懒笔记
2017年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (1) The Olympic legacy:running out of steam
Postgraduate · 来自 2017年考研英语二真题 · Section II Part A (1) · 阅读理解（四选一）

The Olympic legacy:running out of steam

2017年考研英语二真题文章逐层精读

The Guardian《卫报》2015年7月5日一篇题为The Olympic legacy:running out of steam(奥运遗产:动力耗尽)的文章。

本页是 2017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 407 词、4 段，CEFR 难度 C1（C1 级在考研英语二文章中占 77%），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

4 段英文原文

以下为2017年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (1) 的阅读理解（四选一）原文，共 4 段。左侧 P1–P4 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。

The Olympic legacy:running out of steam

Every Saturday morning, at 9 am, more than 50,000 runners set off to run 5km around their local park. The Parkrun phenomenon began with a dozen friends and has inspired 400 events in the UK and more abroad. Events are free, staffed by thousands of volunteers. Runners range from four years old to grandparents; their times range from Andrew Baddeley's world record 13 minutes 48 seconds up to an hour.

Parkrun is succeeding where London's Olympic "legacy" is failing. Ten years ago on Monday, it was announced that the Games of the 30th Olympiad would be in London. Planning documents pledged that the great legacy of the Games would be to lever a nation of sport lovers away from their couches. The population would be fitter, healthier and produce more winners. It has not happened. The number of adults doing weekly sport did rise, by nearly 2 million in the run-up to 2012 – but the general population was growing faster. Worse, the numbers are now falling at an accelerating rate. The opposition claims primary school pupils doing at least two hours of sport a week have nearly halved. Obesity has risen among adults and children. Official retrospections continue as to why London 2012 failed to "inspire a generation." The success of Parkrun offers answers.

Parkun is not a race but a time trial: Your only competitor is the clock. The ethos welcomes anybody. There is as much joy over a puffed-out first-timer being clapped over the line as there is about top talent shining. The Olympic bidders, by contrast, wanted to get more people doing sport and to produce more elite athletes. The dual aim was mixed up: The stress on success over taking part was intimidating for newcomers.

Indeed, there is something a little absurd in the state getting involved in the planning of such a fundamentally "grassroots" concept as community sports associations. If there is a role for government, it should really be getting involved in providing common goods – making sure there is space for playing fields and the money to pave tennis and netball courts, and encouraging the provision of all these activities in schools. But successive governments have presided over selling green spaces, squeezing money from local authorities and declining attention on sport in education. Instead of wordy, worthy strategies, future governments need to do more to provide the conditions for sport to thrive. Or at least not make them worse.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

4 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2017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

    The Rise of Inclusive Parkrun

    Parkrun is a free and inclusive grassroots running movement open to people of all abilities.

    本段为全文建立了成功案例，即 Parkrun 的真实运行图景。 它先证明 grassroots participation 确实能够广泛发生，随后各段才能解释这种 success 为什么比 Olympic legacy 更有效。

    从事实归纳特征
  2. P2

    The Failure of the Olympic Legacy

    In contrast to Parkrun, London 2012 failed to create the lasting sports participation and health legacy it promised.

    本段承担全文的 problem statement 功能，即指出 top-down Olympic strategy 的结果不理想。 它使文章主旨不只是赞美 Parkrun，而是形成 grassroots success 与 government failure 的鲜明对照。

    抓住对比与数据
  3. P3

    Participation Over Elite Competition

    Parkrun succeeds because its inclusive focus on participation and personal progress avoids the intimidation of elite-centered sport.

    本段是全文最核心的 causal explanation，它回答了 Parkrun 为什么能够成功。 它把文章主旨中的 inclusive、non-competitive approach 具体化，并揭示 elite-focused strategy 会吓退 newcomers。

    找出褒贬对立
  4. P4

    Government's Proper Role in Grassroots Sport

    Government should support grassroots sport through infrastructure and space, rather than ineffective top-down strategies that undermine local participation.

    本段把前文对 Parkrun 和 Olympic legacy 的比较，上升为明确的 public policy conclusion。 它完整呼应文章主旨：grassroots sport 的成长依赖 accessible conditions，而政府真正应做的是保障这些基础条件。

    锁定政策建议词
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

4 道逐段细节自检题

针对2017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 Parkrun events accessibility scale

    Which of the following best characterizes the accessibility and scale of Parkrun events?

    • A They are government-funded competitions designed mainly for professional runners.
    • B They charge modest entry fees in order to maintain local parks.
    • C They form a large international network of free, volunteer-staffed events open to participants of widely varying ages and abilities.
    • D They are limited to adults who can finish the course within one hour.
    • E They operate only in a small number of parks in central London.
    • F They focus on identifying young runners capable of breaking world records.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    正确项以 large international network 概括 UK 的数百场活动及其海外扩展，以 free 和 volunteer-staffed 对应参与与运营门槛，并以 widely varying ages and abilities 归纳年龄跨度和完成时间差异。它同时回应了题干中的 scale 与 accessibility，没有把某个极端成绩误当作总体准入标准。障碍在于选项采用上位概念整合多组事实，考生必须识别这种 faithful paraphrase，而不能只核对单个原词。

    双维信息簇 时间极紧时，直接用题干中的 scale 扫描数字群，用 accessibility 反查 free 一类的反向门槛词，定位到 第1段。不要逐项回读全文；把五个选项先按“费用、人员范围、地域范围、活动目的”四类贴标签，只保留同时覆盖低门槛和广覆盖的正确项。这个做法利用的是信息簇匹配，而非传统的逐句翻译。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 Olympic sporting legacy unsuccessful

    Why does the author regard London's Olympic sporting legacy as unsuccessful?

    • A The Games failed because fewer than two million adults took up weekly sport before 2012.
    • B The sporting legacy concentrated too heavily on improving Olympic venues.
    • C The increase in sporting participation continued steadily after the Games.
    • D Initial gains in weekly participation failed to outpace population growth and were followed by a worsening decline.
    • E Primary school pupils became more active than adults after 2012.
    • F The public rejected the goal of producing more elite athletes.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    正确项严格复现论证链：weekly sport 的人数曾上升，但 general population 增长更快，且之后 numbers 以 accelerating rate 下跌。它准确解释作者为何否定 legacy，而非否认曾出现任何积极变化。障碍在于 initial gains 容易吸引只看前半句的考生；真正决定判断的是 failed to outpace 和 followed by decline 两层转折。

    转折后的趋势线 最快路径是用 Olympic legacy 定到 第2段，随后完全不必细读目标句，直接横扫否定和趋势标记：not、but、worse、falling、failed。将候选项与这条“正面数据被转折推翻”的走势比对；唯一保留比较不足与后续下滑的正确项即可确定。这个方法优先读取论证的转向点。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 intimidating newcomers feature of Parkrun

    What feature of Parkrun is presented as making it less intimidating for newcomers?

    • A It rewards newcomers who finish ahead of elite athletes.
    • B It selects only first-time runners for special coaching.
    • C It requires participants to meet the standards set by Olympic bidders.
    • D It gives priority to achieving record-breaking results.
    • E It frames participation as a personal time trial rather than direct competition with other runners.
    • F It replaces volunteer support with professional race management.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    正确项准确对应 not a race but a time trial 与 Your only competitor is the clock。它解释了新手压力下降的机制：比较对象从他人转为时间，而不是简单宣称活动有趣或成绩不重要。障碍在于 personal time trial 是对原文的概括，direct competition 则将 race 的隐含含义说透；考生需识别这种同义改写和因果推断。

    竞争对象替换 先以 intimidating 在 第3段 中一击定位，不要从 Parkrun 的首次出现开始读。随后向前只回读两句，抽取“比较对象是谁”这个逻辑槽位；把选项中的竞争对象逐一填入。将对手从 runners 改为 clock 的正确项能直接填满该槽位，其余选项不是换了机制，就是没有触及竞争对象。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 government proper role promoting sport

    According to the author, what should be the government's proper role in promoting sport?

    • A It should directly plan and manage grassroots sports associations.
    • B It should focus public spending on training elite Olympic athletes.
    • C It should replace local authorities as the main organizer of sporting events.
    • D It should publish more detailed national strategies for exercise.
    • E It should require every citizen to participate in weekly sport.
    • F It should secure the public spaces, facilities, and school provision that allow community sport to flourish.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    正确项把 common goods 具体落实为 public spaces、facilities 和 school provision，并保留 allow community sport to flourish 这一“创造条件”的因果方向。它没有把政府塑造成社区体育的直接组织者。障碍在于原文列举了 playing fields、tennis courts、netball courts 等具体例子，选项以更上位的设施概念归纳，考生需要识别例子与原则之间的关系。

    搭台不下场 在 第4段 中，先跳读到 should really be 和 future governments need to 两个情态路标，不逐句处理前面的批评。然后只看这些动词后的宾语：若宾语是 space、fields、courts、schools、conditions，便归入“搭台”；若是 associations、events、citizens，便归入“下场控制”。选择前一类的正确项即可。这个分类法比逐字翻译政策段更快。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

4 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

    Parkrun现象的兴起与规模

    这个 opening paragraph 通过 descriptive details 描绘了 Parkrun 这个 grassroots movement 的 scale 和 inclusiveness，每周六早上超过 50,000 runners 参与，events 遍布 UK 及海外，participants 从 four years old 到 grandparents，体现了这个 phenomenon 的 accessibility 和 popularity。

    作为 introduction，这个 paragraph 建立了 Parkrun 作为 successful community-driven initiative 的 context，为后续 contrast with Olympic legacy 以及 analysis of grassroots approach 的 effectiveness 奠定 foundation。

    展示Parkrun的群众基础与包容性
  2. 分论点 P2

    奥运遗产计划的失败及数据证明

    这个 body paragraph 通过 sharp contrast 指出 Parkrun is succeeding where Olympic legacy is failing。用 statistical evidence 证明 London 2012 的 top-down initiative 未能实现 get nation active 的 goal：sports participation 在 decline，childhood obesity 在 rise，primary school sports time 几乎 halved，形成 strong argument against government-led approach。

    作为 first major argument，这个 paragraph 通过 empirical data 建立了 central thesis 的 one side：government's elite-focused strategy 的 failure。这个 negative evidence 为后续 explain why Parkrun succeeds 提供了 critical contrast，strengthens 整个 argument 关于 grassroots vs top-down approaches 的 effectiveness。

    用数据证明政府主导模式的失败
  3. 分论点 P3

    Parkrun成功的理念分析

    这个 paragraph 深入 analyze why Parkrun succeeds 的 underlying philosophy。强调它是 time trial not race，ethos 是 welcoming anybody，celebrates both first-timers 和 top talent。相比之下，Olympic bidders 的 dual aim（mass participation + elite athletes）create intimidating environment for newcomers，这个 contrast 揭示了 inclusive approach vs elite-focused strategy 的 fundamental difference。

    作为 second argument，这个 paragraph 从 philosophical level 解释 grassroots success 的 mechanism。它 answers the question raised 在 第2段 结尾（why London 2012 failed to inspire），通过 compare ethos and approach 来 demonstrate 为什么 non-competitive, inclusive model 更 effective than elite-driven strategy，这 strengthens 主旨中关于 accessible approaches 的 thesis。

    解释包容性理念的优势
  4. 分论点 P4

    政府角色的批判与建议

    这个 final body paragraph 对 government's role 进行 critical analysis，指出 state involvement in grassroots sports 有些 absurd。提出 government 应该 focus on providing common goods（playing fields, courts, school sports）而不是 planning strategies，但 successive governments 实际上在 selling green spaces 和 squeezing funding。这个 critique 配合 prescriptive recommendation，形成对 infrastructure investment inadequacy 的 argument。

    作为 third argument，这个 paragraph 扩展 thesis 到 structural level，指出 government failure 不仅在 strategy（第2段）和 philosophy（第3段），更在 fundamental infrastructure provision。这个 shift from critique to prescription（what government should do）为 overall argument 提供 constructive dimension，完善了关于 top-down approach 失败的 comprehensive analysis。

    批判基础设施投资不足
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2017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. 首段定位核心话题 P1

    议论文的 first paragraph 通常会 introduce the main topic 并 establish context，这里提到了 Parkrun phenomenon 这个具体的 grassroots movement，为后续的 argument 奠定了讨论基础。通过首段可以快速 identify 文章的 subject matter，判断作者要论证什么。

  2. 对比结构识别成败 P2

    第二段开头直接用 'Parkrun is succeeding where London's Olympic legacy is failing' 建立了鲜明的 contrast，这种 explicit comparison 是议论文表达 central claim 的典型手法。通过对比 success 和 failure，作者的 stance 和 main point 立即变得清晰：grassroots approach 优于 top-down government initiatives。

  3. 原因分析揭示论点 P3

    第三段通过 'Parkrun offers answers' 和 'by contrast' 明确解释了 success 和 failure 的 underlying reasons。作者指出 Parkrun 的 inclusive ethos（'Your only competitor is the clock'、'welcomes anybody'）与 Olympic 的 elite-focused、intimidating approach 形成对比。这种 causal explanation 直接支撑了主旨中关于 'inclusive, non-competitive approaches' 和 'elite-focused strategies' 的对立。

  4. 建议批判凸显立场 P4

    第四段用 'If there is a role for government' 和 'future governments need to' 提出了明确的 policy recommendations，批判 government 的 failures（'selling green spaces'、'squeezing money'、'declining attention'）。这些 prescriptive claims 支撑了主旨中关于 'inadequate investment in fundamental sports infrastructure' 的论述，同时呼应了 'grassroots' versus 'top-down' 的核心对立。

  5. 多维整合形成主旨 P1 P2 P3 P4

    这篇文章的主旨整合了所有步骤：what = Parkrun vs. Olympic legacy；how = grassroots/inclusive/non-competitive vs. top-down/elite-focused；why = accessible ethos vs. intimidating stress、adequate infrastructure vs. inadequate investment；so what = demonstrates thriving approach vs. failed strategies。这种 multi-layered integration 确保主旨的 comprehensiveness 和 precision。

主旨信号词 succeeding P2 failing P2 legacy P2 ethos P3 intimidating P3 grassroots P4 absurd P4 common goods P4

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

Parkrun 的草根成功表明,社区驱动的、包容性的体育参与通过易于接近的、非竞争性的方式蓬勃发展,而像伦敦 2012 年奥运遗产这样自上而下的政府举措则因精英导向的策略和对基础体育设施投资不足而失败。
Parkrun's grassroots success demonstrates that community-driven, inclusive sports participation thrives through accessible, non-competitive approaches, while top-down government initiatives like London 2012's Olympic legacy failed due to elite-focused strategies and inadequate investment in fundamental sports infrastructure.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

5 个生词的上下文推断

不查词典，只用文中线索推出词义——每个词给出推断出的释义与 完整推理链。已收录进考研英语高频真题词集的单词可点击进入词条页。

  • ethos 指导性精神;核心理念;(群体的)特质

    让我们把这些 clues 串联起来。首先,从 immediate context 看,ethos 后面紧跟着 welcomes anybody 和对 first-timers 与 top talent 平等对待的描述,说明它表达一种 guiding spirit。其次,通过 contrast with Olympic approach,我们确认这个 spirit 是 inclusive 而非 exclusive 的。最后,从 word formation 角度,eth- root 的 connection to ethics 提示我们这是关于 values and principles。综合这三条 reasoning paths,ethos 应该指的是一种 fundamental character, spirit, or set of beliefs that guides behavior。

    抽象词三重分析法
  • retrospection 回顾;反思;(对过去的)审视

    现在让我们 synthesize 这些 clues。从 temporal logic,我们知道这是关于 past event 的某种 activity。从 word structure,retro-看-ion 给出 literal meaning of looking backward。从 paragraph logic,这种 looking backward 的 purpose 是 to understand why something failed。把这些 pieces 组合起来,retrospection 就是 the act of looking back on and reflecting upon past events,特别是为了 understand or analyze them。

    词缀优先结合时间逻辑
  • puffed-out 气喘吁吁的;上气不接下气的;精疲力竭的

    让我们 connect the dots。从 context,puffed-out 描述 first-timer 完成 race 的 state,与 top talent 对比,暗示某种 struggle。从 word formation,puff (喘气) + out (到极限) 给出 literal image of breathing heavily until exhausted。从 factual reasoning,那些用 hour 完成 5km 的 people 确实会 physically exhausted。综合来看,puffed-out 描述的是 out of breath and exhausted from physical exertion 的状态。

    复合词成分可视化法
  • grassroots 基层的;草根的;民间的;自发的

    现在来 synthesize。从 immediate context,grassroots 与 state involvement 对立,指向 local, community-based nature。从 metaphorical structure,grass roots at ground level 暗示 ordinary people level,from bottom up。从 article's central theme,Parkrun 的 success 正是因为它的 community-initiated, volunteer-driven nature,这正是 grassroots 的体现。因此,grassroots 指的是 originating from ordinary people or local communities, rather than from authorities or elites。

    隐喻词三步解析法
  • preside 主持;掌管;负责;(在任期间)主管

    让我们 integrate 这些 clues。从 context,preside over 连接 governments 和他们 oversight 下发生的 actions,暗示 authority and responsibility。从 morphology,pre-坐 的 image 加上 president 这个 familiar word,告诉我们这是关于 holding a position of authority。从 logical structure,governments 在位时这些 negative changes 发生,说明 preside over = be in charge of or have authority over something during a period。综合来看,preside 表示 to hold a position of authority and be responsible for what happens。

    词源联想加句法角色
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。

  • 对比论证

    P2 P3

    文章通过将 Parkrun 的 success 与 London Olympic legacy 的 failure 进行鲜明对比，凸显了 grassroots approach 的优越性。Parkrun 吸引了 50,000+ runners，events 完全 free，由 volunteers staffed，participation 持续增长；而 Olympic legacy 尽管有 grand planning 和 government backing，却未能实现让 nation 变得 fitter 的 goal，adult sports participation 反而 falling。这种强烈的 contrast 直接支撑了文章的 central argument：community-driven, inclusive models 比 top-down, elite-focused strategies 更 effective。

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

    仿写： 当你想要 argue 某种 approach 或 solution 更优时，可以寻找一个 comparable but opposite case 作为 foil。首先 present 成功案例的 concrete details（数据、facts、outcomes），然后 pivot 到失败案例，用 similar metrics 或 dimensions 进行对照。关键是确保两者有 comparability，对比的 aspects 要 parallel。仿写模版：'[成功案例] is succeeding where [失败案例] is failing. [成功案例具体表现] ... [失败案例] has not happened. [失败案例具体问题] ... The success of [成功案例] offers answers.'

  • 举例论证

    P1 P2 P3

    文章用 Parkrun 作为 primary example 来 support 其 thesis。开篇就用 specific details 描绘 Parkrun：每周六早 9 am，50,000+ runners，从 dozen friends 发展到 400 events，participants 从 four years old 到 grandparents，times 从 world record 13:48 到 one hour。这些 concrete facts 和 vivid details 让 abstract concept of 'grassroots success' 变得 tangible and credible。这个 extended example 贯穿全文，不断被 referenced 来 illustrate 为什么 inclusive, non-competitive model works，直接 validate 文章的 main argument。

    信号词 for example for instance such as take consider look at as in the case of as demonstrated by to illustrate specifically namely

    仿写： 选择 example 时要确保它能 embody 你的 core argument。开始时用 vivid, quantifiable details 来 establish example 的 scale 和 impact（数字、时间、人群特征等）。然后在 subsequent paragraphs 中反复 refer back 这个 example，用它来 illustrate different aspects of your argument。可以 contrast 你的 example 与 counter-examples。仿写模版：'[Example name] 现象从 [起源] 发展到 [现状数据]. [具体细节描述]. This success demonstrates [你的观点], especially when compared to [对比案例].'

  • 因果论证

    P2 P3 P4

    文章在 第2段 和 第3段 中建立 causal relationships 来 explain Olympic legacy 的 failure。作者指出 dual aim 的混乱（getting more people doing sport AND producing elite athletes）以及 stress on success over taking part 导致了 intimidating effect on newcomers，这是 direct cause of failure。在 第4段，文章进一步 trace governmental policies 的 consequences：selling green spaces, squeezing local authority budgets, declining attention on school sports 直接导致 lack of sports infrastructure。这些 cause-effect chains 不仅 explain what went wrong，还 implicitly support Parkrun model 的合理性——它避免了这些 pitfalls。

    信号词 because since as due to owing to as a result consequently therefore thus hence so leads to causes results in contributes to stems from is caused by

    仿写： 构建 causal argument 时，先 identify 你要 explain 的 outcome 或 problem，然后 trace backwards 寻找 contributing factors。Use explicit causal language 来 signal relationships。可以构建 causal chain：A leads to B, which in turn causes C。注意 distinguish between direct causes 和 contributing factors。增强说服力的方法是 show how removing the cause would prevent the effect，或 contrast 有此 cause 和无此 cause 的 scenarios。仿写模版：'The [问题/失败] stems from [原因1]. This [原因1] led to [直接后果], which [进一步影响]. As a result, [最终结果].'

  • 类比论证

    P3

    虽然文章主要使用 contrast，但在 第3段 中暗含一个 implicit analogy：Parkrun 的 'time trial' model 类似于 personal growth journey，where 'your only competitor is the clock'。这个 framing 将 sports participation 类比为 self-improvement process，而非 zero-sum competition。这个 subtle analogy 支持文章的 argument：当 focus shifts from beating others 到 improving oneself，participation becomes more accessible and sustainable。它与 Olympic model（where success means producing winners）形成 philosophical contrast。

    信号词 like as similar to comparable to just as in the same way analogous to resembles parallels is to...as...is to

    仿写： 使用 analogy 时，选择 readers familiar 的 source domain 来 illuminate unfamiliar target domain。Explicitly state the parallel：'X is like Y in that...'，或 implicitly embed comparison through word choice。确保 analogy 在 key aspects 上 holds，acknowledge differences if necessary。可以 extend analogy 来 explore multiple dimensions。仿写模版：'[概念A] is not [常见理解], but rather [类比对象B]: [展开类比的相似点]. Just as [B的特征], [A的特征].'

  • 反问修辞

    P4

    第4段 中的 'If there is a role for government, it should really be...' 这个 conditional structure 实际上是 rhetorical question 的变体形式，暗含 'What should government's role be?' 的 implied question。作者紧接着给出 answer，但这种 structure 创造了 dialogic effect，引导 readers 思考 appropriate government role。这个 rhetorical device 让 subsequent prescription（providing common goods, ensuring infrastructure）显得更像 logical conclusion 而非 arbitrary opinion，增强 persuasiveness，同时 critique 现有 government approach 的 inappropriateness。

    信号词 If What Why How Isn't it Shouldn't Wouldn't Can we really Who would Where else

    仿写： 使用 rhetorical questions 来 transition to important points 或 challenge existing assumptions。可以用 'If...' conditionals, 'Why...' questions, 或 'What...' questions。关键是 immediately follow up with answer 或 elaboration，不要 leave readers genuinely uncertain。用 rhetorical questions 来 frame sections，让 subsequent content 成为 response。避免 overuse，否则 loses impact。仿写模版：'If [假设条件], [应该的状态] should really be [具体内容]. But [现实情况] ...' 或 'Why did [现象]? The answer lies in [解释].'

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。

  • 奥运遗产计划的失败

    P2
    Planning documents pledged that the great legacy of the Games would be to lever a nation of sport lovers away from their couches. The population would be fitter, healthier and produce more winners. It has not happened.

    否定陈述类 It has not happened It did not work This failed That never materialized It didn't come true This proved false The reality is different

    这个 implication 非常 critical，因为它 directly undermines 政府 top-down approach 的 credibility。作者先铺陈 Olympic legacy 的 grand promise，然后用 three words "It has not happened" 来 demolish 整个 narrative。这种 rhetorical strategy 不仅 reveal 政府 initiative 的 failure，更重要的是为后文 contrast with Parkrun's grassroots success 做 foundation。这个 implicit message 是：government planning 和 bureaucratic approach inherently flawed，为文章的 central argument about community-driven model 提供 negative evidence。

  • 数据恶化趋势的严峻性

    P2
    The number of adults doing weekly sport did rise, by nearly 2 million in the run-up to 2012 – but the general population was growing faster. Worse, the numbers are now falling at an accelerating rate.

    递进转折类 Worse Even worse What's worse More troubling More alarming To make matters worse Worse still

    这个 implication 通过 two-stage critique 来 amplify Olympic legacy 的 failure。First，用 "but" 来 reveal 表面 increase 实际是 relative decline，然后用 "Worse" 来 introduce absolute decline with accelerating trend。这种 rhetorical layering 暗示 government intervention 不仅 ineffective，而且可能 counterproductive。这对文章 thesis 很 crucial，因为它 establish 了 top-down approach 的 complete failure，为 Parkrun's bottom-up success 提供 sharp contrast，reinforce central argument about grassroots model superiority。

  • 政府反思的持续无果

    P2
    Official retrospections continue as to why London 2012 failed to 'inspire a generation.'

    持续性动词暗示类 continue as to why still wondering why keep asking how remain unclear about ongoing debate over persistent questions about continuing to question

    这个 implication 非常 subtle 但 devastating。"Continue" 这个 verb 暗示 officials 仍在 retrospection stage，haven't moved to action or understanding。这 implicit critique 是：government 不仅 failed to deliver，而且 still don't understand why they failed。这种 persistent inability to diagnose problem 与下一句 "The success of Parkrun offers answers" 形成 sharp irony：grassroots initiative already found the solution while bureaucrats still scratching heads。这 strengthen 文章对 government incompetence 的 critique，同时 elevate Parkrun as the enlightened alternative。

  • 双重目标的内在矛盾

    P3
    The Olympic bidders, by contrast, wanted to get more people doing sport and to produce more elite athletes. The dual aim was mixed up: The stress on success over taking part was intimidating for newcomers.

    评价性短语类 mixed up confused muddled conflated blurred tangled jumbled together

    这个 implication critique Olympic approach 的 fundamental strategic flaw。"Mixed up" 暗示两个 goals（mass participation 和 elite performance）logically incompatible，而 Olympic planners failed to recognize this。接下来的 explanation "stress on success over taking part was intimidating" reveal consequence of this confusion。这个 implicit message 对文章 thesis 至关重要：它 explain why top-down approach failed（因为 conceptual confusion），同时为 Parkrun's single-minded focus on participation 提供 theoretical justification。Implication 是 inclusive approach requires rejecting elite focus，这是 grassroots success 的 key principle。

  • 政府角色定位的荒谬

    P4
    Indeed, there is something a little absurd in the state getting involved in the planning of such a fundamentally 'grassroots' concept as community sports associations.

    强烈评价词类 absurd ridiculous bizarre preposterous ludicrous nonsensical paradoxical

    这个 implication 是文章最 explicit critique of government overreach。"Absurd" 这个 strong word combined with juxtaposition of "state" and "grassroots" reveal philosophical argument：centralized authority cannot genuinely plan decentralized community initiative，这本身就是 oxymoron。这个 implicit message extend beyond Olympic case，suggesting broader principle about government role in civil society。对文章 thesis，这 solidify argument that grassroots success like Parkrun emerges organically，cannot be engineered from top。It reinforces 整个 contrast between failed state planning and successful community initiative。

  • 政府实际行为与职责相反

    P4
    If there is a role for government, it should really be getting involved in providing common goods – making sure there is space for playing fields and the money to pave tennis and netball courts, and encouraging the provision of all these activities in schools. But successive governments have presided over selling green spaces, squeezing money from local authorities and declining attention on sport in education.

    转折对比类 But However Yet Instead In reality In practice In fact

    这个 implication provide damning evidence of government not just failing to help，but actively harming grassroots sport。Contrast between "should provide common goods" and actually "selling green spaces, squeezing money" reveal 180-degree contradiction。"Successive governments" 暗示这不是 one administration's mistake 而是 systemic problem across political spectrum。这 strengthen 文章 central argument by showing top-down approach 不仅 ineffective in planning initiatives，而且 destructive to basic infrastructure that grassroots activities need。It explain why Parkrun succeeded despite government，not because of it，completing 整个 argumentative arc。

  • 策略文件的空洞无用

    P4
    Instead of wordy, worthy strategies, future governments need to do more to provide the conditions for sport to thrive. Or at least not make them worse.

    替代对比类 Instead of Rather than As opposed to In place of Not... but Less... more Stop... start

    这个 implication deliver final verdict on government approach："wordy, worthy strategies" 暗示大量 bureaucratic documents full of good intentions but zero practical value。"Worthy" 这个 word especially cutting，suggesting self-righteous moral posturing without substance。The escalating alternatives—"do more" then "or at least not make worse"—reveal author's deep frustration，implicit message being government performance so poor that simply not causing harm would be progress。这个 implication 完美 conclude 文章 argument：concrete grassroots action beats abstract official planning，且 government best contribution 可能就是 get out of the way，letting community initiatives like Parkrun flourish naturally。

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（ Critical of Olympic legacy, supportive of grassroots initiatives）。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 开篇正面案例定调 P1

    在议论文中，作者往往会在 opening 就 hint 自己的 stance。这里作者用 descriptive tone 介绍 Parkrun 的 success 和 inclusiveness，没有任何 negative words，说明这是作者 favor 的对象，为后面的 contrast 做铺垫。

  2. 对比中找批判对象 P2

    议论文中的 contrast 是最明显的 attitude indicator。作者把 Parkrun 和 Olympic legacy 放在 opposing positions，用 'succeeding' vs 'failing' 这组 antonyms，立刻 reveal 了 critical stance towards Olympic legacy。后面跟着的 statistics 和 'It has not happened' 都是在 reinforce 这个 negative assessment。

  3. 原因分析见价值观 P3

    议论文中，作者 explain causality 的方式往往 reveal 更深层的 attitude。这里作者用 positive language 描述 Parkrun 的 philosophy，用 negative language ('absurd', 'intimidating', 'mixed up') 批评 Olympic strategy，说明作者不仅 disapprove the outcome，更 criticize the underlying approach。

  4. 结尾强化批判立场 P4

    议论文的 closing 通常 crystallize 作者的 stance。这里作者直接用 'absurd' 这个 strong evaluative word 来 dismiss government's approach，然后 list 一系列 government failures ('selling green spaces', 'squeezing money', 'declining attention')，最后以 prescriptive tone 给出 recommendations。这种 pattern 是典型的 critical stance with constructive suggestions。

  5. 结构和词汇协同定态度 P1 P2 P3 P4

    议论文的 overall attitude 需要 synthesize 各部分的 rhetorical moves。这篇文章的 structure 本身就是 argumentative：作者不是 balanced presentation，而是 strategically position Parkrun as the model 和 Olympic legacy as the failure。这种 structural bias，combined with consistent negative lexical choices for government approach 和 positive lexical choices for grassroots model，conclusively establish 作者的 critical-yet-constructive attitude。

文中的态度信号词

  • failing P2

    'Failing' 这个 present participle 直接 label 了 Olympic legacy 的 status，是作者对政府 initiative 的 explicit negative judgment。它和前面的 'succeeding' 形成 sharp contrast，让 critical stance 一目了然。

    同类词 failed decline falling worse deteriorate

  • inspire P1

    'Inspired' 在 第1段 中用来 describe Parkrun 的 positive impact ('has inspired 400 events')，establish 了 Parkrun 作为 successful model 的 image。但在 第2段 中，作者用 quotation marks 把 'inspire a generation' 括起来，带有 ironic tone，暗示这个 goal 并未实现，形成 implicit criticism。

    同类词 motivated encouraged galvanized energized sparked

  • absurd P4

    'Absurd' 是 strong evaluative adjective，作者用它来 dismiss 政府 involvement in grassroots sports 的 idea。这个词 convey 的不仅是 disagreement，更是 dismissive attitude，表明作者认为这种 approach 根本就 fundamentally flawed。

    同类词 ridiculous preposterous nonsensical illogical unreasonable

  • ethos P3

    'Ethos' 是 positive value-laden noun，作者用它来 describe Parkrun 的 guiding principle。这个词本身带有 respectful、appreciative connotation，说明作者 admire Parkrun 的 underlying philosophy，而不只是它的 practical success。

    同类词 philosophy spirit principle value belief

  • intimidating P3

    'Intimidating' 用来 describe Olympic approach 对 newcomers 的 effect，是 negative psychological impact word。它解释了为什么 Olympic legacy failed——因为它的 approach 产生了 exclusionary effect，和 Parkrun 的 'welcomes anybody' 形成鲜明对比。

    同类词 daunting discouraging off-putting alienating exclusive

  • successive governments have presided over P4

    'Presided over' 这个 phrase 把责任 assign 给 successive governments，暗示它们是 passive 甚至 complicit in the decline。后面接的是一系列 negative actions ('selling', 'squeezing', 'declining')，construct 了一个 pattern of government negligence 或 active harm。

    同类词 presided over oversaw allowed permitted enabled

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. 现象引入作对比铺垫 P1

    第1段 介绍了 Parkrun phenomenon 这个 specific case，但重点不是解释它的 mechanism（说明文特征），也不是报道 breaking news（新闻特征），而是为后文的 comparison 和 evaluation 做铺垫。这种 setup 是 argumentative writing 的典型 opening strategy。

  2. 明确价值判断表达 P2

    第2段 的首句就是 explicit thesis：'Parkrun is succeeding where London's Olympic legacy is failing'。这个 direct judgment 配合 'has not happened'、'worse'、'failed to inspire' 等 strong evaluative words，明确表达了 author's position。说明文会 avoid such judgments，新闻会 attribute opinions to sources 而非 author's direct voice。

  3. 因果对比逻辑推理 P3 P4

    第3段 和 第4段 展开了 reasoning：第3段 通过 'by contrast' 对比 Parkrun 的 inclusive ethos 和 Olympics 的 intimidating approach，解释了 why Parkrun succeeds；第4段 用 'if there is a role' 和 'instead of' 提出 solution 和 criticism。这种 layered reasoning 是 argumentative structure，而非 explanatory steps（说明文）或 event sequence（新闻）。

  4. 三要素完整呈现 P1 P2 P3 P4

    本文完整体现了 argumentative pattern：用 Parkrun case 作为 entry point（第1段），明确提出 Olympics failed 而 Parkrun succeeded 的 judgment（第2段），通过 ethos contrast 和 government role analysis 进行 reasoning（第3段-4）。整体 tone 是 persuasive 而非 informative 或 reportorial。

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁？

  • by contrast P3 对比论证连接词 in contrast on the contrary conversely whereas while
  • should P4 立场表态词 must ought to need to have to it is essential that
  • failed to P2 评判性动词短语 succeeded in has not happened is failing absurd effective
  • offers answers P2 论点提出标记 suggests that demonstrates that proves that shows that reveals that
  • Indeed P4 论证强化标记 In fact Actually Clearly Obviously Undoubtedly
  • Instead of P4 替代方案连接词 Rather than As opposed to In place of As an alternative to Better than
  • The opposition claims P2 观点引述标记 claims argues that contends that maintains that asserts that
  • a little absurd P4 立场评价词 absurd ridiculous unreasonable misguided flawed
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 The Olympic legacy:running out of steam 的常见问题

2017年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章 The Olympic legacy:running out of steam 的原文出自哪里？
The Guardian《卫报》2015年7月5日一篇题为The Olympic legacy:running out of steam(奥运遗产:动力耗尽)的文章。
2017年考研英语二真题文章 The Olympic legacy:running out of steam 的主旨是什么？
Parkrun 的草根成功表明,社区驱动的、包容性的体育参与通过易于接近的、非竞争性的方式蓬勃发展,而像伦敦 2012 年奥运遗产这样自上而下的政府举措则因精英导向的策略和对基础体育设施投资不足而失败。（英文表述：Parkrun's grassroots success demonstrates that community-driven, inclusive sports participation thrives through accessible, non-competitive approaches, while top-down government initiatives like London 2012's Olympic legacy failed due to elite-focused strategies and inadequate investment in fundamental sports infrastructure.）
The Olympic legacy:running out of steam（2017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，作者立场是消极批判（Critical of Olympic legacy, supportive of grassroots initiatives）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 407 词、4 段；在考研英语二全部 94 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 72 篇（占 77%）。
2017年考研英语二真题文章 The Olympic legacy:running out of steam 的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 4 段按议论文骨架分为 4 个意群：引言 · 第1段——Parkrun现象的兴起与规模；分论点 · 第2段——奥运遗产计划的失败及数据证明；分论点 · 第3段——Parkrun成功的理念分析；分论点 · 第4段——政府角色的批判与建议。
The Olympic legacy:running out of steam 一文的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是消极批判（Critical of Olympic legacy, supportive of grassroots initiatives）。判断路径：开篇正面案例定调 → 对比中找批判对象 → 原因分析见价值观 → 结尾强化批判立场 → 结构和词汇协同定态度；文中的态度信号词包括 failing（第2段）、inspire（第1段）、absurd（第4段）、ethos（第3段）、intimidating（第3段）、successive governments have presided over（第4段）。
2017年考研英语二真题文章 The Olympic legacy:running out of steam 中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 5 个：ethos（指导性精神;核心理念;(群体的)特质）、retrospection（回顾;反思;(对过去的)审视）、puffed-out（气喘吁吁的;上气不接下气的;精疲力竭的）、grassroots（基层的;草根的;民间的;自发的）、preside（主持;掌管;负责;(在任期间)主管），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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