懒笔记
2013年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (1) Average Is Over
Postgraduate · 来自 2013年考研英语二真题 · Section II Part A (1) · 阅读理解（四选一）

Average Is Over

2013年考研英语二真题文章逐层精读

The New York Times(《纽约时报》)2012年1月25日一篇题为Average Is Over(告别平庸)的文章。

本页是 2013年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章的精读视角页——这篇议论文全文 379 词、6 段，CEFR 难度 C1（C1 级在考研英语二文章中占 77%），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2013年考研英语二真题 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。

Average Is Over

In an essay entitled "Making It in America," the author Adam Davidson relates a joke from cotton country about just how much a modern textile mill has been automated: The average mill has only two employees today, "a man and a dog. The man is there to feed the dog, and the dog is there to keep the man away from the machines."

Davidson's article is one of a number of pieces that have recently appeared making the point that the reason we have such stubbornly high unemployment and declining middle-class incomes today is largely because of the big drop in demand because of the Great Recession, but it is also because of the advances in both globalization and the information technology revolution, which are more rapidly than ever replacing labor with machines or foreign workers.

In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle. But, today, average is officially over. Being average just won't earn you what it used to. It can't when so many more employers have so much more access to so much more above average cheap foreign labor, cheap robotics, cheap software, cheap automation and cheap geniuses. Therefore, everyone needs to find their extra – their unique value contribution that makes them stand out in whatever is their field of employment.

Yes, new technology has been eating jobs forever, and always will. But there's been an acceleration. As Davidson notes, "In the 10 years ending in 2009, [U.S.] factories shed workers so fast that they erased almost all the gains of the previous 70 years; roughly one out of every three manufacturing jobs – about 6 million in total – disappeared."

There will always be change – new jobs, new products, new services. But the one thing we know for sure is that with each advance in globalization and the I. T. revolution, the best jobs will require workers to have more and better education to make themselves above average.

In a world where average is officially over, there are many things we need to do to support employment, but nothing would be more important than passing some kind of G. I. Bill for the 21st century that ensures that every American has access to post-high school education.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

6 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2013年考研英语二真题 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

    Automation Replaces Workers

    A humorous anecdote illustrates the job-displacing power of automation.

    本段是全文的 opening hook，它用一个具体而易懂的 textile mill 场景，将抽象的 automation 问题转化为可感知的就业危机，为全文论述 average workers 的困境建立现实入口。

    纺织厂笑话引出机器替人
  2. P2

    The Causes of Today's Employment Crisis

    Unemployment and falling incomes result from recession, globalization, and technological change.

    本段把 第1段 的个别案例扩展为社会层面的 diagnosis，说明就业困境并非只由 recession 暂时造成，更来自 globalization 和 I.T. revolution 带来的长期劳动替代。

    衰退叠加全球化与技术替代
  3. P3

    The End of Average

    Workers must offer unique value because average skills no longer guarantee a stable livelihood.

    本段是全文的 central claim，它从“机器和全球劳动力正在替代人”进一步推出“普通人必须升级”的结论，准确呼应文章主旨中 average skills insufficient 和 unique value contribution 两个关键点。

    普通技能失效，必须形成独特价值
  4. P4

    An Accelerating Loss of Manufacturing Jobs

    Technological job displacement is not new, but it has accelerated sharply.

    本段为 第3段 的“average is over”补充 quantitative evidence：问题不仅存在，而且正在加速，因此劳动者提升能力和社会进行教育投入都具有更强的紧迫性。

    承认技术常态，强调失业加速
  5. P5

    Education for the Best Jobs

    Ongoing economic change makes higher education essential for access to the best jobs.

    本段承担从 problem 到 solution 的过渡作用：它把 第3段 中个人需要成为 above average 的要求，具体落实为 more and better education，并为末段的公共教育政策倡议铺路。

    变化不停，优质岗位更看重教育
  6. P6

    A G.I. Bill for the Twenty-First Century

    The most important employment policy is universal access to post-high-school education.

    本段是全文的 final policy conclusion，它把前文关于 automation、globalization、average skills 和 education 的论证汇聚为一项公共方案：以普及 post-high-school education 帮助美国人适应新的劳动力市场。

    用全民高中后教育应对就业危机
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

6 道逐段细节自检题

针对2013年考研英语二真题这篇原文，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 joke textile mill

    What does the joke about a modern textile mill mainly suggest?

    • A Dogs have become essential operators of textile machinery.
    • B Mill owners prefer to replace skilled workers with supervisors.
    • C Automation has reduced the need for human workers in production.
    • D Modern mills depend on workers to repair machines continuously.
    • E Textile workers are mainly responsible for feeding animals.
    • F Factory employment has expanded as machinery has improved.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    笑话中只有 a man and a dog，且人的职责只是 feed the dog，狗的职责则是 keep the man away from the machines。这个夸张设置的论证落点不是人与狗的分工，而是 machines 已经主导生产，human workers 被极度压缩。选项用 reduced the need 概括了 only two employees 的数量变化，属于忠实的同义转述。其障碍在于，它没有机械复现 feed 或 dog，而是把形象材料提升为 automation 对 labor 的影响。

    删角色看机器 时间极紧时，直接用题干中的 textile mill 在 第1段 定位，不必先逐句翻译笑话。随后执行“角色删减法”：暂时删去 man、dog 这两个喜剧角色，只保留 employees、machines 与数量反差；能解释这一骨架的正确项，就是答案项。该法比逐字理解 joke 更快。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 Davidson's article persistent employment problem

    According to Davidson's article, what has contributed to today's persistent employment problem?

    • A Only the collapse in consumer demand during the Great Recession.
    • B Rising middle-class incomes caused by rapid globalization.
    • C A shortage of foreign workers in the American labor market.
    • D Both weak demand after the Great Recession and labor replacement by global and digital forces.
    • E The inability of machines to perform information-related work.
    • F Temporary wage cuts imposed by textile manufacturers.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    段落先把 big drop in demand because of the Great Recession 列为原因，又用 but it is also because of 并列补充 globalization 和 the information technology revolution；后者通过 replacing labor with machines or foreign workers 具体说明机制。正确项完整保留了“两类原因＋替代机制”，没有把 but 误解为前因被否定。障碍在于选项用 weak demand、global and digital forces 概括原文长串表达，考查同义整合能力。

    盯住双因果铰链 用 persistent employment problem 的同义线索跳到 第2段 后，立刻只扫描三个逻辑铰链：because of、but、also because of。将它们标成“原因A＋原因B”，再找同时覆盖两格的正确项。此时不需要先消化整句的所有修饰语，正确项的结构完整性已经足以判定答案项。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 being average lifestyle

    Why can being average no longer secure the lifestyle it once did?

    • A Average workers have become unwilling to accept ordinary jobs.
    • B Foreign labor is now more expensive than domestic labor.
    • C Most employers have stopped using software and automation.
    • D Workers with average skills receive more public assistance than before.
    • E Employers can choose from cheaper and more capable alternatives to average labor.
    • F The demand for above-average workers has disappeared.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    原文用 It can't when 引出直接理由：employers have access to above average cheap foreign labor、cheap robotics、cheap software、cheap automation 和 cheap geniuses。正确项将这些并列资源归纳为 cheaper and more capable alternatives，并保留 employers can choose 的竞争机制。这是对原文枚举的上位概括。障碍在于原文没有直接出现 alternatives to average labor，而需要考生把多项 cheap 资源与 above average 的对照关系整合起来。

    折叠廉价替代链 先由 being average 在 第3段 锁定后，采用“反复词折叠法”：把连续出现的 cheap foreign labor、cheap robotics、cheap software 等全部折叠为“低成本优质替代品”。然后看哪个正确项能解释 average 的价值为何被压低。无需逐项翻译长枚举，先识别其重复的 cheap 和竞争方向即可。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 ending in 2009 factory employment figures

    What do the factory employment figures ending in 2009 demonstrate?

    • A Manufacturing jobs recovered all the gains made in the previous 70 years.
    • B One out of every three new factory jobs was created by 2009.
    • C Six million workers moved from factories to service industries.
    • D Technological change stopped affecting factory employment after 2009.
    • E Factory workers lost jobs at the same rate as in the previous 70 years.
    • F Job losses in manufacturing accelerated dramatically during the decade.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    段首先明确提出 there's been an acceleration，随后数据说明 factories shed workers so fast，以至于十年间几乎抹去了此前七十年的增长，并导致约三分之一 manufacturing jobs 消失。正确项以 accelerated dramatically 概括速度，以 job losses in manufacturing 保留对象和方向。障碍在于原文的 acceleration 在引文之前，数据在引文之中；考生需要把“观点句”和“证据句”连接起来。

    十年压过七十年 直接凭 2009 定位 第4段，随后不读完整引文，只看“10 years 对 70 years”和 shed、erased、disappeared 三个方向词。把这个数字图像翻译成“短期内更快地下跌”，再寻找表达该趋势的正确项。用时间比例代替逐字翻译，是数据题最省时的判定法。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 best jobs necessary

    What does the author regard as necessary for obtaining the best jobs?

    • A More and better education that enables workers to become above average.
    • B Experience in every newly created product and service.
    • C A willingness to remain in an average position.
    • D Protection from the effects of globalization and information technology.
    • E The same level of education required in the past.
    • F Access to cheap foreign labor and cheap automation.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    原文用 the best jobs will require workers to have more and better education，并说明其目的在于 make themselves above average。正确项保留了 require 的必要性、more and better 的双重提升，以及 above average 的结果。障碍在于答案不是泛泛的 education，而是带有质量与数量双重限定、并指向竞争力提升的教育。

    直取require宾语 用 best jobs 直接定位 第5段，并采用“情态词直取法”：忽略段首所有 new jobs、new products 的开放性描述，直接寻找最强的门槛动词 will require。把其宾语短语与正确项做同义比对即可。该法专门避开段首背景信息对视线的干扰。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 21st-century G. I. Bill ensure

    What would a 21st-century G. I. Bill primarily seek to ensure?

    • A Guaranteed manufacturing jobs for all American workers.
    • B Every American's access to education beyond high school.
    • C Free machines and software for every high school graduate.
    • D Protection of average incomes from foreign competition.
    • E Exclusive advanced training for workers already above average.
    • F The elimination of all unemployment caused by the Great Recession.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    原文明确写道 that ensures that every American has access to post-high school education。正确项将 has access to 改写为 access，并将 post-high school education 改写为 education beyond high school，信息范围、对象和政策动作完全一致。障碍在于题干的 primarily 容易诱导考生选择 employment，但 employment 是支持该政策的更宏观语境；ensure 的直接宾语才是本题所问。

    截取ensure后宾语 以 G. I. Bill 在 第6段 秒级定位后，使用“谓语后截取法”：不回读全文，只从 ensures 开始截取其后完整宾语结构，并核对 every American 这一范围。能同时保留“教育机会＋全民覆盖”的正确项就是答案项；所有 jobs、income 类选项即使符合文章主题，也因不在 ensure 的直接支配范围内而可迅速排除。

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

    自动化导致就业人数锐减的现象引入

    作者通过 Davidson 的 essay 引出一个 joke about automation，展示了 modern textile mill 只需要 two employees 的 extreme scenario，这个 vivid example 为后续 discussion 奠定了 foundation，让读者直观感受到 machines replacing labor 的 dramatic extent。

    这个 opening paragraph 用 concrete and humorous anecdote 吸引 reader's attention，并且 introduce the central issue of automation，为后面 elaborate on 自动化和全球化如何 change the job market 做好 preparation，establish 了 discussion 的 starting point。

    举例说明自动化取代劳动力
  2. 分论点 P2

    失业和收入下降的双重原因分析

    这个 paragraph 从 Davidson's article 出发，指出 high unemployment 和 declining middle-class incomes 的 root causes 不仅是 Great Recession 导致的 demand drop，更重要的是 globalization 和 IT revolution 正在 rapidly replace labor with machines or foreign workers，这里明确了 problem 的 dual dimensions。

    这个 meaning group 完成了从 anecdotal introduction 到 systematic analysis 的 transition，它 identify 并 explain the fundamental forces 驱动 job market transformation。通过 point out both globalization and technology 的 impact，它为后续 elaborate on consequences 和 propose solutions 建立了 analytical framework。

    阐明问题的双重成因
  3. 分论点 P3

    平均水平失效与寻求独特价值的必要性

    这个 paragraph 阐述了一个 critical consequence：在 past，workers with average skills 能 earn average lifestyle，但 today 这个 formula 已经 broken down。因为 employers 有 access to abundant cheap resources including foreign labor, robotics, software, automation and geniuses，所以 everyone 必须 find their unique value contribution 才能 stand out in their field。

    这个 meaning group 是 argumentation 的 core turning point，它 explain the practical implications for individual workers。通过 contrast past and present，它 highlight 了 job market 的 fundamental shift，并且 introduce the concept of 'unique value'，这为最后的 education solution 做好了 logical preparation。

    说明平均技能不再够用
  4. 分论点 P4

    技术进步加速就业流失的数据支撑

    这个 paragraph 用 concrete data 支撑前面的 claims：technology has been eating jobs forever 但现在出现了 acceleration。引用 Davidson 的 statistics 显示在 10 years ending in 2009，U.S. factories shed workers so fast that they erased almost all the gains of the previous 70 years，大约 one out of every three manufacturing jobs disappeared，总计 6 million jobs。

    这个 meaning group 通过 quantitative evidence 增强 argument 的 credibility 和 urgency。它 validate 了前面关于 rapid change 的 assertions，用 specific numbers 让抽象的 trend 变得 tangible and alarming，从而 strengthen the case for action。

    用数据证明变化的剧烈程度
  5. 分论点 P5

    变化持续性与教育提升的必然性

    这个 paragraph 承认 change is inevitable，will always be new jobs, products, and services，但关键点是：with each advance in globalization and IT revolution，the best jobs will require workers to have more and better education to make themselves above average。这里建立了 education 和 competitiveness 之间的 direct link。

    这个 meaning group 是 transition to solution phase 的 bridge。它 acknowledge the permanence of change 的同时，identify education as the key differentiator。这为最后一段的 policy proposal 做了 logical setup，使 solution 显得 natural and necessary。

    明确教育提升的必要性
  6. 结论 P6

    提出21世纪教育法案的政策建议

    这个 concluding paragraph 在承认 'average is officially over' 的 reality 下，明确提出：to support employment，nothing would be more important than passing some kind of G.I. Bill for the 21st century，确保 every American has access to post-high school education。这是 concrete policy recommendation，回应了整篇 essay 的 central argument。

    这个 meaning group 是 entire argumentation 的 culmination。它 synthesize 前面所有的 analysis（automation, globalization, need for unique value, importance of education）into a single actionable proposal。通过 reference to G.I. Bill，它 connect to historical precedent 并 give the solution concrete shape，完成了从 problem to solution 的 complete argumentative arc。

    提出教育普及的政策解决方案
MAIN IDEA · 速判主旨

6 步定位这篇文章的主旨

不读完全篇也能锁定主旨——以下 6 步按2013年考研英语二真题 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. 首段示例暗示核心议题 P1

    议论文的 opening 往往用 concrete example 或 striking statement 来 engage readers 并 preview the main argument。虽然首段可能不直接呈现 thesis，但它会建立 thematic framework，让读者对文章要讨论的 problem domain 有初步认知。通过识别首段的 illustrative content，我们能快速锁定文章的 subject matter。

  2. 第二段揭示问题成因 P2

    议论文的第二段往往承担 argument articulation 的功能，它会把首段的 illustrative content 转化为 explicit claims。通过识别第二段中的 causal language（如 'because of'、'the reason is'）和 analytical terms，我们能捕捉到作者的 core argument。这段不仅说明了 what（失业和收入下降），更说明了 why（技术和全球化），这是 thesis 的重要组成部分。

  3. 中段宣告规则改变 P3

    议论文中段往往包含 author's most explicit position statement。第三段的 'average is officially over' 是个 emphatic declaration，它不仅 diagnoses the problem 还 prescribes a response。通过识别这类 strong declarative sentences 和 modal verbs（'needs to'），我们能抓住 author's normative argument，即作者不仅在分析现状，还在倡导特定的 adaptive strategy。这是 thesis 从 descriptive 到 prescriptive 的关键部分。

  4. 证据段强化趋势必然性 P4 P5

    这两段通过 empirical data 和 projective reasoning 来 reinforce the thesis。第四段的数据让 argument 更 concrete，第五段的 future-oriented language（'will require'、'will always be'）揭示 long-term implication。虽然它们不直接陈述 thesis，但通过 evidence accumulation 和 trend projection，它们让主旨更 compelling 和 urgent。识别这些段落帮助我们理解 thesis 的 evidential foundation 和 temporal dimension。

  5. 尾段提出核心解决方案 P6

    议论文的 conclusion 往往将 scattered arguments 整合成 actionable recommendation。尾段不仅 restates the problem（'average is over'）还提出 prioritized solution（'nothing more important than'）。通过识别 superlative language 和 specific proposals，我们能捕捉 author's ultimate message。这段是 thesis 的 destination：它告诉读者 'given all this analysis, here's what we must do'，是从 understanding 到 action 的桥梁。

  6. 完整论证链条整合 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    通过 tracing the argumentative progression，我们能看到 thesis 不是单一句子而是 multi-layered argument。它包含 diagnostic component（what happened）、explanatory component（why it happened）、normative component（what should people do）、prescriptive component（what should society do）。理解这个 layered structure 让我们抓住的不是 surface-level summary 而是 deep argument architecture。这是区分 'topic' 和 'thesis' 的关键。

主旨信号词 automation P1 average is officially over P3 globalization P2 unique value contribution P3 more and better education P5 nothing would be more important than P6 stubborn unemployment and declining middle-class incomes P2

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

自动化和全球化从根本上改变了就业市场,使"普通"技能不足以维持中产阶级就业。工人现在必须发展独特的价值贡献并接受高等教育以保持竞争力,这需要一个现代版的《退伍军人权利法案》来确保所有美国人都能接受高中后教育。
Automation and globalization have fundamentally changed the job market, making 'average' skills insufficient for middle-class employment. Workers must now develop unique value contributions and pursue higher education to remain competitive, necessitating a modern equivalent of the G.I. Bill to ensure post-high school educational access for all Americans.
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。

  • stubbornly 顽固地、持续地

    让我们把这些 clues 串起来。从 syntactic function 看，stubbornly 修饰 high unemployment，说明它描述一种 persistent state。从 morphology 角度，stub- 的树桩意象 + -born 的天生特质，构成'顽固的'含义，-ly 转为副词。从 causal logic 看，Great Recession 和 technological advances 造成的是 structural unemployment，这种失业不是 cyclical 的，而是 long-term 的、hard to reverse 的。三条线索converge到同一个conclusion：stubbornly 表示'顽固地、固执地'，在这里强调失业率 persistently high、difficult to reduce。

    三维验证收敛法
  • shed 裁减、摆脱

    现在整合这些 threads。从 parallel structure 看，shed 和 disappeared 是 equivalent actions，都表示 losing workers。从 polysemy perspective，shed 的基本意象是 letting go naturally（like leaves falling），这里 metaphorically apply 到 workforce reduction。从 semantic intensity 看，so fast 和 acceleration 说明这不是 gradual process，而是 rapid shedding。把这些 clues combine，shed workers 就是'（快速地、大量地）裁减员工、摆脱劳动力'，带有一种 inevitable、natural 的 connotation，就像自然界的 shedding 一样 unstoppable。

    意象迁移验证法
  • acceleration 加速

    让我们 synthesize。从 contrastive logic 看，acceleration 标志着 job loss 从 steady process 变成 rapid process。从 morphology 看，ac-（toward）+ celer（speed）+ -ation（process）构成'加速'这个 concept。从 argumentative thread 看，这个 acceleration 是作者 central thesis 的 supporting point：technology 不仅 eating jobs，而且 eating faster than before。三个 perspectives 都指向同一个 meaning：acceleration 是'加速、加快'，specifically 指 process 的 speed increasing over time。

    三重定位强化法
  • erased 抹去、消除

    现在 connect the dots。从 consequence logic 看，erase 是 so fast shedding 的 extreme result，修饰的是 all gains，说明 action 的 thoroughness。从 concrete imagery 看，eraser 的 metaphor 提供了 visceral understanding：complete removal，就像从未存在。从 rhetorical strategy 看，作者 deliberately choose erased 而非 mild 的词，来 amplify 问题的 severity。综合起来，erased 就是'抹去、彻底消除'，强调 action 的 completeness 和 irreversibility，在这里指 employment gains 被 completely wiped out。

    意象修辞逻辑三角
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

6 处修辞手法与仿写

每处修辞给出它在本文的具体用法、同类信号词清单与一份可直接套用的 写作仿写建议——读完能认，也能写。

  • 举例论证

    P1

    作者通过 cotton country 的 joke 来 illustrate 现代工厂的 automation 程度：整个 mill 只需要 a man and a dog，这个 concrete example 生动地 demonstrate 了技术如何 replace human labor。这个 humorous anecdote 不仅 engage readers，更为后文关于 automation eating jobs 的核心 argument 提供了一个 memorable 的 opening，让抽象的 technological unemployment 变得 tangible and relatable。

    信号词 for example for instance such as take... as an example a case in point to illustrate relates a story consider the case of

    仿写： 当你要 argue 一个关于 social change 或 trend 的观点时，可以用一个 vivid story 或 anecdote 作为 opening。比如讨论 online education impact 时，你可以先 describe 一个具体的 student's experience。模版：'In [specific context], [specific person/case] demonstrates that [your point]. This example reveals...'

  • 引用论证

    P1 P2 P4

    作者 cite Adam Davidson 的 article "Making It in America" 以及后续 quote Davidson 关于 manufacturing jobs 的 data，这种 citation 为整篇文章的 credibility 奠定基础。通过 refer to 权威 source，作者不仅 avoid 单纯的 personal opinion，更让 unemployment 和 automation 的 argument 建立在 researched evidence 之上。Davidson 的 specific statistics（6 million jobs disappeared）让 claim 更具 persuasive power。

    信号词 according to as X notes as X argues X observes that in X's view X points out entitled in an article/essay research shows studies indicate

    仿写： 当 making a claim about complex issues，先 identify relevant experts 或 authoritative studies。引入时可以用 'According to...' 或 'As X notes/argues...' 然后 integrate 具体 data 或 quotation。记得 connect citation back to your point。模版：'As [expert] observes in [source], "[quote]". This evidence supports the view that [your interpretation].'

  • 因果论证

    P2

    作者在 第2段 明确建立了 causal chain：stubbornly high unemployment 和 declining middle-class incomes 的 reason 包括 Great Recession 带来的 demand drop，以及 globalization 和 IT revolution 导致的 labor replacement。这个 multi-layered causation 帮助 readers 理解 current economic situation 不是 single factor 导致，而是 complex interplay。因果关系的 establishment 为后文的 solution（education reform）提供了 logical foundation。

    信号词 because because of due to owing to as a result of consequently therefore thus hence leads to causes results in the reason... is

    仿写： 构建 causal argument 时，先 identify 你要 explain 的 effect，然后 trace back 到 causes。可以用 'because of', 'due to', 'as a result of' 等连接。如果有 multiple causes，要 structure them logically。模版：'The reason [effect] is largely because of [primary cause], but it is also because of [secondary causes], which [explain mechanism].'

  • 对比论证

    P3

    第3段 构建了 past vs. present 的 sharp contrast：过去 average skills 能获得 average lifestyle，但 today 'average is officially over'。这个 temporal contrast 通过 'In the past... But, today...' 的 parallel structure 来 highlight 根本性的 shift。对比让 readers 清晰感受到 job market 的 transformation，强化了 urgency：workers 不能再 rely on mediocrity。这种 before-after contrast 是 argumentative essays 中常用的 persuasive technique。

    信号词 but however in contrast on the other hand whereas while unlike in the past... today traditionally... now used to... but now

    仿写： 设置 contrast 时，先 identify two distinct states/situations。用 temporal markers（in the past/today, traditionally/now）或 adversative conjunctions（but, however, whereas）来 signal shift。保持 parallel structure 让 contrast 更 striking。模版：'In the past, [situation A]. But today, [contrasting situation B]. This shift means [implication].'

  • 排比修辞

    P3

    第3段 中 'so much more access to so much more above average cheap foreign labor, cheap robotics, cheap software, cheap automation and cheap geniuses' 构成了 powerful parallelism。连续的 'cheap X' structure 不仅创造 rhythmic effect，更 enumerate 了 multiple threats to average workers，让 accumulation 产生 overwhelming feeling。这个 rhetorical device 强化了 competition 的 intensity 和 breadth，让 readers 感受到 workers 面临的 multifaceted challenges。

    仿写： 构建 parallelism 时，选择 consistent grammatical structure（如连续的 adjectives + nouns，或 repeated phrases）。List at least three items 来 create rhythm。确保每个 element 都 contribute to your overall point。模版：'[Adjective/phrase] + [noun 1], [same adjective/phrase] + [noun 2], [same adjective/phrase] + [noun 3], and [same adjective/phrase] + [noun 4].'

  • 比喻修辞

    P4

    第4段 使用 'technology has been eating jobs' 这个 metaphor，把 technology 比作一个 consuming entity，把 job loss 描述为被 'devour' 的过程。这个 vivid image 比 neutral expression（'technology eliminates jobs'）更有 emotional impact，暗示了 process 的 relentless 和 destructive nature。Metaphor 让 abstract economic concept 变得 tangible and threatening，增强 readers 的 emotional engagement。

    信号词 is/was like as if metaphorically can be seen as serves as

    仿写： 选择 metaphor 时，find a concrete, familiar process 或 object 来 represent 你的 abstract concept。确保 comparison 是 apt and illuminating。可以 extend metaphor through the paragraph。模版：'[Abstract concept] has been [metaphorical verb] [object], suggesting [implication of the metaphor].'

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。

  • 自动化导致人类劳动力边缘化

    P1
    The average mill has only two employees today, 'a man and a dog. The man is there to feed the dog, and the dog is there to keep the man away from the machines.'

    极端限制语 only merely just barely hardly scarcely no more than

    这个 joke 表面上是 humorous anecdote,但 implication 极其严肃:human workers 已经从 production process 中被 systematically eliminated,只剩下 symbolic presence。The dog 的角色更是 ironic——它的 job 是 keep humans away,暗示 humans 已经成为 production 的 obstacle 而非 contributor。这为全文 thesis 奠定了 emotional foundation:automation crisis 不是 future threat,而是 current reality,为后续 argue 'average is over' 提供了 concrete evidence。

  • 失业问题的多重根源被部分淡化

    P2
    the reason we have such stubbornly high unemployment and declining middle-class incomes today is largely because of the big drop in demand because of the Great Recession, but it is also because of the advances in both globalization and the information technology revolution

    让步转折类 largely because...but it is also because largely...but also mainly...yet primarily...however chiefly...but mostly...still principally...nonetheless

    作者通过这个 carefully constructed sentence 在 diplomatically dismiss 一个 popular explanation(经济危机导致失业)的同时,redirect attention 到自己的 core argument(技术变革和全球化)。这个 implication 很关键:失业问题不是 cyclical economic issue 会随着 recovery 而 resolve,而是 structural transformation 需要 fundamental response。这为后面 propose 'G.I. Bill for 21st century' 这个 policy solution 铺路——如果只是 recession 的问题,stimulus package 就够了,但如果是 technological displacement,就需要 education reform。

  • 平均水平曾经足够但现已失效

    P3
    In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle. But, today, average is officially over.

    时间对比类 In the past...But, today In the past...But today Previously...Now Once...However Traditionally...Currently Formerly...At present Used to...But now

    这个 contrast 的 implication 是双重的:首先,它 validate 一种 collective nostalgia——middle class 的 economic security 曾经是 attainable 的,不是 myth;其次,它 deliver 一个 harsh verdict——那个 era 已经 conclusively ended('officially over' 这个 phrase 像是 proclaim 一个 official decree)。这为作者的 call to action 建立了 urgency:不是 suggest 人们 adapt,而是 declare 他们 must adapt or face obsolescence。这个 implication 直接 support 文章主旨:既然 average 不再 sufficient,社会必须 provide pathways for everyone to become 'above average'。

  • 技术性失业正在加速恶化

    P4
    Yes, new technology has been eating jobs forever, and always will. But there's been an acceleration.

    让步转折类 But there's been an acceleration Yes...But True...However Granted...Yet Admittedly...Still Certainly...Nevertheless Indeed...But

    作者通过这个 concession 在 neutralize 一个 potential dismissal of his argument——如果有人说'技术 displacement 一直存在,没必要 panic',作者 preempt 这个 objection 并 turn it into evidence for his position。'Acceleration' 这个词的 implication 是 qualitative change disguised as quantitative:不只是 more job loss,而是 faster rate 意味着 workers 没有 time to adapt,labor market 没有 time to create new jobs to absorb displaced workers。这 reinforce 文章主旨中的 urgency:需要 immediate policy intervention(G.I. Bill)而不是 wait for market to self-correct。

  • 未来工作要求持续提升

    P5
    There will always be change – new jobs, new products, new services. But the one thing we know for sure is that with each advance in globalization and the I. T. revolution, the best jobs will require workers to have more and better education to make themselves above average.

    转折对比类 but yet however still though nevertheless nonetheless

    这个 sentence 的 implication 是 sobering:虽然 job market 会 evolve,但 access to good jobs 的 barrier 在 continuously rise。'More and better education' 这个 escalating requirement 暗示一个 treadmill effect——workers 必须 keep running just to stay in place,而那些 cannot keep up 会 fall behind。'Best jobs' 这个 phrase 也 imply 一个 stratification:会有 jobs available,但 quality jobs 只给那些 highly educated 的人。这个 implication 直接 lead to 文章的 policy recommendation:如果 education 成为 gateway to economic security,社会必须 ensure universal access to education,否则 inequality 会 worsen。

  • 教育投资是应对危机的最优先举措

    P6
    there are many things we need to do to support employment, but nothing would be more important than passing some kind of G. I. Bill for the 21st century that ensures that every American has access to post-high school education.

    极端对比类 but nothing would be more important than nothing would be more important than most critical above all else paramount the single most important no greater priority than

    这个 concluding statement 的 implication 是 strategic:作者不只是 suggesting education reform as one option among many,而是 declaring 它是 necessary and sufficient condition for addressing 文章讨论的 crisis。'Some kind of G.I. Bill' 这个 historical analogy 也 carry implication——original G.I. Bill was transformative and government-funded,暗示作者 advocate 类似 scale 的 public investment。'Every American' 这个 universal quantifier reinforce 主旨中的 equity concern:如果只有 some people 能 access education,inequality 会 deepen。整个 sentence 把前面 descriptive analysis of problem(automation, globalization)转化为 prescriptive solution(universal education access),这是 argumentative essay 的 classic move,也是作者 ultimate message:个人 adaptation 不够,需要 systemic policy intervention。

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

  1. 定位核心论点 P2

    Thesis statement 是议论文的 core，它直接 reveal 作者想要 argue 什么。当作者 quote 别人观点并 elaborate on it 时，通常表明他 agrees with 这个观点，这就暴露了他的 attitude。

  2. 识别问题描述语气 P2 P4

    作者对问题的 characterization 透露他的 emotional stance。使用 strong negative words 表明他认为这是 serious problem，需要 attention 和 solution，而不是 indifferent 或 dismissive。

  3. 定位解决方案表述 P6

    当作者 propose concrete solutions 而不是 just criticize，这表明他的 attitude 是 constructive rather than purely negative。他不是 complaining without purpose，而是 advocating for change，显示 proactive stance。

  4. 综合整体论证走向 P3 P5 P6

    Overall tone 需要 weigh 所有 components。这篇文章既有 warning about problems，又有 confidence in solutions，所以不是 purely pessimistic 也不是 naively optimistic，而是 realistic yet constructive，这就是作者的 balanced attitude。

文中的态度信号词

  • stubbornly high P2

    这个 adverb-adjective combination 表达作者对 unemployment 的 frustration。'Stubbornly' 暗示问题 resists solutions，显示作者的 concern 和 urgency。在议论文里，这种 emotionally loaded language 直接 reveal writer's stance。

    同类词 persistently elevated disturbingly high troublingly high alarmingly high worryingly high

  • shed workers so fast P4

    'Shed' 本身是 negative verb，配合 'so fast' 的 intensifier 强调 pace of job loss 的 shocking nature。这个 vivid expression 让读者 feel the urgency，体现作者对 workers' plight 的 empathy 和 concern。

    同类词 rapidly displaced swiftly eliminated quickly replaced hastily removed abruptly lost

  • nothing would be more important than P6

    这是 superlative structure，表达 absolute priority。在议论文里，用 'nothing more important' 显示作者对 education solution 的 strong conviction，这是 definitive statement 而非 tentative suggestion，体现 constructive attitude。

    同类词 most crucial is paramount is top priority should be essential above all critical necessity is

  • There will always be P5

    'Always' 这个 temporal adverb 表达 continuity 和 inevitability。作者用这个 phrase 来 normalize change，传达 'this is natural' 的 message，减少 anxiety。这显示作者 accepts reality 但保持 optimistic，是 balanced perspective。

    同类词 change is constant inevitably there will be perpetually we see continually emerging enduringly present

  • Yes...But P4

    这是 concession structure，先 acknowledge opposing view 或 negative reality，再用 'but' 转向自己的 main point。在议论文里这显示 author is reasonable，承认 problems 但不 dwell on them，而是 pivot to solutions，体现 balanced and constructive approach。

    同类词 True...However Admittedly...Yet Granted...Still Indeed...Nevertheless

  • everyone needs to P3

    'Needs to' 是 strong modal verb，表达 necessity。配合 'everyone' 的 universal subject，作者在 calling for widespread action。这不是 blaming individuals 而是 urging adaptation，显示 solution-oriented mindset，体现 constructive attitude。

    同类词 we must it is essential to people should workers have to individuals ought to

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. 开篇引用轶事作钩子 P1

    第1段 用了一个 joke from cotton country 来 引出 automation 的话题,这是典型的 argumentative essay 的 engaging opening,说明文会直接 define automation,新闻报道会直接报道 specific event 或 recent development

  2. 提出因果论证主张 P2

    第2段 明确提出了 thesis: high unemployment 和 declining middle-class incomes 的 reason 是 the big drop in demand 以及 advances in globalization and IT revolution,这是一个 causal argument 需要被 supported 和 defended,说明文只会 explain how things work 不会 argue why,新闻报道会 report what happened 不会 establish a thesis to prove

  3. 使用规劝性评价语言 P3 P6

    第3段 用了 strong evaluative language: 'average is officially over'、'Being average just won't earn you what it used to',第6段 更直接用了 prescriptive language: 'nothing would be more important than passing some kind of G.I. Bill',这些 normative statements 显示作者在 advocate for change,说明文保持 neutral tone 只 explain,新闻报道虽可能引用他人观点但本身保持 objectivity

  4. 战略性引用数据论证 P4

    第4段 引用了 Davidson's data: 'factories shed workers so fast...roughly one out of every three manufacturing jobs...disappeared',这个 statistic 被用来 strengthen the argument about job displacement,而不是为了 comprehensively explain manufacturing trends,说明文会 present data systematically 来 inform,新闻报道会 quote sources 来 verify facts 而非 prove a point

  5. 结尾呼吁行动方案 P5 P6

    第6段 是明确的 call to action: 'nothing would be more important than passing some kind of G.I. Bill for the 21st century',这个 conclusion 不是 summary of facts 而是 policy recommendation,体现了议论文的 persuasive intent,说明文的 conclusion 只会 recap main points,新闻报道通常用 inverted pyramid structure 不会在结尾 advocate for action

  6. 问题剖析解决架构 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    整篇文章展现了完整的 argumentative arc: 第1段-2 introduce problem (unemployment and automation), 第3段-4 analyze causes and consequences (why average is over), 第5段-6 propose solution (education reform),这种 deliberate progression 是为了 lead readers to accept the author's position,说明文会用 categorical or sequential organization 来 present information systematically,新闻报道把 most important information 放在开头然后递减

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁？

  • making the point that P2 观点引导词 argue that claim that contend that maintain that assert that
  • But P3 论证逻辑连接词 However Yet Nevertheless Nonetheless On the contrary
  • Therefore P3 论证逻辑连接词 Thus Hence Consequently As a result Accordingly
  • But P4 论证逻辑连接词 However Yet Nevertheless Nonetheless On the contrary
  • nothing would be more important than P6 立场表态词 most crucial is above all the key is what matters most is essential is
  • need to P6 立场表态词 must should ought to have to it is necessary to
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 Average Is Over 的常见问题

2013年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章 Average Is Over 的原文出自哪里？
The New York Times(《纽约时报》)2012年1月25日一篇题为Average Is Over(告别平庸)的文章。
2013年考研英语二真题文章 Average Is Over 的主旨是什么？
自动化和全球化从根本上改变了就业市场,使"普通"技能不足以维持中产阶级就业。工人现在必须发展独特的价值贡献并接受高等教育以保持竞争力,这需要一个现代版的《退伍军人权利法案》来确保所有美国人都能接受高中后教育。（英文表述：Automation and globalization have fundamentally changed the job market, making 'average' skills insufficient for middle-class employment. Workers must now develop unique value contributions and pursue higher education to remain competitive, necessitating a modern equivalent of the G.I. Bill to ensure post-high school educational access for all Americans.）
Average Is Over（2013年考研英语二真题文章）是什么体裁？难度如何？
体裁为议论文，作者立场是积极支持（Concerned but constructive）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 379 词、6 段；在考研英语二全部 94 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 72 篇（占 77%）。
2013年考研英语二真题文章 Average Is Over 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——自动化导致就业人数锐减的现象引入；分论点 · 第2段——失业和收入下降的双重原因分析；分论点 · 第3段——平均水平失效与寻求独特价值的必要性；分论点 · 第4段——技术进步加速就业流失的数据支撑；分论点 · 第5段——变化持续性与教育提升的必然性；结论 · 第6段——提出21世纪教育法案的政策建议。
Average Is Over 一文的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是积极支持（Concerned but constructive）。判断路径：定位核心论点 → 识别问题描述语气 → 定位解决方案表述 → 综合整体论证走向；文中的态度信号词包括 stubbornly high（第2段）、shed workers so fast（第4段）、nothing would be more important than（第6段）、There will always be（第5段）、Yes...But（第4段）、everyone needs to（第3段）。
2013年考研英语二真题文章 Average Is Over 中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 4 个：stubbornly（顽固地、持续地）、shed（裁减、摆脱）、acceleration（加速）、erased（抹去、消除），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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