2019年考研英语一真题 Section II Part A (1) Patience as a Corporate Virtue
Postgraduate · 来自 2019年考研英语一真题 · Section II Part A (1) · 阅读理解(四选一)

Patience as a Corporate Virtue

2019年考研英语一真题文章逐层精读

Christian Science Monitor《基督教科学箴言报》2015.06.24文章Patience as a Corporate Virtue(耐心,企业的美德)。

本页是 2019年考研英语一真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章的精读视角页——这篇议论文全文 413 词、7 段,CEFR 难度 C1(C1 级在考研英语一文章中占 90%),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

7 段英文原文

以下为2019年考研英语一真题 Section II Part A (1) 的阅读理解(四选一)原文,共 7 段。左侧 P1–P7 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。

Patience as a Corporate Virtue

Financial regulators in Britain have imposed a rather unusual rule on the bosses of big banks. Starting next year, any guaranteed bonus of top executives could be delayed 10 years if their banks are under investigation for wrongdoing. The main purpose of this "clawback" rule is to hold bankers accountable for harmful risk-taking and to restore public trust in financial institutions. Yet officials also hope for a much larger benefit: more long-term decision-making, not only by banks but by all corporations, to build a stronger economy for future generations.

"Short-termism" or the desire for quick profits, has worsened in publicly traded companies, says the Bank of England's top economist, Andrew Haldane. He quotes a giant of classical economics, Alfred Marshall, in describing this financial impatience as acting like "children who pick the plums out of their pudding to eat them at once" rather than putting them aside to be eaten last.

The average time for holding a stock in both the United States and Britain, he notes, has dropped from seven years to seven months in recent decades. Transient investors, who demand high quarterly profits from companies, can hinder a firm's efforts to invest in long-term research or to build up customer loyalty. This has been dubbed "quarterly capitalism."

In addition, new digital technologies have allowed more rapid trading of equities, quicker use of information, and thus shorter attention spans in financial markets. "There seems to be a predominance of short-term thinking at the expense of long-term investing," said Commissioner Daniel Gallagher of the US Securities and Exchange Commission in a speech this week.

In the US, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has pushed most public companies to defer performance bonuses for senior executives by about a year, slightly helping reduce "short-termism." In its latest survey of CEO pay, The Wall Street Journal finds that "a substantial part" of executive pay is now tied to performance.

Much more could be done to encourage "long-termism," such as changes in the tax code and quicker disclosure of stock acquisitions. In France, shareholders who hold onto a company investment for at least two years can sometimes earn more voting rights in a company.

Within companies, the right compensation design can provide incentives for executives to think beyond their own time at the company and on behalf of all stakeholders. Britain's new rule is a reminder to bankers that society has an interest in their performance, not just for the short term but for the long term.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

7 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2019年考研英语一真题 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

    A Rule for Long-Term Responsibility

    Britain's bonus clawback rule seeks to promote accountability and long-term corporate decision-making.

    作为 opening paragraph,本段提出了文章的切入点:用 delayed bonuses 约束短视行为,并预先亮出 long-termism 这一全文核心价值,为后文分析 short-termism 及其解决方案铺路。

    由规则追目的
  2. P2

    The Problem of Short-Termism

    Short-termism is a growing form of corporate impatience driven by the pursuit of quick profits.

    本段承接首段提出的长期决策目标,转而说明为什么这种目标必要:因为企业已被 quick profits 驱动,呈现出严重的 financial impatience。

    概念加比喻
  3. P3

    How Quarterly Capitalism Works

    Shorter investment horizons create quarterly capitalism and discourage long-term corporate investment.

    本段为全文的反短期主义立场提供了 empirical evidence,并具体揭示短视投资者如何损害 research 和 customer loyalty,从而增强改革的必要性。

    短持股压长投资
  4. P4

    Technology Accelerates Short-Termism

    Digital technologies intensify financial-market short-termism by accelerating trading and shortening attention spans.

    本段扩展了问题成因,说明短期主义不仅来自 investors 的利润要求,也受到高速 digital markets 的结构性推动,因此治理不能只依赖个人自觉。

    技术催生短视
  5. P5

    A Partial US Reform

    US compensation reforms have made executive pay more performance-linked, but only slightly reduced short-termism.

    本段从问题诊断转入 policy response,通过美国实例证明薪酬制度确实能够影响高管行为,同时也为下文提出更强改革留下空间。

    改革有效但有限
  6. P6

    Incentives for Patient Investors

    Governments can further promote long-termism through tax, disclosure, and shareholder-voting incentives.

    本段把改革视野从高管薪酬扩展到政府制度和股东权利,直接回应文章主旨中以多种 policies 抑制短期主义的倡议。

    政策奖励长期持股
  7. P7

    Aligning Pay with Long-Term Stakeholders

    Well-designed compensation should align executives with stakeholders' long-term interests and social responsibility.

    作为 concluding paragraph,本段回扣英国新规,并将全文落脚于 compensation incentives、stakeholder interests 和社会长期利益,完整呼应文章反对 immediate profits、支持 sustainable growth 的中心论点。

    薪酬绑定长期责任
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

2 道逐段细节自检题

针对2019年考研英语一真题这篇原文,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 clawback rule

    The introduction of the 'clawback' rule by British financial regulators is primarily intended to

    • A investigate top executives for their potential wrongdoing
    • B provide immediate financial compensation for future generations
    • C promote accountability and foster long-term corporate growth
    • D punish all bank bosses who take excessive risks
    • E guarantee the bonuses of executives in financial institutions
    • F limit the decision-making power of corporate officials
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    选项整合了原文中的 hold bankers accountable 以及 more long-term decision-making。设置障碍在于通过 build a stronger economy 进行了 abstract generalization,要求考生跨越句子进行 information synthesis。

    递进逻辑终点定位法 通过 第1段 末尾的 also hope for a much larger benefit 这一递进逻辑直接锁定 higher-level goal。正确项通常会对应这种带有 macro vision 的表达,而非局限于具体的 technical detail。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 Alfred Marshall

    By quoting Alfred Marshall, Andrew Haldane implies that current financial impatience is

    • A a necessary strategy for companies to survive in tight markets
    • B an effective way to distribute profits among shareholders
    • C comparable to the wise investment of classical economists
    • D a reflection of immature behavior focused on immediate gratification
    • E the result of a natural growth in the financial industry
    • F motivated by the desire to save the best for last
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:D

    原文将这种 impatience 比作 children 的行为,核心在于 eat them at once。正确项将 children 抽象为 immature,将 eat at once 抽象为 immediate gratification。这种 abstraction 是考研英语的高频考法。

    语境情感色彩过滤法 识别 Metaphor 的 Tone。既然把 financial giants 比作 children,这显然带有一种贬义的 ridicule。快速扫描选项,寻找带有 Negative connotation 的词如 immature,往往能直接锁定 正确项。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

5 个意群的议论文骨架

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

  1. 引言 P1

    英国新规引出长期主义议题

    这个 opening paragraph 通过 Britain's clawback rule 这个具体案例来 introduce 整篇文章的 central issue,即 financial institutions 需要从 short-term thinking 转向 long-term decision-making,同时明确提出 restore public trust 和 build a stronger economy 的双重目标。

    这个 introductory segment 为全文奠定了 argumentative foundation,通过 real-world policy example 让读者理解 short-termism 是需要 combat 的问题,并且 regulatory measures 是可行的 solution path。

    提出监管新规作为打击短期主义的具体措施
  2. 分论点 P2

    短期主义的本质与表现

    这个 analytical segment 通过 Bank of England's chief economist 的 perspective 来 define 和 characterize short-termism,用 Alfred Marshall 的 vivid metaphor 把 financial impatience 具象化为 children picking plums,让抽象的 economic concept 变得 relatable 且 memorable。

    这个 definitional section 为 argument 提供了 conceptual foundation,通过 authoritative voice 和 classical reference 来 establish 什么是 short-termism,为后续 evidence-based discussion 建立 common understanding 和 analytical framework。

    界定短期主义的概念与危害特征
  3. 分论点 P3 P4

    短期主义的数据证据与市场表现

    这两个 paragraphs 通过 quantitative evidence 和 market dynamics 来 substantiate short-termism 的 prevalence 和 consequences。第3段 用 holding time 从 seven years 降到 seven months 的 dramatic shift 来 demonstrate trend,并引入 'quarterly capitalism' 这个 term 来 encapsulate 问题。第4段 补充 technological factors,说明 digital technologies 如何 accelerate 这种趋势,用 SEC Commissioner 的 official statement 来 reinforce argument。

    这个 evidentiary section 把 short-termism 从 abstract concept 转化为 measurable reality,通过 statistical trends 和 technological explanations 来 establish problem's severity 和 urgency,为后续 policy recommendations 提供 empirical justification。

    用市场数据和技术因素证明短期主义的严重性
  4. 分论点 P5 P6

    现有对策与进一步改进空间

    这两个 paragraphs 构成 solution-oriented discussion。第5段 acknowledges existing efforts,用 Sarbanes-Oxley Act 和 performance-tied pay 的 examples 来说明 some progress has been made。第6段 用 'Much more could be done' 作为 transition,提出 additional measures 比如 tax code changes 和 French voting rights model,展现 solution space 的 breadth。

    这个 prescriptive section 是 argument 的 actionable core,它 demonstrates 问题不是 unsolvable,通过 existing policies 和 potential measures 来 support 文章的 central claim:long-termism can be encouraged through deliberate policy design。这为 conclusion 的 call to action 提供 concrete backing。

    列举现有措施并提出更多可行政策
  5. 结论 P7

    公司内部激励与社会责任呼吁

    这个 concluding paragraph 把 discussion 从 regulatory policies 转向 corporate internal design,强调 right compensation 可以 incentivize executives 去 think beyond 自己的 tenure 并 consider all stakeholders。最后用 Britain's rule 作为 symbolic reminder,reinforcing 整篇文章的 core message:society has a stake in long-term performance。

    这个 closing segment 完成 argumentative closure,它 synthesizes 前面的 problem analysis 和 solution proposals,把 discussion 从 technical policies 提升到 societal values—long-term thinking 不仅是 economic necessity,更是 social responsibility。通过 echo opening example,它 creates structural symmetry 并 leaves readers with clear takeaway。

    回扣开篇新规并升华为社会责任呼吁
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2019年考研英语一真题 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. 首段定位核心政策 P1

    议论文的 opening paragraph 往往会直接 state the main issue 或者 introduce the central policy,首段中的 'main purpose' 和 'clawback rule' 明确指出了文章要讨论的 core topic,即 combat short-termism through regulatory measures

  2. 识别反复批判的问题 P2 P3 P4

    第二、三、四段通过 'short-termism'、'quarterly capitalism'、'short-term thinking' 等反复出现的 negative terms 来 define the problem,这个 recurring theme 表明文章的 main argument 是围绕 combating this issue 展开的

  3. 归纳后半部解决方案 P5 P6 P7

    第五、六、七段集中出现了 'defer bonuses'、'encourage long-termism'、'compensation design'、'incentives' 等 solution-oriented vocabulary,这些 concrete measures 都指向同一个 direction:promoting long-term decision-making,这就是作者的 core argument

  4. 尾段提炼深层意义 P7

    末段的 'reminder'、'society has an interest'、'all stakeholders' 把话题 elevate 到更高层面,表明文章不仅是 discussing technical policies,而是 advocating for a fundamental shift in corporate philosophy,这 confirms 主旨是 prioritizing sustainable growth over short-term profits

  5. 整合三要素成主旨 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    通过前面步骤已经 identified 了文章的 three key components:要解决的 problem 是 short-termism,proposed solutions 包括 regulatory measures like delayed bonuses,ultimate goal 是 sustainable economic growth for all stakeholders,这三者 combined 就构成了完整的 main thesis

主旨信号词 main purpose P1 short-termism P2 encourage P6 long-term P1 stakeholders P7

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

文章认为金融监管机构和企业应通过实施延迟奖金和长期激励等政策来对抗短期主义,鼓励优先考虑可持续经济增长和利益相关者利益而非即时利润的决策。
The article argues that financial regulators and corporations should combat short-termism by implementing policies like delayed bonuses and long-term incentives, encouraging decision-making that prioritizes sustainable economic growth and stakeholder interests over immediate profits.
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。

  • clawback 追回(已发放的奖金等)

    我们来把这三条线索串起来。首先,从 context 我们知道这是一个关于 delay bonus 的 rule,而且是在 bank 有 wrongdoing 时才触发。其次,从 word formation 角度,claw + back 的字面意思就是"爪子抓回来",这个具象的 image 很容易让人理解成"收回"。最后,从整个 paragraph 的 logic 来看,这个 mechanism 是为了 hold bankers accountable,是一种 punishment 或 deterrent。把这些线索综合起来,clawback 的意思就清晰了:它是一种"追回、收回"已经发放的 bonus 的机制。

    复合词的三维解码验证法
  • short-termism 短期主义;短视行为

    让我们整合这些 clues。第一,文中直接用 or 给出了 equivalent definition:the desire for quick profits,这是最直接的 evidence。第二,从 morphology 看,-ism suffix 明确表示这是一种 doctrine 或 tendency。第三,Marshall 的 metaphor 用 children's impatient behavior 来 illustrate 这个概念,进一步 confirm 了"缺乏耐心、追求即时回报"的 characteristic。三条线索从不同角度 converge 到同一个 meaning。

    抽象名词的定义构词例证三角法
  • transient 短暂的;转瞬即逝的

    我们来 synthesize 这些 evidence。首先,contextual clue 非常明确:holding time 从 seven years 降到 seven months,transient investors 就是在这个 background 下提出的,明显指 short-term holders。其次,etymological analysis 显示 transient 的 root meaning 是"passing through",表示"不长久停留"。最后,从 thematic perspective,transient investors 和 long-term investing 是 opposite sides,他们的 behavior 被文章 criticize。三条线索都指向同一个 conclusion。

    时间特征词的三维定位法
  • defer 推迟;延期

    让我们把这些 pieces 拼在一起。Contextual evidence 最明确:by about a year 这个 time marker 直接说明 defer 是一个 temporal operation,把 payment 往后推。Etymological analysis 支持这个理解:differre 的 original meaning 就是"carry to a different time"。Logical inference 进一步 confirm:defer bonuses 能 reduce short-termism,说明它确实把 time horizon 推后了。三条线索 converge perfectly。

    时间操作动词的向量分析法
  • predominance 主导地位;优势

    现在我们 integrate 这些 insights。首先,at the expense of 这个 phrase 明确表示 short-term thinking 处于 dominant position,压制了 long-term investing。其次,morphological breakdown 显示 pre- + dominate 就是"超越性的支配",-ance 名词化后表示这种状态。最后,从 causal chain 来看,multiple factors 导致这种 phenomenon 成为 predominant trend。三条线索都指向"主导地位"或"优势"这个 core meaning。

    抽象状态词的关系定位法
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。

  • 引用论证

    P2

    作者引用了 Bank of England's top economist Andrew Haldane 的观点,而 Haldane 又进一步 quote 了经典经济学巨匠 Alfred Marshall 的比喻。Marshall 把 financial impatience 比作"children who pick the plums out of their pudding to eat them at once",这个 vivid metaphor 生动揭示了 short-termism 的本质——就像孩子急着吃布丁里的李子,而不是 put them aside 留到最后享用。这个 authoritative citation 为文章的核心论点增添了 academic weight 和 credibility,通过经济学泰斗的智慧来 reinforce 作者对 short-term thinking 的批判,让读者更容易 accept 这个观点的 validity。

    信号词 quotes says according to as X noted X argues that X points out in the words of X observed that citing references

    仿写: 当你想要 strengthen 某个观点时,可以寻找该领域的 renowned experts 或 historical figures 的相关 statements。首先 introduce 这个 authority 的 credentials(比如"top economist"),然后 present 他们的观点,最后 connect 这个引用和你的 main argument。模版:As [权威人物/机构 + 身份], [Name] points out/argues/observes that "[具体观点]", which demonstrates/illustrates/supports [你的论点].

  • 比喻修辞

    P2

    Marshall 的 metaphor 将 short-termism 比作"children who pick the plums out of their pudding to eat them at once"。这个 analogy 非常 vivid 和 relatable——孩子的 impulsive behavior 和企业追求 immediate profits 的行为形成了 perfect parallel。通过这个 concrete image,抽象的 financial concept 变得 tangible 和 easy to grasp。这个比喻让读者能够 viscerally understand short-termism 的 foolishness——就像孩子缺乏 delayed gratification 的能力一样,企业的 short-term focus 也是一种 immature 和 ultimately harmful 的行为。这强化了文章对于 encouraging long-term thinking 的 central message。

    信号词 like as similar to reminds us of resembles can be compared to is analogous to mirrors parallels

    仿写: 当你需要 explain 一个 abstract concept 时,试着找一个 everyday、concrete situation 来 draw parallel。选择的 image 应该是你的 target audience 能够 easily relate to 的。首先 present 你的 abstract idea,然后用"like"或"as"来 introduce comparison,最后确保这个 comparison 能够 illuminate 你想要 highlight 的 specific aspect。模版:[抽象概念] is like [具体形象], where [解释相似点], rather than [对比点].

  • 举例论证

    P3 P4 P5 P6

    文章通过多个 concrete examples 来 support 其 argument。第3段 中提到 holding period 从 seven years 降到 seven months 的 statistical evidence;第4段 引用 Commissioner Daniel Gallagher 的 speech 作为 authoritative example;第5段 以 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 和 Wall Street Journal survey 作为 US 的 policy example;第6段 提到 France 的 voting rights incentive 作为 international example。这些 specific instances 让抽象的 short-termism problem 和 potential solutions 变得 concrete 和 credible。通过展示 real-world data、actual policies 和 tangible outcomes,作者 demonstrates 问题的 severity 和解决方案的 feasibility,从而 persuade 读者相信 long-term approach 的 necessity。

    信号词 for example for instance such as including notes he notes in the case of take X as an example consider specifically namely

    仿写: 当你提出一个 general claim 或 theoretical point 时,立即 follow up 一个或多个 specific examples。可以使用 statistical data、case studies、policy instances 或 real-world scenarios。确保你的 examples 是 diverse(来自不同 sources 或 contexts)且 credible(最好有 verifiable sources)。介绍 example 时可以用 transitional phrases 来 signal。模版:[论点]. For example/instance, [具体例子1]. Another case in point is [具体例子2], where [展开说明].

  • 对比论证

    P2 P3

    文章在多处运用了 contrast 来 highlight 问题和 emphasize solutions。第2段 中"eat them at once" vs. "putting them aside to be eaten last"对比了 short-term 和 long-term thinking;第3段 中"seven years" vs. "seven months"的 dramatic drop 凸显了 investment horizon 的 shrinking;整篇文章 implicitly 对比了"short-termism"的 harmful effects 和"long-termism"的 benefits。这种 juxtaposition 让读者能够 clearly see 两种 approaches 的 stark difference,从而更容易 appreciate 为什么 shift 到 long-term thinking 如此 crucial。对比制造的 tension 和 clarity 使得 argument 更加 compelling 和 memorable。

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

    仿写: 使用对比时,首先 identify 你想要 emphasize 的两个 opposing elements。可以通过 explicit contrast markers(如 rather than、vs.、while、whereas)或 implicit juxtaposition(在相邻句子或段落中 present 对立观点)来 structure your contrast。确保对比的两方面在某个 relevant dimension 上是真正 opposite 的,这样 contrast 才会 strike readers as meaningful。模版:Unlike [对比项A] which [特征A], [对比项B] [特征B]. / [项A] focuses on [特点], rather than [项B]'s emphasis on [对立特点].

  • 因果论证

    P1 P3 P4 P5

    文章建立了多个 cause-effect relationships 来 support 其 argument。第1段 解释 clawback rule 的 purpose 是 to hold bankers accountable 和 restore public trust,并期望带来 larger benefit 即 more long-term decision-making;第3段 指出 transient investors 的 demand for high quarterly profits 导致(can hinder)公司难以 invest in long-term research;第4段 说明 new digital technologies 造成了(have allowed)更 rapid trading 和 shorter attention spans;第5段 提到 Sarbanes-Oxley Act 推动了(has pushed)performance bonus deferral,从而 helping reduce short-termism。这些 causal chains 展示了 policies、behaviors 和 outcomes 之间的 logical connections,让读者 understand 为什么某些 interventions 是 necessary 和 how they can produce desired results。

    信号词 because since as a result therefore thus consequently leads to results in causes due to owing to has pushed can hinder have allowed

    仿写: 构建因果论证时,首先 clearly identify your cause 和 effect。使用 causal language 来 explicitly signal 这个 relationship(因果连接词)。提供 explanation 或 evidence 来 support 这个 causal link 的 validity——为什么 A 会导致 B?可以 chain multiple causes 和 effects 来 build complex arguments,但要确保每个 link 都是 logical 和 defensible。模版:[原因] leads to/results in/causes [结果], because [解释机制]. This, in turn, [进一步的结果].

  • 类比论证

    P2

    虽然文章主要不是通过 extended analogies 来 argue,但 第2段 中的 pudding metaphor 实际上构成了一个 mini analogy:children's behavior with plums analogous to corporations' behavior with profits。这个 analogy 工作的原理是 drawing parallel 在看似 unrelated domains(childish eating habits 和 corporate financial strategy)之间,通过这个 comparison 来 illuminate corporate short-termism 的 irrational nature。这种 cross-domain mapping 让读者能够 leverage 他们对 children's impulsiveness 的 understanding 来 comprehend 和 judge corporate behavior,从而使抽象的 financial concept 变得 intuitive 和 emotionally resonant。

    信号词 like similar to analogous to comparable to reminiscent of just as in the same way parallels mirrors akin to

    仿写: 构建类比论证时,寻找一个你的 audience 熟悉的 domain 或 situation,它在 structural 或 functional aspects 与你要 explain 的 target concept 相似。Explicitly state the comparison(using 'is like'、'similar to'、'analogous to'),然后 elaborate on specific parallels。但要 be careful——也要 acknowledge potential limitations 如果 analogy 不是 perfect。模版:[目标概念] is analogous to [熟悉领域], in that both [共同特征1] and [共同特征2]. Just as [熟悉领域中的行为/结果], [目标概念中的行为/结果].

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。

  • 新规则目的不仅是问责更是长远经济建设

    P1
    Yet officials also hope for a much larger benefit: more long-term decision-making, not only by banks but by all corporations, to build a stronger economy for future generations.

    转折类 Yet yet however but nevertheless nonetheless still

    这个 implication 揭示了监管者的 true ambition 不仅仅是 punish wrongdoing 或 restore trust,而是要 fundamentally reshape corporate behavior across the entire economy。通过 yet 的转折,作者 signal 这项 banking regulation 实际上是一个 pilot case,目标是 trigger a systemic shift toward long-termism。这对 main argument 的 value 在于:它 establish 了文章的 grand vision,说明 combating short-termism 不是一个 isolated banking issue,而是关乎 future generations 的 economic restructuring project。这个 broader context 为后续段落讨论 short-termism 的 pervasiveness 和需要 comprehensive solutions 做了 conceptual groundwork。

  • 短期主义行为如同儿童的不成熟表现

    P2
    acting like "children who pick the plums out of their pudding to eat them at once" rather than putting them aside to be eaten last

    比喻类 like as as if similar to resemble akin to comparable to

    这个 implication 将 short-termism 从一个 technical economic issue 升级为一个 character flaw。通过 children metaphor,作者 suggest financial institutions 缺乏 self-control 和 long-term planning ability,这是 immature 和 irresponsible 的表现。这对 main thesis 的 contribution 在于:它为支持 regulatory intervention 提供了 moral justification。如果 short-termism 只是一种 business strategy choice,监管 interference 可能显得 overreach;但如果它是一种 childish impulse,那么 external discipline(比如 clawback rules)就成了 necessary corrective measure。这个 implication 也 reinforce 了 第1段 提到的 restore public trust 的 necessity,因为谁会 trust 那些行为像贪吃小孩的机构来 manage 自己的 finances?

  • 持股时间骤降反映投资者耐心的系统性崩溃

    P3
    The average time for holding a stock in both the United States and Britain, he notes, has dropped from seven years to seven months in recent decades.

    对比数据类 from seven years to seven months from...to... dropped from...to... declined from...to... increased from...to... compared to versus

    这个 implication 表明 financial markets 的 time horizon 已经 fundamentally collapsed,从 long-term partnership model 退化到 short-term trading mentality。Seven years 代表的是 invest in company's growth,而 seven months 意味着只关注 quarterly earnings。这种 temporal compression 的 implication 是:投资已经变成 speculation,stakeholder 变成了 transient traders。对 main argument 的支持在于:它 quantify 了 short-termism crisis 的 scale,使问题从 abstract concern 变成 measurable trend。这个 shocking statistic 为后续讨论 quarterly capitalism 的 harmful effects 和需要 policy intervention 提供了 empirical foundation。同时,跨越 both US and Britain 的 data 暗示这需要 coordinated regulatory response,呼应了 第1段 英国新规的 potential global significance。

  • 技术进步反而加剧了短期主义问题

    P4
    new digital technologies have allowed more rapid trading of equities, quicker use of information, and thus shorter attention spans in financial markets

    因果暗示类 allowed enabled facilitated made it possible led to resulted in contributed to

    这个 implication 揭示了一个 paradox:technological innovation 本应提高 market efficiency,却 inadvertently exacerbate short-termism。通过 allowed 这个 enabling verb,作者 suggest digital technology 不仅是 passive tool,而是 actively reshape investor behavior toward shorter time horizons。'Shorter attention spans' 这个 psychological term 的使用暗示问题已经从 market structure 渗透到 cognitive pattern。对 main thesis 的价值在于:它 complicate 了 solution space。如果 short-termism 部分源于 technological infrastructure,那么仅靠 bonus deferral 等 policy 可能 insufficient,可能需要 address technology-driven trading mechanism 本身。这个 implication 也 echo SEC Commissioner 的 quote 'predominance of short-term thinking',通过 regulatory authority 的 validation 来 amplify technology-as-culprit 的 argument。

  • 美国现有措施力度不足效果有限

    P5
    slightly helping reduce "short-termism"

    模糊限制语类 slightly somewhat marginally modestly to some extent partially a bit

    这个 implication 表明美国 Sarbanes-Oxley Act 虽然在 right direction 但 scale 和 intensity 都 insufficient。'About a year' 的 deferral period 对比英国新规的 'ten years',暗示 US approach 太过 timid。Slightly 这个 qualifier 传递的 message 是:仅仅 defer one year 根本 不足以 fundamentally change executive behavior,它只是 scratch the surface。对 main argument 的 contribution 在于:通过 acknowledge 但 dismiss existing US measure,作者 strengthen 了对 UK's more aggressive approach 的支持,同时 justify 在 第6段-7 提出 much more could be done 的 necessity。这个 lukewarm assessment 也 imply 如果连 US 这样的 financial powerhouse 都 struggle with half-measures,说明 short-termism 是个 deeply entrenched problem,需要 bold regulatory innovation 才能 tackle。

  • 当前改革只是开始更多措施亟待实施

    P6
    Much more could be done to encourage "long-termism," such as changes in the tax code and quicker disclosure of stock acquisitions.

    情态词暗示类 Much more could be done could be done should be done might be done ought to be done remains to be done more needs to be done

    这个 implication 表明即使英国的 ten-year clawback rule 和美国的 Sarbanes-Oxley Act,也只是 preliminary steps,远未 exhaust policy toolkit。通过 list 具体的 additional measures(tax incentives, disclosure rules),作者 reveal 当前 regulatory approach 过于 narrow,主要集中在 executive compensation,而忽视了 broader systemic reforms。法国 voting rights example 进一步 demonstrate 有 proven alternatives 可供 adoption。对 main thesis 的作用在于:它 shift focus from celebrating UK's initiative 到 calling for comprehensive action。这个 implication 暗示 combat short-termism 需要 multi-pronged strategy involving tax policy, securities regulation, corporate governance reform,而不是 isolated bonus deferral。为 第7段 的 conclusion 铺垫,that society's interest 需要通过 diverse regulatory mechanisms 来 safeguard。

  • 银行家应对全社会负责而非仅对股东负责

    P7
    society has an interest in their performance, not just for the short term but for the long term

    对比递进类 not just...but not only...but also more than...but beyond...to rather than...but not merely...but

    这个 implication 重新定义了 corporate accountability 的 scope,从 shareholder primacy model 转向 stakeholder capitalism。通过 emphasize society's interest 而非 investors' returns,作者 challenge 传统的 corporate governance paradigm。'Long term' 在这里不仅是 temporal concept,更是 代指 intergenerational equity 和 sustainable economy,呼应 第1段 的 'future generations'。对 main argument 的 conclusive value 在于:它 elevate 整个 discussion from technical policy debate 到 fundamental question about corporate purpose in society。UK's new rule 不仅是 banking regulation,而是一个 philosophical statement:financial institutions 必须 serve broader social good 而非 pursue short-term profit maximization。这个 implication 也 provide moral high ground for all preceding policy proposals,因为 long-term societal interest 是 ultimate justification for regulatory intervention into market behavior。

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( Cautiously supportive of long-termism reforms)。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 首段目的句定调 P1

    议论文的首段通常是 topic sentence 所在地,作者往往在陈述事件的同时就已经暗示了自己的评价视角,尤其是提到 purpose 和 benefit 这种正向词汇时,说明作者认为该事件有积极意义。

  2. 隐喻造词识贬义 P2 P3 P4

    议论文中作者常常借专家 authority 之口来表达自己的评价,这是一种 implicit evaluation 间接褒贬手法,能规避直接下结论的生硬感。

  3. 让步转折露不满 P5 P6

    议论文常用 concession 先承认现状进展,再用转折指出不足,这种结构是作者真实立场的 铠甲之下的显现,往往暗示作者期待 continued action。

  4. 尾句总结判断 P7

    议论文的结尾段是全文论证 compressing 后的 final statement,通常比开头更明确地亮出作者的立场。

  5. 四步综合后,事件陈述+权威引用+让步转折+结尾总结的组合,是典型议论文中 '客观叙述包裹主观评价' 的写法,最终指向作者的 supportive 立场。

文中的态度信号词

  • hold...accountable P1

    这个短语点明了 clawback rule 的正当目的 purpose,作者用 accountable 这种正向词汇暗示自己认可该规则的合理性。

    同类词 hold accountable restore public trust encourage incentive reminder

  • children who pick the plums out of their pudding P2

    这个比喻把短期主义比作不懂 delayed gratification 的孩子,隐含贬义 disapproval,说明作者对 short-term thinking 持批判态度。

    同类词 short-termism financial impatience quarterly capitalism at the expense of

  • hinder P3

    hinder 直接指出 transient investors 阻碍了企业长期研发投入,作者借此表达对 short-termism 造成的负面后果的否定。

    同类词 worsened at the expense of predominance

  • Much more could be done P6

    这句话暗示现有措施只是 'slightly helping',作者认为还远远不够,需要更多 reform,体现出对 long-termism 改革的积极倡导。

    同类词 could be done should need to much more

  • not just for the short term but for the long term P7

    结尾用并列对照 parallelism 结构强调作者更看重 long-term 视角,是全篇态度的总结性收笔。

    同类词 not just...but on behalf of all stakeholders reminder

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. 开头亮观点 P1

    说明文的 opening 通常是 neutral description 或 factual introduction,只陈述 what something is;新闻报道的 lead paragraph 聚焦于 who/what/when/where 的 factual information。而议论文开头会包含 should/could/ought to 这类 modal verbs 或直接表达 purpose/benefit/problem 的 evaluative language,表明作者有明确的 argumentative intention。

  2. 问题-解决方案链条 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    说明文通常采用 categorical structure 或 process description,只 explain how things work;新闻报道倾向于 inverted pyramid structure,按 importance 排列 facts。议论文的 signature pattern 是 problem → analysis → solution 的 argumentative progression,体现作者的 persuasive intent 而非单纯 informative purpose。

  3. 专家观点佐证 P2 P3 P4

    说明文也可能 cite sources,但目的是 provide information 而非 build an argument;新闻报道 quote sources 是为了 report facts objectively。议论文引用 experts 是为了 lend credibility to the author's position,这些 voices 都是 strategically selected 来 reinforce the central claim 的。

  4. 呼吁行动建议 P6 P7

    说明文结尾通常是 summary of information 或 neutral conclusion;新闻报道结尾可能是 additional context 或 future developments 的 factual statement。议论文结尾会有 normative conclusions,用 should/must/need to/could 等 modal verbs 来 urge action 或 reinforce the thesis。这是 persuasive writing 最明显的 marker。

  5. 说服意图贯穿全文 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    把议论文和说明文、新闻报道的核心区别总结为:议论文的 primary goal 是 persuade readers to accept a viewpoint,所以必然包含 evaluation + reasoning + recommendation 的完整 argumentative arc;说明文的 goal 是 explain,所以只有 information + organization;新闻报道的 goal 是 inform about events,所以只有 facts + objectivity。本文每个段落都在 building a case for long-term thinking,而非 neutrally explaining 或 objectively reporting,这就是 argumentative nature 的体现。

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁?

  • unusual rule P1 评价性修饰词 unusual remarkable controversial questionable significant
  • The main purpose... Yet officials also hope P1 论证结构连接词 yet however nevertheless on the other hand in contrast
  • has worsened P2 立场表态词 has deteriorated is problematic poses a threat undermines is beneficial
  • can hinder P3 因果论证标记词 leads to results in causes contributes to undermines
  • Much more could be done P6 建议性论述标记词 could be done should implement needs to must consider ought to
  • is a reminder P7 观点总结标记词 underscores highlights demonstrates illustrates proves
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 Patience as a Corporate Virtue 的常见问题

2019年考研英语一真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章 Patience as a Corporate Virtue 的原文出自哪里?
Christian Science Monitor《基督教科学箴言报》2015.06.24文章Patience as a Corporate Virtue(耐心,企业的美德)。
2019年考研英语一真题文章 Patience as a Corporate Virtue 的主旨是什么?
2019年考研英语一真题 Section II Part A (1) 文章 Patience as a Corporate Virtue 认为金融监管机构和企业应通过实施延迟奖金和长期激励等政策来对抗短期主义,鼓励优先考虑可持续经济增长和利益相关者利益而非即时利润的决策。(英文表述:The article argues that financial regulators and corporations should combat short-termism by implementing policies like delayed bonuses and long-term incentives, encouraging decision-making that prioritizes sustainable economic growth and stakeholder interests over immediate profits.)
Patience as a Corporate Virtue(2019年考研英语一真题文章)是什么体裁?难度如何?
体裁为议论文,作者立场是积极支持(Cautiously supportive of long-termism reforms)。CEFR 难度 C1,全文 413 词、7 段;在考研英语一全部 102 篇真题文章中,C1 级共 92 篇(占 90%)。
2019年考研英语一真题文章 Patience as a Corporate Virtue 的篇章结构是怎样的?
全文 7 段按议论文骨架分为 5 个意群:引言 · 第1段——英国新规引出长期主义议题;分论点 · 第2段——短期主义的本质与表现;分论点 · 第3段、第4段——短期主义的数据证据与市场表现;分论点 · 第5段、第6段——现有对策与进一步改进空间;结论 · 第7段——公司内部激励与社会责任呼吁。
Patience as a Corporate Virtue 一文的作者态度是什么?
作者态度是积极支持(Cautiously supportive of long-termism reforms)。判断路径:首段目的句定调 → 隐喻造词识贬义 → 让步转折露不满 → 尾句总结判断 → 四步叠加验证;文中的态度信号词包括 hold...accountable(第1段)、children who pick the plums out of their pudding(第2段)、hinder(第3段)、Much more could be done(第6段)、not just for the short term but for the long term(第7段)。
2019年考研英语一真题文章 Patience as a Corporate Virtue 中有哪些值得积累的生词?
按文中出现顺序共 5 个:clawback(追回(已发放的奖金等))、short-termism(短期主义;短视行为)、transient(短暂的;转瞬即逝的)、defer(推迟;延期)、predominance(主导地位;优势),每个词的词义都可以由文中上下文线索推断得出。

本页数据最后更新: