2016年12月英语六级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue
CET-6 · 来自 2016年12月英语六级真题第2套 · Part III Section C (2) · 阅读理解(四选一)

Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue

2016年12月英语六级真题第2套文章逐层精读

Live Science《科学现场》2016.02.04 文章 Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue(科学家称种族是一种社会建构)。

本页是 2016年12月英语六级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) 文章的精读视角页——这篇说明文全文 446 词、7 段,CEFR 难度 C1(C1 级在英语六级文章中占 58%),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

7 段英文原文

以下为2016年12月英语六级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) 的阅读理解(四选一)原文,共 7 段。左侧 P1–P7 是段落编号——本页全部解析(结构、逐段、修辞、自检题)都以它为坐标回指原文,点击解析里的段号,原文即在顶部翻开并定位到该段、引用的原文同步标亮;合上原文仍停在当前阅读位置。原文保持卷面形态,不带翻译与标注。

Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue

More than 100 years ago, American sociologist W. E. B. Du Bois was concerned that race was being used as a biological explanation for what he understood to be social and cultural differences between different populations of people. He spoke out against the idea of "white" and "black" as distinct groups, claiming that these distinctions ignored the scope of human diversity.

Science would favor Du Bois. Today, the mainstream belief among scientists is that race is a social construct without biological meaning. In an article published in the journal Science, four scholars say racial categories need to be phased out.

"Essentially, I could not agree more with the authors," said Svante Pääbo, a biologist and director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany. In one example that demonstrated genetic differences were not fixed along racial lines, the full genomes(基因组) of James Watson and Craig Venter, two famous American scientists of European ancestry, were compared to that of a Korean scientist, Seong-Jin Kim. It turned out that Watson and Venter shared fewer variations in their genetic sequences than they each shared with Kim.

Michael Yudell, a professor of public health at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said that modern genetics research is operating in a paradox: on the one hand, race is understood to be a useful tool to illuminate human genetic diversity, but on the other hand, race is also understood to be a poorly defined marker of that diversity.

Assumptions about genetic differences between people of different races could be particularly dangerous in a medical setting. "If you make clinical predictions based on somebody's race, you're going to be wrong a good chunk of the time," Yudell told Live Science. In the paper, he and his colleagues used the example of cystic fibrosis, which is underdiagnosed in people of African ancestry because it is thought of as a "white" disease.

So what other variables could be used if the racial concept is thrown out? Yudell said scientists need to get more specific with their language, perhaps using terms like "ancestry" or "population" that might more precisely reflect the relationship between humans and their genes, on both the individual and population level. The researchers also acknowledged that there are a few areas where race as a construct might still be useful in scientific research: as a political and social, but not biological, variable.

"While we argue phasing out racial terminology(术语) in the biological sciences, we also acknowledge that using race as a political or social category to study racism, although filled with lots of challenges, remains necessary given our need to understand how structural inequities and discrimination produce health disparities(差异) between groups." Yudell said.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

7 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2016年12月英语六级真题第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

    Du Bois's Early Critique of Race

    Du Bois argued that race should not be treated as a biological division because it oversimplifies human diversity.

    本段承担 introduction 的功能,它先从一百多年前的思想争论切入,为后文用 modern science 证明“种族缺乏生物学基础”建立问题背景。

    人物提出质疑
  2. P2

    Scientific Support for Phasing Out Race

    Modern scientists view race as a social construct and call for racial categories to be phased out.

    本段把第一段的历史性批判升级为 contemporary scientific consensus,因此它是全文中心论点最直接、最权威的提出。

    科学界明确表态
  3. P3

    Genetic Evidence Against Fixed Racial Boundaries

    Genome comparisons show that genetic variation does not fit fixed racial categories.

    本段为第二段的核心主张提供 concrete genetic evidence,使“种族没有生物学意义”不再只是学者宣言,而具有可验证的科学依据。

    基因比较反证种族
  4. P4

    The Paradox of Race in Genetics

    Modern genetics faces a paradox because race is useful yet poorly defined as a marker of human diversity.

    本段补充了全文论证的 complexity,解释了为什么 race 虽然不可靠,仍会在遗传学研究中被使用,从而为后文讨论其医学风险和替代方案作铺垫。

    有用却不精确
  5. P5

    The Medical Danger of Racial Assumptions

    Using race to make medical predictions can lead to harmful diagnostic errors.

    本段将前文偏理论性的 genetic argument 落到 medical practice,突出错误种族分类会伤害真实患者,因此增强了废除生物学种族术语的现实紧迫性。

    种族误判导致漏诊
  6. P6

    Alternatives to Race and Its Limited Use

    Scientists should use more precise terms such as ancestry or population, while retaining race for social and political research.

    本段从批判转向 solution,既提出 ancestry、population 等更科学的替代表达,也划清 race 只能用于社会政治层面的使用边界。

    祖源替代种族术语
  7. P7

    Race as a Necessary Social Category

    Race should be removed from biological science but retained as a social category for studying racism and health disparities.

    本段构成全文的 final qualification,它防止读者把“废除种族术语”误解为否认种族主义的社会现实,并最终完整呼应文章主旨。

    生物弃用,社会保留
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

7 道逐段细节自检题

针对2016年12月英语六级真题第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 W. E. B. Du Bois

    What was W. E. B. Du Bois concerned about more than 100 years ago?

    • A He wanted to prove that race was a biological fact.
    • B He supported the classification of white and black people as distinct groups.
    • C Race was being used as a biological explanation for social and cultural differences.
    • D He ignored the scope of human diversity in his research.
    • E He believed social and cultural differences had no connection with race.
    • F He claimed that genetic differences justified social inequality.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    原文明确说明 race was being used as a biological explanation,用来解释 social and cultural differences。正确项保留了原句主干,仅省略 what he understood to be,属于删减式 paraphrase;障碍在于考生需要从较长从句中提取核心关系。

    人名直达担忧从句主干 时间紧张时,用 W. E. B. Du Bois 直接定位 第1段,只读取含 concerned 的句子并抽取 that-clause 的主干。随后对选项进行 predicate matching,优先寻找主语、动作和解释对象均一致的正确项,遇到 prove、supported、no connection 等方向性表达可快速核验并排除。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 mainstream belief

    What is the mainstream belief among scientists today concerning race?

    • A Race has been proven to have a clear biological foundation.
    • B Scientists no longer discuss the concept of race.
    • C The mainstream view has always rejected racial categorisation.
    • D Race is a social construct without biological meaning.
    • E Science has proved Du Bois's concern to be baseless.
    • F Racial categories are essential for understanding human diversity.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:D

    该项与原文 race is a social construct without biological meaning 完全一致,准确呈现 mainstream belief。主要障碍是 social construct 与 biological meaning 构成概念对照,考生不能只抓到其中一半。

    共识从句加极性核验 直接用 mainstream belief 定位 第2段,并读取其后的 is that-clause。随后采用 polarity check:比较各选项对 biological meaning 的肯定或否定方向,并检查 always、no longer 等绝对词,方向与范围均吻合者即为正确项。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 Watson

    What did the full genome comparison of Watson, Venter, and Kim reveal?

    • A Watson and Venter shared more genetic variations with each other than either shared with Kim.
    • B The genomes of the three scientists were completely identical.
    • C People of European ancestry have no genetic diversity.
    • D Kim's genome was less diverse than those of Watson and Venter.
    • E Genetic differences are not fixed along racial lines.
    • F Race played a decisive role in determining the observed genetic patterns.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:E

    原文在引入案例时明确说明该例子 demonstrated genetic differences were not fixed along racial lines。正确项直接概括这一结论,并未错误扩大到基因组完全相同或不存在 genetic diversity。

    人名定位后直取例证结论 用 Watson 定位 第3段 后,不逐字计算所有 comparison,而是先找 demonstrated 引出的 conclusion。随后检查选项是否保持否定方向以及 racial lines 的逻辑关系;出现 completely、no 或 decisive 等极端表达时优先核验并排除。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 paradox

    What paradox does modern genetics research face according to Michael Yudell?

    • A Race is completely useless as a marker in medical studies.
    • B Modern genetics research has resolved all controversies about race.
    • C Race is a precise biological category that simplifies genetic research.
    • D Geneticists avoid using race entirely in their studies.
    • E Race is understood only as a social tool in modern genetics.
    • F Race can illuminate human genetic diversity, yet it is a poorly defined marker of that diversity.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:F

    该项同时保留原文的 useful tool to illuminate 和 poorly defined marker 两方面,并用 yet 呈现 paradox。障碍在于只记住其中一面不能完整回答题干。

    冒号后双谓语同步匹配 用 paradox 定位 第4段,直接读取冒号后的两个 parallel clauses。无需处理人物头衔,只把两个 predicate 各压缩为一个语义标签,再寻找同时覆盖两个标签且保持 contrast 的正确项。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 clinical predictions

    Why does Yudell believe that clinical predictions based on race are dangerous?

    • A Such predictions are often wrong, as shown by the underdiagnosis of cystic fibrosis among people of African ancestry.
    • B Doctors can correctly diagnose most diseases on the basis of race.
    • C Clinical predictions have no real impact on medical outcomes.
    • D Cystic fibrosis is often overdiagnosed among people of African ancestry.
    • E Racial assumptions are generally accurate in medical settings.
    • F Cystic fibrosis occurs exclusively in white people.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:A

    often wrong 对应原文 wrong a good chunk of the time,后半句准确概括 cystic fibrosis 在 people of African ancestry 中 underdiagnosed 的例子。该项正确连接了 general claim 与 supporting example。

    风险结论与病例证据合并 以 clinical predictions 定位 第5段,只读引语的结果分句和紧随其后的 example。把两句压缩成 risk plus evidence,再寻找同时覆盖二者的正确项;含 correctly、no impact、overdiagnosed 或 exclusively 的选项应优先进行反向核验。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 racial concept

    What alternative terms does Yudell suggest using if the racial concept is discarded?

    • A He proposes retaining 'race' as a biological variable but using it with caution.
    • B More specific terms such as 'ancestry' or 'population' that better reflect relationships between humans and their genes.
    • C He believes no variables are needed to replace the racial concept.
    • D He suggests purely social terms such as 'class' or 'status'.
    • E He argues that 'race' should be replaced by 'skin color'.
    • F He recommends that scientists stop grouping humans in any way.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:B

    该项准确复现 terms like ancestry or population,并保留 more precisely reflect the relationship between humans and their genes 的理由。better reflect 是对 more precisely reflect 的合理 paraphrase。

    条件问句后抓术语列举 用 racial concept 定位 第6段 的条件问句,然后直接跳到 perhaps using terms like 后的 enumeration。将列举词与 more precisely reflect 的功能说明一起核对,二者均匹配的选项就是正确项。

  7. 第 7 段 定位词 political or social category

    Under what condition does Yudell believe race remains a necessary concept?

    • A When it is used as a biological category in genetic research.
    • B When its use involves no methodological challenges.
    • C When it is used as a political or social category to study racism and its effects on health disparities.
    • D When it is used to prove that race has a biological basis.
    • E When it is used to eliminate all health disparities between groups.
    • F When it is separated from structural inequities and discrimination.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    该项结合了 using race as a political or social category to study racism 与理解 inequities and discrimination 如何 produce health disparities 的目的,准确概括 race remains necessary 的限定用途。

    社会范畴与研究目的双锁 以选项中的 political or social category 定位 第7段,随后只读取该短语后的 purpose structure。将 category 与 research purpose 作为两个必要条件,只有同时满足二者的选项才可作为正确项。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

7 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. 历史背景与问题提出

    这个 opening 意群通过 historical context 引出了 race 这个 concept 的争议性,Du Bois 在一百多年前就 concerned 种族被误用为 biological explanation,他 spoke out against 黑白作为 distinct groups 的 idea,认为这 ignored 了 human diversity 的 scope

    作为说明文的 introduction part,这个意群通过 historical figure 的观点来 establish 文章要探讨的 central issue,为后续 scientific evidence 和 modern perspective 做好 foundation,让读者意识到 race as social construct 并非 new idea

    提出种族概念的社会性质疑
  2. 科学界主流观点确立

    这个 transitional 意群明确了 current scientific stance,指出 mainstream belief 认为 race 是 social construct 而 without biological meaning,并引用 Science journal 的 article 表明 scholars 呼吁 phase out racial categories

    作为说明文的 thesis statement section,这个意群从 historical concern 转向 present-day consensus,通过 'Today' 这个 temporal marker 和 'mainstream belief' 来 establish authority,为接下来的 detailed evidence 提供了 central claim,这是典型的说明文 general-to-specific pattern

    确认科学界反对种族生物学分类
  3. 遗传学证据支撑

    这个 evidence 意群通过 specific example 来 demonstrate genetic differences 不沿着 racial lines 固定,biologist Pääbo 表示 agreement,并用 Watson、Venter 和 Kim 的 genome comparison 说明两个 European ancestry 的 scientists 和一个 Korean scientist 比较时,Watson 和 Venter 彼此之间 shared 的 genetic variations 反而更少

    在说明文的 supporting evidence section,这个意群通过 concrete scientific data 来 substantiate 前面的 claim,使用了 case study approach with specific names 和 quantifiable results,这种 exemplification strategy 让 abstract concept (race as non-biological) 变得 tangible and convincing

    用基因组数据否定种族界线
  4. 遗传学研究的内在矛盾

    这个 paradox-revealing 意群通过 Yudell 教授的观点指出 modern genetics research 处于一个 paradox 中:on the one hand,race 被认为是 useful tool 来 illuminate genetic diversity,but on the other hand,它又是 poorly defined marker of that diversity

    在说明文的 complication section,这个意群不是简单地 add more evidence,而是 reveal the nuance 和 complexity of the issue。它展示即使 scientific community 认可 race 是 social construct,在 practical research 中仍有 paradoxical usage,这为后续讨论 danger 和 alternative approaches 提供了 logical bridge

    揭示科研中种族概念的矛盾性
  5. 医学实践中的危险后果

    这个 consequence 意群聚焦在 medical setting 中的 particular danger,Yudell 指出 based on race 做 clinical predictions 会 'be wrong a good chunk of the time',并用 cystic fibrosis 作为 example,这个 disease 在 African ancestry 的人群中被 underdiagnosed 因为它被认为是 'white' disease

    在说明文的 implication/consequence section,这个意群通过 domain-specific example (medical field) 来 illustrate real-world harm of racial assumptions。它从 theoretical problem (paradox) 转向 practical danger,使用 medical misdiagnosis 这种 high-stakes scenario 来 emphasize urgency of phasing out racial categories,这强化了文章的 argumentative force

    例证种族假设导致医疗误诊
  6. 替代术语与研究方向

    这个 solution 意群提出如果 throw out racial concept 可以用什么 alternative variables,Yudell 建议 scientists 需要 get more specific with language,用 'ancestry' 或 'population' 这些 terms 来更 precisely reflect the relationship between humans and genes,同时 acknowledge 有少数 areas 中 race as construct 在 scientific research 中仍 useful:作为 political and social 而非 biological 的 variable

    在说明文的 solution/recommendation section,这个意群从 critique 转向 constructive proposal。它不仅指出 what should be eliminated (racial terminology in biological sciences),更重要的是 suggest what should replace it ('ancestry', 'population'),并 acknowledge legitimate uses (social/political research)。这种 balanced approach 体现了说明文的 comprehensive treatment of the topic

    提出替代术语方案
  7. 社会研究中的必要保留

    这个 qualification 意群通过 Yudell 的进一步阐述来 clarify,虽然 argue phasing out racial terminology in biological sciences,但也 acknowledge 将 race 用作 political or social category 来 study racism 仍然 necessary,尽管 filled with challenges,因为需要 understand how structural inequities and discrimination produce health disparities between groups

    作为说明文的 qualification/conclusion section,这个意群 refine 前面的 argument by adding important nuance。它防止读者 overgeneralize the recommendation,clarify that 'phasing out' is domain-specific (biological sciences) 而非 universal ban,并 justify the continued use in social research with clear rationale (studying structural inequities)。这种 precision 体现了 academic rigor

    明确社会科学保留种族术语
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2016年12月英语六级真题第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六级文章。

  1. 首段锁定核心议题 P1

    说明文的 opening paragraph 通常会 introduce 核心议题 core issue,作者会用 historical context 或 problematic situation 来引出要讨论的 main subject,这为后文的 argument 奠定基础 foundation

  2. 段首句串联论证链 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    说明文的每个 paragraph 都有明确的 function,段首句通常会 signal 这一段的 purpose。通过识别 'Science would favor'、'In one example' 这类 transition phrases,能快速把握文章的 logical flow 和 argumentative structure

  3. 动词锁定立场倾向 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    说明文的 main idea 往往通过 authoritative voices 来表达,关注 'argue'、'say'、'acknowledge' 这类 reporting verbs 能快速定位 central argument。这些 verbs 后面跟的 content clauses 通常就是 main points

  4. 对比结构提炼边界 P4 P6 P7

    说明文经常会 present 多个 perspectives 或 acknowledge limitations,这些 contrastive structures 帮助我们理解文章不是 one-sided 而是 balanced 的 exposition。最后的 concession 或 qualification 往往是 main idea 的重要组成部分

  5. 四维框架整合要素 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    说明文的主旨是 multi-dimensional 的,需要 capture 核心 argument、supporting evidence、proposed solution 以及 acknowledgment of complexity。这个 four-part framework 能确保 comprehensive understanding

主旨信号词 social construct P2 without biological meaning P2 need to be phased out P2 paradox P4 dangerous P5 other variables P6

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

科学家认为种族是一种没有生物学基础的社会建构,应该从生物科学中逐步淘汰。基因研究表明,种族分类无法准确反映人类多样性,并可能导致危险的医学假设。建议使用"祖源"或"群体"等替代术语,但种族在研究社会不平等方面仍有用处。
Scientists argue that race is a social construct without biological basis and should be phased out of biological sciences. Genetic research shows racial categories poorly reflect human diversity and can lead to dangerous medical assumptions. Alternative terms like 'ancestry' or 'population' are recommended, though race remains useful for studying social inequities.
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。已收录进英语六级高频真题词集的单词可点击进入词条页。

  • paradox 悖论;矛盾现象

    我们首先从 sentence structure 入手:on the one hand 和 on the other hand 构建了一个明确的对立框架,这告诉我们 paradox 描述的是某种对立关系。然后看 preposition collocation:operating in a paradox 表明这是一种可以'身处其中'的状态。最后从 discourse level 观察:这个词出现在文章中段,恰好总结了全文围绕 race 概念的核心矛盾——biological meaninglessness 与 social usefulness 的张力。三条线索共同指向:paradox 是指同一事物内部存在相互矛盾却又同时成立的两种属性或观点的状态

    三维立体分析抽象关系词
  • phase 逐步淘汰;分阶段废除

    让我们整合三条 clues:首先,phrasal verb structure 中的 out 指向'移除'方向;其次,discourse-level parallelism 揭示了'分领域、有选择、逐步调整'的实施特征;最后,morphological analysis 说明 phase 从'阶段'名词演变为'分阶段进行'动词。三者结合,phase out 的完整含义浮现:这不是 immediate elimination,而是 gradual, staged withdrawal——通过多个 phases 来逐步 eliminate 某事物

    三步拆解短语动词
  • illuminate 阐明;揭示;使清楚

    综合三条线索:collocational analysis 告诉我们 illuminate 是 useful tool 执行的积极功能,作用于 diversity;contrastive structure 通过对立面 poorly defined 反向确认了 illuminate 表达'使清晰';morphological clue 揭示了从'照亮'到'阐明'的 metaphorical mapping。这三个维度共同指向:illuminate 表示通过某种方式使原本模糊或隐藏的事物变得清晰可见,在学术语境中特指'阐明、揭示'

    三角验证学术动词的隐喻义
  • ancestry 血统;祖先;家世

    让我们串联推理链:parallel structure 将 ancestry 与 population 置于同一 functional slot,说明它是描述 human groupings 的方式之一;modifier patterns 显示 ancestry 可接受 geographical/ethnic adjectives,指向'来源'语义;morphological breakdown 确认了'祖先→血统'的 derivation path。三条线索交汇:ancestry 是比 race 更精确的术语,表示基于 genetic lineage 和 geographical origin 的群体归属,强调的是 inherited biological heritage 而非 socially constructed categories

    对比定位替代术语
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

13 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。

  • 引资料

    P1

    文章开篇引用了 W. E. B. Du Bois 这位 American sociologist 在一个多世纪前的观点,他当时就 concerned 种族被误用为 biological explanation。这个 quotation 为全文奠定了 historical context,证明 race as social construct 的观点并非新近提出,而是有 long-standing academic foundation。通过引用 Du Bois 这样的 pioneering scholar,作者增强了论点的 credibility 和 authority,同时也暗示这个 scientific consensus 经过了时间的检验。

    信号词 according to as stated by research shows scholars say quoted claimed argued pointed out observed noted

    仿写: 当你需要 establish authority 或引入一个 controversial topic 时,可以从 historical figures 或 recognized experts 的观点入手。思考:你的主题有哪些 pioneering voices?他们的观点如何 foreshadow 当前的 scientific understanding?模版:More than X years ago, [专家身份] was concerned that [误解]. He/She spoke out against [错误观点], claiming that [正确洞察]。

  • 引资料

    P2

    第二段引用了发表在 Science journal 的文章,four scholars 提出 racial categories need to be phased out。这个 citation 提供了当前 scientific consensus 的 authoritative support,表明废除 racial terminology 不是个人观点,而是有 peer-reviewed research backing。

    信号词 according to as stated by research shows scholars say quoted claimed argued pointed out observed noted

    仿写: 当你需要 establish authority 或引入一个 controversial topic 时,可以从 historical figures 或 recognized experts 的观点入手。思考:你的主题有哪些 pioneering voices?他们的观点如何 foreshadow 当前的 scientific understanding?模版:In an article published in [权威刊物], [数量] scholars say [核心观点]。

  • 引资料

    P3

    第三段引用了 Svante Pääbo 这位 biologist 兼 Max Planck Institute director 的观点,他说 could not agree more with the authors。这个 expert endorsement 来自 evolutionary anthropology 领域的权威,进一步 reinforce 了文章的 scientific credibility。

    信号词 according to as stated by research shows scholars say quoted claimed argued pointed out observed noted

    仿写: 当你需要 establish authority 或引入一个 controversial topic 时,可以从 historical figures 或 recognized experts 的观点入手。思考:你的主题有哪些 pioneering voices?他们的观点如何 foreshadow 当前的 scientific understanding?模版:[专家名字], a [职位] at [机构], said [观点]。

  • 举例子

    P3

    第三段提供了一个 concrete genetic comparison:Watson 和 Venter 这两位 European ancestry 的科学家与 Korean scientist Kim 的 genome 对比。结果显示 Watson 和 Venter 之间的 genetic variations 反而少于他们各自与 Kim 的。这个 specific example 有力地 illustrate 了种族界限与 genetic differences 并不 align 的核心论点。通过使用 well-known scientists 作为例子,让 abstract genetic concept 变得 tangible and convincing。

    信号词 for example for instance such as in one case take...as an example demonstrated by illustrated by consider the case of

    仿写: 当你阐述一个 counterintuitive 或 abstract 的科学观点时,选择一个 well-documented case 能大幅提升 persuasiveness。思考:有什么 specific comparison 能 directly challenge common assumptions?选择 recognizable subjects 会增强 impact。模版:In one example that demonstrated [观点], [具体对象A] and [具体对象B] were compared to [对象C]. It turned out that [意外发现]。

  • 引资料

    P4

    第四段引用了 Michael Yudell 这位 Drexel University 的 public health professor 的观点,他指出 modern genetics research 正在 operating in a paradox。这个 expert perspective 来自 public health 领域,为文章从 medical application 角度分析问题提供了 professional foundation。

    信号词 according to as stated by research shows scholars say quoted claimed argued pointed out observed noted

    仿写: 当你需要 establish authority 或引入一个 controversial topic 时,可以从 historical figures 或 recognized experts 的观点入手。思考:你的主题有哪些 pioneering voices?他们的观点如何 foreshadow 当前的 scientific understanding?模版:[专家名字], a professor of [学科] at [大学], said that [观点]。

  • 下定义

    P2

    第二段直接给出了 mainstream scientific belief:race is a social construct without biological meaning。这个 clear-cut definition 是全文的 theoretical foundation,它 explicitly states 科学界对 race 的 current understanding。通过这个 definition,作者 establish 了讨论的 conceptual framework,让读者明确理解接下来所有 arguments 都基于这个 premise。

    信号词 is defined as means refers to is understood to be can be described as is characterized by essentially

    仿写: 当你的说明文涉及 contested 或 misunderstood concepts 时,早早 establish 一个 authoritative definition 很重要。思考:你的核心概念有哪些 common misconceptions?如何用 concise language 来 clarify its true nature?模版:Today, the mainstream belief among [权威群体] is that [概念] is [定义核心]. 或者:[概念] is understood to be [本质特征]。

  • 作比较

    P4

    第四段 Yudell 指出了一个 paradox:一方面 race 被视为 useful tool 来 illuminate genetic diversity,另一方面它又是 poorly defined marker。这个 contrast 通过 on the one hand... on the other hand 的结构清晰呈现。这种 comparison 揭示了现代 genetics research 中的 internal contradiction,强化了需要 phase out racial categories 的论点。通过 juxtapose 两个 conflicting perspectives,作者展示了当前 conceptual framework 的 inherent problem。

    信号词 however in contrast while whereas compared to unlike on the contrary conversely but

    仿写: 当你需要 expose contradictions 或 highlight tensions 时,explicit comparison structure 非常有效。思考:你的主题存在哪些 inherent paradoxes?哪些 conflicting practices 或 beliefs 并存?模版:On the one hand, [概念/做法] is understood to be [作用A], but on the other hand, [同一概念/做法] is also understood to be [作用B/问题]。

  • 引资料

    P5

    第五段 Yudell 说如果基于 somebody's race 做 clinical predictions,you're going to be wrong a good chunk of the time。这个 direct quotation 强调了 racial assumptions 在 medical practice 中的 unreliability,为后续的 cystic fibrosis 例子提供了 expert assessment。

    信号词 according to as stated by research shows scholars say quoted claimed argued pointed out observed noted

    仿写: 当你需要 establish authority 或引入一个 controversial topic 时,可以从 historical figures 或 recognized experts 的观点入手。思考:你的主题有哪些 pioneering voices?他们的观点如何 foreshadow 当前的 scientific understanding?模版:[专家] told [媒体/平台] that [直接引语]。

  • 举例子

    P5

    第五段用 cystic fibrosis 这个 specific disease 作为例子,说明它在 people of African ancestry 中被 underdiagnosed,因为它被认为是 white disease。这个 medical example 直接展示了 racial assumptions 导致的 diagnostic errors 和 health disparities,让 abstract risk 变成 concrete patient harm。

    信号词 for example for instance such as in one case take...as an example demonstrated by illustrated by consider the case of

    仿写: 当你阐述一个 counterintuitive 或 abstract 的科学观点时,选择一个 well-documented case 能大幅提升 persuasiveness。思考:有什么 specific comparison 能 directly challenge common assumptions?选择 recognizable subjects 会增强 impact。模版:In the paper, [作者] used the example of [具体案例], which [具体问题]。

  • 分类别

    P6

    第六段提出了 alternatives to racial concept,将可能的 terminology 分为不同类型:ancestry、population 等更 specific terms。这种 categorization 帮助读者理解有哪些 alternative frameworks 可以 replace race,每个都能 more precisely reflect human-gene relationships。

    信号词 types of categories can be divided into fall into classified as ranging from...to include such as

    仿写: 当你处理一个 multifaceted concept 时,explicit categorization 能 prevent overgeneralization。思考:你的主题有哪些 distinct dimensions?在不同 contexts 中如何 differently applicable?模版:[概念] can be understood in several ways: as [类别A]..., as [类别B]..., but not as [类别C]。或:Other variables could include [类别1], [类别2], etc.

  • 分类别

    P6 P7

    第六和第七段将 race 的用途分为不同 categories:作为 biological variable(应该淘汰)versus 作为 political and social category(仍然 necessary)。这种 distinction 帮助读者理解 nuanced position:不是 completely abandon race concept,而是 clarify 它在不同 domains 的 appropriate use。

    信号词 types of categories can be divided into fall into classified as ranging from...to include such as

    仿写: 当你处理一个 multifaceted concept 时,explicit categorization 能 prevent overgeneralization。思考:你的主题有哪些 distinct dimensions?在不同 contexts 中如何 differently applicable?模版:While we argue [对某类别的处理], we also acknowledge that using [概念] as [另一类别] remains [状态]。

  • 引资料

    P7

    第七段 Yudell 解释了为什么 race 作为 political or social category 仍然 necessary:given our need to understand how structural inequities and discrimination produce health disparities。这个 expert explanation 为文章的 nuanced conclusion 提供了 rationale,说明废除 biological use 不等于完全放弃 race 作为分析工具。

    信号词 according to as stated by research shows scholars say quoted claimed argued pointed out observed noted

    仿写: 当你需要 establish authority 或引入一个 controversial topic 时,可以从 historical figures 或 recognized experts 的观点入手。思考:你的主题有哪些 pioneering voices?他们的观点如何 foreshadow 当前的 scientific understanding?模版:[专家] said [观点]。

  • 列数字

    P1

    文章开头提到 More than 100 years ago,用 specific time span 来 establish 这个 debate 的 historical depth。这个 numerical detail 不仅提供 temporal context,还暗示 race as social construct 的观点经过了 century-long validation。通过 quantify the time,作者让读者感受到这不是 fleeting trend,而是 enduring scholarly concern。

    信号词 数字+单位 percent approximately over more than less than around nearly

    仿写: 当你需要 emphasize magnitude、duration 或 extent 时,specific numbers 比 vague quantifiers 更 impactful。思考:你的观点涉及哪些 measurable aspects?时间跨度、数量、百分比等 numerical data 如何 strengthen your point?模版:More than [数字] [时间单位] ago... 或 [数字]% of [群体]...

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

6 处话里有话

作者没有明说、但靠信号词传递出来的态度与暗示——每处给出原文片段、信号词类型与解读。

  • 种族分类忽视人类多样性的真实范围

    P1
    claiming that these distinctions ignored the scope of human diversity

    负面评价词 ignored dismissed overlooked neglected disregarded failed to recognize turned a blind eye to

    Du Bois 说这些 distinctions 区分 'ignored the scope of human diversity',这里的 implication 言外之意是:种族分类 racial categorization 本身就是一种 oversimplification 过度简化,它 artificially 人为地把 complex human variation 复杂的人类变异 reduce 简化成了几个 crude categories 粗糙的类别。这个 implied criticism 隐含批评为全文的 main thesis 主论点——race is a social construct 种族是社会建构——提供了 historical foundation 历史基础,表明这个 recognition 认识早在一百多年前就 existed 存在了,从而 strengthen 加强文章 argument 的 legitimacy 合法性和 historical depth 历史深度。

  • 科学界的主流立场支持社会建构论

    P2
    Today, the mainstream belief among scientists is that race is a social construct without biological meaning

    权威性强调词 mainstream belief scientific consensus widely accepted established view prevailing opinion generally agreed commonly held

    'mainstream belief among scientists' 这个 phrasing 措辞的 implication 言外之意是:这不再是一个 debatable issue 可辩论的议题,而是 scientific fact 科学事实。通过 invoke 援引 mainstream 主流,作者在 signal 暗示任何 contrary view 相反观点都是 outdated 过时的或 unscientific 不科学的。这对文章 thesis 论点起到 crucial legitimizing function 关键的合法化功能——它 transforms 转化了一个 potentially controversial claim 可能有争议的主张成为 authoritative scientific truth 权威科学真理,为后续 call for phasing out racial categories 呼吁淘汰种族分类的 radical proposal 激进提议提供 solid foundation 坚实基础。

  • 遗传差异不遵循种族界限

    P3
    It turned out that Watson and Venter shared fewer variations in their genetic sequences than they each shared with Kim

    结果转折词 It turned out that it turned out that surprisingly unexpectedly contrary to expectations as it happens in fact

    'It turned out that' 的 implication 言外之意是:如果你 assume 假设种族 boundaries 界限对应 genetic boundaries 遗传界限,you would be wrong 你就错了。这个 finding 发现——两个 European ancestry 欧洲血统的科学家 genetically 遗传上彼此的 similarity 相似度反而 less than 少于他们各自与 Korean scientist 韩国科学家的 similarity 相似度——directly demolishes 直接摧毁了 race as biological category 种族作为生物学类别的 validity 有效性。这对文章 main argument 主论点起到 decisive empirical support 决定性经验支持的作用,因为它用 concrete genetic data 具体遗传数据 expose 揭露了 racial categorization 种族分类的 arbitrary nature 任意性质。

  • 现代遗传学研究陷入矛盾

    P4
    modern genetics research is operating in a paradox: on the one hand, race is understood to be a useful tool to illuminate human genetic diversity, but on the other hand, race is also understood to be a poorly defined marker of that diversity

    矛盾冲突词 paradox contradiction inconsistency tension at odds with conflicting incompatible

    Yudell 指出的这个 'paradox' 悖论的 implication 言外之意是:科学界 simultaneously 同时 acknowledging 承认 race 种族既 useful 有用又 poorly defined 定义不清,这本身就是 intellectually dishonest 智识上不诚实的。言外之意是:不能 have it both ways 两者兼得——要么 race 种族是 valid biological category 有效的生物学类别,要么不是,这种 ambivalence 矛盾心态 must be resolved 必须被解决。这为文章的 central proposal 核心提议(phase out racial terminology 淘汰种族术语)提供了 logical necessity 逻辑必要性——既然 current use 当前使用是 paradoxical 矛盾的,就 must 必须被 replace 替代掉。

  • 基于种族的临床预测不可靠

    P5
    If you make clinical predictions based on somebody's race, you're going to be wrong a good chunk of the time

    口语化强调表达 you're going to be wrong a good chunk of the time a good chunk of a whole lot pretty much basically plain wrong dead wrong

    'you're going to be wrong a good chunk of the time' 这个 colloquial expression 口语表达的 implication 言外之意是:这不是 minor inaccuracy 小的不准确,而是 systemic failure 系统性失败。'a good chunk of the time' 暗示 error rate 错误率 substantial 相当大,足以 undermine 破坏 medical decision-making 医疗决策的 reliability 可靠性。这对文章 argument 论证至关重要,因为它把 abstract genetic debate 抽象遗传学辩论转化为 concrete medical harm 具体医疗伤害——继续 use 使用 race 种族作为 clinical variable 临床变量会 literally cost lives 真的付出生命代价(如 cystic fibrosis 囊性纤维化的 underdiagnosis 诊断不足例子),从而为 urgent reform 紧急改革提供 ethical imperative 伦理迫切性。

  • 种族作为政治社会变量的有限价值

    P7
    using race as a political or social category to study racism, although filled with lots of challenges, remains necessary

    让步转折类 although filled with lots of challenges although though despite in spite of even though while

    'although filled with lots of challenges, remains necessary' 这个 concessive structure 让步结构的 implication 言外之意是:作者 aware of 意识到 continuing 继续使用 race 种族作为 social category 社会类别是 imperfect 不完美的,但 absence of alternatives 缺乏替代方案使它 unavoidable 不可避免。这里的 'lots of challenges' 暗示这个 approach 方法 fraught with problems 充满问题,但紧接着的 'remains necessary' 坚持其 indispensability 不可或缺性。这对整篇文章 plays 起到 nuancing function 细微差别功能——它 prevent 防止文章 appearing absolutist 显得绝对主义,承认 complete elimination 完全消除 race 种族概念是 impractical 不切实际的,但 crucially 关键是它 limits 限制这个 concession 让步到 non-biological contexts 非生物学语境,从而 preserve 保留文章 core demand 核心要求:从 biological sciences 生物科学中 phase out racial terminology 淘汰种族术语。

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( Supportive of phasing out race as a biological category)。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 开篇站队句 P1 P2

    说明文开篇常用historical figure来铺垫论点,如果作者紧跟着用favor这种带judgement色彩的动词直接站队,说明态度在第一段就已经露出苗头。

  2. 借专家之口表态 P3 P4

    说明文经常借专家权威的话来代言作者的观点,作者选择引用谁、引用哪句话,本身就是一种态度选择(selection is a stance)。

  3. 风险词反衬法 P5

    说明文里,作者常通过negative outcome(如误诊case)去暗中否定某种做法,从而反过来衬托自己真正支持的立场。

  4. 让步转折定位法 P6 P7

    说明文结尾常用while/although引导的concession句式,让论证显得全面,但真正的态度落在主句上,不是让步部分。

  5. 说明文的态度往往不是靠单一句子,而是靠多段落信号的一致性(consistency)累积呈现的,尤其是科学类说明文更依赖证据链。

文中的态度信号词

  • would favor P2

    这句话直接点明科学界站在Du Bois这一边,等于作者提前告诉读者,接下来的论证会support社会构建论这一方。

    同类词 favor support endorse side with back

  • could not agree more P3

    这是全文情感强度最高的一句,Pääbo用最强烈的agreement表达来support文章开头提出的观点,作者选用这句话本身就是态度放大器。

    同类词 strongly agree wholeheartedly absolutely fully support

  • dangerous P5

    用来描述基于race做clinical prediction的做法,negative color很重,从反面强化了作者反对种族生物学分类的立场。

    同类词 risky harmful problematic alarming wrong

  • phasing out P2

    这是全文反复出现的核心态度短语,直接点明作者以及被引用学者主张废除种族生物学分类的立场,是全篇的title-level attitude phrase。

    同类词 eliminate abandon discard do away with get rid of

  • remains necessary P7

    这是让步结构里的关键短语,说明作者在坚持phasing out生物学种族概念的同时,仍然认可race作为social/political variable的必要性,让态度更加nuanced而不是absolute。

    同类词 still useful remains valid essential indispensable

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. 开头引入话题背景 P1

    这个 opening strategy 是说明文的典型特征。议论文会在开头直接 state a thesis or position,新闻报道会用 lead paragraph 概括 who, what, when, where。而说明文的 第1段 展示了 historical context,引出 race 这个 concept 需要被 explained 和 examined,没有急于 argue 或 report breaking news。

  2. 密集引用权威专家 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    这个 evidence pattern 区分了说明文和议论文。议论文也会用 evidence,但主要是 support the author's argument。说明文的 第2段, 第3段, 第4段 密集引用了 scholars, Svante Pääbo, Michael Yudell 等 experts,这些 citations 是为了 explain the scientific consensus,而非 build up 作者自己的 stance。新闻报道虽然也引用 sources,但会更关注 timeliness 和 event details。

  3. 层层递进解释逻辑 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    这种 structure 是说明文的标志性特征。议论文通常用 argument-counterargument structure 或 point-by-point comparison。新闻报道用 inverted pyramid。而这篇文章从 第1段-2 establish the concept that race is a social construct,第3段 provide genetic evidence,第4段-5 explore implications 和 dangers,第6段-7 discuss alternatives 和 nuances。这是典型的 explanatory arc,层层递进地 unfold information。

  4. 这个 linguistic feature 把说明文和议论文区分开。议论文会用 persuasive language,比如 'clearly', 'obviously', 'must',以及 emotive vocabulary。这篇文章虽然讨论 race 这样的 controversial topic,但用词保持 neutral:'scientists say', 'research shows', 'could be dangerous'(而非 'is definitely dangerous')。第5段 提到 medical risks 时用 'you're going to be wrong a good chunk of the time',这是 factual statement 而非 alarmist rhetoric。

  5. 识别解释意图本质 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    这个 synthesis 把前面四步整合成一个 decision-making protocol。它强调说明文的本质是 expository discourse,区别于议论文的 argumentative discourse 和新闻的 reportorial discourse。通过 multi-dimensional verification(content, source, structure, style),可以 minimize misclassification。这篇文章完美 demonstrate 了说明文的所有 hallmarks:不是在 argue race should be abolished(那是议论文),也不是在 report a new study published yesterday(那是新闻),而是在 explain the scientific understanding of race 这个 complex concept。

哪些词暴露了说明文体裁?

  • biological explanation P1 说明对象定义解释词 social construct biological meaning genetic differences genetic diversity genetic sequences
  • Today, the mainstream belief among scientists is that P2 说明顺序与例证词 Today In one example It turned out that on the one hand... on the other hand For example
  • demonstrated P3 说明顺序与例证词 compared to turned out showed revealed illustrated
  • operating in a paradox P4 事物属性功能描述词 useful tool poorly defined marker particularly dangerous more specific more precisely reflect
  • Assumptions about P5 说明对象定义解释词 based on thought of as defined as understood to be refers to
  • So what other variables could be used if P6 说明顺序与例证词 So what could be used might be perhaps using also acknowledged that
  • we also acknowledge that P7 事物属性功能描述词 acknowledge that remains necessary given our need to filled with challenges produce disparities
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关于 Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue 的常见问题

2016年12月英语六级真题第2套 Part III Section C (2) 文章 Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue 的原文出自哪里?
Live Science《科学现场》2016.02.04 文章 Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue(科学家称种族是一种社会建构)。
2016年12月英语六级真题第2套文章 Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue 的主旨是什么?
科学家认为种族是一种没有生物学基础的社会建构,应该从生物科学中逐步淘汰。基因研究表明,种族分类无法准确反映人类多样性,并可能导致危险的医学假设。建议使用"祖源"或"群体"等替代术语,但种族在研究社会不平等方面仍有用处。(英文表述:Scientists argue that race is a social construct without biological basis and should be phased out of biological sciences. Genetic research shows racial categories poorly reflect human diversity and can lead to dangerous medical assumptions. Alternative terms like 'ancestry' or 'population' are recommended, though race remains useful for studying social inequities.)
Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue(2016年12月英语六级真题第2套文章)是什么体裁?难度如何?
体裁为说明文,作者立场是积极支持(Supportive of phasing out race as a biological category)。CEFR 难度 C1,全文 446 词、7 段;在英语六级全部 593 篇真题文章中,C1 级共 343 篇(占 58%)。
2016年12月英语六级真题第2套文章 Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue 的篇章结构是怎样的?
全文 7 段按说明文骨架分为 7 个意群:第1段——历史背景与问题提出;第2段——科学界主流观点确立;第3段——遗传学证据支撑;第4段——遗传学研究的内在矛盾;第5段——医学实践中的危险后果;第6段——替代术语与研究方向;第7段——社会研究中的必要保留。
Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue 一文的作者态度是什么?
作者态度是积极支持(Supportive of phasing out race as a biological category)。判断路径:开篇站队句 → 借专家之口表态 → 风险词反衬法 → 让步转折定位法 → 多线索综合定性;文中的态度信号词包括 would favor(第2段)、could not agree more(第3段)、dangerous(第5段)、phasing out(第2段)、remains necessary(第7段)。
2016年12月英语六级真题第2套文章 Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue 中有哪些值得积累的生词?
按文中出现顺序共 4 个:paradox(悖论;矛盾现象)、phase(逐步淘汰;分阶段废除)、illuminate(阐明;揭示;使清楚)、ancestry(血统;祖先;家世),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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