懒笔记
2009年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (2) Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore
Postgraduate · 来自 2009年考研英语真题 · Section II Part A (2) · 阅读理解（四选一）

Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore

2009年考研英语真题文章逐层精读

Scientific American《科学美国人》2008 年 11 月 14 日一篇题为 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore（谁是你的父亲?在药店可能找到答案）的文章。

本页是 2009年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (2) 文章的精读视角页——这篇说明文全文 402 词、6 段，CEFR 难度 C1（C1 级在考研英语文章中占 91%），作者立场为「客观中立」；英文原文之外，本篇已有的 11 项精读维度逐项展开，其中能迁移到其他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2009年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (2) 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。

Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore

It is a wise father that knows his own child, but today a man can boost his paternal (fatherly) wisdom – or at least confirm that he's the kid's dad. All he needs to do is shell out $30 for a paternity testing kit (PTK) at his local drugstore – and another $120 to get the results.

More than 60,000 people have purchased the PTKs since they first became available without prescriptions last year, according to Doug Fogg, chief operating officer of Identigene, which makes the over-the-counter kits. More than two dozen companies sell DNA tests directly to the public, ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,500.

Among the most popular: paternity and kinship testing, which adopted children can use to find their biological relatives and families can use to track down kids put up for adoption. DNA testing is also the latest rage among passionate genealogists – and supports businesses that offer to search for a family's geographic roots.

Most tests require collecting cells by swabbing saliva in the mouth and sending it to the company for testing. All tests require a potential candidate with whom to compare DNA.

But some observers are skeptical. "There's a kind of false precision being hawked by people claiming they are doing ancestry testing," says Troy Duster, a New York University sociologist. He notes that each individual has many ancestors – numbering in the hundreds just a few centuries back. Yet most ancestry testing only considers a single lineage, either the Y chromosome inherited through men in a father's line or mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down only from mothers. This DNA can reveal genetic information about only one or two ancestors, even though, for example, just three generations back people also have six other great-grandparents or, four generations back, 14 other great-great-grandparents.

Critics also argue that commercial genetic testing is only as good as the reference collections to which a sample is compared. Databases used by some companies don't rely on data collected systematically but rather lump together information from different research projects. This means that a DNA database may have a lot of data from some regions and not others, so a person's test results may differ depending on the company that processes the results. In addition, the computer programs a company uses to estimate relationships may be patented and not subject to peer review or outside evaluation.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

6 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2009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

    Paternity Testing at the Drugstore

    Affordable over-the-counter paternity tests allow men to confirm biological fatherhood.

    本段以 paternity testing（亲子鉴定）作为全文 entry point（切入点），让读者看到 commercial DNA testing（商业 DNA 检测）已经进入普通消费者的日常生活。它提出了全文的基本对象，也为后文介绍市场规模、其他用途及相关 limitations（局限性）建立基础。

    药店购买亲子鉴定包并确认父亲身份
  2. P2

    A Growing Commercial Market

    Strong consumer demand and numerous companies indicate the rapid growth of the direct-to-consumer DNA testing market.

    本段用 quantitative evidence（量化证据）证明第一段提出的服务并非偶然现象，而是具有 sizeable market（相当规模的市场）。它强化了全文关于 commercial DNA testing rise（商业 DNA 检测兴起）的主旨，并为后文讨论检测用途和 reliability concerns（可靠性问题）提供现实背景。

    六万多名购买者和二十多家公司
  3. P3

    Popular Uses of DNA Testing

    Commercial DNA testing serves family-relation searches as well as genealogy and ancestry research.

    本段具体展开了商业 DNA 检测的 application range（应用范围），说明它不仅解决 paternity questions（亲子问题），还进入身份寻找、家谱研究和祖源商业服务领域。这一步使全文从“市场增长”进一步转向“检测能做什么”。

    寻找亲属、追溯家谱和探索祖源
  4. P4

    How the Tests Work

    Commercial DNA tests usually rely on simple saliva collection and DNA comparison with another candidate.

    本段补充了检测的 operational mechanism（操作机制），使读者理解这种服务如何在现实中完成。它连接了前文的 applications（应用）和后文的 reliability debate（可靠性争议），因为了解样本与比对过程后，读者才能进一步理解 reference data（参考数据）对结果的影响。

    唾液取样、寄送检测和寻找比对对象
  5. P5

    The Limits of Ancestry Claims

    Commercial ancestry tests may overstate their precision because they trace only limited ancestral lineages rather than a person's full ancestry.

    本段首次系统提出 expert criticism（专家批评），直接削弱读者对 ancestry testing（祖源检测）精确性的直觉信任。它通过 narrow genetic focus（狭窄的遗传关注范围）说明检测的第一项 limitation，与全文后续关于 reference databases（参考数据库）的批评共同构成对商业检测可靠性的质疑。

    Y 染色体或线粒体 DNA 只追踪一条祖先线
  6. P6

    Problems with Databases and Algorithms

    Commercial genetic testing can produce inconsistent and difficult-to-verify results because of incomplete databases and unreviewed proprietary algorithms.

    本段把前一段的 genetic limitation（遗传范围局限）推进到 data and methodology limitations（数据与方法局限），进一步解释为什么商业检测结果不能被 unquestioningly accepted（不加质疑地接受）。它完成全文的 critical conclusion（批判性结论）：商业 DNA 检测虽然发展迅速、用途广泛，但其结果受到参考数据库和算法透明度的限制。

    地区数据不均和专利算法造成公司间结果差异
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

6 道逐段细节自检题

针对2009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 obtain the results paternity test

    What must a man do to obtain the results of a paternity test through the kit described?

    • A He must obtain a doctor's prescription before purchasing the kit.
    • B He must pay $30 in total for both the kit and the results.
    • C He must buy the kit and pay an additional fee for the results.
    • D He must submit a DNA sample to a local drugstore for analysis.
    • E He must compare his DNA with that of several relatives.
    • F He must spend more than $2,500 on a commercial DNA test.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    原文把 shell out $30 for a paternity testing kit 与 another $120 to get the results 并列呈现，构成先购买 kit、再支付 results 费用的完整 transaction。正确项用 buy 和 additional fee 概括两个明确动作，没有把数字夸大、缩小或互换。障碍在于题干问 obtain the results，许多考生会只摘取最显眼的 $30，而忽略 another 所提示的追加条件。

    双费用节点核对 时间紧张时，直接抓题干的 results，而不是从 paternity 开始泛读；在 第1段 中寻找 results 前的介词结构和连接词 another。随后用“费用归属核对法”：把每个选项的金额或动作贴回 kit 与 results 两个节点，只有正确项同时覆盖两个节点，其他项均出现对象错配、范围压缩或反向断言。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 Doug Fogg over-the-counter

    According to Doug Fogg, what is true of over-the-counter paternity testing kits?

    • A More than 60,000 companies began selling them last year.
    • B They are sold only with a prescription from a physician.
    • C They account for all DNA tests sold directly to the public.
    • D More than 60,000 people bought them after they became available without prescriptions.
    • E They usually cost between a few hundred dollars and $2,500.
    • F They became available to the public several years ago.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    正确项完整复现 three-part fact：More than 60,000 对应数量，bought 对应 purchased，after they became available without prescriptions 对应时间与销售条件。它没有把 buyers 误说成 companies，也没有把 last year 误扩展为精确的销售起点日期。障碍在于 purchased 与 available 是两个不同事件，考生需读清 since 所连接的时间关系。

    统计主语对位 直接以 Doug Fogg 扫描，锁定 第2段 的引述句；不要先逐段寻找 paternity。然后执行“主语替换筛查”：将选项中的 people、companies、kits、tests 逐个放回 purchased 和 sell 的动词槽位。正确项的主语与事件配对完整，其余选项至少有一处主体、时间或范围错位。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 adopted children kinship testing

    What can adopted children use kinship testing to do?

    • A They can use it to confirm who their legal fathers are.
    • B They can use it to trace their family's geographic roots.
    • C They can use it to locate children they have put up for adoption.
    • D They can use it to compare samples from several candidates.
    • E They can use it to find their biological relatives.
    • F They can use it to obtain peer-reviewed ancestry estimates.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    原文明确以 which adopted children can use to find their biological relatives 说明用途。正确项保留 find 和 biological relatives 的核心语义，代词 it 回指 kinship testing，指代清楚。障碍在于同句随后还提到 families track down kids put up for adoption，二者都涉及收养与寻找，但使用者和寻找对象不同。

    人群后不定式截取 用 adopted children 直接锁定 第3段，并采取“动词支配截取法”：只读取该名词所在句中 can use 后的 to-infinitive，不扩展到同句后半或下一并列项目。正确项恰好复现这一局部的目的链，干扰项均来自其他使用者、其他检测类别或其他段落。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 all required

    What is required for all of the tests discussed?

    • A A saliva sample collected by swabbing inside the mouth.
    • B A prescription authorizing the genetic analysis.
    • C Several relatives from both sides of a family.
    • D A company database containing worldwide genetic records.
    • E A patented computer program for estimating relationships.
    • F A potential candidate whose DNA can be used for comparison.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    All tests require a potential candidate with whom to compare DNA 是无条件的原文断言。正确项将 with whom to compare DNA 转述为 whose DNA can be used for comparison，保留必要对象与比对关系。障碍在于前句的 saliva swab 更具体、更容易被记住，却只受 Most tests 限定，不能回答 all。

    全称句盖章 先不读所有步骤，直接在全文视觉扫描 all 与 require，锁定 第4段 的第二句。然后用“量词盖章法”：只有被 All tests require 直接覆盖的成分才能进入正确项。正确项受 all 的完整授权；采样、寄送及技术工具虽然相关，却只具有 most、后续背景或可能性。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 Troy Duster precision

    Why does Troy Duster question the precision of most ancestry testing?

    • A Because such tests usually trace only one lineage despite a person's many ancestors.
    • B Because the tests cannot identify either Y chromosomes or mitochondrial DNA.
    • C Because people have no reliable records of their great-grandparents.
    • D Because commercial laboratories charge excessively for ancestral information.
    • E Because the tests compare DNA with too many family lines at once.
    • F Because their computer programs are always unavailable for outside evaluation.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    正确项压缩了段落的核心 contrast：each individual has many ancestors，而 most ancestry testing only considers a single lineage。because 明确回答原因，usually 对应 most，only 保留范围限制。障碍在于原文举出 Y chromosome 和 mitochondrial DNA 两种遗传材料，但它们是“单系追踪”的例证，不能被误读为检测覆盖两个完整家族系统。

    祖先覆盖缺口 先以 Troy Duster 锁定 第5段，随后跳读连接词 Yet，并将 Yet 前后内容压缩成“总量—覆盖量”两个词组。执行“缺口判定法”：正确项必须指出实际祖先总量与检测 lineage 覆盖量之间的缺口；涉及费用、数据库、程序或识别失败的选项都不在该论证链内。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 vary from one company to another DNA test results

    Why may a person's DNA test results vary from one company to another?

    • A Different companies collect saliva samples from different parts of the mouth.
    • B Different companies may compare samples with databases that unevenly cover different regions.
    • C Some companies refuse to compare a sample with a potential candidate.
    • D The same database contains equal amounts of data from every region.
    • E Paternity kits are available without prescriptions in some drugstores.
    • F All relationship-estimating programs have been independently reviewed.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    正确项准确连接数据库问题与 company-dependent results：some databases lump together unsystematically collected information，导致某些 regions 数据多、另一些少，因此不同 companies 的比对参照不同，结果可能 differ。may 与原文 may 保持可能性强度。障碍在于段末还提到 patented programs，但那是另一项潜在局限，不能替代题干所问的“公司不同为何结果不同”的已展开因果链。

    公司变量链 以 vary from one company to another 对照 differ depending on the company，直接锁定 第6段 的结果句；随后向前跳读至 databases 和 regions。使用“替换变量法”：把 company 视为唯一变化变量，问每个选项是否说明不同 company 会接触不同的 reference data。正确项能建立该变量链，其余选项仅是无关流程、反义信息或另一层批评。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

4 个意群的说明文骨架

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

  1. P1 P2

    DNA亲子鉴定的普及现象

    这个意群通过一个proverb引出topic，介绍了paternity testing kit在drugstore的availability和affordability，emphasize市场上PTK的popular purchase quantity超过60,000，以及DNA testing industry的market scale，ranging from几百到数千dollars，demonstrate了commercial DNA testing的widespread adoption和market expansion。

    作为说明文的introduction part，establish了commercial DNA testing这个central topic的background context，通过concrete data和market information来demonstrate这个industry的rise和popularity，为后文deeper analysis of concerns和limitations做factual foundation的铺垫。

    商业DNA检测兴起的市场表现
  2. P3 P4

    DNA检测的应用类型

    这个意群shift focus到DNA testing的specific applications，categorize不同types of tests including paternity and kinship testing for adopted children寻找biological relatives，families tracking down kids put up for adoption，以及genealogists用于search for geographic roots。同时explain了testing process需要collecting cells by swabbing saliva和require a candidate for DNA comparison，provide了operational details。

    作为说明文的elaboration section，这个意群从general market phenomenon深入到specific types和practical procedures，通过categorization和process description来enrich readers对DNA testing的understanding，demonstrate这个industry的diverse applications，为后文expert concerns about limitations提供necessary background knowledge of what exactly is being tested和how。

    检测类型和操作方法的说明
  3. P5

    专家对检测局限性的质疑

    意群出现明显的transitional marker 'But some observers are skeptical'，introduce expert criticism。Sociologist Troy Duster point out 'false precision'的问题，explain ancestry testing只consider single lineage比如Y chromosome或mitochondrial DNA，而ignore了individual has hundreds of ancestors的reality。进一步illustrate即使three generations back就有six other great-grandparents，four generations back有14 other great-great-grandparents，但testing只reveal one or two ancestors的genetic information，expose了method的inherent limitations。

    说明文在present phenomenon和details后，常transition to critical analysis。这个意群introduce expert perspective来challenge前面presented的optimistic picture，point out第一个major concern about narrow genetic focus。通过concrete mathematical examples来demonstrate limitation的severity，shift文章tone from descriptive to evaluative，start建立主旨中提到的'concerns from experts about limitations'这个critical dimension。

    遗传谱系覆盖面过窄
  4. P6

    数据库质量问题

    意群用'Critics also argue'来introduce second major concern，focus on reference collections和databases的quality issues。Point out commercial genetic testing的accuracy depends on database quality，但some companies don't rely on systematically collected data，instead lump together information from different research projects。Result是databases有regional imbalances with lots of data from some regions and not others，导致test results may differ depending on processing company。Additionally mention computer programs可能是patented without peer review or outside evaluation，further undermine reliability。

    作为说明文critical analysis section的continuation，这个意群introduce second dimension of limitations——database quality和standardization issues。与上一意群focus on method本身的inherent limitation不同，这里address operational和infrastructural problems。Together with previous criticism，form comprehensive critique呼应主旨中的'incomplete reference databases that may produce inconsistent results'，complete说明文from phenomenon presentation to problem identification的typical argumentative arc。

    参考数据库不完整
MAIN IDEA · 速判主旨

4 步定位这篇文章的主旨

不读完全篇也能锁定主旨——以下 4 步按2009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. 首段定位核心话题 P1

    说明文的 opening 通常会 introduce the main subject matter，虽然可能用 anecdote 或 general statement 开头,但会迅速 narrow down 到具体的 topic。这里从 paternal wisdom 过渡到 PTK 产品,明确了文章要讨论的 phenomenon。

  2. 中部段落铺陈事实背景 P2 P3 P4

    说明文的 body paragraphs 会 present information objectively,通过 statistics、examples、process description 来 elaborate on the topic。这几段用 sales figures、various uses、testing methods 来 flesh out 对 DNA testing industry 的介绍,但这只是 background information,不是 main point。

  3. 识别语气转折与批评声音 P5 P6

    说明文的 main point 经常在 perspective shift 处显现。当文章从 presenting information 转向 presenting problems、debates 或 contrasting views 时,后者往往是作者真正想 emphasize 的内容。这里 but 和 skeptical、critics 这些词标志着从 neutral exposition 到 critical analysis 的转变。

  4. 整合话题与核心观点 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    说明文的 main idea 通常是 topic + angle 的组合。Topic 本身 (DNA testing) 只是 subject matter,真正的 main point 是作者对这个 topic 的 specific angle 或 focus,这里是 rise + concerns about limitations。最后的 critical sections 提供了这个 angle,让文章不只是 informative 而是 analytical。

主旨信号词 skeptical P5 but P5 critics also argue P6 false precision P5 differ P6

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

这篇说明文解释了商业DNA检测(特别是亲子鉴定和祖源检测)的兴起,同时强调了专家对这些检测局限性的担忧,包括其狭窄的遗传关注范围以及依赖不完整的参考数据库可能产生不一致结果的问题。
This expository text explains the rise of commercial DNA testing, particularly paternity and ancestry tests, while highlighting concerns from experts about the tests' limitations, including their narrow genetic focus and reliance on incomplete reference databases that may produce inconsistent results.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

6 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。

  • shell out 付钱、花钱(尤指不情愿地或大笔地支付)

    现在让我们 connect all the dots。首先,syntactic structure 告诉我们这是一个 verb phrase,后面接 money amount 和 purpose。然后,contextual repetition 中两次都配合具体的 dollar amounts 和 transaction scenarios。最后,从 morphological perspective,'shell' 的 metaphorical transformation 暗示了 payment 这个 underlying concept。把这三条 clues 结合起来,我们可以 confidently conclude 这个 phrase 的 meaning。

    动词短语的三维分析法
  • kinship 亲属关系、血缘关系

    让我们 synthesize these insights。Parallel structure 告诉我们 kinship 和 paternity 是 related but distinct concepts in relationship testing。Functional context 展示了它的 application scope：finding biological relatives across adoption barriers,这比单纯的 parent-child 更 comprehensive。Morphological analysis reveals 'kin' + 'ship' 的 construction pattern。综合这些 evidence,我们可以 deduce 这个词指的是更 broad 的 family relationship network。

    专业术语的三角定位法
  • genealogist 家谱学家、系谱学者

    现在让我们 integrate all evidence。Contextual association 直接 links genealogists 和 family geographic roots research。Logical progression 显示这是 family relationship exploration 的 most extensive form。Morphological structure 通过 '-ist' suffix confirms 这是某个 specialized field 的 practitioners。Put together,我们可以 conclude 这个词指的是专门 study family history 和 lineage 的 people。

    职业名词的双轨分析法
  • swab 用棉签擦拭、取样

    让我们 consolidate the reasoning。Method specification 明确这是 collecting saliva from mouth 的 procedure。Causal relationship 定位这是 cell collection 的 standard technique,必须 non-invasive and simple。Morphological and phonological patterns suggest 一个 physical wiping or collecting motion。综合这些 dimensions,我们可以 confidently determine 这个词的 precise action。

    操作动词的情境关系法
  • hawk 兜售、沿街叫卖(尤指用夸张或欺骗的方式推销)

    让我们 synthesize the evidence chain。Negative context 配合 'false precision' establishes a critical stance。Discourse tone throughout the paragraph reinforces skepticism about commercial practices。Metaphorical extension from predatory bird 到 commercial behavior 提供了 semantic bridge。这三层 evidence converge on 一个关于 aggressive or questionable selling practices 的 meaning。

    隐喻动词的三层解读法
  • lineage 世系、血统(指沿单一性别传承的家族谱系)

    现在让我们 connect the analytical threads。Explicit examples 清晰展示了 patrilineal and matrilineal inheritance paths。Contrastive logic 突出了 single lineage 和 multiple ancestors 的 distinction,defining lineage as one specific descent line。Morphological decomposition 从 'line' + '-age' confirms the sequential, linear nature of ancestral connection。这三个 dimensions 共同 specify 这个 term 的 precise genealogical meaning。

    例证对比结构法
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

7 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。

  • 列数字

    P1 P2 P5

    文章通过 precise numbers 来展现 DNA testing 市场的 scale 和 accessibility，比如 PTK 只需 $30，results 要 $120，超过 60,000 people 购买了 kits，价格 range 从几百到 $2,500 以上。这些 concrete figures 让读者直观感受到 commercial genetic testing 已经 widespread 且 affordable，为后文 critics 的 concerns 提供了 factual foundation。数字的 precision 也暗示了这个 industry 的 commercial scale，呼应主旨中 'rise of commercial DNA testing' 这一核心。

    信号词 $30 $120 60,000 more than $2,500 two dozen a few hundred dollars numbering in the hundreds just a few centuries back three generations back six other four generations back 14 other

    仿写： 在描述某个 phenomenon 的 scale 或 characteristics 时，问自己：what specific metrics 能让 readers 直观理解？比如描述 online education 的发展，可以说 'enrollment 增长了 300%' 而非仅说 'rapidly growing'。仿写模版：【主题】+ has reached/costs/involves + 【具体数字】+ 【单位/对比】，例如 'More than X people have adopted this technology, with prices ranging from Y to Z'。

  • 举例子

    P3

    文章列举了 DNA testing 的 popular applications：paternity testing, kinship testing (adopted children 寻找 biological relatives，families track down kids 被 put up for adoption)，以及 genealogists 使用它来 search for geographic roots。这些 concrete examples 让 abstract concept 'DNA testing uses' 变得 relatable and understandable。通过 real-world scenarios，readers 能理解为什么这个 technology 如此 popular，同时也为后文 critics 指出的 limitations 提供了 context—这些 applications 依赖的正是后面被 questioned 的 methodology。

    信号词 Among the most popular for example such as including like ranging from which...can use to

    仿写： 当介绍某个 technology 或 concept 的 uses 时，思考：who would use this and why？列出 2-3 个 distinct user groups 和他们的 specific needs。仿写模版：【技术/概念】can be used for 【用途1】, which 【具体使用者】can use to 【具体目的】, and 【用途2】, which helps 【另一使用者】【达成目标】。例如 'Among the most popular: X testing, which Y can use to achieve Z, and A testing, which B use to accomplish C'。

  • 引资料

    P2 P5 P6

    文章 quotes 两位 experts 的观点：Doug Fogg (Identigene 的 COO) 提供 industry data，Troy Duster (NYU sociologist) 质疑 ancestry testing 的 precision。通过 citing authoritative sources，文章增强了 credibility 并呈现了 balanced perspective—既有 industry insider 的 positive data，也有 academic critic 的 skeptical view。这种 expert testimony 让主旨中的 'concerns from experts' 具体化，让 readers 看到这不是 author's personal opinion 而是 professional assessment。

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

    仿写： 在讨论 controversial 或 technical topics 时，寻找 relevant experts 或 studies。引用时要包含 person's credentials（职位、机构）以 establish authority。仿写模版：According to 【姓名】, 【职位/机构】, "【直接引语】" 或 【姓名】notes/argues/points out that 【观点转述】。平衡 different perspectives：industry voices vs. academic critics, supporters vs. skeptics。

  • 作诠释

    P1 P5

    文章对 technical terms 进行解释：paternity 后面括号注明 (fatherly)，PTK 首次出现时 full name 是 paternity testing kit，Y chromosome 和 mitochondrial DNA 后面解释了它们的 inheritance patterns（'inherited through men' vs. 'passed down only from mothers'）。这些 explanations 降低了 technical barrier，让 general readers 能理解 specialized concepts。这种 clarification 对主旨至关重要，因为要理解 experts' concerns，readers 首先需要懂 basic genetics 和 testing terminology。

    信号词 ( ) – , which that is in other words meaning refers to or i.e.

    仿写： 遇到 technical terms 或 specialized vocabulary 时，立即提供 brief clarification。方法包括：parenthetical notes (term + 括号解释)，appositives (term, which is...)，或 following clauses (term – this means...)。仿写模版：【专业术语】(【通俗解释】) 或 【术语】, which 【功能/特征说明】。关键是 keep explanations concise 且紧跟 original term，不打断 flow。

  • 作比较

    P5 P6

    文章 contrasts Y chromosome testing (只追踪 father's line) 和 mitochondrial DNA testing (只来自 mothers)，并将这 narrow approach 与 actual ancestry complexity 对比：individual 有 hundreds of ancestors just a few centuries back，但 most tests 只考虑 single lineage。这个 comparison 揭示了 gap between what tests claim 和 what they actually deliver，直接支撑主旨中的 'narrow genetic focus' 这一 limitation。通过对比 'only one or two ancestors' vs. 'six other great-grandparents' 或 '14 other great-great-grandparents'，读者能直观看到 methodology 的 incompleteness。

    信号词 only but even though while however whereas in contrast compared to rather than instead of just merely

    仿写： 当想 critique 某个 method 或 reveal its limitations 时，设置 contrast between what it covers vs. what it ignores。使用 'only...while...' 或 'just X but Y' 结构。仿写模版：【方法/技术】only considers 【狭窄范围】, even though 【实际情况】includes 【更广范围】。量化对比效果更强：'only X out of Y' 或 'just A compared to B+C+D'。

  • 打比方

    P1

    开篇引用莎士比亚式谚语 'It is a wise father that knows his own child' 作为 figurative opening，然后 transitions 到 modern context where technology (PTK) can 'boost paternal wisdom'。这个 metaphorical framing 将传统智慧 (knowing your child) 和现代科技 (confirming paternity) 关联起来，用 familiar concept 引入 technical topic。虽然是 subtle 的比喻，但它 sets a tone：technology 作为 wisdom 的 extension or substitute，为全文讨论 testing 的 capabilities and limitations 埋下伏笔。

    信号词 like as as if metaphorically can be seen as serves as acts as boost extension parallel to

    仿写： 在 introduce technical topic 时，寻找 relevant cultural references 或 common sayings 作为 entry point。问自己：what familiar concept 能 parallel 这个 new technology？仿写模版：【传统概念/谚语】, but today 【现代技术】can 【对应功能】。关键是 maintain connection between the metaphor and literal content—不要为了比喻而比喻，要确保它 serves the expository purpose。

  • 下定义

    P3 P4

    虽然文章没有 formal dictionary-style definitions，但它 functionally defines concepts through description：'paternity and kinship testing' 后面解释了它的 purposes (adopted children finding relatives, tracking down kids)；'genealogists' 和它们的 interest (geographic roots) 被连接；testing process 被定义为 'collecting cells by swabbing saliva'。这些 operational definitions 让 readers 理解不仅是 'what' 而且是 'how' 和 'for whom'，建立了讨论 limitations 所需的 conceptual foundation。

    信号词 which involves requires is refers to means defined as consists of characterized by entails

    仿写： 不要局限于 'X is defined as Y' 的 rigid format。提供 functional definitions：这个东西 does what？who uses it and why？仿写模版：【术语】, which 【使用者】can use to 【功能/目的】，或 【过程名称】involves/requires 【具体步骤】。让 definition 包含 practical context 而非仅 abstract description。

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

5 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。

  • 父亲智慧的讽刺性对比

    P1
    It is a wise father that knows his own child, but today a man can boost his paternal wisdom – or at least confirm that he's the kid's dad.

    转折类 but however yet nevertheless nonetheless whereas while

    这个 opening sentence 表面上在 introduce DNA paternity testing 这个 topic,但 subtext 是 author 对这种 commercial test 的 subtle mockery。"Wise father knows his own child"是 traditional wisdom,强调 emotional bond 和 intuitive understanding,而 but 之后的"boost paternal wisdom"听起来 grand,但立刻被"or at least confirm he's the kid's dad"这个 phrase downgrade 成纯粹的 biological verification。这个 deflating move 暗示 author 认为 DNA testing 把 complex paternal relationship 简化成了 simple genetic confirmation,为后文的 critical analysis 埋下 tonal foundation。这对 article's main thesis 的作用是 foreshadow 后面 experts' skepticism,establish 一个 questioning perspective from the start。

  • 商业规模的质疑暗示

    P2
    More than 60,000 people have purchased the PTKs since they first became available without prescriptions last year, according to Doug Fogg, chief operating officer of Identigene, which makes the over-the-counter kits. More than two dozen companies sell DNA tests directly to the public, ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,500.

    数据堆砌类 More than over up to as many as ranging from...to dozens of hundreds of

    这段的 subtext 是通过 seemingly objective reporting 来 plant doubt。虽然 author 只是 state facts,但 consecutive use of "more than"强调 scale,而 price 的 huge variation($200-$2500)以及 information source 是 company executive 这些 details,都 subtly suggest 这是一个 unregulated、potentially exploitative 的 commercial market。这为 paragraph 5-6 的 expert criticism 做 preparation,让 reader 开始 question 这个 booming industry 的 credibility。对 main thesis 的作用是 build up tension between commercial success 和 scientific validity,为 critical turn 做 groundwork。

  • 流行趋势与科学严谨性的反差

    P3
    DNA testing is also the latest rage among passionate genealogists – and supports businesses that offer to search for a family's geographic roots.

    情态词类 rage craze fad trend buzz hype fashionable

    用"latest rage"来 describe DNA testing for genealogy 是一个 deliberate word choice,暗示这是一个 trend-driven phenomenon 而非 scientifically sound practice。"Passionate genealogists"虽然看似 positive,但 combined with "rage"就 imply 这些人 driven by emotion rather than rational inquiry。后半句提到"supports businesses"进一步 expose commercial motive,suggesting 整个 phenomenon 是 market-driven 而非 knowledge-driven。这个 subtle criticism 为接下来 Duster 教授的 direct critique 做 tonal preparation,让 reader 在 emotional level 已经开始 question 这些 tests 的 legitimacy。对 main thesis 的作用是 transition from descriptive reporting to critical evaluation。

  • 精确性的虚假承诺

    P5
    There's a kind of false precision being hawked by people claiming they are doing ancestry testing

    对比词类 false precision pseudo-science superficial accuracy misleading certainty apparent objectivity so-called expertise alleged proof

    Duster 教授的这个 quote 是 article 的 critical turning point,明确 articulate 前面几段 implicit 的 concerns。"False precision"这个 oxymoron 直接 expose 这些 tests 的 fundamental flaw—它们 give appearance of scientific accuracy 但 actually misleading。"Hawked"这个 verb 把 sellers 描绘成 aggressive marketers rather than legitimate scientists,"claiming"further undermines their credibility。这个 explicit critique validates reader's potential doubts,把 article 从 descriptive mode 转入 analytical mode。对 main thesis 的作用是 provide authoritative voice to support article's skeptical stance,making 批判 more credible and powerful。

  • 数据库的系统性缺陷

    P6
    commercial genetic testing is only as good as the reference collections to which a sample is compared. Databases used by some companies don't rely on data collected systematically but rather lump together information from different research projects.

    模糊限制语类 only as good as no better than limited by constrained by dependent on contingent upon subject to

    这个 paragraph 的 subtext 是 systematically dismantle 这些 commercial tests 的 credibility。"Only as good as"immediately establish 这些 tests 的 validity conditional and questionable,后续的 multiple problems—unsystematic data collection、regional bias、inconsistent results、proprietary algorithms without peer review—构成 devastating critique。每个 point 都 expose 一个 layer of unreliability。这段不只是 list problems,而是 reveal 整个 commercial testing industry 缺乏 scientific rigor and transparency。对 main thesis 的作用是 provide concrete evidence for earlier abstract concerns,完成 article 从 description 到 critique 的 complete arc,最终 substantiate 文章主旨中关于 tests' limitations 的 conclusion。

AUTHOR ATTITUDE · 作者态度

作者态度：客观中立

结论先行：本文作者态度为客观中立（ Objective with an undertone of caution）。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measure语气 P1

    说明文的开篇通常承担definition或者background的功能，如果作者只是客观地报数字、讲price、讲流程，而不加入like/dislike这类主观词，就说明整体基调偏向neutral，这是判断态度的第一道门槛。

  2. 段落篇幅配比 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    说明文常用'先介绍现象、后引入争议'的结构来保持balance，如果positive内容和negative内容篇幅接近，说明作者并没有一边倒地support或者reject，而是想呈现一个全面的picture给读者。

  3. 转述而非断言 P5 P6

    说明文里，如果批评性观点都是通过quotation或者转述来呈现，而不是作者用第一人称或者绝对化语气直接下判断，说明作者在刻意保持journalistic的objectivity，只是把不同的声音展示出来，而非表达自己的立场。

  4. 结尾悬而未决 P6

    说明文的结尾往往暗示作者想留给读者的最终印象，如果结尾没有回到正面或者中立的总结，而是停在criticism上，说明作者虽然整体保持neutral，但希望读者对这个话题保留一份caution，这是一种隐性的态度倾斜。

  5. 四维交叉验证 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    四个判断维度（语气、结构、信源、结尾）分别从不同角度验证了同一个结论，即作者没有做出explicit的褒贬判断，而是让事实和不同声音自己说话，这正是说明文里最典型的'呈现而非评判'的写作策略。

文中的态度信号词

  • But P5

    这个词是全文态度的turning point，前四段都在讲PTK多受欢迎、市场多大，一个But直接把话题从popularity转向skepticism，是说明文里最经典的转折信号。

    同类词 However Yet Nonetheless On the other hand

  • skeptical P5

    skeptical直接点明observers对ancestry testing的态度，是全文第一个明确带有情感色彩的评价词，标志着文章正式进入critical的部分。

    同类词 doubtful dubious wary suspicious unconvinced

  • false precision P5

    这个短语直接质疑ancestry testing的科学性，指出所谓的precision其实是虚假的，是Duster这位sociologist用来支撑质疑观点的核心措辞。

    同类词 misleading overstated exaggerated claim illusory accuracy

  • Critics also argue P6

    这句话延续了第5段的质疑基调，用also表示补充新的一层criticism，说明作者在结构上有意把两段质疑内容layer起来，逐步加深读者对DNA testing局限性的认识。

    同类词 Opponents contend Detractors claim Skeptics counter Some experts warn

  • not subject to peer review P6

    这句话点出了商业genetic testing公司所用算法缺乏外部监督，是全文质疑的最后一根稻草，也是收尾段落里分量最重的一句critical陈述。

    同类词 unregulated unverified lack of oversight no outside evaluation

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，可直接迁移到其他考研英语 真题文章。

如何快速判断这是一篇说明文？

  1. 首段介绍话题而非立场 P1

    第1段 以 'a man can boost his paternal wisdom' 这样的 factual statement 开头,介绍了 paternity testing 这个 topic,属于典型的 expository opening,而议论文会有 clear thesis statement,新闻报道会有 who/what/when/where 的 lead paragraph。

  2. 多维度平行展开话题 P2 P3 P4

    第2段 提供 sales data 和 market information,第3段 列举 popular types 的 DNA testing,第4段 描述 testing process,每段都在 elaborate 不同的 dimension of DNA testing,这是典型的 expository structure,而议论文会有 claim-evidence-reasoning chain,新闻会按 inverted pyramid 递减重要性。

  3. 平衡呈现多方观点 P5 P6

    第5段 和 第6段 引入了 skeptical observers 和 critics 的观点,但作者只是 reporting these concerns 用 'some observers are skeptical' 和 'Critics also argue',没有 take sides 或 push readers toward a conclusion,这是 expository neutrality。议论文作者会明确 support or refute 某个观点,新闻虽然客观但会突出 newsworthiness。

  4. 教育性知识传递目标 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    整篇文章从介绍 DNA testing availability(第1段-2),到说明其 applications(第3段-4),再到讨论其 limitations(第5段-6),整个流程是 educate readers about DNA testing 这个 subject 的 various aspects。文章结尾没有 persuasive conclusion 或 latest development update,只是呈现了 ongoing debate,这确认了 expository nature。

哪些词暴露了说明文体裁？

  • paternity testing kit (PTK) P1 说明对象定义解释词 paternity testing kit DNA tests over-the-counter kits kinship testing ancestry testing
  • More than 60,000 people have purchased P2 事物属性功能描述词 have purchased became available sell DNA tests ranging in price from can use to find
  • which adopted children can use to P3 事物属性功能描述词 can use to find can use to track down offer to search for supports businesses that is also
  • Most tests require P4 事物属性功能描述词 require collecting require a potential candidate by swabbing by sending it to
  • But some observers are skeptical P5 说明顺序与例证词 But for example He notes that This DNA can reveal even though
  • This means that P6 说明顺序与例证词 so In addition may differ depending on may be patented and not subject to
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

6 句真题句逐层精讲

下列真题句各有独立的句子解析页——中文翻译、结构树逐层拆解、成分与时态、考点讲解与真题高频词。点击句子进入完整解析。

FAQ · 常见问题

关于 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore 的常见问题

2009年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (2) 文章 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore 的原文出自哪里？
Scientific American《科学美国人》2008 年 11 月 14 日一篇题为 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore（谁是你的父亲?在药店可能找到答案）的文章。
2009年考研英语真题文章 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore 的主旨是什么？
2009年考研英语真题 Section II Part A (2) 文章 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore 说明文解释了商业DNA检测(特别是亲子鉴定和祖源检测)的兴起,同时强调了专家对这些检测局限性的担忧,包括其狭窄的遗传关注范围以及依赖不完整的参考数据库可能产生不一致结果的问题。（英文表述：This expository text explains the rise of commercial DNA testing, particularly paternity and ancestry tests, while highlighting concerns from experts about the tests' limitations, including their narrow genetic focus and reliance on incomplete reference databases that may produce inconsistent results.）
Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore（2009年考研英语真题文章）是什么体裁？难度如何？
体裁为说明文，作者立场是客观中立（Objective with an undertone of caution）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 402 词、6 段；在考研英语全部 70 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 64 篇（占 91%）。
2009年考研英语真题文章 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore 的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 6 段按说明文骨架分为 4 个意群：第1段、第2段——DNA亲子鉴定的普及现象；第3段、第4段——DNA检测的应用类型；第5段——专家对检测局限性的质疑；第6段——数据库质量问题。
Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore 一文的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是客观中立（Objective with an undertone of caution）。判断路径：开篇measure语气 → 段落篇幅配比 → 转述而非断言 → 结尾悬而未决 → 四维交叉验证；文中的态度信号词包括 But（第5段）、skeptical（第5段）、false precision（第5段）、Critics also argue（第6段）、not subject to peer review（第6段）。
2009年考研英语真题文章 Who's Your Daddy? The Answer May Be at the Drugstore 中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 6 个：shell out（付钱、花钱(尤指不情愿地或大笔地支付)）、kinship（亲属关系、血缘关系）、genealogist（家谱学家、系谱学者）、swab（用棉签擦拭、取样）、hawk（兜售、沿街叫卖(尤指用夸张或欺骗的方式推销)）、lineage（世系、血统(指沿单一性别传承的家族谱系)），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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