2020年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part III Section A Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy
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Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy

2020年12月英语六级真题第1套文章逐层精读

《彭博商业周刊》2020.03.09文章 Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy(为何对坏事征税并不总是好政策)。

本页是 2020年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part III Section A 文章的精读视角页——这篇议论文全文 286 词、5 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

5 段英文原文

以下为2020年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part III Section A 的完形填空(选词填空)原文,共 5 段。左侧 P1–P5 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。

Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy

The idea of taxing things that are bad for society has a powerful allure. It offers the possibility of a double benefit—discouraging harmful activities, while also providing the government with revenue.

Take sin taxes. Taxes on alcohol make it more expensive to get drunk, which reduces excessive drinking and impaired driving. At the same time, they provide state and local governments with billions of dollars of revenue. Tobacco taxes, which generate more than twice as much, have proven instrumental in the decline of smoking, which has saved millions of lives.

Taxes can also be an important tool for environmental protection, and many economists say taxing carbon would be the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Economic theory says that unlike income or sales taxes, carbon taxes can actually increase economic efficiency; because companies that pump carbon dioxide into the sky don't pay the costs of the climate change they cause, carbon taxes would restore the proper incentives to the market.

In reality, carbon taxes alone won't be enough to halt global warming, but they would be a useful part of any climate plan. What's more, the revenue from this tax, which would probably be hundreds of billions of dollars per year, could be handed out to citizens as a dividend or used to fund green infrastructure projects.

Similarly, a wealth tax has been put forward as a way to reduce inequality while raising revenue. The revenue from this tax, which some experts predict will be over $4 trillion per decade, would be designated for housing, child care, health care and other government benefits. If you believe, as many do, that wealth inequality is inherently bad, then these taxes improve society while also swelling government coffers(金库).

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

5 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2020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

    The Double Benefit of Harmful-Activity Taxes

    Taxes on harmful activities can reduce social harm while raising government revenue.

    本段承担 introduction 的功能,它先搭建“税收并非只是筹钱工具”的论证框架;后文的 alcohol、tobacco、carbon 和 wealth tax,都会分别证明这项政策如何带来 double benefit。

    抓住双重收益
  2. P2

    Sin Taxes in Practice

    Sin taxes on alcohol and tobacco reduce harmful consumption and raise large amounts of revenue.

    本段是对首段总论点的第一个事实支撑,它通过成熟且易理解的 sin taxes 证明:税收确实可以在公共健康领域实现“抑害增收”的双重目标。

    归纳酒烟共性
  3. P3

    Carbon Taxes and Market Incentives

    Carbon taxes can cut emissions and improve market efficiency by making polluters bear environmental costs.

    本段将全文论证推进到环境议题,并以 market efficiency 为碳税提供经济学依据;这使文章的观点从公共健康的事实案例,进一步发展为有理论基础的政策主张。

    追踪污染成本
  4. P4

    The Practical Role of Carbon-Tax Revenue

    Although insufficient by itself, a carbon tax can support climate policy and fund public or green investments.

    本段补充并修正第三段的碳税论证,它通过承认 limitation 增强文章可信度,同时再次凸显税收收入能够服务公众和绿色建设,呼应全文的双重收益主线。

    识别有限但有用
  5. P5

    Wealth Taxes for Equality and Public Benefits

    A wealth tax can reduce inequality and finance social benefits while increasing government revenue.

    本段把文章的税收讨论由健康和环境延伸至 social inequality,并作为结尾例证完成主题覆盖;它最终重申全文中心:适当的税收可以改善社会,同时 swelling government coffers。

    锁定平行与前提
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

5 道逐段细节自检题

针对2020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 socially harmful activities appealing

    What makes taxes on socially harmful activities especially appealing?

    • A They remove the need for all income and sales taxes.
    • B They guarantee that harmful activities will disappear completely.
    • C They can discourage harmful behavior while generating public revenue.
    • D They shift all government spending to environmental projects.
    • E They make private companies responsible for setting tax rates.
    • F They primarily reward consumers who increase their consumption.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    正确项完整复现了双重收益:discourage 对应抑制 harmful activities,generating public revenue 对应政府获得 revenue。障碍在于选项没有机械重复 double benefit,而是用 while 压缩并列逻辑;考生须确认两个结果同时成立,而非把其中一个误当作唯一理由。

    双钩核验 时间极紧时,不必从头细读。抓住题干中 socially harmful activities 这个低频概念,直接扫到 第1段;随后采用“双钩核验”:正确项必须同时钩住行为端的 discouraging 与财政端的 revenue。任何只钩住一端、或把程度拉到 all / completely 的选项,立即排除。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 tobacco taxes more than twice the revenue of alcohol taxes

    Which statement about tobacco taxes is supported by the passage?

    • A They generate less revenue than alcohol taxes but save more lives.
    • B They reduce impaired driving without affecting smoking rates.
    • C They have completely eliminated smoking in the United States.
    • D They have helped reduce smoking and have generated more than twice the revenue of alcohol taxes.
    • E They are designed mainly to finance green infrastructure projects.
    • F They have increased smoking by making tobacco products more affordable.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:D

    该项准确整合两层信息:have helped reduce smoking 对应 instrumental in the decline of smoking;more than twice the revenue of alcohol taxes 对应 which generate more than twice as much,其中比较基准是前文 alcohol taxes。障碍在于原文把比较关系放在插入性从句中,考生容易误以为 twice 修饰 smoking 或 saved lives。

    括号拆句 抓 tobacco taxes 直达 第2段 后,采用“括号拆句法”:把关于 tobacco 的长句暂时拆为〔收入比较〕和〔吸烟下降→生命获救〕两张信息卡。正确项必须与其中两张卡完全同向;凡把 alcohol 的 driving 结果挪入、或把 decline 升格为 eliminated 的项,立刻淘汰。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 economic efficiency according to economic theory

    Why can carbon taxes increase economic efficiency, according to economic theory?

    • A They exempt carbon-emitting companies from income and sales taxes.
    • B They ensure that greenhouse gas emissions immediately fall to zero.
    • C They allow consumers to receive a yearly dividend from all businesses.
    • D They make climate change less costly for governments than for companies.
    • E They make companies account for climate costs that would otherwise be left unpaid.
    • F They replace the market with direct government control of production.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:E

    该项改述了因果核心:companies pump carbon dioxide into the sky but do not pay the costs of climate change; carbon taxes therefore restore proper market incentives。account for 与 left unpaid 概括了“使外部成本被纳入决策”的机制。障碍在于答案没有逐字复现 restore incentives,考生需从成本归属推导市场激励恢复。

    缺口补回模型 先以 economic efficiency 定位 第3段,再不必逐句翻译,直接抓 because 后的“未付成本”与 restore incentives。用“缺口—补回”模型判断:原先谁漏付了什么,tax 又补回了什么市场信号。能完整闭合该模型的正确项即为答案;谈 dividend、zero emissions 或 control 的项都不在机制层。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 revenue be used

    How might revenue from a carbon tax be used?

    • A It must be used exclusively to halt global warming.
    • B It would be allocated only to housing and child care programs.
    • C It would compensate companies for their carbon dioxide emissions.
    • D It would replace state and local governments' alcohol-tax revenue.
    • E It would be returned only to taxpayers with the greatest wealth.
    • F It could be distributed to citizens or used to fund green infrastructure projects.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:F

    正确项保留了 could 所表达的可能性,并完整对应两个并列用途:handed out to citizens as a dividend 与 used to fund green infrastructure projects。障碍在于题干用 How might 引导,考生必须识别这不是二选一的排他关系;or 在此呈现可选方案,而非否定其中一项。

    钱袋去向法 以“carbon tax + revenue”双词组直达 第4段,随后只扫动词后的宾语:handed out to citizens、fund green infrastructure。采用“钱袋去向法”:凡选项不能回答钱给谁或钱资助什么,而是在讲减排效果、征税机制或别种税,就不进入复核;正确项需保留两个合法去向及 could 的语气。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 wealth tax dual purpose

    What is presented as a dual purpose of a wealth tax?

    • A To reduce wealth inequality while raising revenue for public benefits.
    • B To eliminate all government benefits while lowering tax revenue.
    • C To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore market incentives.
    • D To make alcohol less expensive and reduce impaired driving.
    • E To guarantee that every citizen receives the same amount of wealth.
    • F To fund only health care without addressing inequality.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:A

    该项准确概括了 wealth tax 的双重目的:reduce inequality 与 raise revenue;for public benefits 与后文 housing、child care、health care 等用途一致。障碍在于原文先说 revenue,再具体说明 designated for 的项目,选项把两部分压缩整合,考生须保持“目的—用途”逻辑连续而不误读为仅有一个目的。

    二槽填空 先用 wealth tax 锚定 第5段,然后执行“二槽填空”:题干的 dual purpose 必须填满〔社会问题〕与〔财政结果〕两个槽。正确项同时填满两槽,并与 public benefits 顺接;只说某一福利项目的项只是资金用途,谈 climate 或 alcohol 的项则属于别的税种,均可秒排。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

5 个意群的议论文骨架

按议论文 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. 引言 P1

    征税坏事物的双重吸引力

    这个 introductory paragraph 开门见山地提出了 core proposition,即对 harmful things 征税具有 powerful allure,因为它能带来 double benefit:一方面 discourage 有害行为,另一方面为 government 提供 revenue。这是典型的 thesis statement,为后文的 具体论证 奠定基础。

    作为 opening statement,这个意群直接 introduce 了文章的 central argument,明确指出 taxing bad things 不仅能 reduce harmful behaviors,还能 generate government revenue。它为后续的 specific examples 和 detailed analysis 搭建了 conceptual framework,让读者清楚地知道文章将围绕这个 dual-benefit logic 展开论述。

    提出征税坏事物的双重收益框架
  2. 分论点 P2

    罪恶税的成功案例

    这个 supporting paragraph 通过 sin taxes 这个 concrete example 来 illustrate 引言中的 double benefit。它先用 'Take sin taxes' 这个 imperative sentence 引出 specific case,然后分别论证 alcohol taxes 如何 reduce harmful drinking 并 provide revenue,tobacco taxes 如何 generate more revenue 并 contribute to 吸烟率下降。这是典型的 evidence-based argumentation。

    作为第一个 supporting argument,这个意群通过 well-established examples(alcohol and tobacco taxes)为 thesis 提供 empirical evidence。它不仅 demonstrate 了 tax policy 能 discourage detrimental behaviors(excessive drinking, smoking),还用 quantitative information('billions of dollars', 'twice as much', 'millions of lives')强化 argument 的 credibility,让 abstract idea 变得 tangible and convincing。

    用酒精和烟草税例证双重收益
  3. 分论点 P3

    碳税的环境和经济双重价值

    这个 supporting paragraph 引入 environmental dimension,论证 carbon taxes 作为 important tool for environmental protection。它不仅延续 double benefit 的逻辑(reduce emissions + increase efficiency),还引入 economic theory 来加深 argument 的 theoretical depth。通过解释 externalities 和 proper incentives,这个意群展示了 carbon tax 相比 income or sales taxes 的 unique advantage。

    这个意群通过 introduce environmental taxes 来 expand 文章的 scope,从 public health issues(alcohol, tobacco)延伸到 climate change。它不仅提供 another example,还通过 economic theory(externalities, market incentives)提升 argument 的 sophistication level。'Economic theory says' 这类 authority-based reasoning 增强了 persuasive power,同时为下一段关于 carbon tax implementation 的讨论做 theoretical preparation。

    用碳税例证环境保护中的双重收益
  4. 分论点 P4

    碳税的实际应用和收益用途

    这个 paragraph 在前段 theoretical foundation 的基础上,转向 practical considerations。它用 'In reality' 开头,承认 carbon taxes alone 不足以 halt global warming,但强调它们仍是 useful part of climate plan。重点转向 revenue utilization,提出 hundreds of billions of dollars 可以作为 citizen dividend 或用于 green infrastructure,这延续了 double benefit 中的 revenue dimension。

    这个意群通过 address practical implementation 来 ground 前段的 theoretical argument。它不仅 acknowledge limitations('won't be enough'),展示 balanced reasoning,还通过 specify revenue uses(citizen dividends, green infrastructure)让 'government revenue' 这个 abstract benefit 变得 concrete and actionable。这种 theory-to-practice transition 增强了 argument 的 real-world relevance,让读者看到 policy 的 feasible application。

    阐述碳税收益的具体使用方式
  5. 分论点 P5

    财富税的减少不平等功能

    这个 final body paragraph 用 'Similarly' 引入 another tax category—wealth tax,将 argument 从 environmental issues 扩展到 social inequality。它继续 double benefit 的 framework:reduce inequality 同时 raise revenue(over $4 trillion per decade)。段落指出 revenue 将用于 housing, child care, health care 等 government benefits,并最终回扣 core principle:if wealth inequality is inherently bad,这些 taxes 既 improve society 又 increase government coffers。

    这个意群通过 introduce wealth tax 进一步 broaden 文章的 scope,从 behavioral issues(alcohol, tobacco)和 environmental issues(carbon)扩展到 socioeconomic issues(inequality)。它展示 double-benefit framework 的 versatility,证明这个 logic 不仅适用于 sin taxes 和 environmental taxes,也适用于 redistributive policies。通过提及 '$4 trillion per decade' 和 specific social programs,argument 获得 quantitative grounding 和 social relevance。

    用财富税例证减少不平等中的双重收益
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2020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. 首段定调识别 P1

    议论文的 first paragraph 往往不仅仅是 introduce the topic,更重要的是会 reveal author's attitude。当看到 'powerful allure' 和 'double benefit' 这种明显的 positive evaluation 时,就能判断出作者对 taxing bad things 持支持态度,这为理解整篇文章的 main idea 奠定了基础。

  2. 平行结构识别 P2 P3 P4 P5

    第2段 到 第5段 都遵循同样的 organizational pattern:先提出一个 specific type of tax,然后强调它的 dual benefits。这种 repetitive structure 不是偶然的,而是作者在用 multiple instances 来 support 一个 overarching claim。当你看到 sin taxes、carbon taxes、wealth tax 这些 parallel examples 都指向 'reduces harm + generates revenue' 时,就能确定这正是文章的 central thesis。

  3. 逻辑连接词追踪 P3 P4 P5

    第3段 的 'Taxes can also be' 和 第5段 的 'Similarly' 是典型的 argument-extending signals,表明作者在 broaden the scope of benefits。即使 第4段 出现了 'won't be enough' 这样的 concession,但紧接着的 'but they would be useful' 说明作者并没有 reverse the stance,而是在 refine the claim。这些 discourse markers 帮助我们确认作者始终在 defend taxation 的价值。

  4. 具体成果分类归纳 P2 P3 P4 P5

    当你看到 'reduces excessive drinking'、'decline of smoking'、'reduce emissions'、'reduce inequality' 时,它们都属于 'discourage harmful activities' 这一类;而 'billions of dollars'、'hundreds of billions'、'over $4 trillion'、'fund infrastructure'、'government benefits' 都属于 'generate revenue for public good' 这一类。议论文的 main idea 往往是对这些 scattered details 的 high-level summary,能够把所有 supporting points 都涵盖进去。

  5. 双向验证检查 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5

    第1段 提出的 'double benefit' 框架(discourage harm + provide revenue)在后续段落中被反复 instantiated:sin taxes、carbon taxes、wealth tax 都完美契合这个框架。这种 first paragraph's promise 与 body paragraphs' delivery 之间的 alignment 是判断 main idea 准确性的终极检验。如果你提炼的 main idea 无法解释某个段落的存在意义,说明概括不够准确。

主旨信号词 double benefit P1 reduces P2 revenue P1 harmful P1 instrumental P2 also P3

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

对酒精、烟草、碳排放和过度财富等有害活动征税具有双重好处:既能抑制对社会有害的行为,又能为政府创造可观收入,用于资助公共服务、减少不平等并应对气候变化。
Taxing harmful activities like alcohol, tobacco, carbon emissions, and excessive wealth offers dual benefits: discouraging socially detrimental behaviors while generating substantial government revenue that can fund public services, reduce inequality, and combat climate change.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

5 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。

  • allure 吸引力;魅力

    现在我们把所有 clues 串联起来看:powerful 这个 strong positive modifier 修饰 allure,暗示这是个好东西;句间的 causal logic 显示 double benefit 是产生 allure 的原因;从 syntactic position 来看,它是个 abstract noun 表示某种 quality。所以 allure 就是指这种因为有好处而产生的吸引力或魅力,让人觉得这个 idea 很有 appeal,值得采纳。

    抽象名词三维分析法
  • instrumental 起重要作用的;有帮助的

    综合来看:collocation 层面,instrumental 后面接的都是 major positive outcomes;paragraph logic 层面,这个词出现在论证 taxes effectiveness 的 context 里;morphology 层面,instrument root 暗示工具性、手段性的含义。所以 instrumental 就是指起到关键作用的、对实现某个 result 很重要的意思,相当于 crucial 或 essential in achieving something。

    派生形容词三步推断法
  • incentive 激励;刺激因素

    我们整合所有 evidence:semantic collocation 显示 incentive 是能被 restore 的、对 market 很重要的东西;argumentative logic 表明它是驱动 companies 做出 economically efficient choices 的 force;word family 暗示它和 motivation 相关。综合判断,incentive 就是激励、刺激因素,是促使 economic agents 采取某种 behavior 的 motivation 或 inducement,在 economics 里通常指 price signals 或 policy mechanisms 提供的行为动力。

    专业术语领域逻辑推断法
  • halt 使停止;终止

    结合两条 clues:contrast 显示 halt 比 useful part 更 extreme 和 comprehensive;semantic intensity 显示它是针对 serious ongoing problem 的 drastic action。所以 halt 就是指完全停止、终止的意思,相当于 stop completely,比 slow down 或 reduce 更强烈。

    动词强度等级分析法
  • designate 指定;指派

    综合三个 dimensions:verb-object collocation 显示它连接 money 和 specific uses;parallel structure 表明它和 hand out、use to fund 有相似的 functional purpose;morphology 显示 sign root 暗示做标记或指定。所以 designate 就是指定、指派的意思,在这个 context 里特指把 revenue 明确分配给特定用途,即 earmark 或 allocate for specific purposes。

    程序性动词框架分析法
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

8 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。

  • 举例论证

    P2

    作者在 第2段 中通过 sin taxes 这个 concrete example 来支撑 taxing harmful activities 的 double benefit 论点。具体列举了 alcohol taxes 和 tobacco taxes 两个实例,alcohol taxes 能 reduce excessive drinking 和 impaired driving,而 tobacco taxes 更是 generate more than twice revenue 并且 instrumental in 让 smoking decline,最终 saved millions of lives。这种 specific evidence 让抽象的 taxation theory 变得 tangible and convincing,直接证明了对 harmful behaviors 征税确实能产生 discourage bad activities 和 raise revenue 的双重效果。

    信号词 Take For example For instance Consider Look at A case in point To illustrate Such as Like Specifically

    仿写: 当你想论证某个 policy 或 measure 的有效性时,不要只停留在 theoretical level。问自己:有哪些 historical examples 或 current cases 能证明这一点?选择那些 具有 quantifiable results 的例子(比如文中的 billions of dollars revenue 和 millions of lives saved),这样的 specific data 比 vague statements 更有说服力。仿写模版:【Topic sentence 提出论点】 + 【Take/Consider + 具体例子名称】 + 【例子的具体表现和数据】 + 【例子如何支撑论点的 summary】。

  • 举例论证

    P3

    在 第3段 中,作者用 carbon taxes 这个 environmental taxation example 来扩展 taxing bad things 的适用范围。不同于 第2段 的 public health examples,这里聚焦 environmental protection,说明 carbon taxes 能 reduce greenhouse gas emissions。更进一步,作者引入 economic theory 来解释为什么 carbon taxes 比其他税种更优:它们 actually increase economic efficiency,因为能 restore proper incentives 给那些本该承担 climate change costs 但目前 don't pay 的 companies。这个例子不仅证明了主旨中的 discourage harmful activities,还展示了这类税收的 additional economic benefit。

    信号词 also Take For example For instance Consider Look at A case in point To illustrate Such as Like Specifically Similarly

    仿写: 当你的 argument 涉及不同 domains 或 areas 时,使用 multiple examples from different fields 能增强 universality。注意在举例时可以添加 theoretical explanation(像文中引入 economic theory)来 deepen the analysis。仿写模版:【提出适用于新领域的论点】 + 【Taxes/Policies + can also + 动词短语】 + 【领域专家的观点或理论支撑】 + 【解释该例子的 mechanism 或 reasoning】。

  • 举例论证

    P5

    第5段 中作者引入 wealth tax 作为另一个 taxation example,论证对 excessive wealth 征税能 reduce inequality 同时 raise revenue。这个例子 parallel 了前面的逻辑:既能 discourage 某种 socially detrimental condition(wealth inequality),又能产生巨额收入(over $4 trillion per decade)用于 housing, child care, health care 等 government benefits。通过 Similarly 这个 transition,作者将 wealth tax 与之前的 sin taxes 和 carbon taxes 形成 analogous relationship,强化了文章主旨中 taxation as dual-benefit tool 的 universality。

    信号词 Similarly Likewise In the same way By the same token Take For example For instance Consider Also

    仿写: 当你已经给出 several examples 并想再添加一个时,用 Similarly/Likewise 等 parallel markers 能清晰显示这个新例子与前面的 logical connection。确保新例子 follows the same argumentative pattern(如文中的 discourage harm + raise revenue 这个 dual structure),这样能形成 reinforcing effect。仿写模版:【Similarly/Likewise + 新例子名称】 + 【has been put forward as a way to + 目标A + while + 目标B】 + 【具体收益和用途】 + 【总结该例子如何支撑总论点】。

  • 因果论证

    P2

    在 第2段 中,作者建立了清晰的 causal chain:Taxes on alcohol 导致 it becomes more expensive to get drunk,这个 higher cost 进而 causes reduced excessive drinking 和 impaired driving。这是典型的 cause-effect reasoning,展示了 taxation mechanism 如何 through price increase 来 achieve behavioral change。这种因果论证直接支撑了文章主旨中 discourage harmful activities 的部分,让读者理解 taxation 不只是 punishment,而是通过 economic incentive 来 shape behavior 的 tool。

    信号词 which because since as therefore thus consequently as a result lead to result in cause make bring about

    仿写: 当你想解释某个 policy 或 measure 的 working mechanism 时,明确画出 causal pathway:X leads to Y, which results in Z。使用 causal verbs(make, cause, lead to, result in, bring about)和 causal conjunctions(because, since, as)。确保每个 causal link 都是 logical and plausible,不要跳过 intermediate steps。仿写模版:【Action/Policy X】 + 【make/cause + immediate effect】 + 【which + causal verb + further consequence】+ 【final outcome】。

  • 因果论证

    P3

    第3段 中有一个深层的 causal reasoning:companies pump carbon dioxide but don't pay costs of climate change,这个 market failure 导致 improper incentives。Carbon taxes 能 restore proper incentives,因为它们 make companies internalize 之前 externalized 的 costs。这里作者用 because 明确标注了 causal relationship,解释了为什么 carbon taxes 能 increase economic efficiency。这种 mechanism-based causal argument 不仅支撑主旨中的 discourage harmful activities,还从 economic theory 层面说明了 taxation 的 corrective function。

    信号词 because since as which therefore thus consequently as a result lead to result in cause make restore would

    仿写: 对于 complex mechanisms,可以先指出 current problem or market failure(用 because 从句说明 root cause),然后展示你的 proposed solution 如何 address 这个 cause。这种 problem-solution causal structure 特别适合 policy arguments。仿写模版:【Current situation/problem】 + 【because + underlying cause】 + 【Proposed solution + would + causal verb + desired effect】 + 【解释 mechanism】。

  • 对比论证

    P3

    第3段 中作者通过 unlike 建立了一个 explicit contrast:carbon taxes 与 income or sales taxes 不同,前者 actually increase economic efficiency 而后者没有这个效果。这个 comparison 凸显了 carbon taxes 的 special advantage 和 superiority,让读者理解不是所有税都一样,carbon taxes 有其 unique economic merit。这种对比强化了文章主旨中支持 taxing harmful activities 的论证,因为它表明这类税收不仅不会损害 economy,反而能 improve efficiency。

    信号词 unlike in contrast to whereas while on the other hand however but conversely by contrast rather than instead of

    仿写: 当你想强调某个 policy 或 approach 的 unique advantage 时,将它与 conventional alternatives 进行对比。使用 unlike/in contrast to/whereas 等 contrastive markers 来 signal the comparison。确保对比的 two sides 在同一个 dimension 上可比较(如文中都是关于 economic efficiency)。仿写模版:【Unlike/In contrast to + Option A】 + 【Option B + actually/can + 独特优势】 + 【解释为什么 B 优于 A】。

  • 因果论证

    P5

    第5段 中作者建立了 wealth inequality 与 taxation solution 之间的 causal logic:如果你相信 wealth inequality is inherently bad,那么 wealth taxes 就能 improve society(by reducing inequality)同时 swell government coffers。这里用 If...then 的 conditional structure 建立 premise-conclusion relationship,这是一种 hypothetical causal reasoning。它支撑文章主旨中 reduce inequality 和 raise revenue 的双重目标,让读者看到 wealth tax 如何 simultaneously address 社会问题和财政需求。

    信号词 If then because since therefore thus as a result lead to improve while also

    仿写: 使用 conditional causal structure(If...then)能让你的 argument 更具 logical elegance。这种结构适合基于某个 widely accepted premise 来推导 policy implications。先陈述 premise(如 if you believe X),然后展示基于这个 premise,某个 action 如何 logically lead to desired outcomes。仿写模版:【If you believe/accept + premise】 + 【then + proposed action + causal verb + outcome A + while also + outcome B】。

  • 比喻修辞

    P5

    在 第5段 中,作者用 swelling government coffers 这个 metaphorical expression 来描述税收增加政府收入。Swell 本意是 become larger or rounder,通常形容身体部位或自然现象,这里 metaphorically 用来形容 government revenue 的增长,coffers 则是装钱的 chests 或 treasury 的 figurative term。这个 vivid imagery 比直接说 increase government revenue 更生动,让抽象的 fiscal concept 具有 physical and visual quality,增强了 reader engagement。

    仿写: 当描述 abstract processes 或 concepts 时(如 economic changes, policy effects),考虑用 physical or natural phenomena 来 create metaphors。选择那些读者 familiar 且能产生 strong visual image 的 source domains。确保你的 metaphor 与要表达的 literal meaning 在 certain aspect 上有 logical correspondence(如 swell 暗示的 gradual increase 对应 revenue growth)。仿写时可以替换 common verbs 为 more vivid metaphorical ones。

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。

  • 双重好处实则强调征税正当性

    P1
    It offers the possibility of a double benefit—discouraging harmful activities, while also providing the government with revenue.

    正面强调类 double benefit dual benefits two advantages both...and not only...but also in addition to at the same time

    表面上是在 describe taxation 的 two benefits,但 implied meaning 是:既然能 discourage harmful activities 又能 generate revenue,这种税就是 morally justified 和 economically sensible 的。这为整篇文章的 pro-taxation stance 奠定了 foundational logic,让后续的 specific examples 都能 fall under 这个 framework。对 main thesis 的 value 在于:establish 了一个 recurring justification pattern,让 readers 在看到每个 tax example 时都会 automatically think of 这个 double benefit。

  • 具体数据暗示成功可复制

    P2
    they provide state and local governments with billions of dollars of revenue. Tobacco taxes, which generate more than twice as much, have proven instrumental in the decline of smoking, which has saved millions of lives.

    量化证据类 billions of dollars、twice as much、millions of lives billions of dollars millions of lives twice as much over X percent generated X amount reduced by X

    表面是 present factual data about revenue 和 health outcomes,但 deeper implication 是:sin taxes 的 success story 证明了 taxing harmful things 这个 approach 是 empirically sound。这给后面的 carbon tax 和 wealth tax proposals 提供了 precedential legitimacy—如果这个 model 已经 worked spectacularly 在 tobacco and alcohol 上,为什么不能 apply 到 other harmful activities?对 thesis 的作用是 provide concrete validation,让 subsequent proposals 显得 less speculative。

  • 经济理论支持暗示科学共识

    P3
    many economists say taxing carbon would be the best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Economic theory says that unlike income or sales taxes, carbon taxes can actually increase economic efficiency

    权威背书类 Economic theory says、many economists say economic theory says economists say experts argue research shows studies indicate according to scientists

    表面是 reference economic theory 和 economist opinions,但 implicit argument 是:carbon taxes 不是 controversial proposal,而是 scientifically sound solution with professional backing。"Many economists" 暗示这是 mainstream view 而非 fringe opinion。这个 implication 对 main thesis 极其重要,因为它 preempts 对 carbon taxes 的 skepticism—如果 economic experts broadly agree,那 opposition 就变得 ideologically driven 而非 evidence-based。为文章的 pro-taxation stance 披上了 scientific objectivity 的外衣。

  • 让步转折暗示核心价值

    P4
    carbon taxes alone won't be enough to halt global warming, but they would be a useful part of any climate plan.

    让步转折类 won't be enough...but not sufficient...however alone cannot...yet may not solve...but still while limited...nevertheless though imperfect...remains can't fully...but would

    表面是 admit carbon taxes 的 limitation,但 implicit message 是:即使有局限,它仍是 indispensable component of climate action。"Useful part of any climate plan" 这个 phrasing 暗示:任何 serious climate strategy 都 cannot afford to exclude it。对 thesis 的作用是 sophisticated defense—通过 acknowledge potential criticism,author 显得 realistic and trustworthy,但同时 reinforces 这个 tax 的 necessity。这让 argument 更难被反驳,因为 criticism 已经被 preemptively addressed。

  • 条件假设暗示价值判断

    P5
    If you believe, as many do, that wealth inequality is inherently bad, then these taxes improve society while also swelling government coffers.

    条件假设类 If you believe...as many do if you believe...as many do if one accepts...as most do assuming...as commonly believed given that...as widely recognized if we agree...as many would provided that...as generally accepted

    表面是 present a logical conditional,但 "as many do" 这个 parenthetical addition 的 implication 是:believing wealth inequality is bad 是 mainstream, reasonable position。这 normalizes 对 wealth tax 的支持,因为它让 opposition 显得 fringe。对 main thesis 的作用是 establish moral grounding—wealth tax 不只是 economically sensible,更是 ethically justified if you share this widely-held belief。这个 framing 让 wealth tax 从 controversial policy proposal 变成了 natural extension of commonly accepted values,significantly strengthens the overall pro-taxation argument。

  • 具体用途暗示税收正义性

    P5
    the revenue from this tax, which some experts predict will be over $4 trillion per decade, would be designated for housing, child care, health care and other government benefits.

    目的指向类 would be designated for allocated to used to fund directed toward invested in channeled into earmarked for

    表面是 provide information about revenue use,但 listing housing, child care, health care 这些 sympathetic causes 的 implication 是:wealth tax 是 redistributive justice in action。这些是 basic human needs,暗示 wealthy people's surplus 应该 serve social welfare。对 main thesis 的 contribution 是 add moral dimension—这不仅 economically sound,更是 ethically imperative。Revenue destination 的 specificity 让 abstract "government revenue" 变成了 concrete help for struggling families,makes opposition 更 difficult to justify morally。这 completes the article's persuasive arc:taxation is both practically effective and morally righteous。

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

  1. 开篇定调法 P1

    在 argumentative essays 中,作者通常会在 opening paragraph 就 reveal 自己的 position。用 powerful allure 和 double benefit 这样明显 positive 的 language 来 frame 一个 policy idea,说明作者是在 endorsing 而不是 criticizing 这个 concept。

  2. 正面案例堆积 P2 P3 P4 P5

    在 argumentative writing 中,authors 选择什么样的 examples 以及如何 present 这些 examples 能 reveal 他们的 stance。这里作者 exclusively 选择了 success stories,而且用 proven instrumental、saved millions of lives 这样强烈 positive 的 language 来 describe 这些 examples,表明作者是在 building a case for 这类 tax policies。

  3. 权威背书单向性 P3 P5

    Balanced argumentative essays 会 acknowledge counterarguments,但 how 作者 handles different perspectives 反映了 their stance。这里作者 cite expert opinions 和 economic theory 都是为了 support 自己的 position,并没有 seriously engage with 反对的 voices。这种 one-sided citation pattern 表明作者的 firm support。

  4. 让步后强化 P4

    Even supportive authors 需要 acknowledge limitations 来保持 credibility,但关键看他们如何 frame 这些 limitations。如果 limitations 被 presented as minor 或 manageable,然后 immediately followed by benefits 的 reaffirmation,这表示作者 fundamentally supports 这个 idea despite 其 imperfections。这里的 concession-rebuttal structure 是 typical 的 advocacy pattern。

  5. 全文论证方向 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5

    Argumentative essays 的 author attitude 体现在 every structural element 的 cumulative effect 上。当 opening、examples、citations、limitation handling 全部指向 same direction 时,这就形成了 unmistakable authorial stance。这篇文章没有任何 element 显示 skepticism 或 neutrality,all components work together 来 build a case for these tax policies。

文中的态度信号词

  • powerful allure P1

    这个 phrase 带有明显的 positive connotation,表示作者认为这个 taxation idea 具有 strong attractiveness。在 argumentative writing 中,用 powerful 和 allure 这样的词来 describe 一个 policy concept,是在 signal 作者的 favorable evaluation,为后续的 supportive argument 定下 positive tone。

    同类词 compelling appeal strong attraction great promise significant potential considerable merit

  • double benefit P1

    Double benefit 这个 expression 强调了 policy 的 multiple positive outcomes,这是作者在 highlight advantages 而不是 problems。在 argumentative context 中,emphasizing multiplicity of benefits 是 advocacy 的 common rhetorical strategy,显示作者在 building a strong case for the policy。

    同类词 dual advantage twofold gain multiple benefits win-win situation added value

  • proven instrumental P2

    Proven instrumental 是一个 strong endorsement phrase,combining factual claim (proven) 和 positive evaluation (instrumental)。作者用这个来 describe tobacco taxes 的 role,是在 present them as unquestionably successful,这 reinforces 作者对 similar tax policies 的 support。

    同类词 demonstrably effective clearly successful undeniably useful evidently beneficial remarkably effective

  • saved millions of lives P2

    这是 maximally positive outcome statement,用 saved lives 这样的 life-or-death framing 来 present policy impact。在 argumentative writing 中,invoking life-saving outcomes 是 most powerful way 来 justify a policy,显示作者认为这个 policy 有 fundamental moral value,表达 strong support。

    同类词 prevented countless deaths dramatically improved health significantly reduced harm substantially decreased risk greatly enhanced welfare

  • best way P3

    Best way 是一个 superlative judgment,表示作者认为 carbon taxes 是 superior to alternatives。在 argumentative essays 中,使用 superlatives 来 describe a policy option 是 strong endorsement signal,显示作者不只是 supporting it,而是认为它是 best available choice。

    同类词 optimal approach most effective method ideal solution superior strategy preferable option

  • actually increase economic efficiency P3

    Actually 在这里是一个 counter-expectation marker,suggesting 这个 outcome 比人们 might expect 的更好。这种 exceeding expectations 的 framing 是作者在 emphasize unexpected advantages,是 advocacy 的 rhetorical device。Increase economic efficiency 本身就是 strong positive claim。

    同类词 actually increase genuinely improve truly enhance really benefit indeed strengthen

  • useful part P4

    即使在 acknowledge limitation (won't be enough) 之后,作者用 but they would be a useful part 来 maintain positive framing。这个 useful 表明即使有 limitations,作者仍然 see value,这是 qualified support 而不是 rejection。

    同类词 valuable component important element beneficial piece worthwhile addition significant contribution

  • What's more P4

    What's more 是一个 additive discourse marker,signal 作者在 pile on more benefits。在 argumentative writing 中,这类 connectors 用来 build cumulative case,显示作者在 systematically accumulate evidence for their position。

    同类词 Furthermore Moreover Additionally In addition Beyond that

  • improve society P5

    Improve society 是 maximally positive social outcome claim,将 tax policy 与 fundamental social good 直接 link。这种 big-picture positive framing 是作者在 establish moral justification for the policy,表达 strong normative support。

    同类词 benefit society enhance social welfare advance public good serve common interest promote social progress

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇议论文

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议论文?

  1. 开篇立场表态 P1

    第1段 开门见山说 taxing bad things 有 powerful allure 并提出 double benefit 的 possibility,这是典型的 value judgment 和 position statement,而不是客观描述 facts(说明文风格)或报道 recent events(新闻风格)

  2. 论据支撑论点 P2 P3

    第2段 和 第3段 用 sin taxes 和 carbon taxes 作为 supporting examples 来证明 opening 中的 claim,每个 example 都指向同一个 thesis:taxes can discourage harmful activities while generating revenue,这是 argumentative structure,不是说明文的 informational structure 或新闻的 chronological reporting

  3. 倡导性建议 P4 P5

    第4段 和 第5段 包含大量 prescriptive statements:carbon taxes would be useful、revenue could be handed out、wealth tax has been put forward as a way to reduce inequality,这些都是 advocating for actions 和 evaluating outcomes,完全不同于说明文的 descriptive tone 或新闻的 objective reporting

  4. 三维判断综述 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5

    这篇文章完美展示了议论文的 complete argumentative arc:从 第1段 的 thesis about taxation benefits,到 第2段-3 的 supporting examples,再到 第4段-5 的 extended applications 和 prescriptive conclusions,整个 text 是一个 coherent argument 而不是 information presentation 或 event coverage

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁?

  • offers the possibility P1 观点引导词 suggests that argues that claims that contends that proposes that
  • many economists say P3 立场表态词 experts argue some scholars believe critics contend proponents claim opponents maintain
  • Economic theory says P3 论证逻辑连接词 research shows studies indicate evidence suggests logic dictates theory holds
  • What's more P4 论证逻辑连接词 Furthermore Moreover In addition Not only that On top of that
  • Similarly P5 论证逻辑连接词 Likewise In the same vein By the same token In a similar fashion Analogously
  • If you believe, as many do P5 立场表态词 If you believe as many do those who think for those who hold that if one accepts that
  • in reality P4 观点引导词 admittedly to be sure granted it is true that of course
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

7 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 Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy 的常见问题

2020年12月英语六级真题第1套 Part III Section A 文章 Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy 的原文出自哪里?
《彭博商业周刊》2020.03.09文章 Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy(为何对坏事征税并不总是好政策)。
2020年12月英语六级真题第1套文章 Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy 的主旨是什么?
对酒精、烟草、碳排放和过度财富等有害活动征税具有双重好处:既能抑制对社会有害的行为,又能为政府创造可观收入,用于资助公共服务、减少不平等并应对气候变化。(英文表述:Taxing harmful activities like alcohol, tobacco, carbon emissions, and excessive wealth offers dual benefits: discouraging socially detrimental behaviors while generating substantial government revenue that can fund public services, reduce inequality, and combat climate change.)
Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy(2020年12月英语六级真题第1套文章)是什么体裁?难度如何?
体裁为议论文,作者立场是积极支持(Supportive and advocating)。CEFR 难度 C1,全文 286 词、5 段;在英语六级全部 593 篇真题文章中,C1 级共 343 篇(占 58%)。
2020年12月英语六级真题第1套文章 Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy 的篇章结构是怎样的?
全文 5 段按议论文骨架分为 5 个意群:引言 · 第1段——征税坏事物的双重吸引力;分论点 · 第2段——罪恶税的成功案例;分论点 · 第3段——碳税的环境和经济双重价值;分论点 · 第4段——碳税的实际应用和收益用途;分论点 · 第5段——财富税的减少不平等功能。
Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy 一文的作者态度是什么?
作者态度是积极支持(Supportive and advocating)。判断路径:开篇定调法 → 正面案例堆积 → 权威背书单向性 → 让步后强化 → 全文论证方向;文中的态度信号词包括 powerful allure(第1段)、double benefit(第1段)、proven instrumental(第2段)、saved millions of lives(第2段)、best way(第3段)、actually increase economic efficiency(第3段)、useful part(第4段)、What's more(第4段)、improve society(第5段)。
2020年12月英语六级真题第1套文章 Why Taxing Bad Things Isn't Always Good Policy 中有哪些值得积累的生词?
按文中出现顺序共 5 个:allure(吸引力;魅力)、instrumental(起重要作用的;有帮助的)、incentive(激励;刺激因素)、halt(使停止;终止)、designate(指定;指派),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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