懒笔记
2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2)
CET-6 · 来自 2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 · Part II Section C (2) · 听力

2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2)

说明文 · 听力 · 真题文章逐层精读

本页是 2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的精读视角页——这篇说明文全文 454 词、8 段，CEFR 难度 B2（B2 级在英语六级文章中占 39%），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六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

8 段英文原文

以下为2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 的听力原文，共 8 段。左侧 P1–P8 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。

I would like to talk about interesting words that have something to do with money today.

Almost every language in the world has a saying that a person can never be too rich. Americans, like people in other countries, always want more money. One way they express this is by protesting that their jobs do not pay enough. A common expression is, "I am working for chickenfeed." It means working for very little money. The expression probably began because seeds fed to chickens made people think of small change. Small change means metal coins of not much value, like nickels which are worth five cents.

An early use of the word chickenfeed appeared in an American publication in 1930. It told about a rich man and his son. Word expert Mitford Mathews says it read, "I'll bet neither the kid nor his father ever saw a nickel or a dime. They would not have been interested in such chickenfeed."

Chickenfeed also has another interesting meaning known to history experts and World War I spies and soldiers. Spy expert Henry S. A. Becket writes that some German spies working in London during the war also worked for the British. The British government had to make the Germans believe their spies were working. So, British officials gave them mostly false information. It was called chickenfeed.

The same person who protests that he is working for chickenfeed may also say, "I am working for peanuts." She means she is working for a small amount of money. It is a very different meaning from the main one in the dictionary. That meaning is small nuts that grow on a plant. No one knows for sure how a word for something to eat also came to mean something very small. But, a peanut is a very small food.

The expression is an old one. Word expert Mitford Mathews says that as early as 1854, an American publication used the words "peanut agitators". That meant political troublemakers who did not have a lot of support.

Another reason for the saying about working for peanuts may be linked to elephants. Think of how elephants are paid for their work in the circus. They receive food, not money. One of the foods they like best is peanuts.

When you add the word "gallery" to the word "peanut" you have the name of an area in an American theatre. A gallery is a high seating area or balcony above the main floor. The "peanut gallery" got its name because it is the part of the theatre most distant from where the show takes place. So, peanut gallery tickets usually cost less than other tickets. People pay a small amount of money for them.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

8 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2015年12月英语六级真题第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

    Opening: Words about Money

    The speaker introduces the topic of the article: interesting English words related to money.

    这一paragraph为全文建立了semantic field：money和interesting words。它让读者知道接下来的内容属于词源和文化探究，而不是严格的经济学分析，为理解chickenfeed和peanuts的来历提供阅读框架。

    识别引入功能
  2. P2

    Chickenfeed: Low Pay and Its Origin

    The paragraph explains the idiom 'working for chickenfeed' as a complaint about low pay and traces its probable origin to images of small change.

    本段是文章对第一个money idiom的正式展开。通过把美国人的金钱观念和chickenfeed连接起来，作者为下文关于该词历史用法和间谍用法的讨论奠定了语义基础。

    抓术语与来源
  3. P3

    A 1930 Evidence of Chickenfeed

    An early 1930 citation from an American publication shows 'chickenfeed' was already used to mean an amount of money too small to matter.

    这一短paragraph在整篇文章中起到evidential support的作用。它在时间上往前追溯，让chickenfeed这个口语化表达有了历史上的usage context，增强了文章作为词源说明文的说服力。

    引例证说明词义
  4. P4

    Chickenfeed as Wartime False Information

    The paragraph reveals a second historical meaning of 'chickenfeed': false information deliberately given to German spies in London during World War I.

    本段丰富了chickenfeed一词的historical depth。它不仅指工资低，还曾指间谍圈里的假情报；这种‘喂给对方的无用信息’与‘零钱’共享‘价值不高’的语义逻辑，让文章对词义的说明更立体。

    识别一词多义
  5. P5

    Working for Peanuts: An Uncertain Semantic Shift

    The paragraph introduces the idiom 'working for peanuts' as meaning low pay and notes that its transition from the food 'peanuts' to 'something very small' is not fully known.

    本段是文章从chickenfeed转向peanuts的transition段。它让读者知道peanuts这个idiom的意思，同时以uncertainty为接下来的历史证据和elephant典故埋下伏笔。

    列出定义与未知
  6. P6

    The 1854 'Peanut Agitators' Example

    The paragraph gives an 1854 example of 'peanut agitators' to show that 'peanut' had long been associated with insignificance or lack of support.

    本段进一步追溯peanut在历史上的使用。‘peanut agitators’表明这个词很早就可以修饰‘不重要的人或事’，因此不是现代才产生的slang，增强了文章对peanut词义发展的历史解释力。

    用早期例证溯源
  7. P7

    The Elephant Origin Theory

    The paragraph offers a possible origin: circus elephants are paid with peanuts, which may explain why working for little money is called working for peanuts.

    本段为peanuts来源提供一个生动的民间词源。它不像前面的历史引文那样有书面证据，而是借助人们熟悉的马戏团场景来解释language image，使说明文兼顾知识性和趣味性。

    标记推测性解释
  8. P8

    Peanut Gallery: Cheap Theatre Seats

    The paragraph explains that the 'peanut gallery'—the cheapest balcony seats in a theatre—further connects 'peanut' with small amounts of money.

    作为结尾段落，本段不是总结全文，而是举出peanut的另一个相关表达。它让读者看到peanut在theatre场景中仍与‘small amount of money’挂钩，呼应全文主题，并留下一个完整的词汇网络印象。

    解析复合词与语境
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

8 道逐段细节自检题

针对2015年12月英语六级真题第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 interesting words

    What does the speaker intend to discuss?

    • A Ways Americans earn more money.
    • B The history of American theaters.
    • C Interesting words related to money.
    • D How spies worked during World War I.
    • E The nutritional value of peanuts.
    • F Why circus animals need special food.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    该项完整对应开篇的 topic statement：interesting words 与 something to do with money 构成同义压缩。障碍在于原文没有使用 related to，而选项用介词结构完成了自然改写，考生需识别 semantic equivalence。

    首句覆盖测试 时间极紧时，直接跳到 第1段，抓取 talk about 后面的名词短语；不必通读全文。随后用“覆盖面测试”淘汰只对应局部例证的选项，能覆盖全文对象的正确项即为答案。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 working for chickenfeed chickenfeed

    What does the expression working for chickenfeed mean?

    • A Feeding chickens as part of a job.
    • B Receiving payment in metal coins.
    • C Working without any payment.
    • D Working for very little money.
    • E Changing small coins into paper money.
    • F Protesting against unfair working conditions.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    该项与原文的定义句完全同义，保留 working 与 very little money 两个关键语义单位。障碍在于 chickenfeed 的字面义容易诱导考生选择与鸡饲料相关的选项，但题目考查的是 idiomatic meaning。

    定义句数量刻度 直接以题干中最稀有的 chickenfeed 扫描到 第2段，再只读其后带 means 的一句。随后对选项做“数量刻度”筛选：正确项保留 very little 的低量级，不接受 zero 或 merely coins 等替换。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 nickel or a dime

    What does the quotation suggest about a nickel or a dime?

    • A They were difficult for rich people to obtain.
    • B They were the preferred payment for children.
    • C They had become worthless after 1930.
    • D They were used to pay for chicken feed.
    • E They were regarded as insignificant amounts of money.
    • F They were more valuable than other coins.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    引文说富人父子可能从未见过这些硬币，即使见过也不会感兴趣，并把它们称为 chickenfeed，因此可归纳为 insignificant amounts。障碍在于答案没有机械复现原句，而是整合了 never saw、not interested 和 chickenfeed 三层暗示。

    引文态度压缩 锁定 第3段 后，不读年代介绍，直接读取引号内的三处评价线索：never saw、not interested、such。把三者压缩成一个价值判断，再选择与该判断同向的正确项。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 mostly false information British officials

    Why did British officials give the spies mostly false information?

    • A To recruit more German spies in London.
    • B To help German spies work for the British government.
    • C To prevent the spies from receiving any information.
    • D To discover the real identities of the spies.
    • E To persuade the spies to leave London.
    • F To make Germany believe that its spies were working.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    该项准确还原了目的与手段的因果关系：false information 是手段，make Germany believe 是目的。障碍是原文使用 the Germans 和 their spies，选项改为 Germany 和 its spies，考生需处理指代和同类表达。

    因果箭头回读 进入 第4段 后，沿 mostly false information 向前找最近的目的结构，而不是逐句翻译战争背景。把 So 前后的句子画成“目的 -> 手段”箭头，箭头左端对应的正确项就是答案。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 working for peanuts

    In the expression working for peanuts, what does peanuts refer to?

    • A A small amount of money.
    • B Small nuts that grow on a plant.
    • C Food given to circus elephants.
    • D A form of political support.
    • E Tickets for the highest seats in a theater.
    • F Payment that is made only in food.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    原文直接说明说话者的意思是 working for a small amount of money。正确项保留 amount of money，避免将 peanuts 误解为食物本身；障碍在于原文随后强调字典中的 main meaning，容易诱发字面义选择。

    搭配代回筛选 在 第5段 中只看表达出现后的定义句，并把 dictionary meaning 暂时遮住。用“代回句子法”检验选项：能与 working for 构成合理报酬关系的正确项优先，食物或地点相关项立即排除。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 peanut agitators 1854

    Who were described as peanut agitators in 1854?

    • A Politicians with strong public support.
    • B Political troublemakers with little support.
    • C Farmers who grew peanuts for sale.
    • D Writers for an American publication.
    • E Workers paid with peanuts.
    • F Experts on word history.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    该项压缩复现了 political troublemakers 与 did not have a lot of support 两项定义信息。障碍在于原文将身份和支持度分成两个成分，选项要求考生把二者整合，不能只选 political 或 troublemakers 的片面描述。

    双标签核验 利用 1854 这个数字直接落到 第6段，然后只抽取 That meant 后的两个名词性信息块。采用“双标签核验”：正确项必须同时满足身份标签和支持度标签，缺任一项即排除。

  7. 第 7 段 定位词 elephants paid for their work

    How are elephants paid for their work in the circus?

    • A They receive small amounts of money.
    • B They receive peanuts and money.
    • C They receive food rather than money.
    • D They receive tickets to circus shows.
    • E They are paid only with chickenfeed.
    • F They are not paid for their work.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    该项忠实改写 receive food, not money，其中 rather than 精确保留了原文的排他性对比。障碍是 peanuts 在下一句十分醒目，但原文先给出的核心支付类别是 food，而非要求回答某一种具体食物。

    否定对比删选 先用 elephants 定位 第7段，再只看包含 receive 与 not 的句子。执行“对比词删选”：凡是把 not money 改成 money、and money 或 no payment 的选项立即排除，保留对比方向一致的正确项。

  8. 第 8 段 定位词 peanut gallery tickets cost less

    Why did peanut gallery tickets usually cost less than other tickets?

    • A The seats were reserved for people who liked peanuts.
    • B The gallery had no view of the main floor.
    • C The tickets were paid for with small coins.
    • D The seats were farthest from where the show took place.
    • E The theater used the area for World War I spies.
    • F The gallery was closer to the performers than other areas.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    该项对应 most distant from where the show takes place，并解释了 tickets cost less 的原因。障碍是原文先解释 gallery 是 high seating area or balcony，但真正支持价格结论的是距离演出地点最远，而不是单纯位置高。

    结果逆读因果 在 第8段 锁定 tickets 后，不要从段首逐句细读，而是从 usually cost less 向前逆读到最近的 So 之前。提取唯一的空间原因，并用“because 回填法”验证：because 加上正确项后，价格逻辑最完整。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

3 个意群的说明文骨架

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

  1. P1

    引入话题

    作者用简洁的 opening statement 直接 introduce 本文的 topic，明确告知读者接下来会讨论 interesting words related to money，这是典型的说明文 topic introduction 方式。

    这个 opening paragraph 通过一句简洁的 statement 建立了整篇文章的 framework，让读者清楚地知道文章的 focus 是 money-related expressions，为后续的 detailed explanation 做好铺垫。

    点明探讨对象
  2. P2 P3 P4

    详解chickenfeed的含义与来源

    这个 sense group 集中 elaborate 第一个 idiom——chickenfeed，从 universal desire for money 这个 context 切入，explain 这个 expression 的 meaning（working for very little money）和 probable origin（seeds fed to chickens），还提供了 1930 年的 historical usage example 以及 World War I spy context 中的 alternative meaning。

    作为说明文的 first major explanatory section，这个 sense group 通过 multi-angle analysis（meaning + origin + historical evidence + extended usage）完整地 illustrate 一个 money idiom，establish 了文章 explain idioms thoroughly 的 pattern。

    阐释首个习语
  3. P5 P6 P7 P8

    详解peanuts的含义与来源

    这个 sense group 转向 explain 第二个 idiom——peanuts，structure 与前一个 sense group 形成 parallel：先介绍 meaning（working for small money），指出与 dictionary definition 的 contrast，探讨 possible origin（small size of peanuts），提供 1854 年的 historical example（peanut agitators），再补充 circus elephants 这个 alternative explanation，最后 extend 到 peanut gallery 这个 related expression。

    这个 sense group 通过 parallel structure 与前一个形成 balanced exposition，用同样 thorough 的方式 explain another idiom，strengthen 文章关于 money expressions 的 comprehensive coverage，同时 demonstrate 这些 idioms 的 rich historical layers 和 semantic connections。

    阐释第二个习语
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2015年12月英语六级真题第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六级文章。

  1. 首段主题声明 P1

    说明文的 opening paragraph 通常会直接 state the topic 或者 announce what will be discussed。这篇文章的 第1段 明确说了 'I would like to talk about interesting words that have something to do with money'，这就是 topic announcement，直接告诉我们文章要讨论的是 money-related words

  2. 主体段落主题重复 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    从 第2段 到 第8段，每一段都在讨论 specific idioms ('chickenfeed' and 'peanuts')，而且每段都包含 explanation of meaning, historical origin, 或者 usage examples。这种 consistent pattern 表明文章的 main idea 不是泛泛讨论 money，而是 focused on specific expressions and their origins

  3. 细节支撑解释功能 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    文章提供了 extensive details，比如 'Word expert Mitford Mathews says' (第3段, 第6段)，'Spy expert Henry S. A. Becket writes' (第4段)，还有 specific dates like '1930' 和 '1854'。这些 concrete details 不是 random information，而是用来 illustrate and support the explanation of idiom origins。这说明文章的 purpose 是 explanatory 而不是 argumentative or narrative

  4. 首段加主体综合 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    将三个步骤结合：第1段 说要讨论 money-related words，body paragraphs 反复讨论 'chickenfeed' 和 'peanuts' 这两个 idioms，并且提供 historical origins 和 multiple meanings。综合起来，main idea 就是：这是一篇 expository article explaining specific American English idioms related to money, their origins and meanings

主旨信号词 talk about P1 means P2 origin P2 Word expert Mitford Mathews says P3 another meaning P4 as early as 1854 P6

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

这篇说明文解释了与金钱相关的美式英语习语的起源和含义,特别是"chickenfeed"和"peanuts",包括它们的历史用法以及这些表达如何演变为代表薪酬微薄的意思。
This expository article explains the origins and meanings of American English idioms related to money, specifically 'chickenfeed' and 'peanuts,' including their historical usage and how these expressions came to represent working for very little compensation.
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。已收录进英语六级高频真题词集的单词可点击进入词条页。

  • agitator 煽动者;鼓动者

    让我们把这些 clues 串联起来。首先，从 contextual definition 来看，文章直接告诉我们 agitators 就是 political troublemakers。然后，通过 morphological analysis，我们发现 agit- 这个 root 本身就带有 stir up 或 shake 的含义，而 -ator 表示执行这个动作的人。最后，peanut 这个 modifier 进一步说明这些 agitators 的 influence 是 limited 的。三条线索相互印证：agitators 是那些在政治领域中 actively stirring up trouble、trying to create disturbance 的人，而且通常 support base 不大。

    同位解释+词根拆解+修饰语境
  • balcony 楼座;包厢;(剧院的)楼厅

    现在让我们整合所有 evidence。首先，through synonymous juxtaposition，我们知道 balcony 和 gallery 指向相似的 concept，都是 high seating area。接着，spatial description 告诉我们这个 area 位于 main floor 之上，而且是 most distant from the stage。最后，price information 从 economic perspective 证实了这个 location 的 disadvantage：因为远，所以便宜。综合这三个 dimensions，balcony 显然是剧院中位于高处的、远离舞台的 seating area。

    同义词+空间指示词+功能属性反推
  • nickel 五分镍币;五美分硬币

    让我们综合 analyze 这些 clues。最直接的 evidence 是 explicit definition：文章明确说 nickels 'are worth five cents'，这给了我们 precise numerical value。然后，through parallel structure with dime，我们确认 nickel 属于 small-denomination currency 这个 category。最后，整个 chickenfeed metaphor 的 logic chain 进一步强化了 nickel 作为 insignificant amount of money 的 symbolic meaning。三条线索从 different angles 证实：nickel 是一种价值很小的 metal coin，具体来说是五美分硬币。

    数值明示+同类并列+隐喻角色
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。

  • 举例子

    P3

    作者通过 rich man and his son 这个 concrete example 来 illustrate "chickenfeed" 的 actual usage。这个 1930 年的 publication quote 展示了富人如何 dismiss small coins like nickels and dimes 为 chickenfeed，perfectly demonstrating 这个词表达"微薄收入"的 connotation。这种 real-world example 让 abstract meaning 变得 tangible and memorable，帮助 readers 理解 idiomatic expression 在 authentic context 中的 application，从而 reinforce 文章关于 money-related vocabulary 的 main theme。

    信号词 for example for instance such as like including to illustrate as shown by as demonstrated by take... for example a case in point it told about consider

    仿写： 在 explain vocabulary origins 时，你可以问自己：能否找到 historical usage 或 documented instances 来 support my explanation？试着 locate authentic quotes 或 real situations where the term appeared。仿写模版：【概念陈述】+ For example/instance + 【具体事例引入】+ 【事例详细描述】+ This shows/demonstrates + 【事例如何印证概念】。比如：The term evolved over time. For instance, in a 1920s newspaper article, a worker complained, "I can't survive on this chickenfeed salary." This shows how the expression captured workers' frustration with low wages.

  • 引资料

    P3 P4 P6

    作者 cite Word expert Mitford Mathews 的 research findings 两次（第3段 和 第6段），还引用了 Spy expert Henry S. A. Becket 的 writings（第4段）。这些 authoritative sources 为 etymological explanations 提供 scholarly credibility。通过 reference established experts，文章将 informal idioms 的 origins 置于 academic framework 之中，让 casual language study 具有 rigorous foundation。这种 citation strategy 不仅 validate 作者的 claims，还 demonstrate 即使是 colloquial expressions 也有 documented history 值得 serious study，perfectly aligning with 文章教学 money-related vocabulary 的 educational purpose。

    信号词 according to expert says research shows studies indicate writes that states that reported that as cited in quoted in sources reveal documented in scholars argue evidence suggests

    仿写： 当 explain word origins 或 language phenomena 时，问自己：有没有 linguistic experts, historical documents 或 academic publications 可以 back up my explanation？寻找 recognized authorities in the field。仿写模版：【观点陈述】+ According to/Expert X says/Research shows + 【引用内容或转述】+ This evidence + 【说明引用如何支持观点】。例如：The phrase gained popularity in the 1950s. According to linguist Sarah Johnson, "The expression first appeared in labor union newsletters, reflecting workers' dissatisfaction." This evidence confirms its working-class origins.

  • 下定义

    P2 P5

    文章 strategically employs explicit definitions 来 clarify key terms。例如 "It means working for very little money"（第2段）directly defines "chickenfeed"，"Small change means metal coins of not much value"（第2段）explains the concept，"She means she is working for a small amount of money"（第5段）interprets "working for peanuts"。这些 precise definitions 是 expository writing 的 foundation，确保 readers 准确理解 idiomatic expressions 的 exact meanings before exploring their origins。这种 definitional approach 对 language learners especially valuable，因为它 eliminates ambiguity 并 establishes clear semantic boundaries，directly serving 文章帮助学生 master money-related vocabulary 的 pedagogical goal。

    信号词 means refers to is defined as is indicates represents signifies denotes that is in other words specifically namely

    仿写： 在 introduce new terminology 或 idioms 时，问自己：我的 target audience 是否完全了解这个 term 的 precise meaning？要 provide explicit definition immediately after introducing the term。仿写模版：【术语/表达】+ means/refers to/is defined as + 【清晰的定义内容】+ 【可选：补充说明或对比】。例如："Burning the midnight oil" means working late into the night. This expression originated from the era when people used oil lamps for lighting while working after dark.

  • 作诠释

    P2 P5 P7

    文章 employs interpretation 来 explain the logic behind expressions。在 第2段，"The expression probably began because seeds fed to chickens made people think of small change" 诠释了 metaphorical connection；第5段 中 "No one knows for sure how a word for something to eat also came to mean something very small. But, a peanut is a very small food" 通过 logical reasoning 来 interpret semantic evolution；第7段 的 elephant payment analogy 则 provides interpretive context for "peanuts"。这些 interpretations 不是简单 define，而是 reveal underlying logic 和 cultural associations，帮助 readers understand why certain metaphors make sense。这种 explanatory depth 让 vocabulary learning 变得 meaningful rather than mechanical，强化了文章 explore language richness 的 educational value。

    信号词 probably because may be because likely comes from one reason is this is because the explanation is this suggests this indicates possibly due to can be explained by stems from the fact

    仿写： 当 present word origins 或 metaphorical meanings 时，问自己：背后的 logic 或 cultural connection 是什么？不要只 state facts，要 explain the reasoning process。仿写模版：【现象/表达】+ This probably/likely comes from + 【推测的原因】+ because + 【逻辑解释】。或：【疑问提出】+ One explanation is + 【诠释内容】+ 【支持性细节】。例如：The phrase "raining cats and dogs" remains mysterious. One explanation is that during heavy storms in old England, poor drainage caused deceased animals to wash through streets, creating the illusion they fell from the sky.

  • 列数字

    P2 P3 P6

    文章 strategically includes specific numerical data 来增强 precision。第2段 提到 "nickels which are worth five cents" 具体化了 small change 的 monetary value；第3段 的 "1930" 和 第6段 的 "1854" 提供 exact historical timestamps；第5段 也 mentions dictionary meanings。这些 concrete numbers 将 abstract discussion 锚定在 verifiable facts 上。Dates 尤其 important because they establish chronological framework，showing these expressions 有 documented history spanning over a century。这种 numerical specificity 增强了 article's credibility，让 informal idioms 的 study 具有 scholarly rigor，perfectly supporting 文章 teach etymology with precision 的 educational mission。

    信号词 具体年份 cents dollars percent 数量词+单位 worth as early as by [year] in [year] approximately exactly

    仿写： 当 discuss historical development 或 monetary values 时，问自己：能否 pinpoint exact dates, amounts 或 measurements 来 replace vague terms？Research specific numbers that add credibility。仿写模版：【陈述】+ specific number/date + 【数字的说明或意义】。例如：The minimum wage debate heated up. In 1938, the federal minimum wage was set at $0.25 per hour. By 1950, it had risen to $0.75, reflecting post-war economic changes. These specific figures illustrate the dramatic shifts in wage standards.

  • 作比较

    P2 P5 P8

    文章通过 explicit comparisons 来 clarify concepts。第2段 将 chickenfeed seeds 比作 small change coins，establishing visual and value parallels；第5段 强调 "It is a very different meaning from the main one in the dictionary"，通过 contrast idiomatic 和 literal meanings 来 highlight semantic shift；第8段 描述 peanut gallery 是 "most distant from where the show takes place" 并因此 cost less，通过 spatial and economic comparison 来 explain naming logic。这些 comparative structures 让 readers 通过 familiar references 来 grasp unfamiliar concepts，create cognitive bridges between known and unknown。这种 contrastive rhetoric 特别 effective for language teaching，因为它 reveals how meanings evolve through metaphorical extensions，enriching 学生的 vocabulary comprehension。

    信号词 like similar to different from compared to in contrast to unlike whereas while more/less than as opposed to rather than made people think of

    仿写： 当 explain new concepts 或 meanings 时，问自己：能否找到 familiar reference points 来 create comparison？或者通过 contrast 来 sharpen the distinction？仿写模版：【A】+ is like/similar to/different from + 【B】+ in that + 【比较的具体方面】。或：Unlike/Compared to + 【参照物】+ 【目标对象】+ 【差异或相似点】。例如：The term "blue-collar worker" differs from "white-collar" in occupational nature. Blue-collar refers to manual labor, while white-collar describes office work. This color-based comparison originated from typical work attire in each field.

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

3 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。

  • chickenfeed 词源的不确定性

    P2
    The expression probably began because seeds fed to chickens made people think of small change.

    模糊限制语 probably possibly perhaps maybe might may seem to

    这个 probably 的 implication 是：chickenfeed 的 etymology 并没有 concrete historical evidence，只是 plausible theory 合理推测。对于 article's main purpose 而言，这个 subtle signal 很重要——它提醒读者 idiom origins 往往是 folklore 和 educated guesses 的结合，而非 documented facts。这增强了文章的 academic credibility，因为作者 honest about limitations of knowledge，同时也暗示 language evolution 的 organic and sometimes untraceable nature。这种 intellectual honesty 是 expository writing 的 hallmark。

  • peanuts 词义演变的未解之谜

    P5
    No one knows for sure how a word for something to eat also came to mean something very small.

    明确的不确定性表达 No one knows for sure no one knows for sure it's unclear remains uncertain remains a mystery not entirely clear exact origins unknown

    这个 explicit uncertainty 的 subtext 是：language change 有时是 mysterious and undocumented 的，semantic shifts 可能 leave no historical trace。对 article's thesis 而言，这个 admission 非常关键——它 reinforces 文章的 scholarly tone，表明作者 not making up convenient stories 来 fill gaps。同时也暗示 idiomatic expressions 的 evolution 是 complex social process，不总是 have neat explanations。这种 transparent approach 让 article 更 trustworthy，也让读者理解 etymology 是 interpretive field 而非 exact science。

  • peanut gallery 命名的因果逻辑

    P8
    The 'peanut gallery' got its name because it is the part of the theatre most distant from where the show takes place. So, peanut gallery tickets usually cost less than other tickets.

    因果关系连接词 So so therefore thus hence consequently as a result

    这个 'so' 的 implication 远超 simple causality——它 reveals 一个 social reality：theater architecture 和 pricing structure 反映了 economic stratification。The subtext 是 'peanuts' 这个词 carries connotation of cheapness，不仅指 food size，更指 social value。对 article's purpose 而言，这个 example perfectly illustrates 文章的 deeper theme：money-related idioms 往往 encode social hierarchies and economic realities。这个 'so' 把 physical fact (distance) 和 economic fact (lower price) 连接起来，implicitly suggesting language preserves social structures。这让文章从 simple etymology explanation 升华到 sociolinguistic observation。

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

  1. 开篇话语标记 P1

    在 expository writing 中，opening 的 tone 往往能 reveal 作者的整体 attitude。如果作者用 "I argue" 或 "It is problematic"，那就是 critical；如果用 "I would like to talk about"，那就是 neutral informative 且带有 conversational warmth。

  2. 事实陈述占比 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    说明文作者如果是 objective informative，会大量使用 factual evidence 和 historical references 来 support explanation，而不是用 emotional appeals 或 subjective evaluations 来 persuade readers。这篇文章每个 paragraph 都在 provide background 和 trace etymology，clearly showing informative purpose。

  3. 例证生动性 P7 P8

    虽然作者保持 objective presentation，但 example selection 能 reveal subtle attitude。选择 elephants in circus 和 peanut gallery 这种 colorful, accessible examples 说明作者 wants to make learning enjoyable，这是 positive engagement 而非 detached coldness 或 critical distance。

  4. 多维信号综合 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    在说明文中，客观中立不等于 cold and detached。作者可以保持 factual accuracy 的同时 show enthusiasm for the topic。这篇文章没有 negative words, no critical evaluation, no problem-solution structure，all signals point to neutral informative purpose with a touch of warmth。

文中的态度信号词

  • would like to P1

    这个 modal phrase "would like to" 表达的是 polite intention 和 friendly invitation，而不是 strong assertion 或 critical stance，immediately establishes 一种 conversational and approachable tone，告诉读者这是 sharing information 而不是 making argument。

    同类词 want to going to will let's shall we

  • interesting P1

    形容词 "interesting" 表达的是 positive intellectual engagement，作者 finds the topic engaging 并希望 readers share this interest。这不是 neutral descriptor like "relevant" 或 critical term like "problematic"，而是 shows author's enthusiasm for the subject matter。

    同类词 fascinating intriguing remarkable notable curious

  • probably P2

    Hedging word "probably" 显示作者在 making educated guesses 而不是 asserting absolute facts，这种 epistemic modality 体现 academic honesty 和 intellectual humility，是 objective scholarly writing 的 characteristic，避免 overconfident claims。

    同类词 perhaps possibly may might seems

  • expert P3

    通过 citing "Word expert Mitford Mathews"，作者 establishes credibility through external authority 而不是 personal opinion，这是 objective academic writing 的 hallmark strategy，showing author relies on verified sources rather than subjective interpretation。

    同类词 specialist authority scholar researcher historian

  • also P4

    Additive connective "also" 表示作者在 presenting additional information on equal footing，这是 informative exposition 的 typical structure marker，showing author is accumulating knowledge points rather than building argument or making contrast for criticism。

    同类词 in addition furthermore moreover additionally another

  • no one knows for sure P5

    这个 epistemic phrase 明确承认 knowledge limitations，进一步 reinforces author's objective scholarly approach，shows author doesn't pretend to have all answers，这种 intellectual honesty 是 credible informative writing 的 important feature，contrasts with dogmatic or biased writing。

    同类词 it is unclear the origin is uncertain remains debated not definitively established

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇说明文

体裁决定读法与出题套路。以下判断步骤与标志词全部以本文为例，可直接迁移到其他英语六级 真题文章。

如何快速判断这是一篇说明文？

  1. 开篇直陈主题 P1

    这个 opening statement 体现了说明文的 explanatory nature。议论文会在开头提出 controversial claim 或 debatable position，比如'Money is the root of all evil'；新闻报道会用 lead paragraph 交代 5W1H（who, what, when, where, why, how）。而说明文的开头是 neutral announcement，目的是 inform 而非 persuade 或 report breaking news。

  2. 话题循环展开 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    这种 repetitive explanatory pattern 是说明文的 signature feature。议论文的结构是 claim-evidence-reasoning，重点在 building logical argumentation；新闻报道用 inverted pyramid structure，最重要信息在前，后面是 supporting details。说明文的结构更像 encyclopedia entry，平铺直叙地 present information in organized chunks。

  3. 客观中立陈述 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    Neutral tone 是说明文和议论文的 critical differentiator。议论文作者有 clear stance，会用 evaluative adjectives（crucial, alarming, misguided）和 modal verbs（should, must）来 express judgment。新闻报道虽然也追求 objectivity，但会包含 attributed opinions（专家说、官员表示）和 factual updates。说明文的 objectivity 体现在纯粹的 knowledge transmission，不涉及 value judgment 或 current affairs。

  4. 传递知识为本 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    Purpose clarity 是最终的 litmus test。议论文的 end goal 是 change reader's mind 或 call for action，常在结尾有 conclusive statement 强化 thesis。新闻报道的目的是 deliver timely information about events，focus 在 what happened and its impact。说明文的 conclusion 通常是 summary of information presented，或者像这篇一样没有 explicit conclusion，因为 knowledge itself is the endpoint。

  5. 四步快速识别 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    这个 four-step framework 的逻辑是从 macro to micro：先看整体 framing（开头），再看组织方式（结构），然后看表达风格（语气），最后验证功能（目的）。每一步都在 narrow down 文章体裁的可能性。相比之下，议论文会在第1步就露出 argumentative intent，新闻会在第2步显示 chronological reporting pattern，所以多数情况下 two steps suffice，但四步 checklist 能确保 accuracy 特别是遇到 hybrid texts 时。

哪些词暴露了说明文体裁？

  • It means P2 说明对象定义解释词 She means That meaning is A gallery is
  • Word expert Mitford Mathews says P3 引用权威举证词 Spy expert Henry S. A. Becket writes An early use of the word chickenfeed appeared in an American publication used the words
  • also has another interesting meaning P4 说明顺序与并列列举词 Another reason One way they express this is
  • probably began because P2 原因解释词 got its name because because it is the part of the theatre most distant
  • No one knows for sure P5 属性功能与不确定性客观描述词 probably began may be linked to
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

6 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 2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 的常见问题

2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的主旨是什么？
2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 文章说明文解释了与金钱相关的美式英语习语的起源和含义,特别是"chickenfeed"和"peanuts",包括它们的历史用法以及这些表达如何演变为代表薪酬微薄的意思。（英文表述：This expository article explains the origins and meanings of American English idioms related to money, specifically 'chickenfeed' and 'peanuts,' including their historical usage and how these expressions came to represent working for very little compensation.）
2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 文章是什么体裁？难度如何？
体裁为说明文，作者立场是客观中立（Informative and lighthearted）。CEFR 难度 B2，全文 454 词、8 段；在英语六级全部 593 篇真题文章中，B2 级共 233 篇（占 39%）。
2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 8 段按说明文骨架分为 3 个意群：第1段——引入话题；第2段、第3段、第4段——详解chickenfeed的含义与来源；第5段、第6段、第7段、第8段——详解peanuts的含义与来源。
2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 文章的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是客观中立（Informative and lighthearted）。判断路径：开篇话语标记 → 事实陈述占比 → 例证生动性 → 多维信号综合；文中的态度信号词包括 would like to（第1段）、interesting（第1段）、probably（第2段）、expert（第3段）、also（第4段）、no one knows for sure（第5段）。
2015年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part II Section C (2) 文章中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 3 个：agitator（煽动者;鼓动者）、balcony（楼座;包厢;(剧院的)楼厅）、nickel（五分镍币;五美分硬币），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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