懒笔记
2019年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (3) U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers
Postgraduate · 来自 2019年考研英语二真题 · Section II Part A (3) · 阅读理解（四选一）

U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers

2019年考研英语二真题文章逐层精读

Bloomberg Businessweek(《彭博商业周刊》)2018年6月11日一篇题为U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers(离了外籍劳工,美国农场将不具竞争性)的文章。

本页是 2019年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (3) 文章的精读视角页——这篇议论文全文 422 词、8 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

8 段英文原文

以下为2019年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (3) 的阅读理解（四选一）原文，共 8 段。左侧 P1–P8 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。

U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers

American farmers have been complaining of labor shortages for several years. The complaints are unlikely to stop without an overhaul of immigration rules for farm workers.

Congress has obstructed efforts to create a more straightforward visa for agricultural workers that would let foreign workers stay longer in the U.S. and change jobs within the industry. If this doesn't change, American businesses, communities, and consumers will be the losers.

Perhaps half of U.S. farm laborers are undocumented immigrants. As fewer such workers enter the country, the characteristics of the agricultural workforce are changing. Today's farm laborers, while still predominantly born in Mexico, are more likely to be settled rather than migrating and more likely to be married than single. They're also aging. At the start of this century, about one-third of crop workers were over the age of 35. Now more than half are. And picking crops is hard on older bodies. One oft-debated cure for this labor shortage remains as implausible as it's been all along: Native U.S. workers won't be returning to the farm.

Mechanization isn't the answer, either – not yet, at least. Production of corn, cotton, rice, soybeans, and wheat has been largely mechanized, but many high-value, labor-intensive crops, such as strawberries, need labor. Even dairy farms, where robots do a small share of milking, have a long way to go before they're automated.

As a result, farms have grown increasingly reliant on temporary guest workers using the H-2A visa to fill the gaps in the workforce. Starting around 2012, requests for the visas rose sharply; from 2011 to 2016 the number of visas issued more than doubled.

The H-2A visa has no numerical cap, unlike the H-2B visa for nonagricultural work, which is limited to 66,000 a year. Even so, employers complain they aren't given all the workers they need. The process is cumbersome, expensive, and unreliable. One survey found that bureaucratic delays led the average H-2A worker to arrive on the job 22 days late. The shortage is compounded by federal immigration raids, which remove some workers and drive others underground.

In a 2012 survey, 71 percent of tree-fruit growers and almost 80 percent of raisin and berry growers said they were short of labor. Some western farmers have responded by moving operations to Mexico. From 1998 to 2000, 14.5 percent of the fruit Americans consumed was imported. Little more than a decade later, the share of imports was 25.8 percent.

In effect, the U.S. can import food or it can import the workers who pick it.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

8 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2019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

    A Persistent Labor Crisis

    Farm labor shortages will persist without immigration reform.

    这一段承担 opening 的功能，它先抛出美国农业缺工这一总问题，再预告 immigration reform 是全文论证的主要解决方向，与文章主旨完全一致。

    抓问题与条件
  2. P2

    Congressional Inaction Has Costs

    Congress's obstruction of flexible farm visas harms American interests.

    本段把首段提出的改革需求推进为明确的 policy argument：签证改革受阻不仅伤害农场，也会伤害美国社会各方，因此增强了作者要求改革的立场。

    抓阻碍与后果
  3. P3

    The Vanishing Farm Workforce

    An aging and shrinking immigrant workforce cannot be replaced by native workers.

    本段为全文提供最关键的现实依据：非法或无证移民减少、现有工人老化，而本土工人又不能替代，这就解释了农业劳动力短缺为何具有结构性和持续性。

    把特征归为趋势
  4. P4

    Why Machines Cannot Fill the Gap

    Mechanization cannot yet replace human labor on many farms.

    本段排除了一个表面上合理的替代方案，即 mechanization，从反面证明美国农业在当前阶段仍需要稳定的人类劳动力，因此进一步支持签证改革的必要性。

    首句统领例证
  5. P5

    Growing Dependence on H-2A

    Labor shortages have made farms increasingly dependent on H-2A visas.

    这一段展示农场已经采取的现实应对方式，即更多使用 H-2A workers，同时以签证数量翻倍说明需求强烈，为下一段批评 H-2A 制度的不足作铺垫。

    顺着结果词回扣
  6. P6

    The Limits of H-2A

    The H-2A system and immigration enforcement fail to meet farms' labor needs.

    本段直接论证现行签证项目为何 inadequate：即使没有数量上限，繁琐流程、延迟和执法行动仍使农场无法及时获得工人，从而强化了文章对更灵活改革的要求。

    识别让步后转折
  7. P7

    Labor Shortages Drive Production Abroad

    Labor shortages push farm production abroad and increase food imports.

    本段把前文的制度问题转化为可见的 economic consequence：农场外迁、进口上升，美国农业竞争力下降，因此有力印证文章主旨中关于 farms losing competitiveness 的判断。

    串起数据与后果
  8. P8

    Food or Farm Workers

    The United States must choose between importing food and importing farm workers.

    这一段以高度凝练的对照收束全文：美国若拒绝通过 immigration reform 引进采摘工人，就会以更多 food imports 为代价，最终完成对改革必要性的论证。

    抓结尾二选一
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

8 道逐段细节自检题

针对2019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 labor-shortage complaints necessary

    What does the author suggest is necessary to end American farmers' labor-shortage complaints?

    • A A permanent ban on all undocumented farm labor.
    • B A rapid replacement of farm workers with robots.
    • C A major revision of immigration rules for farm workers.
    • D Higher wages for native-born agricultural workers.
    • E A numerical limit on agricultural visas.
    • F More imports of Mexican fruit and vegetables.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    原文把 complaints are unlikely to stop 与 without an overhaul of immigration rules 直接连接，构成明确的必要条件。正确项把 overhaul 转换为 major revision，把 farm workers 保留为限定对象，属于考研常见的同义替换。障碍在于选项没有复现 unlikely to stop，考生必须还原其条件逻辑。

    without后抓措施 时间极紧时，直接抓题干中的 necessary，不必逐句精读。回扫 第1段 中与之逻辑等价的 without 结构，把其后名词短语视为答案候选；再用“正确项是否同时包含政策动作和 farm workers 限定”做两要素核验。正确项满足两项，其余选项至少缺少其一或改变了逻辑方向。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 Congress least likely to benefit

    If Congress continues its current approach, who is least likely to benefit?

    • A Members of Congress who oppose visa reform.
    • B Foreign workers seeking longer stays in the United States.
    • C Nonagricultural employers using H-2B visas.
    • D American businesses, communities, and consumers.
    • E Mexican farms that receive relocated operations.
    • F Robotic equipment manufacturers.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    该项完整对应原文对政策不变后果的三类主体列举。题干用 least likely to benefit 替代 losers，形成否定式同义转换；正确项保留 businesses、communities、consumers 三个并列对象，范围没有扩大或缩小。

    losers反向锁定 从 Congress 直接跳到 第2段，视线沿着其谓语向后扫到条件句 if this doesn't change。不要分析所有政策细节，只做一个反向替换：least likely to benefit = losers。正确项是唯一完整承接该结果句三项并列名词的选项。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 figures crop workers

    Which change in the agricultural workforce is supported by the figures on crop workers?

    • A The workforce has become predominantly native-born.
    • B More workers are moving between farms each season.
    • C Most crop workers are now younger than 35.
    • D Marriage has caused workers to leave agriculture.
    • E The workforce has become older on average.
    • F Undocumented workers now make up less than half of farm laborers.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    从 over the age of 35 的占比由 about one-third 上升到 more than half，可直接推出年长工人的比例上升，即劳动力 aging。正确项没有夸大为“所有人都变老”，而用 on average 概括比例变化，符合证据强度。

    35岁比例箭头 直接扫 第3段 的数字串“one-third / more than half / over 35”，无需先通读前面的三个 workforce characteristics。把两个比例画成同向上升箭头，正确项是唯一把“35岁以上占比增加”压缩为年龄结构上升的选项。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 mechanization for now

    Why does the author regard mechanization as an insufficient solution for now?

    • A Farmers refuse to purchase available machines.
    • B Mechanization has failed for corn and wheat production.
    • C Robots are prohibited from working on dairy farms.
    • D High-value crops are no longer profitable to grow.
    • E Agricultural workers lack the skills to operate robots.
    • F Many labor-intensive, high-value crops still require human labor.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    原文先让步承认部分作物已 largely mechanized，再用 but 指出 strawberries 等 high-value, labor-intensive crops need labor。这正是机械化目前不足以解决整体短缺的理由。选项用 still 对应 not yet，保留了作者的阶段性限制。

    but后保留人工 在 第4段 中只读带逻辑信号的骨架：not yet - largely mechanized - but - need labor - long way to go。骨架显示“部分成功但关键部分未覆盖”。正确项是唯一保留 high-value、labor-intensive 与仍需人工这三个限制的选项。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 H-2A visa trend

    What trend does the H-2A visa data mainly indicate?

    • A Farms have become more dependent on temporary foreign workers.
    • B The H-2A program has introduced a numerical cap.
    • C Foreign workers are staying permanently in the United States.
    • D Demand for agricultural labor has disappeared since 2012.
    • E Most H-2A applicants were denied visas between 2011 and 2016.
    • F American consumers increasingly prefer imported food.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    段首已说明 farms have grown increasingly reliant on temporary guest workers，随后签证申请和签发数量的快速增长是该判断的数据支持。正确项把数据从数量层面概括为依赖程度上升，符合 mainly indicate 的要求。

    数据回扣段首 用 H-2A 定到 第5段 后，只看两个趋势动词 rose sharply、more than doubled，并回读段首的 As a result。数据不是孤立答案，段首的 increasingly reliant 是作者已写出的总括。正确项正是这一定性总括的同义表达。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 H-2A cap despite

    Why do employers still report labor shortages despite the absence of an H-2A cap?

    • A The H-2A program allows workers to change jobs too freely.
    • B The visa process is burdensome and unreliable, causing workers to arrive late.
    • C Employers are required to use the capped H-2B visa instead.
    • D Farmers have stopped submitting visa requests.
    • E All temporary workers are removed by federal raids.
    • F The annual cap has been set too low for agricultural work.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    文章明确说明 process is cumbersome, expensive, and unreliable，并用平均 22 days late 的调查数据证明 bureaucratic delays 的实际后果。正确项抓住了“无数量上限仍缺人”的核心机制：可获得的名额不等于工人能及时到岗。

    名额不等于到岗 抓 H-2A cap 到 第6段，立刻跳过 no numerical cap，读 Even so 之后的三个形容词和 22 days late。用“有名额不等于人能准时到岗”压缩全段逻辑。正确项是唯一同时写出流程障碍和到岗后果的选项。

  7. 第 7 段 定位词 western farmers responded

    How have some western farmers responded to persistent labor shortages?

    • A They have relied entirely on native U.S. workers.
    • B They have reduced imports of fruit into the United States.
    • C They have moved some of their operations to Mexico.
    • D They have replaced all crop workers with dairy robots.
    • E They have stopped producing labor-intensive crops.
    • F They have persuaded Congress to simplify agricultural visas.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    原文以 Some western farmers have responded by moving operations to Mexico 直接回答行动方式。正确项保留 some 的范围限制和 operations to Mexico 的行为核心，避免夸大为所有农场完全迁出。

    responded by后取动词 用 western farmers 直达 第7段，眼睛只捕捉 responded by 后的动名词短语。行动题不需要计算后面的进口数据；正确项是唯一保留“部分业务加迁往目的地”这一完整动作框架的选项。

  8. 第 8 段 定位词 choice the United States

    What choice does the author present as facing the United States?

    • A It must choose between importing food and exporting farm workers.
    • B It can fully automate farms or abandon agriculture.
    • C It should limit both food imports and foreign workers.
    • D It can import food or admit the workers needed to pick it.
    • E It needs to choose between H-2A and H-2B visas.
    • F It should import only workers from Mexico.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    该项准确重述结尾的二元选择：import food 或 import the workers who pick it。admit the workers 是对 import workers 的政策性同义改写，needed to pick it 保留工人与食品生产之间的功能关系。

    or两端对照 无需回读全文。看到 choice 后直接检查 第8段 的最后一句，以 or 为中心把句子切成左右两半；正确项是唯一保持“food 对 workers”这一对象对照、且不改变 import 方向的选项。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

7 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

    农业劳动力短缺问题的提出

    这个 opening paragraph 直接点出了 American farmers 多年来一直在 complaining about labor shortages，并且明确指出 without immigration reform，这个 complaint 不会停止，quickly establishes 了文章要讨论的 central problem。

    作为 introduction，它 sets the stage 并 introduces the core issue of agricultural labor shortage，为后续的 detailed analysis 和 arguments 建立了 foundation，让读者明白文章将围绕 immigration rules 和 farm workers 展开讨论。

    直接提出劳动力短缺核心问题
  2. 分论点 P2

    移民政策改革受阻的后果

    这个 paragraph 提出了第一个 supporting argument：Congress has obstructed visa reform efforts，并且 explicitly states the consequences - American businesses, communities, and consumers 都会成为 losers，这是在 elaborate 引言中提到的问题，providing the first layer of argumentation。

    作为第一个 body paragraph，它 identifies the political obstacle (Congressional obstruction) 并 establishes the stakes，showing who will suffer without reform。这 directly supports the thesis about needing immigration reform，making the argument more concrete and urgent。

    指出改革受阻导致多方受损
  3. 分论点 P3

    农业劳动力现状的人口学变化

    这个 meaning unit 提供了 detailed demographic evidence：approximately half of farm laborers are undocumented，workforce is aging (over half are now 35+)，更 settled 而不是 migrating，而且明确否定了一个 potential solution - native U.S. workers won't return。这是用 concrete data 来 support the labor shortage claim。

    这个 body paragraph 通过 presenting demographic trends and statistics，makes the labor shortage problem more tangible and urgent。By showing the workforce is aging 和 native workers won't replace them，it reinforces why immigration reform is necessary and why the problem won't self-correct。

    用人口数据证明劳动力结构恶化
  4. 分论点 P4

    机械化无法解决劳动力问题

    这个 paragraph addresses and refutes another potential solution - mechanization。它 acknowledges that some crops (corn, cotton, rice) have been mechanized，but emphasizes that high-value, labor-intensive crops like strawberries still need human labor，even dairy farms with robots have a long way to go。这是在 systematically eliminating alternative solutions。

    通过 ruling out mechanization as a viable solution，这个 paragraph strengthens the argument that immigration reform is the only realistic answer。By showing technology can't solve the problem，it makes the case for worker visas more compelling and eliminates a major counterargument。

    排除技术替代方案的可能性
  5. 分论点 P5 P6

    H-2A签证项目的问题分析

    这两个 paragraphs 作为一个 meaning unit 详细分析了 current solution (H-2A visa program)。第5段 shows the sharp rise in H-2A visa requests (doubled from 2011 to 2016)，demonstrating increasing reliance。第6段 然后 explains the program's limitations：no cap 却 still insufficient，process is cumbersome, expensive, and unreliable，bureaucratic delays cause 22-day late arrivals，还有 immigration raids 的 negative impact。

    这个 meaning unit 非常关键，因为它 shows that even the existing visa program, which has been increasingly used, is inadequate and problematic。这 directly supports the thesis that immigration reform is needed - 现有的 system 虽然被 heavily relied upon，但 still fails to meet farmers' needs due to bureaucratic issues。

    证明现有签证制度严重不足
  6. 分论点 P7

    劳动力短缺的市场后果

    这个 meaning unit 提供了 concrete market consequences：2012 survey shows 71% of tree-fruit growers and 80% of berry growers faced labor shortages，western farmers responding by moving operations to Mexico，imports increased from 14.5% to 25.8% in just over a decade。这是用 market data 来 demonstrate the real-world impact of labor shortages。

    这个 paragraph 通过 showing farms moving to Mexico and import increases，makes the consequences of inaction concrete and measurable。这 powerfully supports the urgency of immigration reform by demonstrating that American agriculture is already losing ground to foreign competition due to labor issues。

    展示产业外流的实际数据
  7. 结论 P8

    政策选择的二元归纳

    这个 concluding paragraph 极其简洁有力，用一句话 distills the entire argument into a stark choice："the U.S. can import food or it can import the workers who pick it." 这是 classic conclusion strategy - reducing complex arguments to a clear, memorable formulation that forces readers to confront the fundamental trade-off。

    作为 conclusion，它 doesn't introduce new evidence but synthesizes all preceding arguments into one powerful statement。By framing it as an unavoidable choice between importing food or importing workers，it makes the case for immigration reform maximally clear and rhetorically forceful，leaving readers with a memorable crystallization of the policy dilemma。

    提炼出非此即彼的政策选择
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. 首段定位核心问题 P1

    议论文的 opening paragraph 通常会 present 核心问题或争议点。这篇文章的 第1段 直接点出 'labor shortages' 这个 central problem，并暗示需要 'overhaul of immigration rules' 来解决。First paragraph 的 problem statement 往往就是文章要 address 的核心议题

  2. 政策呼吁与后果预警 P2

    第2段 明确提出了 specific solution（'more straightforward visa'）和如果不改变会有的 negative consequences（'businesses, communities, and consumers will be the losers'）。这种 'if not X, then Y' 的 structure 是议论文表达 main argument 的典型方式，直接揭示 author's stance

  3. 证据堆叠与替代方案排除 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    第3段-7 通过 statistical data（'half of U.S. farm laborers'、'more than half are over 35'）、trend analysis（'from 2011 to 2016...more than doubled'）、以及 ruling out alternatives（'Native U.S. workers won't be returning'、'Mechanization isn't the answer'）来 build the case。这些 supporting paragraphs 不改变主旨，而是 reinforce 首两段建立的 argument

  4. 结论处的二元选择表述 P8

    第8段 用极简洁的 binary choice（'import food or import workers'）来 crystallize 整篇文章的 argument。这种 either/or statement 在结尾出现时，通常是对 main thesis 的 ultimate distillation，把复杂论述 boil down 到一个 clear decision point

  5. 四段式论证结构整合 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    将四个步骤整合，就能快速 construct 完整主旨：首段的 'labor shortage' + 第二段的 'immigration reform needed' + 中段的 'current measures inadequate & alternatives won't work' + 结尾的 'import food or workers' = 'U.S. faces persistent ag labor shortage, current visa programs inadequate, mechanization can't solve it, need immigration reform or lose to imports'。这个 formula 适用于大多数 problem-solution 型议论文

主旨信号词 shortage P1 overhaul P1 obstructed P2 losers P2 implausible P3 isn't the answer P4 cumbersome P6 import P7

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

由于非法移民减少和劳动力老龄化,美国面临持续的农业劳动力短缺。现行签证计划不足,机械化无法解决问题。如果不进行移民改革以提供更灵活的农业工作签证,美国农场将继续在与进口产品的竞争中处于劣势。
The U.S. faces a persistent agricultural labor shortage due to declining undocumented immigration and an aging workforce. Current visa programs are inadequate, and mechanization cannot solve the problem. Without immigration reform allowing more flexible agricultural work visas, American farms will continue losing competitiveness to imports.
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。

  • overhaul 彻底改革、全面检修

    让我们把这些 clues 串联起来思考：首先，labor shortages 持续多年，complaints unlikely to stop 说明问题严重且顽固；其次，without 引出的条件表明需要某种措施才能解决；第三，第二段提到 Congress obstructed efforts 和 more straightforward visa 说明现有 immigration rules 复杂且不够有效；最后，从 over- 这个 prefix 我们知道它强调"彻底、全面"。将这些 evidence 综合起来，overhaul 指的就是对现有 immigration rules 进行全面、彻底的改革，而不是小修小补。

    问题严重度映射解决方案力度
  • obstructed 阻碍、妨碍

    我们来梳理一下：Congress 对 efforts to create a more straightforward visa 执行了某个 action，这个 action 的 result 是 American businesses will be the losers。这形成了一个 cause-effect chain：Congress 的 action → visa system 无法改善 → businesses 受损。从 semantic contrast 看，positive effort（创建更好的 visa）遇到了 Congress 的 negative action。再从 morphology 角度，ob-（against）+ struct（build）= 对抗建设。所有 evidence 都指向同一个 meaning：阻碍、妨碍。

    动作性质通过结果反推
  • cumbersome 繁琐的、笨重的、难以操作的

    让我们综合分析：首先，parallel structure 将 cumbersome 与 expensive 和 unreliable 并列，这三个词共同描述 visa process 的 problems；其次，后续 sentence 提供的 concrete data（22 days late due to bureaucratic delays）直接 illustrate 了这个 process 的 complexity 和 inefficiency；最后，-some suffix 的 pattern（troublesome, burdensome）也支持"繁重、麻烦"这个 direction。所有 clues 汇聚到一个 conclusion：cumbersome 描述的是一个繁琐、复杂、难以操作的 process。

    并列词汇锁定语义场
  • compound 使加剧、使恶化、使复杂化

    分析 logical flow：首先是 labor shortage 这个 existing problem，然后 immigration raids 作为 new factor 被引入，raids 的 effect 是 remove and drive workers underground，这必然 worsen the shortage。句子用 be compounded by 这个 structure 连接 problem 和 aggravating factor。从 morphology 角度，com-（together）+ pound（put）暗示一种"累积、叠加"的动作。因此 compound 在此表示通过叠加新的 negative factors 来使 existing problem 恶化。

    问题演化动词看因素影响方向
  • predominantly 主要地、大多数地、占主导地位地

    我们来整合 evidence：while...still structure 突出 born in Mexico 这个特征在 various changes 中保持稳定，still 强调持续性和 consistency。这说明 born in Mexico 不是 minority characteristic，而是 majority、dominant feature。从 morphology 看，pre-（before）+ domin-（rule）直接表达"占统治地位"的概念，-ly 使其成为 manner adverb。所有线索都指向一个 meaning：以占主导地位的方式，即"主要地、大部分地"。

    让步结构确定特征强度
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

12 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

    P5

    作者通过 concrete statistics 来 support 论点：从 2011 到 2016 年，H-2A visa 的 issued number 增长了一倍多 (more than doubled)。这个 specific example 直接证明了 farms 对 temporary guest workers 的 reliance 在急剧增加，strengthen 了文章关于 labor shortage 日益严重的 central argument。通过 quantifiable data，让 abstract problem 变得 tangible and convincing。

    信号词 for example for instance such as specifically in particular from...to... statistics show data indicates one case in point

    仿写： 写 argumentative essay 时，当你提出一个 general claim 后，立即问自己：能否找到 specific numbers、real cases 或 concrete examples 来 support 这个观点？比如你说 "网络成瘾现象严重"，可以仿照本文写："Starting around 2015, cases of internet addiction rose sharply; from 2015 to 2020 the number of diagnosed cases more than tripled." 模版：【Starting around + 时间点, + 现象 + rose sharply/increased dramatically; from + 起始年 to + 结束年 + the number/percentage + 具体数据变化】。

  • 举例论证

    P7

    作者列举了 2012 survey 的 specific findings：71% 的 tree-fruit growers 和近 80% 的 raisin and berry growers 表示 labor shortage。这组 precise percentages 为 labor crisis 提供了 direct evidence from industry insiders，使得文章的 argument 更具 credibility。接着又举例说明 western farmers 转移 operations 到 Mexico，以及 imported fruit 的 percentage 从 14.5% 涨到 25.8%，形成 chain of examples，层层递进地 demonstrate 问题的 severity and consequences。

    信号词 survey found study shows research indicates in a survey according to data reveals evidence suggests one survey found

    仿写： 构建 strong argumentation 时，可以采用 "survey + percentage + follow-up example" 的 structure。先引用 survey results 建立 credibility，再用 subsequent examples 展示 real-world impact。模版：【In a + 年份 + survey, + 百分比 + of + 群体 + said + 观点/现象. Some + 主体 + have responded by + 具体行动. From + 起始年 to + 结束年, + 百分比变化 + 的具体数据】。记住 multiple related examples 比 single example 更有 persuasive power。

  • 因果论证

    P3

    文章构建了清晰的 causal chain：undocumented immigrants 减少 (cause) → workforce characteristics 改变 (effect) → workers 更 settled、married、older (detailed effects) → picking crops 对 older bodies 更 hard (consequence)。这个 multi-layered causality 揭示了 labor shortage 的 root causes 和 compounding effects，support 了文章 main thesis 即需要 immigration reform。通过展示 cause-and-effect relationship，让 readers 理解问题的 complexity and inevitability。

    信号词 as a result therefore consequently thus because since due to as leads to causes results in

    仿写： 运用因果论证时，要构建 clear causal chain，避免 oversimplification。可以采用 "As + 原因, + 结果" 或 "cause → intermediate effects → final consequence" 的 structure。模版：【As fewer + 主体 + 动作, the characteristics of + 对象 + are changing. Today's + 群体, while still + 延续特征, are more likely to be + 新特征A + rather than + 旧特征A + and more likely to be + 新特征B + than + 旧特征B】。关键是展示 gradual transition 而非 abrupt jump。

  • 因果论证

    P5

    "As a result" 明确标记了 causation：前文描述的 labor shortage 和 mechanization 困境 (causes) 导致 farms 越来越 rely on H-2A visa workers (effect)。这个 direct causal link 将前面 paragraphs 的 problem description 和后续的 policy discussion 连接起来，形成 tight logical progression，强化了文章关于需要 visa reform 的 argument。

    信号词 as a result consequently therefore thus hence accordingly for this reason owing to this

    仿写： 使用 "As a result" 或类似 causal connectors 时，确保前文已经充分 establish 了 causes，然后用 transition phrase 引出 logical consequence。模版：【(前文描述问题或原因). As a result, + 主体 + have grown increasingly reliant on + 解决方案/应对措施 + to + 目的】。这种 explicit marking 比 implicit causality 更 direct and forceful，适合 highlighting key consequences。

  • 因果论证

    P6

    "The shortage is compounded by" 揭示了 additional causal factor：federal immigration raids 不仅 remove workers，还 drive others underground，进一步 aggravate labor shortage。这个 layered causation 展示了问题的 multiple contributing factors，strengthen 了文章关于 systemic problem 的 argument。Compound causation 比 single cause 更能 reflect reality's complexity。

    信号词 compounded by exacerbated by aggravated by worsened by intensified by complicated by coupled with combined with

    仿写： 表达 multiple contributing causes 时，用 "compounded by", "exacerbated by", 或 "aggravated by" 来引入 additional factors。模版：【主要问题 + is compounded by + 额外因素, which + 具体影响A + and + 具体影响B】。这种 structure 适合 showing complexity，让 readers 理解问题不是 simple linear causation，而是 multi-faceted and interconnected。

  • 对比论证

    P6

    文章对比了 H-2A visa (no numerical cap) 和 H-2B visa (limited to 66,000 a year)，通过 "unlike" 建立 sharp contrast。这个 comparison 凸显了 agricultural labor 的 special status，但紧接着 "Even so" 转折，指出即使 no cap，employers 仍抱怨 insufficient workers。这种 contrast-then-limitation structure 强化了 current system inadequacy 的论点，support 了改革 necessity。

    信号词 unlike in contrast whereas while on the other hand however conversely even so nevertheless by comparison

    仿写： 运用对比论证时，选择 comparable yet different elements，用 clear contrastive language 建立 distinction。模版：【对象A + has + 特征A, unlike 对象B, which is limited to + 特征B. Even so, + 转折观点 + 揭示共同问题或矛盾】。"Even so" 或 "nevertheless" 引出的 ironic twist 特别 powerful，能展示即使有 apparent advantages，仍存在 fundamental flaws。

  • 对比论证

    P3

    作者对比了两个 time periods 的 crop workers' age distribution：本世纪初约三分之一超过 35 岁，现在超过一半。通过 "At the start of this century" vs. "Now" 的 temporal contrast，直观展示了 workforce aging trend。这个 before-and-after comparison 为 labor shortage worsening 提供了 concrete evidence，strengthen 了文章关于 urgency of reform 的 argument。

    信号词 now today currently at present in the past previously formerly at the start of years ago then vs. now

    仿写： 构建 temporal contrast 时，选择 significant time points，用 parallel structures 呈现 comparable data。模版：【At the start of + 时间段, about + 比例/数量 + of + 群体 + were + 特征A. Now more than + 更大比例/数量 + are + 特征A】。确保 time frame 足够 significant (几年或更长) 来 show meaningful change，并用 precise figures 增强 credibility。

  • 对比论证

    P7

    文章对比了 imported fruit 的 percentage：从 1998-2000 的 14.5% 激增到十年后的 25.8%。这个 dramatic numerical contrast 直观展示了 U.S. agriculture 失去 competitiveness 的 extent，为文章 central argument 提供了 stark evidence。数字的 precision 增强了 contrast 的 impact，让 trend 不可否认。

    信号词 from...to... compared to increased from...to... rose from...to... in contrast to versus while...was a decade later

    仿写： 使用 numerical contrast 时，选择 meaningful metrics 和 appropriate time frames。模版：【From + 起始时间段 to + 结束时间段, + 数据指标 + was/were + 起始数值. + 时间表述 + later, the + 指标 + was/reached + 结束数值】。确保 percentage points 或 absolute numbers 的 change 足够 significant 来 support your point，并提供 context 让 readers 理解 implications。

  • 对比论证

    P3

    第三段用 "while still" 结构对比了 today's farm laborers 的 continuity and change：虽然仍主要 born in Mexico (continuity)，但更可能 settled rather than migrating，married than single (changes)。这种 "continuity amidst change" contrast 揭示了 workforce transformation 的 nuanced nature，支持了 labor shortage 无法通过 traditional solutions 解决的论点。

    信号词 while still although even though despite in spite of yet nonetheless but however more likely to be...than

    仿写： 使用 "while still" 来表达 partial continuity with significant change。模版：【Today's + 群体, while still + 保持不变的特征, are more likely to be + 新特征A + rather than + 旧特征A + and more likely to be + 新特征B + than + 旧特征B】。这个 structure 特别适合 describing demographic shifts, behavioral changes 或 evolving situations where some elements persist。

  • 反驳论证

    P3

    作者提出一个 potential solution (native U.S. workers returning)，然后立即用 "remains as implausible as it's been all along" 强烈 refute 这个观点，直接称其为 "oft-debated cure" 但 implausible。这种 anticipate-and-refute 的 structure 展示了作者对 counterarguments 的 awareness，通过 pre-emptive dismissal 强化了 immigration reform 是 only viable solution 的论点。

    信号词 however but yet remains implausible is unlikely won't cannot fails to ignores overlooks contrary to

    仿写： 运用反驳论证时，先 fairly present 对方观点，再用 strong evidence or logic 反驳。模版：【One oft-debated/proposed + 解决方案 + remains as + 否定评价 + as it's been all along: + 具体阐述为何不可行】。关键是 tone 要 confident but not dismissive，用 facts 而非 emotion 来 undermine alternative views。

  • 反驳论证

    P4

    第四段用 "Mechanization isn't the answer, either – not yet, at least" 明确 refute mechanization 作为 solution 的可行性。作者承认部分作物已实现 mechanization，但立即指出 high-value crops 和 dairy farms 仍需 labor，用 specific examples (strawberries, dairy robots) 支持 refutation。"Not yet" 暗示 long-term impossibility，strengthen 了 immediate reform necessity。

    信号词 isn't the answer not the solution won't work fails to address doesn't solve cannot fix not yet not...either neither...nor

    仿写： Refuting alternatives 时，用 direct negative statements 然后 support with specifics。模版：【方案 + isn't the answer, either – + 限定语 + at least. + 承认部分正确性, but + 关键限制/问题 + such as + 具体例子 + 说明不可行】。"Either" 连接前面已否定的 options，形成 cumulative dismissal；限定语 ("not yet") 显示 thoughtfulness。

  • 比喻修辞

    P8

    "In effect" 引出一个 implicit metaphor：把整个 agricultural labor issue 简化为 binary choice - "import food or import workers"。这个 succinct parallelism 将复杂的 policy debate 浓缩成 stark either-or decision，强化了 immigration reform 的 inevitability。虽然不是 traditional metaphor，这个 conceptual framing 通过 parallel structure 和 binary opposition 达到 metaphorical effect。

    信号词 in effect essentially in other words put simply ultimately boils down to comes down to the choice is

    仿写： 运用 conceptual parallelism 作为 figurative device 时，找到两个 related concepts 构成 binary choice。模版：【In effect, + 主体 + can + 动词 + 对象A + or + 相同动词 + 对象B】。确保两个 options 之间有 logical connection 且 parallel structure 清晰。这种 framing 特别 effective 作为 conclusion 或 summary statement，crystallize main argument。

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。

  • 劳动力短缺问题的持续性与系统性

    P1
    The complaints are unlikely to stop without an overhaul of immigration rules for farm workers.

    否定条件句 unlikely to stop without won't change unless cannot succeed without will not improve until never recover unless impossible without no solution except

    作者用 'unlikely to stop without' 传达的 implication 是:农场劳动力短缺不是 temporary fluctuation,而是 structural problem,单靠 market adjustment 或 incremental changes 无法解决。这为全文的 central argument 奠定基础 lay foundation——必须进行 comprehensive immigration reform。它对主旨的 value 在于建立 problem's intractability,使后续关于 visa reform 的论述显得 justified and urgent。

  • 立法阻碍导致多方受损

    P2
    If this doesn't change, American businesses, communities, and consumers will be the losers.

    假设条件句 If this doesn't change Unless action is taken Should this continue If nothing is done Were this to persist Failing to act will Without change

    通过 'will be the losers' 这个 consequence,作者传达的 subtext 是:visa reform 不是 helping immigrants,而是 protecting American interests。列举 businesses, communities, consumers 三个 stakeholder groups,暗示问题的 widespread impact,不是 special interest。这对主旨的作用是 reframe the debate——从 immigration controversy 转向 economic pragmatism,使 reform argument 更具 political palatability。

  • 本地劳动力回归的不可能性

    P3
    One oft-debated cure for this labor shortage remains as implausible as it's been all along: Native U.S. workers won't be returning to the farm.

    评价性形容词强化 as implausible as it's been all along as implausible as remains unrealistic utterly impractical naive to believe misguided assumption wishful thinking

    通过 'implausible' 和 'all along' 的组合,作者传达的 implication 是:指望 domestic workers 回归农场不仅 currently unrealistic,而且 historically never viable。'Oft-debated' 暗示这是 political rhetoric 中常见的 deflection strategy,但 empirical reality 从未支持它。这对主旨的 value 是 eliminating false alternatives,使 immigrant labor 和 immigration reform 成为 only logical solution,强化 central argument 的 inevitability。

  • 机械化方案的局限性

    P4
    Mechanization isn't the answer, either – not yet, at least.

    模糊限制语 not yet, at least not for the foreseeable future not in the near term hardly a solution at present far from ready still a long way off not quite there yet

    通过 'not yet, at least',作者传达的 subtext 是:mechanization 在 future 可能可行,但 current crisis 需要 immediate solution。接下来列举 high-value crops 和 dairy farms 的例子,实际是 substantiate 'not yet' 的判断。'Long way to go' 进一步强化 time gap。这对主旨的作用是 eliminate 第二个 false alternative,在排除 domestic workers 和 mechanization 后,immigrant labor 成为 唯一 viable 且 immediate 的 solution,从而 logically necessitate immigration reform。

  • 现有签证系统的严重不足

    P6
    The H-2A visa has no numerical cap, unlike the H-2B visa for nonagricultural work, which is limited to 66,000 a year. Even so, employers complain they aren't given all the workers they need.

    让步转折 Even so Nevertheless Nonetheless Despite this advantage Yet still Even with this benefit That said

    通过 'Even so' 转折,作者传达的 subtext 是:H-2A visa 的 'no cap' feature 看似 generous,实际 operationally inadequate。接下来的 'cumbersome, expensive, unreliable' 和 '22 days late' 数据,reveal systemic dysfunction。这对主旨的作用是说明:不仅需要 more workers,更需要 better system——即 'more straightforward visa' 和 ability to 'change jobs',支撑 第2段 提出的 reform direction。

  • 问题的严重后果已经显现

    P7
    Some western farmers have responded by moving operations to Mexico. From 1998 to 2000, 14.5 percent of the fruit Americans consumed was imported. Little more than a decade later, the share of imports was 25.8 percent.

    因果行动链 have responded by have resorted to have been forced to have turned to have shifted to resulted in led to

    通过 'responded by moving operations' 和 import percentage 的 dramatic increase,作者传达的 subtext 是:labor shortage 不仅是 operational headache,已经导致 industrial hollowing out。农场 relocate 到 Mexico 意味着 jobs, economic activity, 和 food security 的流失。这为 第8段 的 'import food or import workers' dichotomy 埋下伏笔,强化主旨:不改革 immigration policy,美国将失去 agricultural competitiveness,这是 national economic issue,不仅是 agricultural sector concern。

  • 政策选择的必然性

    P8
    In effect, the U.S. can import food or it can import the workers who pick it.

    归纳性总结 In effect In essence Essentially Ultimately At its core Fundamentally The choice comes down to

    通过 'In effect' 和 'import food or import workers' 的 dichotomy,作者将整篇 argument 浓缩为 stark choice:要么失去 agricultural production (隐含 food security 和 economic loss),要么 accept immigrant labor (隐含 reform immigration policy)。这个 framing 的 subtext 是:问题不是 'whether' to allow more immigrant workers,而是 'how'——即需要 better visa system。它对主旨的作用是 conclusive restatement,把 reform 从 political controversy 重新定义为 economic necessity,给全文画上 logically compelling 的句号。

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 Congress's inaction on farm-labor immigration reform）。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 首尾定位问题与结论 P1 P2 P8

    议论文的结构通常是 problem-argument-conclusion 三段式，所以首末段是作者态度最集中、最直接暴露的位置，尤其 第8段 这种总结性 metaphor 句子最容易露出真实立场。

  2. 评价性词汇筛选 P2 P3 P6

    议论文作者很少直接说 I think，而是通过选词的褒贬色彩暗示立场，所以词汇的 positive/negative polarity 是判断态度最直接、最省时的线索。

  3. 证据倾向统计 P6 P7

    议论文中举证的方向能反映作者立场，如果所有 data 都一边倒地指向同一个 negative conclusion，说明作者在用证据支撑批判性判断，而不是中立呈现两方观点。

  4. 多信号交叉验证 P1 P2 P3 P6 P7 P8

    三类信号（结构位置、词汇色彩、证据方向）如果指向同一个方向，就说明这不是单一段落的偶然表达，而是贯穿全文的 consistent attitude，这正是议论文态度判断题最看重的一致性验证。

文中的态度信号词

  • obstructed P2

    这个词说明 Congress 主动阻碍了 visa reform 的进程，把责任明确指向国会，是作者对现状不满的第一个直接信号。

    同类词 blocked hindered impeded stalled stymied

  • losers P2

    直接点明如果 visa 规则不改变，businesses、communities、consumers 都会成为 losers，用最直白的负面 noun 强化批判语气。

    同类词 victims casualties sufferers the ones who pay the price

  • implausible P3

    否定了 native workers returning to the farm 这一常被提出的 solution 的可行性，说明作者对某些流于表面的'解决方案'并不买账。

    同类词 unrealistic unlikely far-fetched untenable

  • cumbersome, expensive, unreliable P6

    三个负面形容词连续排比，集中批判 H-2A visa 流程，是全文情感浓度最高的一处，直接体现作者对现行签证制度的强烈不满。

    同类词 cumbersome expensive unreliable inefficient convoluted

  • In effect P8

    作为总结性连接词引出全文的 takeaway，即美国实际上只能在 import food 和 import workers 之间做选择，暗示作者认为现行政策正把美国推向前者这个不利局面。

    同类词 In short Ultimately In sum Essentially At bottom

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. 首段问题陈述 P1

    第1段 直接提出 'complaints' 和 'labor shortages' 这个 problem，这是典型的 argumentative opening，而不是 neutral information presentation。说明文会说「农业劳工短缺是什么」，新闻报道会说「某地发生劳工短缺事件」,但议论文会说「农民一直在抱怨,这个问题需要解决」,带有明确的 stance 和 call for action。

  2. 作者立场表达 P2

    第2段 出现 'Congress has obstructed' 这种 accusatory language,以及 'will be the losers' 这种 consequential warning。这是 clear argumentation,作者在 taking sides 并 pushing for policy change。说明文不会 accuse Congress,新闻报道会 quote 别人的 accusation,但议论文作者自己 makes the claim。

  3. 证据服务论点 P3 P4

    第3段 和 第4段 提供 statistics 和 observations,但每个 fact 都 serves 一个 argumentative function:证明 'native workers won't return' 和 'mechanization isn't the answer'。这些是 counter-arguments being dismissed。说明文会 equally present all options,议论文会 strategically use evidence 来 eliminate alternatives。

  4. 二元结论陈述 P8

    第8段 的 'In effect, the U.S. can import food or it can import the workers' 是典型的 argumentative conclusion:简洁、二选一、带有 implication。这不是在 inform options,而是在 force readers 面对 inevitable choice。说明文会 summarize information,新闻会 end with latest development,议论文会 deliver a punch line。

  5. 论证弧线完整性 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8

    这篇文章从 第1段 的 complaint,到 第2段 的 policy criticism,到 第3段-6 的 systematic refutation of alternatives 和 current problems,最后到 第7段-8 的 consequences 和 stark choice,形成了完整的 persuasive argument。每个部分都在 building a case,而不是 presenting information neutrally。

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁？

  • complaining P1 观点引导词 argue claim insist contend maintain
  • unlikely to stop without P1 论证逻辑连接词 unlikely to... without will not... unless only if provided that on condition that
  • will be the losers P2 立场表态词 will suffer will benefit will face consequences stands to gain at risk of
  • remains as implausible P3 立场表态词 implausible unrealistic impractical unfeasible untenable
  • isn't the answer, either P4 论证逻辑连接词 isn't the answer not the solution fails to address doesn't solve cannot resolve
  • As a result P5 论证逻辑连接词 as a result consequently therefore thus hence
  • Even so, employers complain P6 论证逻辑连接词 even so nevertheless nonetheless however yet
  • In effect P8 论证逻辑连接词 in effect essentially in essence ultimately fundamentally
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

5 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 U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers 的常见问题

2019年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (3) 文章 U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers 的原文出自哪里？
Bloomberg Businessweek(《彭博商业周刊》)2018年6月11日一篇题为U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers(离了外籍劳工,美国农场将不具竞争性)的文章。
2019年考研英语二真题文章 U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers 的主旨是什么？
由于非法移民减少和劳动力老龄化,美国面临持续的农业劳动力短缺。现行签证计划不足,机械化无法解决问题。如果不进行移民改革以提供更灵活的农业工作签证,美国农场将继续在与进口产品的竞争中处于劣势。（英文表述：The U.S. faces a persistent agricultural labor shortage due to declining undocumented immigration and an aging workforce. Current visa programs are inadequate, and mechanization cannot solve the problem. Without immigration reform allowing more flexible agricultural work visas, American farms will continue losing competitiveness to imports.）
U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers（2019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 Congress's inaction on farm-labor immigration reform）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 422 词、8 段；在考研英语二全部 94 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 72 篇（占 77%）。
2019年考研英语二真题文章 U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers 的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 8 段按议论文骨架分为 7 个意群：引言 · 第1段——农业劳动力短缺问题的提出；分论点 · 第2段——移民政策改革受阻的后果；分论点 · 第3段——农业劳动力现状的人口学变化；分论点 · 第4段——机械化无法解决劳动力问题；分论点 · 第5段、第6段——H-2A签证项目的问题分析；分论点 · 第7段——劳动力短缺的市场后果；结论 · 第8段——政策选择的二元归纳。
U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers 一文的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是消极批判（Critical of Congress's inaction on farm-labor immigration reform）。判断路径：首尾定位问题与结论 → 评价性词汇筛选 → 证据倾向统计 → 多信号交叉验证；文中的态度信号词包括 obstructed（第2段）、losers（第2段）、implausible（第3段）、cumbersome, expensive, unreliable（第6段）、In effect（第8段）。
2019年考研英语二真题文章 U.S.Farms Can'Compete Without Foreign Workers 中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 5 个：overhaul（彻底改革、全面检修）、obstructed（阻碍、妨碍）、cumbersome（繁琐的、笨重的、难以操作的）、compound（使加剧、使恶化、使复杂化）、predominantly（主要地、大多数地、占主导地位地），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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