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1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1)
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1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1)

议论文 · 阅读理解（四选一） · 真题文章逐层精读

本页是 1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章的精读视角页——这篇议论文全文 354 词、6 段，CEFR 难度 C1（C1 级在考研英语文章中占 91%），作者立场为「消极批判」；英文原文之外，本篇已有的 11 项精读维度逐项展开，其中能迁移到其他考研英语真题文章的判断方法（篇章结构、修辞、言外之意、作者态度、体裁速判）随各维度一并讲透。

精读最佳实践

本页解析里的段号（P1）都可以点——点一下，原文在顶部翻开并定位到该段，解析引用的原文同步标亮；合上原文，你还停在刚才读到的位置。点 P1 试试。

PASSAGE · 文章原文

6 段英文原文

以下为1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 的阅读理解（四选一）原文，共 6 段。左侧 P1–P6 是段落编号——本页全部解析（结构、逐段、修辞、自检题）都以它为坐标回指原文，点击解析里的段号，原文即在顶部翻开并定位到该段、引用的原文同步标亮；合上原文仍停在当前阅读位置。原文保持卷面形态，不带翻译与标注。

Few creations of big technology capture the imagination like giant dams. Perhaps it is humankind's long suffering at the mercy of flood and drought that makes the idea of forcing the waters to do our bidding so fascinating. But to be fascinated is also, sometimes, to be blind. Several giant dam projects threaten to do more harm than good.

The lesson from dams is that big is not always beautiful. It doesn't help that building a big, powerful dam has become a symbol of achievement for nations and people striving to assert themselves. Egypt's leadership in the Arab world was cemented by the Aswan High Dam. Turkey's bid for First World status includes the giant Ataturk Dam.

But big dams tend not to work as intended. The Aswan Dam, for example, stopped the Nile flooding but deprived Egypt of the fertile silt that floods left—all in return for a giant reservoir of disease which is now so full of silt that it barely generates electricity.

And yet, the myth of controlling the waters persists. This week, in the heart of civilized Europe, Slovaks and Hungarians stopped just short of sending in the troops in their contention over a dam on the Danube. The huge complex will probably have all the usual problems of big dams. But Slovakia is bidding for independence from the Czechs, and now needs a dam to prove itself.

Meanwhile, in India, the World Bank has given the go-ahead to the even more wrong-headed Narmada Dam. And the bank has done this even though its advisors say the dam will cause hardship for the powerless and environmental destruction. The benefits are for the powerful, but they are far from guaranteed.

Proper, scientific study of the impacts of dams and of the cost and benefits of controlling water can help to resolve these conflicts. Hydroelectric power and flood control and irrigation are possible without building monster dams. But when you are dealing with myths, it is hard to be either proper, or scientific. It is time that the world learned the lessons of Aswan. You don't need a dam to be saved.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

6 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解1998年考研英语真题 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 Dangerous Allure of Giant Dams

    The appeal of giant dams can blind people to their potential harm.

    本段承担 introduction 的任务，它从人类控制自然的愿望切入，再提出“大坝弊大于利”的核心质疑，为全文批判 giant dam projects 奠定论证方向。

    抓住转折后的警告
  2. P2

    Dams as Symbols of National Pride

    National pride makes giant dams attractive symbols despite their questionable value.

    本段解释了大型水坝为何持续受到青睐：其背后有 national pride 的驱动，这为下文说明人们即使面对失败案例仍坚持建坝提供了动因。

    从埃及土耳其提炼共性
  3. P3

    The Failure of the Aswan Dam

    The Aswan Dam shows that giant dams can create severe harm while failing to deliver promised benefits.

    本段提供了全文最关键的事实证据之一，它把前文的抽象警告落到 Aswan 的具体后果上，有力证明巨型水坝并非真正有效的发展方案。

    用阿斯旺验证失败
  4. P4

    Political Ambition and the Dam Myth

    Political self-assertion sustains the myth of giant dams despite their predictable problems.

    本段把论证范围从埃及扩展到 Europe，说明迷信大型水坝并非个别国家的问题；作者进一步揭示，政治诉求会使社会无视这些项目的惯常风险。

    从争坝看政治证明
  5. P5

    The Human Cost of the Narmada Dam

    The Narmada Dam illustrates how powerful interests can approve harmful projects at the expense of the powerless.

    本段补强了全文的批判维度：大型水坝不仅可能 environmental destructive 和 economically unreliable，还可能造成 social injustice，因此其“弊大于利”具有更深的伦理意义。

    看清强弱者的代价
  6. P6

    Beyond the Myth of Monster Dams

    Scientific alternatives to monster dams can meet water needs, and the world must abandon the dam myth.

    本段完成全文 conclusion：它回应前文的环境、效益、政治和公平问题，提出以 scientific evaluation 和非巨坝方案替代 myth-driven construction，并最终重申全文主旨。

    从替代方案读出呼吁
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

6 道逐段细节自检题

针对1998年考研英语真题这篇原文，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 giant dam projects

    What is the author's main concern about several giant dam projects?

    • A They cannot protect people from floods and droughts.
    • B They are too technically advanced for most countries to operate.
    • C They may produce more overall damage than benefit.
    • D They have failed to capture the public imagination.
    • E They are built mainly to replace traditional water systems.
    • F They make people less interested in controlling water.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    该项准确改写了 more harm than good：overall damage 对应 harm，benefit 对应 good，并保留 may 所体现的审慎判断。它没有擅自补充某一种具体危害，而是概括作者对 several projects 的总评价。障碍在于原文用的是简洁的比较表达，选项改为抽象的 cost-benefit 判断，考生必须识别 paraphrase，而不能只寻找原词复现。

    转折后比值核对 时间极紧时，直接用题干中的 giant dam projects 定位到 第1段，不必从首句开始顺读。随后只做一次“转折后判决”扫描：圈出 But 后的比较结构，再检查正确项是否完整保留“负面后果大于正面收益”的方向与程度；其余选项只要出现绝对化、倒置或新增原因即可快速排除。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 Aswan High Dam Ataturk Dam

    Why are the Aswan High Dam and the Ataturk Dam mentioned together?

    • A They prove that large dams are the cheapest way to generate power.
    • B They show that Egypt and Turkey share identical water problems.
    • C They demonstrate that dam size guarantees international respect.
    • D They illustrate how large dams can serve as symbols of national status.
    • E They explain why flood control has become unnecessary.
    • F They compare two successful environmental restoration projects.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    选项概括了两个例子的共同逻辑：一个工程被联系到 leadership，另一个被联系到 First World status，二者都不是单纯的供电或灌溉效果，而是 nations and people striving to assert themselves 的象征需求。障碍在于原文没有直接使用 national status 这个词，考生需要把 leadership、bid for status 和 symbol of achievement 进行上位归纳。

    两例后名词求交集 用 Aswan High Dam 和 Ataturk Dam 两个专名锁定 第2段 后，不读完整段落，先纵向比对两例各自后面的名词：leadership 与 First World status。把两者压缩成“国家身份诉求”，再选与这一上位概念一致的正确项；凡是转向价格、环境或水文问题的选项立即排除。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 Aswan Dam

    What does the author suggest about the Aswan Dam's performance?

    • A It prevented flooding without reducing Egypt's agricultural fertility.
    • B It became a reliable source of increasingly efficient electricity.
    • C It was abandoned because it could not stop the Nile from flooding.
    • D It improved public health by eliminating waterborne disease.
    • E It achieved flood control but created serious ecological and practical costs.
    • F It failed mainly because Egypt lacked the funds to maintain it.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    该项保留了原文的让步结构：achieved flood control 对应 stopped the Nile flooding，serious ecological cost 概括 fertile silt 的丧失与 disease reservoir，practical cost 概括淤积后几乎不能发电。它没有夸大为完全失败，而是准确呈现“部分目标完成但整体效果不佳”。障碍在于多个负面后果分散在同一句不同层次中，考生必须合并而非只选其中一项。

    一正一负双栏核验 直接以 Aswan Dam 定位到 第3段，再只读包含 but 和 all in return for 的一个长句。把句子拆为“已实现功能”与“交换代价”两栏，正确项必须两栏都覆盖；只要某个选项把任一栏改成零代价、完全无效或持续高效，便立刻淘汰。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 Slovakia

    What is presented as Slovakia's key reason for needing the dam?

    • A It is intended to settle the territorial dispute with Hungary permanently.
    • B It is needed to prevent European troops from entering the region.
    • C It will solve the usual environmental problems caused by large dams.
    • D It is required to provide Hungary with additional irrigation water.
    • E It is designed to restore Slovakia's leadership in Europe.
    • F It is meant to help the country demonstrate its independence from the Czechs.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    该项忠实重述逻辑链：Slovakia is bidding for independence from the Czechs，因此 needs a dam to prove itself。demonstrate 对应 prove，meant to help 表达工具性目的。障碍在于作者没有说大坝能够真正带来独立，只说它被当作证明自身的象征；选项同样保留了 intended purpose，未把政治愿望偷换为既成事实。

    跳读至不定式目的 用 Slovakia 定位 第4段 后，跳过争端新闻句，直奔该国第二次出现的位置，专查 needs 加名词加 to do 结构。将 to prove itself 还原为“以工程证明独立身份”，正确项必须呈现这条目的链；含 Hungary、troops、environmental problems 的选项均是同段邻词陷阱。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 World Bank Narmada Dam

    What criticism does the author make of the World Bank's decision on the Narmada Dam?

    • A It approved a project despite warnings that its costs would fall on the powerless and the environment.
    • B It rejected the project because its advisors opposed all dam construction.
    • C It guaranteed that the dam's benefits would reach powerless communities.
    • D It delayed approval until environmental destruction could be eliminated.
    • E It relied on evidence that the project would certainly help the poor.
    • F It considered environmental damage less important than regional independence.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    该项精确对应给出许可的行为与 even though 引出的反证：advisors 预言 hardship for the powerless and environmental destruction。costs would fall on 将 hardship 和 destruction 概括为代价分配，仍保留预测性质。障碍在于作者还补充 benefits are for the powerful but far from guaranteed；这会诱使考生只选“收益不保证”，但该项是对整个批准决定最完整的批评。

    让步句逆向拼接 以 World Bank 和 Narmada Dam 的共现锁定 第5段，随后采用“让步逆读”：先读 even though 后的 advisors warning，再回读前面的 go-ahead。把二者连成“明知风险仍批准”，正确项应同时覆盖该冲突；所有改写批准动作或虚构消除风险条件的选项均可秒排。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 monster dams

    Which approach does the author advocate for meeting water-management needs?

    • A Build larger dams after completing a scientific study.
    • B Use scientific assessment and pursue water benefits without relying on monster dams.
    • C Abandon hydroelectric power, flood control, and irrigation altogether.
    • D Give political myths priority over scientific evidence.
    • E Treat the Aswan model as the standard for future dam projects.
    • F Leave water conflicts unresolved because they are politically unavoidable.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    该项合并了两层建议：proper, scientific study of impacts and costs and benefits，以及水电、防洪、灌溉可以 without building monster dams。relying on 比原文的 building 更具概括性，但不改变作者反对将巨坝作为默认手段的立场。障碍在于文章没有否定 water benefits 本身，考生若把反巨坝误解为反水利目标，就会误选极端项。

    目标手段一刀分开 用选项中的 monster dams 反向定位到 第6段，直接扫描 are possible without 这一“目标与手段切断”结构。将 water benefits 视为不可丢弃的目标，将 monster dams 视为可替换的手段；正确项必须同时保留前者并排除后者，再用 scientific assessment 校验其方案完整性。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

6 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

    大坝的fascination与潜在危害

    作者以human fascination with giant dams开篇，指出人类长期受flood和drought之苦，所以forcing waters to do our bidding这个idea很吸引人，但fascination也可能make us blind，最后directly提出core argument：several giant dam projects可能do more harm than good。

    这个opening paragraph建立了emotional context（人类对水的long suffering），然后用转折but揭示problem，为后文论证giant dams的negative impacts做铺垫，是典型的argumentative essay的hook加thesis statement结构。

    提出大坝弊大于利的核心论点
  2. 分论点 P2

    大坝成为national achievement的symbol

    这个supporting point解释了why the problem persists：building giant dams已经become a symbol of achievement for nations seeking to assert themselves。作者cite两个concrete examples——Egypt's Aswan Dam和Turkey's Ataturk Dam——来illustrate这个symbolic motivation，说明big并不always beautiful。

    这个paragraph提供了crucial explanatory context：为什么nations continue building problematic dams。通过revealing the symbolic和political motivations，作者demonstrate这些projects是driven by national pride而非practical needs，这directly supports主旨中的driven by national pride这个核心观点。

    揭示大坝建设的symbolic驱动力
  3. 分论点 P3

    大坝的actual negative consequences

    这个paragraph通过Aswan Dam的detailed case study，demonstrate大坝的concrete negative outcomes：stopped flooding但deprived Egypt of fertile silt，created a disease reservoir，而且现在so full of silt that barely generates electricity。用but开头directly连接上段，showing dams don't work as intended。

    这个evidence paragraph提供了concrete proof of harm主旨中提到的。通过detailed examination of Aswan Dam的multiple failures（loss of silt、disease、reduced electricity），作者substantiate了主旨中environmental destruction和unfulfilled promises的claims，让argument从abstract变成tangible。

    提供environmental damage的具体证据
  4. 分论点 P4

    the myth persists的contemporary evidence

    用and yet强烈转折，指出despite已知problems，the myth of controlling waters仍然persists。作者provide contemporary example：Slovaks和Hungarians因Danube上的dam几乎armed conflict，而Slovakia建dam是为了prove independence，再次illustrating symbolic motivation而非practical need。

    这个paragraph通过current event（this week发生）demonstrate主旨中的driven by national pride依然是active force。Slovakia需要dam to prove itself这个detail直接echo了主旨中symbolic projects的核心观点，showing这不是historical problem而是ongoing pattern。

    展示national pride驱动的现实案例
  5. 分论点 P5

    World Bank支持Narmada Dam的institutional failure

    用meanwhile引入parallel example：India的Narmada Dam获得World Bank批准，even though advisors say会cause hardship和environmental destruction。强调benefits are for the powerful但far from guaranteed，highlighting institutional和power dynamics behind这些decisions。

    这个paragraph add another dimension to argument：不仅是national pride，还有power dynamics。通过revealing World Bank违背自己advisors的warnings来approve项目，作者demonstrate主旨中的unfulfilled promises和environmental destruction是institutionally sanctioned，而benefits只for the powerful，这deepen了对problem systemic nature的understanding。

    揭示powerful interests与harm的关系
  6. 结论 P6

    解决方案与lessons learned

    结论paragraph提出solution：proper scientific study可以help resolve conflicts，指出hydroelectric power和flood control是possible without monster dams。但作者acknowledge当dealing with myths时hard to be scientific，最后call to action：world应该learn lessons of Aswan，强调you don't need a dam to be saved。

    这个concluding paragraph完成argumentative arc：在establish problem和present evidence之后，提出主旨中暗示的alternative solutions exist。通过stating alternatives are possible并calling for learning from past，作者reinforce主旨的core message：giant dams are unnecessary和harmful，应该adopt different approaches to water management。

    提出alternatives并总结教训
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1998年考研英语真题 这篇原文的实际行文顺序给出，每步说明看哪里、看出什么，可直接迁移到其他考研英语文章。

  1. 首段转折后的评价 P1

    议论文的 first paragraph 通常会 present 核心观点或者 controversial topic。本文首段用 'Few creations capture the imagination' 引入 giant dams 话题，然后通过 'But to be fascinated is also, sometimes, to be blind' 进行 turning point，最后用 'threaten to do more harm than good' 明确 negative stance，直接 reveal 作者的批判态度。

  2. 主题句的否定评价 P2

    第二段的 topic sentence 是 'big is not always beautiful'，这个 negative evaluation 直接 express 作者的 critical view。紧接着提到 dam 成为 'symbol of achievement' 是为了 explain 问题的 root cause，即 symbolic motivation 而非 practical needs。这种 contrast between appearance and reality 是 argumentative writing 的 common technique。

  3. 多案例的负面后果 P3 P4 P5

    第三、四、五段 provide 了 Aswan Dam、Danube Dam、Narmada Dam 三个 specific cases。这些 examples 都 illustrate 相同的 pattern：dams 带来 environmental damage (fertile silt loss, disease reservoir)、social problems (hardship for the powerless)、而 promised benefits 却 unrealized (barely generates electricity, far from guaranteed)。Multiple examples with consistent negative outcomes 强化了 main argument。

  4. 末段的替代方案 P6

    末段通过 'proper scientific study' 和 'alternative solutions' (hydroelectric power without monster dams) 来 propose solutions。关键句 'You don't need a dam to be saved' 是 direct rejection of the necessity of large dams。这个 conclusion 不仅 restate negative view，还 offer alternatives，这 completes argumentative structure：problem identification → solution proposal。

  5. 结构要素的整合 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    整合前面的 findings：首段 establish negative stance (more harm than good)，第二段 explain root cause (symbolic projects driven by pride)，中间段 provide concrete failures (environmental damage, unfulfilled promises)，末段 offer alternatives (solutions without monster dams)。这个 logical flow 构成完整的 argumentative arc，主旨就是这些 elements 的 synthesis。

主旨信号词 threaten to do more harm than good P1 big is not always beautiful P2 myth P4 symbol of achievement P2 wrong-headed P5 You don't need P6

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

大型水坝往往是由民族自豪感而非实际需求驱动的象征性工程,通常通过环境破坏和未兑现的承诺造成的危害大于益处,而存在不需要此类大规模问题基础设施的替代水资源管理方案。
Large dams are often symbolic projects driven by national pride rather than practical needs, typically causing more harm than good through environmental damage and unfulfilled promises, while alternative water management solutions exist that don't require such massive, problematic infrastructure.
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。已收录进考研英语高频真题词集的单词可点击进入词条页。

  • silt 淤泥；泥沙

    我们将三条 clues 串联起来看：首先，silt 是 floods 留下的东西，dam 阻止了 flooding 就让 Egypt 失去了这个东西，说明它本来是 beneficial 的。其次，它被 fertile 修饰，证明它能让土地 productive、rich。最后，它会在 reservoir 中 accumulate，影响 dam 的 function。综合这些信息，我们可以推断 silt 是洪水携带并沉积下来的、能使土壤肥沃的细小颗粒物质。

    生态链追溯+属性确认+行为验证
  • contention 争论;争端;冲突

    让我们 synthesize 这些 evidence：Context 告诉我们 contention 严重到 almost military confrontation 的程度，这确定了它的 intensity level。Grammatical structure 显示它是 between two parties 关于 specific issue 的互动，这确定了它的 relational nature。Morphology 揭示它包含 opposing forces 和 tension 的语义成分。Three perspectives 共同指向同一个 conclusion：contention 是双方之间关于某事的严重争端或冲突。

    强度定级+关系结构+词源成分
  • hardship 困苦;艰难

    综合分析：Syntactic parallelism 将 hardship 与 destruction 放在同等的 negative level，确立了它的 adverse nature。Semantic analysis of recipients 显示它特别影响 vulnerable populations，说明它是一种 socially significant suffering。Morphological breakdown 直接揭示了 state of difficulty 的含义。三条线索从 structural、social、lexical 三个角度 converge on the same meaning：hardship 是困苦、艰难的处境。

    词素基线+句法验证+关联实体细化
  • irrigation 灌溉

    让我们 integrate all clues：Parallel structure 把 irrigation 放在 hydroelectric power 和 flood control 同一 category，确定了它是 water management function。Thematic connection 将它与 agriculture 和 natural flooding benefits 联系起来，说明它的 purpose 是 agricultural water supply。Morphological marker (-ation) 确认它是一个 process 或 system。综合判断，irrigation 是人工给农田供水的系统或过程，即灌溉。

    领域定位+主题追溯+语法确认
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

5 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 P3 P4 P5

    作者用 Aswan Dam、Ataturk Dam、Danube dam 以及 Narmada Dam 这四个 concrete examples 来支撑 big dams 弊大于利的 central argument。每个 case 都展示了不同的 negative consequences：Aswan Dam 带来 disease 和 silt accumulation，Danube dam 引发 international conflict，Narmada Dam 造成 environmental destruction 和 hardship for the powerless。这些 specific instances 让抽象的 critique 变得 tangible and convincing，有力地证明了 giant dam projects 的 fundamental problems。

    信号词 for example for instance such as including take... as an example a case in point to illustrate specifically namely

    仿写： 当你要 criticize 某个 widespread practice 时，不要只说它 harmful，而要找 2-3 个 real-world examples 来 demonstrate。选择的 cases 应该来自 different contexts（如不同 countries 或 time periods），展示 problem 的 universality。模版：Topic sentence + Example 1 (location + specific negative outcome) + Example 2 (different location + different but related consequence) + Connecting analysis showing the pattern.

  • 对比论证

    P1 P3 P4

    文章通过 expectations vs. reality 的 sharp contrast 来揭示 big dams 的 fundamental flaw。在 第1段，作者对比了 human fascination（对 controlling waters 的 romantic vision）和 potential blindness（忽视 actual harm）。第3段 中最明显的 contrast 是 Aswan Dam 的 intended purpose（stop flooding）versus actual outcomes（deprived fertile silt, caused disease）。这种 what was promised 和 what actually happened 之间的 gap 强化了作者的 central critique，让 readers 看到 symbolic achievements 背后的 real costs。

    信号词 but however yet whereas while in contrast on the contrary conversely on the other hand instead rather than unlike

    仿写： 构建 contrast 时要确保两个 elements 具有 comparable dimensions。可以对比 intentions vs. results、past beliefs vs. current reality、或 official claims vs. actual impacts。在 structure 上用 'but'、'however'、'while' 等 transitional words 来 signal the shift。模版：State the positive expectation/claim + Use contrastive marker + Present the negative reality/outcome + Explain the significance of this gap.

  • 因果论证

    P3 P5 P6

    作者建立了 clear causal chains 来说明 big dams 的 harmful effects。最 explicit 的 cause-effect relationship 出现在 第3段：Aswan Dam（cause）→ stopped Nile flooding → deprived Egypt of fertile silt（effect 1）→ created disease reservoir（effect 2）→ silt accumulation → barely generates electricity（final effect）。这个 chain 展示了 one decision 如何 trigger 一系列 negative consequences。第5段 也指出 Narmada Dam will cause hardship and environmental destruction。第6段 提到 proper scientific study can help to resolve conflicts，展示了科学研究与解决问题之间的 causal link。这些 causal links 让 readers 理解 why big dams are problematic，不只是 stating they are bad。

    信号词 because since as therefore thus consequently as a result leads to causes results in due to owing to so that can help to

    仿写： 建立 causality 时要 trace complete chains，不要只停留在 immediate effects。展示 how one consequence leads to another，creating cascading problems。用 'because'、'therefore'、'as a result'、'consequently' 等词 signal causal relationships。模版：Action/Decision + leads to/causes + Immediate effect + which then results in + Secondary effect + ultimately causing + Final consequence.

  • 比喻修辞

    P1 P4

    第1段 用 'to be fascinated is also, sometimes, to be blind' 这个 metaphorical equation 揭示了 human psychology。这里 fascination 被比作能导致 blindness 的状态，暗示 strong attraction 会 cloud judgment 和 obscure dangers。这个 metaphor 为整篇文章 set the tone，解释了 why nations 会 pursue harmful dam projects despite evidence。第4段 中 'myth of controlling the waters persists' 也用 myth 这个 figurative term 来描绘 a persistent but false belief，增强了对 irrational decision-making 的 critique。

    信号词 like as is become seems appears to be metaphorically speaking in a sense

    仿写： 选择 metaphors 时要找能 capture essence of your point 的 concrete images。确保 comparison 的两个 elements 有 meaningful similarity 而不是 superficial。可以用 sensory language（如 sight: blind）或 familiar concepts（如 myth）来 illustrate abstract problems。模版：Abstract concept + is + concrete familiar concept/image + that reveals/suggests + deeper meaning about the issue.

  • 引用论证

    P5

    第5段 提到 World Bank 及其 advisors 的 assessment，这是 appeal to authority 的 strategic use。作者引用 authoritative institution（World Bank）和其 experts（advisors）来 strengthen the critique。特别有力的是，even though the bank's own advisors 指出 dam 会 cause hardship and destruction，bank 仍然 approved the project。这个 reference 不是为了 support the dam，而是 expose the contradiction，showing that even powerful institutions ignore their own experts，让 criticism 更有 credibility。

    信号词 according to research shows experts say studies indicate as stated by X argues that evidence suggests it is reported that

    仿写： 选择 citations 时要找 recognized authorities 或 unexpected sources。当 authoritative source contradicts itself 或 admits problems，这种 evidence 特别 powerful。引用时要 clearly state the source 和 what they said/found。模版：Authoritative institution/expert + has stated/found/acknowledged that + specific finding/opinion + and yet/despite this + the contradictory action taken.

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

7 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。

  • 着迷可能导致盲目

    P1
    But to be fascinated is also, sometimes, to be blind.

    转折类 but however yet nevertheless nonetheless still though

    表面说的是 fascination 有时会让人 blind,但言外之意是指各国对 giant dams 的 obsession 已经让决策者 lose objectivity,无法看到这些 megaprojects 的 inherent flaws。这个 implication 为全文的 critical tone 定调,暗示接下来要揭示的不是 isolated cases,而是一个 systemic problem of blind ambition。对文章 thesis 的作用是 establish 作者的 skeptical stance,为后续 concrete examples 提供 interpretive framework

  • 大未必美的教训

    P2
    The lesson from dams is that big is not always beautiful.

    明确评价句式 The lesson from dams is that The lesson is that The truth is that The problem is that The point is that The fact is that The reality is that

    表面是说 big is not always beautiful,但通过 lesson 这个词,言外之意是历史已经 repeatedly proven 大坝 projects 往往 fail to deliver,这个 negative pattern 是 consistent 而非 occasional 的。紧接着的 doesn't help 句子 reinforce 这个 implication,指出问题根源在于 symbolic value 压倒了 practical considerations。这个言外之意对 thesis 的贡献是 establish causal link between national pride 和 poor decision-making,为后文的 case studies 提供 analytical lens

  • 象征意义掩盖实际问题

    P2
    It doesn't help that building a big, powerful dam has become a symbol of achievement for nations and people striving to assert themselves.

    委婉批评句式 It doesn't help that It hardly helps that It's not exactly helpful that It scarcely benefits that It does little good that Not helping matters is Adding to the problem is

    表面客气地说 doesn't help,但言外之意是 symbolic significance 是导致 dam disasters 的 primary culprit。作者通过 striving to assert themselves 暗示这些 nations 的 insecurity 和 ego-driven motives,而非 genuine developmental needs,在 drive decisions。紧接着用 Egypt 和 Turkey 的 examples 证明这不是 isolated phenomenon,而是 pattern of decision-making driven by national pride。对 thesis 的作用是 expose psychological root cause,说明 big dams 的 problems 不是 technical failures 而是 flawed decision-making processes rooted in symbolic politics

  • 神话抵抗现实

    P4
    And yet, the myth of controlling the waters persists.

    强转折类 And yet Yet still Even so Nevertheless Despite all this In spite of this For all that

    表面说 myth persists,言外之意是即使有 overwhelming evidence of failure,各国仍然 irrationally 追求 big dams,这种 persistence 本身就证明了 decision-making 不是基于 rational analysis 而是基于 mythology 和 symbolism。接下来的 Slovakia-Hungary conflict example 中,作者用 stopped just short of sending in the troops 这个 dramatic expression 来暗示这种 obsession 已经达到 absurd 和 dangerous 的程度。对 thesis 的作用是 demonstrate 即使在 civilized Europe,这种 irrational behavior pattern 依然 persist,说明这是 universal human weakness,不是 specific 某些国家的 problem

  • 世界银行的悖论决策

    P5
    And the bank has done this even though its advisors say the dam will cause hardship for the powerless and environmental destruction.

    让步强转折类 even though even if despite the fact that in spite of knowing notwithstanding that regardless of the fact that for all the evidence that

    表面叙述 World Bank 的 approval decision,言外之意是痛批这个 supposedly responsible institution 明知 negative consequences 却 proceed,暴露其 institutional rot。Even though 结构强调 advisors 已经 warn,说明这不是 ignorance 而是 deliberate choice to ignore expert advice。紧接着的 benefits are for the powerful, but they are far from guaranteed 进一步 expose power dynamics 和 cynical cost-benefit analysis。对 thesis 的作用是 demonstrate 即使是 international institutions 也被 symbolic politics 和 power interests corrupted,reinforcing 文章关于 big dams 问题的 systemic nature

  • 科学难敌神话

    P6
    But when you are dealing with myths, it is hard to be either proper, or scientific.

    条件转折类 But when However, when Yet if Yet when But once Still, when But in cases where

    表面说 dealing with myths 时难以 proper or scientific,言外之意是当 decision-making 被 mythology 和 symbolism dominate 时,rational approaches fundamentally incompatible with prevailing mindset。Proper 和 scientific 的 juxtaposition 强调作者 value evidence-based approach,而 myths 代表的是 emotional、irrational forces。这为最后的 call to action(learned the lessons of Aswan)提供 setup,暗示需要的不仅是 technical knowledge 而是 paradigm shift in how nations approach development。对 thesis 的 conclusive contribution 是 diagnose root cause 并暗示 solution 需要 overcome psychological barriers,不只是 technical alternatives

  • 不需大坝也能获救

    P6
    You don't need a dam to be saved.

    否定式强调 You don't need There's no need to It's not necessary to X is not required for We don't have to No one needs to It's not essential to

    表面说不需要 dam to be saved,言外之意是 deconstruct 驱动 big dam projects 的 fundamental assumption,即大坝是 salvation 和 progress 的 necessary path。Saved 这个词 echo 文章开头的 flood and drought suffering,形成 circular structure,强调人类可以通过 other means 达到 water security。这个 final statement 对 thesis 的 ultimate contribution 是 transform critique into empowerment,告诉读者 alternatives exist,nations don't have to sacrifice environment and people's wellbeing for symbolic megaprojects

AUTHOR ATTITUDE · 作者态度

作者态度：消极批判

结论先行：本文作者态度为消极批判（ Skeptical and Critical）。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 首段找转折句 P1

    议论文的首段通常在铺垫background之后，用一个but转折句抛出全文的main argument，这正是作者亮出attitude的第一个signal point。

  2. 例证词汇找褒贬 P2 P3 P4 P5

    议论文常用exemplification来support中心论点，例子选择本身带有selective bias，而例子后面的形容词、名词短语则直接暴露作者对这些dam projects的value judgment。

  3. 追踪高频隐喻词 P4 P6

    议论文里反复出现的隐喻性名词往往是作者用来给某个popular belief贴标签的修辞手段，myth这个词本身就带有false belief的negative connotation。

  4. 尾段抓定论句 P6

    议论文的末段通常是全文论点的final verdict，作者用imperative（It's time）加irony（saved一词的反用）双重手法，把批判态度推到最强，是verify attitude的最后一环。

  5. 四步证据交叉验证 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    议论文的attitude判断不能只靠单一句子，而要看thesis、例证、关键词复现、结论句这condition是否形成consistent的逻辑闭环，本文四步high度一致，说明结论可靠。

文中的态度信号词

  • threaten P1

    threaten这个动词直接point out了giant dam projects可能带来的负面后果，为全文的critical tone打下第一块基石。

    同类词 undermine jeopardize endanger imperil

  • not always beautiful P2

    这句话用否定句式直接颠覆读者对"big dam=national achievement"的预设印象，是作者态度从background转向argument的关键turning point。

    同类词 far from perfect less impressive than it seems not necessarily as good

  • myth P4

    myth把"controlling the waters"这个想法定性为没有事实根据的错误信念，是全文最直接的批判性标签词，且在第6段再次呼应，强化态度。

    同类词 illusion fallacy misconception false belief

  • wrong-headed P5

    wrong-headed是形容Narmada Dam最直接的评价性形容词，明确表达作者对World Bank这一决策的否定，态度强度比第2段更进一步。

    同类词 misguided ill-conceived flawed short-sighted

  • reservoir of disease P3

    用disease、hardship这类具体negative consequence来支撑"big dams tend not to work as intended"的论点，是例证段落中最有说服力的细节支撑。

    同类词 environmental destruction hardship barely generates

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，可直接迁移到其他考研英语 真题文章。

如何快速判断这是一篇议论文？

  1. 开篇亮明负面立场 P1

    第1段 的最后一句 'Several giant dam projects threaten to do more harm than good' 是典型的 argumentative stance，作者明确表达了 negative judgment。这不是 informative explanation（说明文会说 'dams have various effects'），也不是 factual reporting（新闻会说 'some dam projects are controversial'）。作者用 'threaten' 和 'more harm than good' 这样带有 evaluative color 的语言，直接 reveal 了 critical position。

  2. 段首展开价值判断 P2 P3 P4

    第2段 的 'big is not always beautiful' 是明显的 value judgment。第3段 的 'But big dams tend not to work as intended' 用 'but' 来 introduce counterargument。第4段 的 'And yet, the myth persists' 用 'yet' 继续 develop critical argument。这些都是 argumentative structure，不是 explanatory sequence（说明文会用 'first, second, finally'）或 chronological order（新闻用 'then, after, following'）。

  3. 案例单向支撑论点 P3 P4 P5

    第3段 用 Aswan Dam 作为 negative example 来 support 'big dams don't work' 的 argument。第4段 用 Danube Dam 作为 further evidence。第5段 用 Narmada Dam 继续 reinforce 同一个 critical viewpoint。所有 examples 都指向同一个 direction：dams are problematic。说明文会 present examples from different categories equally（'Type A dams have X features, Type B have Y features'）。新闻会 quote different stakeholders（'Supporters say... Critics argue...'）来 maintain balance。

  4. 结尾发出行动号召 P6

    第6段 的 'It is time that the world learned the lessons' 和 'You don't need a dam to be saved' 是典型的 prescriptive conclusion，作者在 urge action 和 advocate 某种 approach。这不是说明文的 summary（'In conclusion, dams have these characteristics'）或新闻的 closing（'The situation remains under observation'）。'It is time' 是强烈的 call to action，'don't need' 是 definitive recommendation。

  5. 说服轨迹贯穿全文 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    这篇文章从 第1段 的 'do more harm than good' 建立 critical stance，通过 第2段-5 用 adversative logic 和 negative examples systematically attack big dams，最终在 第6段 以 'don't need a dam to be saved' 结束。这是完整的 persuasive trajectory，目的是 convince readers that big dams are problematic。说明文会是 'what are dams → types of dams → how they work → their characteristics'。新闻会是 'recent dam controversy → background → stakeholder positions → current status'。

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁？

  • Few creations of big technology capture the imagination like giant dams P1 观点引导词 Perhaps it is humankind's long suffering... that makes the idea... so fascinating But to be fascinated is also, sometimes, to be blind threaten to do more harm than good
  • The lesson from dams is that P2 论证逻辑连接词 It doesn't help that has become a symbol of was cemented by
  • But big dams tend not to work as intended P3 立场表态词 tend not to work as intended for example but deprived Egypt of all in return for barely generates
  • And yet, the myth of controlling the waters persists P4 论证逻辑连接词 And yet, the myth... persists stopped just short of will probably have needs a dam to prove itself
  • even more wrong-headed P5 立场表态词 And the bank has done this even though will cause hardship are far from guaranteed
  • It is time that the world learned the lessons of Aswan P6 论证逻辑连接词 Proper, scientific study... can help to resolve are possible without But when you are dealing with myths, it is hard to be either proper, or scientific It is time that You don't need a dam to be saved
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

8 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 1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 的常见问题

1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章的主旨是什么？
大型水坝往往是由民族自豪感而非实际需求驱动的象征性工程,通常通过环境破坏和未兑现的承诺造成的危害大于益处,而存在不需要此类大规模问题基础设施的替代水资源管理方案。（英文表述：Large dams are often symbolic projects driven by national pride rather than practical needs, typically causing more harm than good through environmental damage and unfulfilled promises, while alternative water management solutions exist that don't require such massive, problematic infrastructure.）
1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章是什么体裁？难度如何？
体裁为议论文，作者立场是消极批判（Skeptical and Critical）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 354 词、6 段；在考研英语全部 70 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 64 篇（占 91%）。
1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 6 段按议论文骨架分为 6 个意群：引言 · 第1段——大坝的fascination与潜在危害；分论点 · 第2段——大坝成为national achievement的symbol；分论点 · 第3段——大坝的actual negative consequences；分论点 · 第4段——the myth persists的contemporary evidence；分论点 · 第5段——World Bank支持Narmada Dam的institutional failure；结论 · 第6段——解决方案与lessons learned。
1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是消极批判（Skeptical and Critical）。判断路径：首段找转折句 → 例证词汇找褒贬 → 追踪高频隐喻词 → 尾段抓定论句 → 四步证据交叉验证；文中的态度信号词包括 threaten（第1段）、not always beautiful（第2段）、myth（第4段）、wrong-headed（第5段）、reservoir of disease（第3段）。
1998年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 4 个：silt（淤泥；泥沙）、contention（争论;争端;冲突）、hardship（困苦;艰难）、irrigation（灌溉），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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