whereas 还准确重现报道中的转折逻辑。障碍在于原文没有直接使用 financial necessity,而是用 needs the money 表达,考生必须完成同义概括。

    双人对照切片 时间紧张时,直接用题干中 Abraham 与 hairdresser 进行“双词并扫”,定位至 第1段;不要先完整阅读人物背景。落点后只读取两人之间及其后的 reason 表达,把选项压缩成“自主/被迫”的二元标签。能同时保留人物对应关系和相反动机的正确项,就是答案项。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 over the past 20 years working in their 70s

    How has the share of Americans working in their 70s changed over the past 20 years?

    • A It fell from nearly 15% to under 10%.
    • B It rose from around 10% to nearly 20%.
    • C It remained at about 15% throughout the period.
    • D It rose from under 10% to nearly 15%.
    • E It doubled from 10% to 20%.
    • F It increased only among Americans with bachelor's degrees.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:D

    该项同时准确呈现 rise 的方向、起点 under 10% 和终点 nearly 15%。命题障碍在于 under 与 nearly 都是近似范围词;若考生把它们机械看作精确数字,容易被“10%至15%”一类看似接近的选项误导。

    数字箭头核验 直接抓题干的 over the past 20 years,定位至 第2段,并只看该时间短语所在句的两个百分比与 risen。把原句在草稿上译成“低→高”,然后用这一箭头淘汰选项;唯一同时满足“总体对象+低到高+近似范围”的正确项即为答案项。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 retirement pensions

    Which factor is identified as contributing to delayed retirement?

    • A A rapid rise in real wages over many years.
    • B The expansion of traditional pension coverage.
    • C A growing preference for labor-intensive manufacturing jobs.
    • D Stricter legal requirements forcing older people to remain employed.
    • E The shift away from traditional private-sector pensions.
    • F A guarantee that retirement will eliminate loneliness.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:E

    该项是报道中经济学家明确列入 reasons 的 financial consideration,并与 delay retirement 存在直接解释关系。障碍在于 shift away from pensions 表面上是制度变化,考生需要理解其可能削弱退休保障,因此它属于促使人继续工作的原因,而不是退休福利增加。

    因果清单截取 用题干中的 retirement 扫描全文,再以选项中的 pensions 复核并定位至 第3段;不必消化整段长句,只圈出 reasons 与 contributed 所连接的名词短语,形成“因素清单”。正确项应当是清单中的原词或同义改写,其他项通常是方向反转、程度夸大或无据推断。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 Abraham type of work

    According to Abraham, what determines which influence is more important for an older worker?

    • A Whether the worker has a bachelor's degree.
    • B The exact age at which the worker first receives a pension.
    • C How quickly real wages have risen nationwide.
    • D Whether the worker is male or female.
    • E The national rate of employment among people in their 70s.
    • F An individual's work history and the type of work he or she does.
    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 depends on 后的条件:个人截至当时的工作经历以及其所从事的工作类型。障碍在于原句使用 which matters more,题干改为 what determines;考生要识别“重要性判断取决于条件”的逻辑转换。

    紧咬depends on 把题干压缩为“Abraham+决定条件”,扫描到 第4段 的 quote 后,只读 depends on 之后的条件信息。不要反复比较前文列出的各项因素;本题答案判断点不在因素本身,而在专家给出的“判断条件”。与该条件同义概括的正确项就是答案项。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 in 2018 bachelor's degrees

    Which educational group had the highest proportion of people working into their 70s in 2018?

    • A Americans with bachelor's degrees.
    • B Americans with some college education.
    • C Americans with a high school degree or less.
    • D Americans in professional occupations.
    • E Americans working in manufacturing.
    • F All educational groups had exactly the same proportion.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:A

    该组比例 nearly 20%,高于 some college 的 around 15% 和 high school degree or less 的 around 10%。障碍在于题干问 highest proportion,而段首先说不同教育程度均受趋势影响;考生若只关注 all different levels,容易忽略后面的排序数据。

    三档数据排位 先用 2018 直达 第5段,然后不读解释句,只将三项数据写成“学历类别:20/15/10”的极简排序。题干问 highest,就直接选择最大值对应的正确项;这比逐一翻译长句更快,也能防止职业分类干扰。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 Baily college-educated workers

    Why does Baily believe many college-educated workers remain in the labor force?

    • A They are mainly trying to compensate for the loss of traditional pensions.
    • B They seek social benefits and are often in professional jobs they enjoy.
    • C They are legally required to postpone retirement.
    • D They generally work in physically demanding jobs.
    • E They expect real wages to rise rapidly after age 70.
    • F They want to move from professional occupations into manufacturing.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:B

    该项概括了两个连续证据:许多人 more for social benefits than for financial reasons 留在 labor force,同时他们更可能处于 enjoy their work more 的 professional occupations。障碍在于正确项没有照抄原文的 than for financial reasons,而是用 seek social benefits 概括主要动机,并加入工作愉悦感这一支持理由。

    主因比较截取 用“Baily+college-educated”双定位至 第6段,优先截取 suggests 后的比较结构 more for A than for B,再读取下一句的职业补充。将正确项的内容压成“社交+喜欢专业工作”;凡以 money 为主、physical 为主或法律强制为主的选项都可秒排。

  7. 第 7 段 定位词 more physical jobs Baily

    What is Baily's suggestion about workers in more physical jobs who continue working?

    • A They remain employed mainly because they enjoy physical work.
    • B They are less likely than other workers to look forward to retirement.
    • C Those who stay employed are more likely to do so for financial reasons.
    • D They stay employed primarily for social benefits.
    • E They usually have bachelor's degrees and professional careers.
    • F They have already retired because their jobs are too demanding.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    该项准确保留了原文的逻辑范围:Those who stay employed 对应 those who stay on,are more likely to do so for financial reasons 表示对这些已继续工作者之动机的审慎推断。more likely 修饰的是经济动机成立的可能性,而不是该群体继续就业的可能性;这正是本题最容易混淆的语义辖域。

    概率辖域切片 先以 more physical jobs 定位到 第7段,再将句子切成两个小片:“look forward to retiring”和“those who stay on”。题干问的是后一个小片,直接忽略前一个态度信息;把 stay on 后的 for financial reasons 与选项比对,选择将 more likely 放在动机判断而非就业行为上的正确项。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

7 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. 引入话题:两类工作者延迟退休的不同动机

    这个 lead paragraph 通过 economics professor 和 hairdresser 这两个 contrasting examples 来引出 topic,一个是 want to work(主动选择),另一个是 need the money(经济necessity),这种 anecdotal opening 是典型的 news feature 写法,用 concrete cases 来 hook readers 并暗示后文会展开的 different motivations。

    这个 opening anecdote 为整篇 article 的 central theme 做铺垫,通过 two individual stories 把 abstract phenomenon(老年人工作increase)具象化,让 readers 立刻感知到这个 trend 背后存在 multiple reasons,为后文的 in-depth analysis 埋下伏笔。

    呈现延迟退休的两种动机
  2. 核心事实:70多岁工作人群比例显著上升

    这个 paragraph 从 anecdotal opening 转向 hard data,直接 present the core fact:over the past 20 years,working in their 70s 的比例从 less than 10% 上升到 nearly 15%。这是典型的 news reporting 中的 nut graph,把 opening anecdote 中暗示的 trend 用 concrete statistics 明确化,both scenarios 这个 transition phrase 巧妙地把 individual cases 和 broader trend 连接起来。

    这个 nut graph 在 news structure 中起到 anchor the story 的作用,把 opening 的 impressionistic description 转化为 verifiable fact。Statistics(从10%到15%)quantify the phenomenon,让 readers 清楚地 understand the scale and significance of this trend,为后续的 causal analysis 和 demographic breakdown 提供 factual foundation。

    提供核心统计数据
  3. 原因分析:健康、经济和职业结构变化

    这个 explanatory paragraph 深入 explore the causes,economists 认为 multiple factors contribute:health improvement and longevity,financial considerations(slow wage growth,pension decline),还有 structural changes(decline of manufacturing,shift to less labor-intensive work)。Abraham 这个 expert source 的引用增强了 credibility,in addition to 这个 additive marker 表明这是在 factual statement 基础上的 causal elaboration。

    这个 paragraph 回应了 readers 看到 statistics 后自然产生的问题:why is this happening?通过 enumerate multiple causes(health,financial,structural),article 展现了 phenomenon 的 complexity。Expert citation(Abraham)为 analysis 提供 authority,combination of factors 这种 multi-causal explanation 让 readers 理解这不是 single-factor issue,为后文按 education levels 和 occupation types 的 differentiated analysis 做铺垫。

    列举驱动因素
  4. 专家观点:工作类型决定动机主次

    这个 short paragraph 是 Abraham 的 direct quote,强调 which matters more(哪个 factor 更重要)depends on work history and job type。这个 succinct statement 为后文按 education 和 occupation 的 breakdown analysis 提供 theoretical framework,说明不能 one-size-fits-all 地解释 phenomenon,different workers 有 different primary motivations。

    这个 transitional quote 在 article structure 中起到 bridge 的作用,从 general causal explanation(意群3)过渡到 differentiated analysis(意群5-7)。Which matters more 这个 question 引导 readers 从 understanding multiple causes 转向 recognizing that causes vary by subgroups,为后面按 educational attainment 和 occupation type 的 detailed breakdown 做 conceptual preparation。

    提出差异化视角
  5. 数据细分:不同教育水平的工作比例差异

    这个 paragraph 用 detailed statistics 来 substantiate 前面的 theoretical point,按 educational attainment 分层:bachelor's degrees 达到 20%,high school or less 约 10%,some college 在 middle at 15%。The overall trend is hitting all levels 但 percentages vary,这个 data breakdown 验证了 Abraham 的观点(different backgrounds 有 different patterns),同时为下一段的 interpretive analysis 提供 empirical basis。

    这个 demographic breakdown 让 readers 看到 working into 70s 这个 trend 的 internal variation,不是 homogeneous phenomenon。By providing specific percentages for different education groups,article 展示了 college-educated workers 有 higher propensity to延迟退休,这个 pattern 为后文 explain motivational differences(social benefits vs financial necessity)提供 statistical foundation。

    按教育层级量化差异
  6. 深层解释:高学历群体的社会性动机

    这个 paragraph 引入另一个 expert(Baily)来 interpret 前面的 data,解释 college-educated workers 为什么 percentage 更高:主要是 social benefits(避免 isolation and loneliness)而非 financial reasons。Professional occupations 让他们 enjoy their work more,这个 qualitative explanation 为 statistical pattern 提供 motivational context,notes that 和 suggests that 这些 attribution verbs 表明这是 expert interpretation。

    这个 interpretive paragraph 回应了 意群5 的 data 引发的 question:why do college-educated workers have higher rates?通过 introduce psychological and social factors(isolation,loneliness),article 展现了延迟退休 motivations 的 non-financial dimension。这个 analysis 呼应开篇 economics professor 的 wants to work,用 expert voice 验证了 article opening 中暗示的 intrinsic motivations,丰富了 readers 对 phenomenon 的 understanding。

    阐释高学历动机
  7. 对比补充:体力劳动者的经济性动机

    这个 concluding paragraph 形成 contrasting analysis,解释 workers in physical jobs 的情况:they may look forward to retiring(和高学历 enjoy work 形成对比),those who stay on 主要是 financial reasons。Meanwhile 和 more likely 这些 contrastive markers 清晰地标志这是 counterpart analysis,呼应开篇 hairdresser 的 needs the money,形成 structural symmetry。

    这个 final analytical paragraph 完成了 article 的 motivational dichotomy:college-educated for social benefits vs physical workers for financial necessity。通过 contrast with 意群6,article 展现了 working into 70s 这个 phenomenon 的 bifurcated nature,验证了 opening anecdote 中 professor and hairdresser 的 different motivations 不是 isolated cases 而是 representative of broader patterns,形成 thematic closure。

    阐释低学历动机
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2025年12月英语四级真题第1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. 首段个例非主旨 P1 P2

    新闻报道的 first paragraph 常用 personal story 或 specific case 作为 hook 来引入话题,但真正的 main idea 通常在后面展开。识别出这是 introductory example 能避免误判 main topic

  2. 次段数据揭趋势 P2

    新闻报道在用 opening anecdote 吸引读者后,会在紧接着的段落 present the big picture 或 reveal the trend。Statistical evidence 和 broad statements 是 main idea 的强烈信号

  3. 中段解释因果链 P3

    确立了 what is happening 之后,新闻报道会解释 why it's happening。Middle sections 提供的 causes、reasons 和 contributing factors 是 complete main idea 的重要组成部分

  4. 后段细节非核心 P5 P6 P7

    新闻报道后半部分常 elaborate on specifics 或 discuss variations across different demographics。这些 nuances 丰富了主旨但不改变它。区分 core vs. detail 能让主旨保持 concise

  5. 整合现象因果差异 P2 P3 P5 P6 P7

    完整的 main idea 需要 integrate 前面识别的所有 core elements。新闻报道的主旨不是单一句子,而是 a synthesis of the central trend, its drivers, and significant variations

主旨信号词 has risen P2 over the past 20 years P2 a combination of P3 The overall trend P5 although P5 notes that P6

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

过去二十年间,美国七十多岁仍在工作的人口比例显著增加,这一趋势由多种因素驱动,包括健康状况改善、工资停滞和养老金减少导致的经济需求,以及社交益处,不同教育和职业群体的工作动机各有差异。
The share of Americans working into their 70s has increased significantly over the past two decades, driven by factors including better health, financial necessity due to stagnant wages and pension decline, and social benefits, with motivations varying across education and occupation levels.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

3 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。

  • attainment 成就水平;达到的程度

    我们先看 educational 这个明确的修饰词,它把 attainment 限定在教育领域。然后注意作者紧接着用 bachelor's degrees、high school degree 这些具体的教育层级来举例,这说明 attainment 是可以分等级的。再结合构词法:attain 的词根含义是'达到',加上名词后缀 -ment 表示结果,所以 attainment 就是'达到的结果'。最后,different levels 这个短语直接点明了程度差异。将这些线索串联起来,attainment 在此处指的是'在某方面达到的成就水平'。

    领域+举例+构词三角定位
  • pension 养老金;退休金

    首先,pension 出现在讨论 delay retirement 的原因中,与 financial considerations 并列,这确立了它是 economic factor。其次,shift away from traditional pensions 导致人们延迟退休,这说明 pension 的减少让人们失去了某种退休后的 financial security。再看 private sector 的限定,说明这是雇主提供的制度性安排。最后,traditional 一词暗示这是一种历史悠久的、常规的保障机制。综合这些线索,pension 就是'退休金、养老金'。

    场景+因果+并列+修饰定位
  • isolation 孤立;隔离状态

    我们先看 isolation 和 loneliness 的并列,两者都是 negative feelings,这界定了 isolation 的情感色彩。然后追溯原因:quit career 导致 isolation,说明工作提供的 social connection 消失了。再通过构词法验证:isolate(隔离)+ -tion(状态)= 隔离状态。最后看 context 中的对比:stay in labor force for social benefits 正好避免了 isolation,这说明 isolation 的本质是 lack of social interaction。所有线索指向同一个结论:isolation 是'与社会隔离的孤立状态'。

    近义+因果+构词+对比验证
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。

  • 对比手法

    P1

    文章开篇通过 economics professor 和 hairdresser 这两个人物的 retirement plans 形成鲜明 contrast,一个是 wants to(主动选择),另一个是 needs the money(被动需求)。这种 juxtaposition 直接点明了文章的 core theme:不同群体延迟 retirement 的 motivations 存在本质差异。通过具体的 personal stories 而非抽象数据开场,让 abstract economic trend 变得 tangible and relatable,instantly 抓住读者注意力。

    信号词 but for a different reason while meanwhile in contrast however on the other hand whereas unlike compared to

    仿写: 当你想 present a multifaceted issue 时,可以从 two representative cases 入手。选择具有 stark differences 的 examples,但确保它们都 relate to 同一个 central topic。用简洁的 parallel structure 呈现,比如「A does X because reason 1. B does X because reason 2.」这样的 pattern。模版:「[Person A with background], [specific action/view] because [motivation A]. [Person B with different background], [same action] but for [contrasting motivation B].」

  • 数据引用

    P2 P5

    文章通过 quantitative evidence 支撑 main argument:「the share of Americans working in their 70s has risen from less than 10% to nearly 15%」over 20 years。这个 statistical trend 将前面的 anecdotal contrast 升级为 nationwide phenomenon,用 hard numbers 证明这不是 isolated cases 而是 significant social shift。Specific percentages 让 abstract trend 变得 measurable and verifiable,增强文章的 credibility 和 authority。

    信号词 has risen from increased from share of percentage nearly over the past reached proportion

    仿写: 当需要 substantiate a claim 时,选择 clear, comparative statistics。优先使用 percentage changes over time 或 before-after comparisons,因为它们 show trajectory and movement。将 data point 紧跟在 qualitative description 之后,形成「observation + evidence」的 pattern。模版:「[Phenomenon description]. Over the past [time period], [specific metric] has [increased/decreased] from [starting point] to [ending point].」

  • 背景交代

    P3

    第三段系统性地 lay out the contextual factors:healthier and longer lives、slow wage growth、pension decline、shift from manufacturing。这些 background elements 构成了 causal chain,解释 why the trend exists。通过 economists say 和 Abraham 的 research,文章将 complex socioeconomic forces 分解为 digestible components。这种 contextualization 让 readers understand 这不是 random phenomenon 而是 multiple structural forces 的 convergence。

    信号词 In addition to a combination of contributing to reasons factors due to because of as a result of economists say

    仿写: 当 explaining a trend 时,用 'In addition to X' 或 'A combination of' 这样的 phrases 来 introduce multiple factors。列举 causes 时保持 parallel structure,每个 factor 用 concise noun phrases 表达。引用 expert attribution(economists say、researchers note)来 add authority。模版:「In addition to [factor 1], [experts] say that a combination of [factor 2] such as [specific examples] and [factor 3] are some of the reasons [phenomenon].」

  • 引语运用

    P4 P6 P7

    文章多次引用 Abraham 和 Baily 这两位 economists 的 direct quotes。比如 Abraham 的「Which matters more depends on what your history has been」和 Baily 关于 isolation and loneliness 的 observation。这些 expert voices 不仅 add credibility,更重要的是提供 nuanced interpretations。Direct quotations 让 abstract analysis 有了 human element,同时 authoritative sources 强化了文章的 objectivity 和 depth。

    信号词 says notes suggests according to explains points out argues observes states

    仿写: 选择能 provide interpretation 而非 merely state facts 的 quotes。在引入 quotation 前先 contextualize(如「Abraham, who researches X, says」),让 readers 知道 why this voice matters。将 quotes 用于 explain nuances 或 offer perspectives that data alone cannot convey。模版:「[Expert name], [credential/expertise], [says/notes/suggests] that '[interpretive statement or nuanced observation].'」

  • 数据引用

    P5

    第五段提供 granular breakdown:bachelor's degree holders 达到 nearly 20%,high school or less 约 10%,some college 在 15% 左右。这种 stratified data 将 overall trend 细分为 educational attainment levels,揭示出 trend 的 distributional patterns。Specific percentages for each category 让 readers see 这个 phenomenon 虽然 universal 但 intensity varies,为后面关于 motivational differences 的 discussion 提供 empirical foundation。

    信号词 although while by category for those with reached proportion around vary

    仿写: 当呈现 stratified data 时,先 acknowledge the overall trend(「The overall trend is hitting all levels」),然后用「although」引出 variations。用 parallel structure 列举 each category 的 data point,保持 grammatical consistency。模版:「The overall [phenomenon] is affecting [all groups], although [metric] varies by [category]. For [group A], [statistic] reached [number]. For [group B], [statistic] was around [number], while [group C] was [position/number].」

  • 对比手法

    P6 P7

    第六和第七段通过 college-educated workers 和 physical job workers 形成 systematic contrast。前者 stay on for social benefits 和 enjoy their work,后者 more likely 是 for financial reasons 并 look forward to retiring。这个 contrast 呼应开篇的 professor-hairdresser dichotomy,但 expanded with explanatory depth。通过 occupation type 和 motivation 的 correlation,文章完整地 illustrate 了 educational and occupational stratification 如何 shape retirement decisions。

    信号词 meanwhile more likely tend to while in contrast choosing to more for X than Y

    仿写: 建立 contrasting groups 时,用 clear categorical markers(college-educated vs. physical jobs)。为 each group 分配 distinct motivations 和 characteristics,使用 comparative language(more likely to、tend to)。将 contrast 分布在 separate paragraphs 但保持 parallel structure。模版:「[Group A] [notes/suggests expert] are choosing [behavior] more for [reason 1] than [reason 2]. They're also more likely to [characteristic]. [Group B], meanwhile, may be more likely to [contrasting behavior], suggesting those who [action] are more likely doing so for [contrasting 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。

  • 经济学家与理发师的工作动机对比

    P1
    The economist said she plans to continue working because she wants to. The hairdresser agreed but for a different reason: She needs the money.

    转折类 but for a different reason but however yet nevertheless nonetheless though

    这个 contrast 通过 two concrete examples 揭示了一个 key implication:老年人 continue working 这个 phenomenon 背后存在 fundamentally different motivations—有些人是 voluntary choice based on preference,有些人则是 economic necessity。这个 opening anecdote 实际上是在 establish 文章的 analytical framework,为后文探讨 educational and occupational differences 埋下 foreshadowing。它对 article's thesis 的 value 在于:用 relatable examples 来 illustrate 一个 complex social trend 的 dual nature,让读者意识到统计数字背后的 heterogeneous reality。

  • 老年就业增长的财务困境暗示

    P3
    In addition to people being healthier and living much longer, economists say that a combination of financial considerations such as years of slow rise in real wages and a shift away from traditional pensions in the private sector are some of the reasons people delay retirement.

    让步类 In addition to in addition to besides apart from aside from beyond not only...but also

    这个 sentence structure 传递的 implication 是:虽然 healthier and longer lives 听起来是 positive development,但真正 driving 老年人 work longer 的是 negative economic factors—工资 stagnation 和 pension erosion。通过 juxtapose 一个 positive framing (health) 和 detailed economic hardships,作者实际上在 suggest 这个 trend 并非完全是 voluntary 或 celebratory 的,而是反映了 deeper structural problems in the economy。这对 article's thesis 的 contribution 在于:它 complicates the narrative,防止读者把 increasing elderly employment 简单理解为 positive aging trend,而是要 recognize 其中的 financial strain dimension。

  • 教育程度与工作动机的暗示性关联

    P6
    Martin Neil Baily, an economist who is leading a research project on retirement security, notes that quitting a career can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly for men. He suggests that many college-educated workers are choosing to stay in the labor force more for social benefits than for financial reasons.

    委婉表达 notes that suggests that indicates that points out that observes that implies that tends to

    这段通过 economist's observation 传递的 implication 是:老年人 continued employment 的 motivation 存在 clear class stratification—college-educated professionals work for social fulfillment and enjoyment,而 lower-educated workers in physical jobs 主要是 financial necessity。"particularly for men" 这个 qualifier 还 hints at gender dimensions of retirement and social identity。这对 article's central thesis 的 role 是 elaborate 第一段提出的 dual motivation framework,用 empirical observation 来 demonstrate 教育和职业背景如何 shape different retirement decisions。它 reinforces 文章的 complexity thesis:不能用 single narrative 来 explain 老年就业 trend。

  • 体力劳动者的无奈选择

    P7
    Workers in more physical jobs, meanwhile, may be more likely to look forward to retiring, Baily says, suggesting those who stay on are more likely doing so for financial reasons.

    对比类 meanwhile in contrast on the other hand conversely by comparison whereas while

    这个 contrast 通过 "meanwhile" 和 "more likely doing so for financial reasons" 传递的 implication 是:体力劳动者 working into 70s 并非 positive choice,而是 economic compulsion。"look forward to retiring" 这个 phrase 暗示他们的工作 less fulfilling 且 physically demanding,但 economic reality forces them to continue。与前面 college-educated workers 的 portrayal 对比,这揭示了 stark class divide:一个群体 works by choice for fulfillment,另一个 works by necessity despite physical toll。这对 article's thesis 的 significance 在于:它 completes 文章的 stratification argument,展示老年就业 trend 如何 differently impacts 不同 socioeconomic groups,并 implies 这种 increasing trend 对于某些群体可能是 hardship rather than opportunity。

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

  1. 开篇案例呈现方式 P1

    News report 的 opening tone 能快速 reveal 作者的 stance。如果作者在 lead paragraph 使用 factual examples 而非 judgmental words,说明作者倾向 objective reporting 而不是 opinion piece。

  2. 数据与专家引用占比 P2 P3 P5 P6 P7

    News reports 如果 dominated by factual data 和 third-party expert views 而不是作者的 personal commentary,通常表明 neutral stance。作者在 presenting information 而不是 making arguments。

  3. 多视角平衡呈现 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    Balanced presentation of diverse perspectives 是 objective reporting 的 key indicator。作者如果 acknowledge complexity 和 present contrasting factors 而不 simplify the issue,说明 neutral analytical approach。

  4. 结尾表态方式 P7

    News articles 如果 end with factual information 或 expert observation 而不是 author's verdict 或 recommendation,表明作者保持 objective stance throughout。

  5. 整体结构与语言风格 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    整体的 structural pattern 和 linguistic choices 共同 confirm 作者的 objective analytical stance。没有 emotional appeals,没有 one-sided argument,只有 comprehensive presentation of a complex social trend。

文中的态度信号词

  • contributing to P2

    "Contributing to" 是 neutral causal language,表示作者在 describe a relationship 而不是 making value judgment。这种 factual linking words 显示作者是 analyzing trends objectively。

    同类词 leading to resulting in causing associated with linked to

  • economists say P3

    "Economists say" 这种 attribution phrases 表明作者在 reporting others' views 而不是 asserting personal opinions。这是 objective journalism 的 standard practice。

    同类词 experts note researchers suggest studies show according to data indicate

  • notes P6

    "Notes" 是 neutral reporting verb,比 "argues", "claims", "insists" 更 objective。作者 choosing such neutral verbs 来 introduce expert views 显示 impartial presentation。

    同类词 observes points out mentions indicates states

  • the share of... has risen P2

    这种 descriptive statistical language 是 factual reporting。作者在 presenting numerical changes without evaluative adjectives("alarming rise", "encouraging increase"),保持 neutrality。

    同类词 has risen increased declined changed reached

  • depends on P4

    "Depends on" 表示作者 acknowledging complexity 和 contextual factors。这种 nuanced language 显示 analytical thinking 而不是 simplistic judgment。

    同类词 varies by differs according to is influenced by is shaped by is determined by

  • suggests P6

    "Suggests" 是 tentative language,表明作者或 quoted expert 在 presenting interpretations cautiously 而不是 stating absolute facts。这种 hedging 是 careful analytical writing。

    同类词 indicates implies appears seems may

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. 首段出现真人实例 P1

    本文 第1段 直接呈现了 Katharine Abraham 这个 specific person 和她与 hairdresser 的 conversation,这是典型的 news reporting style。议论文会从 general statement 或 thesis 开始,说明文会从 definition 或 overview 入手。

  2. 早期段落呈现统计数据 P2

    第2段 immediately 提供了 concrete statistics:over the past 20 years,working rate 从 less than 10% 上升到 nearly 15%。这种 data-driven presentation 是 news articles 的 hallmark。议论文会用 data 来 prove arguments,说明文会用 data 来 illustrate concepts,但新闻报道用 data 来 establish facts。

  3. 多处引用专家观点 P3 P4 P6 P7

    第3段 和 第4段 引入了 economists 的 explanations,第6段 引用了 Martin Neil Baily 这个 specific expert。这种 third-party attribution 是 news reporting 的 core characteristic。议论文的 author 会 directly present 自己的 arguments,说明文的 writer 会以 authoritative voice 来 explain。

  4. 对比呈现多方视角 P1 P5 P6 P7

    文章从 第1段 的 two different scenarios(professor vs. hairdresser)到 第5段 的 different educational levels,再到 第6段 和 第7段 对比 college-educated workers 和 physical workers 的 different motivations。这种 multi-faceted coverage 是 journalism 的 balanced reporting principle。议论文会 favor one side,说明文会 systematically explain one subject。

  5. 本文完美展现了这个 four-part framework:从 personal anecdote 引入 topic,用 statistics 建立 context,借 economists 提供 analysis,通过 contrasting groups 实现 comprehensive coverage。这种 architecture 让 readers 既能 relate to the story 又能 understand the broader picture,这正是 quality journalism 的 hallmark。

哪些词暴露了新闻报道体裁?

  • Katharine Abraham, an economics professor P1 新闻来源与引用词 The economist said The hairdresser agreed economists say says Abraham Martin Neil Baily, an economist
  • Over the past 20 years P2 即时性时间与地点词 in 2018 in the U.S. Americans
  • the share of Americans working in their 70s has risen from less than 10% to nearly 15% P2 核心事实概括词 the percentages vary by category reached nearly 20% in 2018 had risen to around 10% were in the middle at around 15%
  • was chatting with her hairdresser about retirement plans P1 新闻来源与引用词 was chatting with her hairdresser The economist said she plans to The hairdresser agreed but for a different reason quitting a career can lead to He suggests that many college-educated workers are choosing to
  • who researches work and retirement decisions of older Americans P3 新闻来源与引用词 who researches work and retirement decisions an economist who is leading a research project on retirement security economics professor an economist
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

17 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 《七十多岁仍在工作的美国人数量正在激增》 的常见问题

2025年12月英语四级真题第1套 Part Ⅲ Section C (2) 文章 The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing 的原文出自哪里?
2025年12月英语四级真题第1套 Part Ⅲ Section C (2) 文章 The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing 选自2019年6月3日刊登在 qz.com(Quartz 石英财经网)上的一篇标题为“The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing”(《七十多岁仍在工作的美国人数量正在激增》)的文章。
2025年12月英语四级真题第1套文章《七十多岁仍在工作的美国人数量正在激增》的主旨是什么?
过去二十年间,美国七十多岁仍在工作的人口比例显著增加,这一趋势由多种因素驱动,包括健康状况改善、工资停滞和养老金减少导致的经济需求,以及社交益处,不同教育和职业群体的工作动机各有差异。(英文表述:The share of Americans working into their 70s has increased significantly over the past two decades, driven by factors including better health, financial necessity due to stagnant wages and pension decline, and social benefits, with motivations varying across education and occupation levels.)
The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing(2025年12月英语四级真题第1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(Objective and analytical)。CEFR 难度 B2,全文 353 词、7 段;在英语四级全部 511 篇真题文章中,B2 级共 234 篇(占 46%)。
2025年12月英语四级真题第1套文章《七十多岁仍在工作的美国人数量正在激增》的篇章结构是怎样的?
全文 7 段按新闻报道骨架分为 7 个意群:第1段——引入话题:两类工作者延迟退休的不同动机;第2段——核心事实:70多岁工作人群比例显著上升;第3段——原因分析:健康、经济和职业结构变化;第4段——专家观点:工作类型决定动机主次;第5段——数据细分:不同教育水平的工作比例差异;第6段——深层解释:高学历群体的社会性动机;第7段——对比补充:体力劳动者的经济性动机。
The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing 一文的作者态度是什么?
作者态度是客观中立(Objective and analytical)。判断路径:开篇案例呈现方式 → 数据与专家引用占比 → 多视角平衡呈现 → 结尾表态方式 → 整体结构与语言风格;文中的态度信号词包括 contributing to(第2段)、economists say(第3段)、notes(第6段)、the share of... has risen(第2段)、depends on(第4段)、suggests(第6段)。
2025年12月英语四级真题第1套文章 The number of Americans working in their 70s is skyrocketing 中有哪些值得积累的生词?
按文中出现顺序共 3 个:attainment(成就水平;达到的程度)、pension(养老金;退休金)、isolation(孤立;隔离状态),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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