2020年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (2) Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries
Postgraduate · 来自 2020年考研英语二真题 · Section II Part A (2) · 阅读理解(四选一)

Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries

2020年考研英语二真题文章逐层精读

Time《时代周刊》2019年4月11日一篇题为 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries(为何 CEO理应获得数万亿美元的薪水)的文章。

本页是 2020年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (2) 文章的精读视角页——这篇议论文全文 398 词、5 段,CEFR 难度 C1(C1 级在考研英语二文章中占 77%),作者立场为「积极支持」;英文原文之外,本篇已有的 11 项精读维度逐项展开,其中能迁移到其他考研英语真题文章的判断方法(篇章结构、修辞、言外之意、作者态度、体裁速判)随各维度一并讲透。

精读最佳实践

本页解析里的段号(P1)都可以点——点一下,原文在顶部翻开并定位到该段,解析引用的原文同步标亮;合上原文,你还停在刚才读到的位置。点 P1 试试。

PASSAGE · 文章原文

5 段英文原文

以下为2020年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (2) 的阅读理解(四选一)原文,共 5 段。左侧 P1–P5 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。

Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries

It is true that CEO pay has gone up—top ones may make 300 times the pay of typical workers on average, and since the mid-1970s, CEO pay for large publicly traded American corporations has, by varying estimates, gone up by about 500%. The typical CEO of a top American corporation now makes about $18.9 million a year.

The best model for understanding the growth of CEO pay is that of limited CEO talent in a world where business opportunities for the top firms are growing rapidly. The efforts of America's highest-earning 1% have been one of the more dynamic elements of the global economy. It's not popular to say, but one reason their pay has gone up so much is that CEOs really have upped their game relative to many other workers in the U.S. economy.

Today's CEO, at least for major American firms, must have many more skills than simply being able to "run the company." CEOs must have a good sense of financial markets and maybe even how the company should trade in them. They also need better public relations skills than their predecessors, as the costs of even a minor slipup can be significant. Then there's the fact that large American companies are much more globalized than ever before, with supply chains spread across a larger number of countries. To lead in that system requires knowledge that is fairly mind-boggling. Plus, virtually all major American companies are becoming tech companies, one way or another. Beyond this, major CEOs still have to do all the day-to-day work they have always done.

The common idea that high CEO pay is mainly about ripping people off doesn't explain history very well. By most measures, corporate governance has become a lot tighter and more rigorous since the 1970s. Yet it is principally during this period of stronger governance that CEO pay has been high and rising. That suggests it is in the broader corporate interest to recruit top candidates for increasingly tough jobs.

Furthermore, the highest CEO salaries are paid to outside candidates, not to the cozy insider picks, another sign that high CEO pay is not some kind of depredation at the expense of the rest of the company. And the stock market reacts positively when companies tie CEO pay to, say, stock prices, a sign that those practices build up corporate value not just for the CEO.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

5 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2020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 Scale of Rising CEO Pay

    CEO compensation at major American corporations has risen sharply since the 1970s.

    本段是全文的 issue-setting paragraph:它提出CEO薪酬暴涨这一需要解释的现象。文章总主旨要论证这种增长具有合理性,因此这里先呈现 seemingly controversial 的事实,给后文“为何合理”的论证留下空间。

    用数字锁定事实问题
  2. P2

    The Talent-Based Explanation

    Rising CEO pay reflects scarce top talent and CEOs' increased economic value.

    本段承担全文的核心立论功能:作者明确提出CEO高薪的正面解释,即 scarce talent 加上更大的商业机会。后两段将分别说明CEO为何更有价值,以及反方的“剥削论”为何站不住脚。

    抓住作者的解释模型
  3. P3

    Why Modern CEOs Are More Demanding Jobs

    The growing complexity of modern business requires CEOs to possess many specialized skills.

    本段是对第2段理论解释的具体展开:既然CEO薪酬反映其价值,那么价值增长从何而来?作者通过现代企业的复杂 demands 说明,CEO承担的任务更难、所需能力更稀缺,因此高薪具有现实基础。

    把技能清单归并为岗位复杂化
  4. P4

    Evidence Against the Exploitation View

    Stronger corporate governance undermines the claim that high CEO pay is mainly exploitation.

    本段强化全文立场:它排除了“公司治理失灵导致CEO掠夺薪酬”的解释。通过这一 rebuttal,作者把读者重新引向前文的主张,即企业支付高薪是为了 recruit top candidates 来应对更艰巨的工作。

    用治理加强反证剥削论
  5. P5

    Market Validation of High CEO Pay

    Market evidence indicates that high CEO pay helps firms attract talent and create corporate value.

    本段是全文的收束性补证:它以 hiring market 和 stock market 的反应,为CEO高薪的合理性提供更可观察的证据。这样,文章从“人才稀缺”的理论、到“工作复杂”的原因、再到“治理和市场”的验证,完成了较完整的论证链条。

    用外聘与股价证明公司受益
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

5 道逐段细节自检题

针对2020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 CEO compensation 300 times

    Which statement about CEO compensation is supported by the evidence?

    • A CEO pay has risen by 300% since the mid-1970s.
    • B The average worker in a major corporation earns $18.9 million a year.
    • C Top CEOs may earn about 300 times as much as typical workers on average.
    • D CEO pay at all American companies has increased by exactly 500%.
    • E Typical CEOs now make $18.9 million more than ordinary workers each year.
    • F CEO pay began to decline after reaching its peak in the 1970s.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:C

    该项完整保留了原有的比较结构:top CEOs 对 typical workers,且保留 about、may 和 on average 的证据强度。障碍在于数字非常醒目,考生容易只记住 300,而忽略它表示 pay ratio,并非增长百分比或年度收入。

    三格数字对位 时间紧张时,直接用题干中的 CEO compensation 在 第1段 的数字串中作纵向扫描,优先圈出 times、since 和 a year 三种单位信号。不要先通读句意,而是对每个选项做“主语-数字-单位”三格匹配;三格均吻合的正确项即为答案项。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 best explanation growth of CEO pay

    What does the author identify as the best explanation for the growth of CEO pay?

    • A Corporate boards have become less rigorous in monitoring executive compensation.
    • B CEOs have received higher pay mainly because they are chosen from within their firms.
    • C The global economy has reduced the value of top managers' efforts.
    • D A scarce supply of exceptional CEO talent meets rapidly expanding opportunities for leading firms.
    • E Typical workers have improved their performance more rapidly than CEOs.
    • F Public relations has become the only skill required of modern CEOs.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:D

    该项将论证的两个支点完整合并:limited CEO talent 与 top firms 的 growing business opportunities。它不是泛泛说 CEOs are talented,而是说明稀缺供给面对扩大的高价值需求,因而能解释 pay growth。障碍是选项用 scarce supply 与 expanding opportunities 做同义替换,考查因果结构识别。

    供需双端筛选 在 第2段 中,先不读全部例证,只锁定 best model 后的名词结构,并把两个并列核心名词压缩成“人才供给+机会需求”。随后用这个双要素模板扫选项:只有同时覆盖两端的正确项是答案项;只覆盖一端的选项立即排除。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 leadership in major American firms increasingly demanding

    Why does the author portray leadership in major American firms as increasingly demanding?

    • A They can focus exclusively on routine internal management.
    • B Global supply chains have made cross-border knowledge less relevant.
    • C Minor public mistakes now carry virtually no corporate cost.
    • D Financial markets no longer affect how companies should operate.
    • E CEOs must combine broader market, communication, global, technological, and routine management capabilities.
    • F Only technology companies need leaders with extensive knowledge.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:E

    该项对段落的并列论据进行了完整归纳:financial markets、public relations、globalized supply chains、tech companies,以及 day-to-day work。障碍在于它没有逐字复现原文,而是用 combine broader capabilities 概括多重 skill demands;但没有增添任何原文之外的能力。

    能力动词串扫 快速处理时,在 第3段 只扫动词框架 must have、need、requires 和 beyond,暂时跳过具体名词。把它们计为连续的“能力加码”证据;再选取能覆盖最多能力类别且不带 exclusive 限定的正确项作为答案项。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 exploitation challenge

    How does the author challenge the view that high CEO pay mainly results from exploitation?

    • A He argues that corporate governance has weakened continuously since the 1970s.
    • B He claims that exploitation is the sole reason companies recruit outside candidates.
    • C He maintains that rising CEO pay has made governance unnecessary.
    • D He attributes high CEO pay to lower standards for top candidates.
    • E He says that CEO compensation stopped rising once governance improved.
    • F He notes that CEO pay rose during a period when corporate governance became stricter.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:F

    该项准确复现反证逻辑:若高薪主要来自掠夺或治理失效,那么 stronger governance 应不利于这种现象;但历史上 tighter governance 与 high and rising pay 并存。因此该事实削弱了主要归因于 exploitation 的说法。障碍是选项不直接出现 ripping people off,而要求考生自己完成隐含矛盾。

    转折双趋势对撞 在 第4段 中,以 challenge 为指令,直接跳到 Yet 所在的对比句,不必先细读批评观点。将 Yet 前后的趋势写成“治理更严 / 薪酬仍升”,凡能完整保留这个反常并存关系的正确项即为答案项。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 positive stock-market reaction performance-linked CEO pay

    What does the positive stock-market reaction to performance-linked CEO pay indicate?

    • A Such pay arrangements are seen as adding corporate value beyond benefiting the CEO alone.
    • B Investors believe that CEO pay should be unrelated to stock prices.
    • C Performance-linked pay primarily transfers corporate value to the CEO.
    • D The stock market reacts positively only when insiders are selected as CEOs.
    • E Companies should set identical salaries for all CEO candidates.
    • F Higher CEO salaries necessarily cause stock prices to fall.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案:A

    该项准确表达 stock market reacts positively 所支持的推论:these practices build up corporate value not just for the CEO。障碍在于 indicate 要求从 positive reaction 推到 value judgment,且 beyond benefiting the CEO alone 对应 not just for the CEO,避免把收益主体缩窄为个人。

    反应后推论截取 直接在 第5段 以 positive 为视觉锚点,向右读到句末的因果落点,而不先处理前半句 outside candidates。把 reaction 后的推论压缩为“市场认可-公司增值”,与该双节点一致的正确项即为答案项。

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

    CEO薪酬增长现象呈现

    这个 opening paragraph 通过 concrete data 展示了一个 striking phenomenon:CEO pay 自 mid-1970s 以来 dramatically increased,typical CEO 现在 makes about $18.9 million annually,是 typical workers 的 300 times。

    作为 introduction,这个 paragraph establishes the central issue 需要 address:CEO compensation 的 substantial increase。它通过 statistical evidence 让 phenomenon 变得 concrete and undeniable,为后续的 justification argument 奠定 factual foundation。

    提出待解释的薪酬现象
  2. 分论点 P2

    CEO价值提升的市场逻辑

    这个 paragraph 提出 first supporting argument:CEO pay increase 源于 limited talent 与 growing business opportunities 之间的 market dynamics。强调 America's top 1% earners 是 dynamic elements of global economy,他们的 pay rise 反映了 CEOs have genuinely upped their game relative to other workers。

    作为 first supporting point,这个 paragraph establishes the economic rationale for high CEO pay。它 reframes the issue from exploitation narrative 到 market value perspective,arguing that compensation reflects genuine contribution to global economy。这为 entire argument 提供了 theoretical foundation based on supply-demand logic。

    市场供需解释薪酬合理性
  3. 分论点 P3

    CEO岗位复杂性的具体展开

    这个 paragraph 通过 detailed enumeration 论证 modern CEOs 需要 vastly expanded skill sets:financial market sense、superior public relations skills、knowledge of globalized supply chains、tech company leadership,plus all traditional day-to-day responsibilities。每个 requirement 都用 concrete context 来 illustrate increasing complexity。

    作为 second supporting point,这个 paragraph provides concrete evidence for why CEO compensation should be high。它 transforms abstract claim about 'upped their game' into tangible demonstration of expanded responsibilities。这种 detailed breakdown 让 argument 变得 more convincing and harder to dismiss as corporate propaganda。

    列举技能复杂性证明价值
  4. 分论点 P4

    公司治理改善驳斥剥削论

    这个 paragraph 专门 addresses and refutes 一个 common counterargument:high CEO pay 是 ripping people off。通过指出 corporate governance has become tighter and more rigorous since 1970s,paradoxically during this period CEO pay rose,文章 argues that high compensation reflects genuine corporate interest in recruiting top talent for tough jobs,而不是 exploitation。

    作为 refutation paragraph,这个 unit strengthens overall argument by addressing the most common criticism。它 doesn't just assert CEO pay is justified,而是 actively dismantles opposing view by showing that improved governance coincides with higher pay,这 suggests pay increases are legitimate market responses rather than corporate abuse。

    用治理加强反证非剥削
  5. 分论点 P5

    市场反应验证薪酬合理性

    这个 paragraph 提供 two additional pieces of market evidence:highest salaries 给 outside candidates 而非 insider picks,说明不是 cronyism;stock market reacts positively when CEO pay ties to stock prices,表明这些 practices build corporate value。这些都是 market-based validation of pay legitimacy。

    作为 final supporting point,这个 paragraph 通过 external market signals 来 validate the argument。它特别有力因为 uses objective indicators(salary patterns, stock market reactions)rather than subjective claims,让 argument rest on verifiable market behavior。但注意这 isn't a formal conclusion,只是 last piece of evidence。

    用市场信号证明价值创造
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2020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. 首段抓主题词 P1

    议论文的 topic 通常在 first paragraph 就会明确呈现。本文开头就直接点明 CEO pay 这个 central topic,并且用具体数据 300 times 和 500% 来 establish 这个话题的 significance。找到 topic 是理解 argument 的第一步,因为所有的 reasoning 都会围绕这个 subject 展开。

  2. 识别作者立场 P2

    议论文的核心就是作者的 argument 或 claim。本文在第二段开始就用 best model 来 characterize 对 CEO pay 增长的解释,并且用 really have upped their game 这种 positive evaluation 来表明作者的 supportive stance。识别 author's position 能帮助我们理解文章是在 defend 还是 criticize 某个 phenomenon。

  3. 提取支撑论据 P3

    议论文的 body 部分会 develop 和 elaborate 作者的 main argument。本文第三段列举了 CEOs 需要具备的 multiple skills,包括 financial markets knowledge、public relations skills、global operations understanding 等,这些都是 concrete reasons 来 explain 为什么 CEO pay 应该 increase。识别这些 supporting points 能帮助我们理解作者 argument 的 logical structure。

  4. 识别反驳论证 P4 P5

    强有力的议论文会 acknowledge 和 counter alternative explanations。本文第四、五段专门 address the common idea 即 CEO pay 是 ripping people off 这个 opposing view,然后用 historical evidence 和 market data 来 refute 它。识别 counterargument refutation 能帮助我们确认作者的 main claim 就是 opposing 这种 negative interpretation。

  5. 整合核心论点 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5

    议论文的 main argument 不是简单的 topic restatement,而是 author's specific position plus reasoning。本文的 main argument 是:CEO pay increase 是 justified(position),因为 job complexity has expanded(core reasoning),而不是 exploitation(rejected alternative)。这个 synthesis 需要整合文章各部分的 key elements。

主旨信号词 best model P2 really have upped P2 must have P3 doesn't explain P4 not some kind of depredation P5 many more skills P3

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

文章认为,自20世纪70年代以来CEO薪酬的大幅增长是合理的,因为他们的角色复杂性不断扩大,需要在全球运营、技术、金融和公共关系等方面具备多样化技能,而不是对公司治理的剥削。
The article argues that the substantial increase in CEO compensation since the 1970s is justified by the expanding complexity of their roles, requiring diverse skills in global operations, technology, finance, and public relations, rather than being exploitation of corporate governance.
WORD INFERENCE · 生词推断

4 个生词的上下文推断

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

  • slipup 失误、差错

    让我们把这些 clues 串联起来。首先,从 logical relationship 看,slipup 出现在讨论 public relations skills 的重要性时,它是需要被 skills 预防的 negative event。其次,从 word formation 角度,slip+up 的构词模式符合表示失误类事件的规律。最后,minor 和 significant 的对比修饰,更加确认了 slipup 虽小但影响很大的特征。综合这三条线索,slipup 应该指的是在 public relations 中可能出现的小错误或失误。

    复合词的三维立体推断法
  • rigorous 严格的、严谨的

    现在让我们整合所有 evidence。从 parallel structure 看,rigorous 与 tighter 并列,语义上应该接近,都表示某种严格性。从 argumentative logic 看,作者用 rigorous governance 来反驳 CEO pay 不合理的观点,说明 rigorous 是褒义词,表示监管质量的提升。从 morphology 看,rigor+ous 的构词确认了严格、严谨的含义。三条线索相互印证,rigorous 的意思就是严格的、严谨的。

    并列结构的语义场映射法
  • depredation 掠夺、侵害、破坏性剥削

    让我们整合这些 threads。从 negative structure 看,depredation 是作者要否定的负面行为,而且是 at the expense of others 的行为,说明它涉及对他人利益的侵害。从 discourse coherence 看,depredation 呼应前文的 ripping people off,是同一概念的 formal register。从 etymology 看,de-+pred-+-ation 的构词直接指向掠夺、侵害行为。三条线索汇聚,depredation 的意思就是掠夺、侵害、破坏性剥削。

    正式学术词的三层语境分析法
  • cozy 关系过密的、裙带关系的

    现在把这些 clues 综合起来。从 contrastive structure 看,cozy insider picks 作为 outside candidates 的对立面,应该代表不太理想的选择方式。从 business context 看,cozy 修饰 insider 时,暗示关系过于亲密、可能存在利益输送。从 argumentative function 看,作者需要 cozy insider 作为负面对照,来衬托 outside candidates 的合理性。因此 cozy 在这里不是温馨舒适的字面意思,而是贬义的关系密切、过于亲近的意思。

    对比论证的语用推理法
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。

  • 举例论证

    P1

    作者在 第1段 用了 concrete numerical examples,指出 top CEOs make 300 times typical workers' pay,并且 CEO pay 从 mid-1970s 起增长了 about 500%,现在 typical CEO 年薪达到 $18.9 million。这些 specific figures 和 statistics 为后文的 justification 提供了 factual foundation,让读者清楚认识到 CEO compensation 增长的 magnitude,从而使后续的 explanation 更有说服力。

    信号词 for example for instance such as including specifically in particular take... as an example statistics show data indicates by varying estimates

    仿写: 当你要 defend 一个可能 controversial 的 viewpoint 时,可以先 present hard numbers 和 specific examples。思考:你的 claim 背后有哪些 measurable facts?比如写 "online education is growing",不如写 "online course enrollment increased by 340% since 2015, with over 6.9 million students now studying remotely"。模版:[Topic/Phenomenon] has [specific change], [具体数据 1],and [具体数据 2],reaching [current state with number]。

  • 因果论证

    P2

    第2段 建立了清晰的 causal relationship:limited CEO talent + rapidly growing business opportunities → CEO pay increase。作者进一步 explain,因为 CEOs have upped their game relative to other workers,所以 their pay has gone up。这个 cause-and-effect logic 直接 support 文章 thesis,将 pay increase 归因于 supply-demand dynamics 和 performance improvement,而非 exploitation。

    信号词 because since as due to owing to thanks to as a result of consequently therefore thus hence leads to results in contributes to one reason... is that this is because

    仿写: 要 establish causality 时,先 identify 关键的 cause,然后用 "is that"、"one reason... is that"、"this is because" 等结构 connect it to the effect。想想:什么 conditions 或 factors 导致了这个 result?比如不写 "remote work is popular",而写 "The popularity of remote work stems from technological advances in communication tools and employees' desire for flexibility"。模版:The best model for understanding [phenomenon] is that of [cause 1] in a world where [cause 2]. One reason [result] is that [underlying mechanism]。

  • 举例论证

    P3

    第3段 通过 enumerating specific skills and responsibilities 来 illustrate CEO job complexity:financial markets knowledge、public relations skills、managing global supply chains、understanding tech transformation、plus traditional day-to-day work。这些 concrete examples 把 abstract concept "increased job difficulty" 转化为 tangible skill requirements,making the argument for high pay more convincing。

    信号词 for example for instance such as including must need require then there's beyond this plus also in addition moreover

    仿写: 当要 demonstrate complexity 或 scope 时,可以 list out specific components or requirements。用 "must have"、"need"、"requires" 等 obligation verbs 搭配 detailed examples。思考:这个 role 或 phenomenon 包含哪些 specific dimensions?比如不写 "teachers face many challenges",而写 "Teachers must master curriculum design, manage diverse learning styles, handle parent communications, stay current with educational technology, and address individual student mental health needs"。模版:[Subject] must have [skill 1]. They also need [skill 2]. Then there's the fact that [additional complexity]. Beyond this, [subject] still have to [traditional duties]。

  • 对比论证

    P4

    第4段 用了 striking contrast:一方面 common idea 认为 high CEO pay 是 ripping people off,另一方面 historical evidence 显示 corporate governance 在 1970s 后变得 much tighter and more rigorous,but CEO pay 恰恰在这个 period of stronger governance 持续 rising。这个 contrast 有效 refute 了 exploitation theory,证明 high pay 是 legitimate market response 而非 governance failure。

    信号词 but yet however while whereas in contrast on the contrary on the other hand conversely nevertheless nonetheless despite although even though doesn't explain... well

    仿写: 要 challenge conventional wisdom 时,先 present the common belief,然后用 contrasting evidence 去 counter it。用 "yet"、"however"、"but"、"while" 等 adversative connectors 来 create sharp turns。想想:什么 evidence contradicts the mainstream view?比如不写 "social media is harmful",而写 "While critics claim social media isolates people, research shows online connectivity actually increases offline social interactions for 67% of users"。模版:The common idea that [misconception] doesn't explain [evidence/reality] very well. [Contrasting fact]. Yet it is [precisely during/in this context] that [contradictory phenomenon], suggesting [true explanation]。

  • 举例论证

    P5

    第5段 提供了 two additional pieces of evidence:首先 highest CEO salaries 支付给 outside candidates 而非 insider picks;其次 stock market reacts positively when CEO pay ties to stock prices。这些 specific market behaviors and practices 作为 concrete proof,进一步 validate 作者关于 high CEO pay reflects genuine value creation 的 argument,而非 internal corruption。

    信号词 furthermore moreover in addition additionally also another sign evidence shows practice indicates the fact that not to mention what's more

    仿写: 在 concluding evidence 时,用 "furthermore" 引入 additional examples 来 reinforce your point。选择能被 independently verified 的 market signals 或 behavioral patterns。思考:还有什么 observable phenomena 支持我的 thesis?比如不写 "this policy works",而写 "Furthermore, cities implementing this policy saw 45% reduction in traffic accidents, and insurance companies lowered premiums in those areas, signaling market confidence in the improvement"。模版:Furthermore, [specific practice/phenomenon 1], not [contrary case], [interpretation]. And [observable reaction] when [condition], a sign that [underlying value/principle]。

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

5 处话里有话

作者没有明说、但靠信号词传递出来的态度与暗示——每处给出原文片段、信号词类型与解读。

  • CEO薪酬增长的事实陈述中暗含问题的严重性

    P1
    It is true that CEO pay has gone up—top ones may make 300 times the pay of typical workers on average, and since the mid-1970s, CEO pay for large publicly traded American corporations has, by varying estimates, gone up by about 500%.

    让步类 It is true that admittedly granted certainly no doubt to be sure it is acknowledged that

    这个 implicature 的言外之意是:作者承认 CEO pay 确实涨了很多这个事实 fact,但通过使用 'it is true that' 的让步语气 concessive tone,暗示 hint 读者不要急于做出负面判断 negative judgment。这为全文的核心论点 central argument——CEO 高薪是合理的 justified——打下基础 lay the foundation。作用 function 是:通过承认反对方 opposing side 的证据 evidence 来增强说服力 persuasiveness,同时引出下文对这种现象的合理化解释 rationalization。价值 value:这种开篇策略 opening strategy 让作者显得客观 objective 和可信 credible,而不是一味地 blindly 为 CEO 辩护 defend。

  • 通过'不受欢迎的真相'强化论点的可信度

    P2
    It's not popular to say, but one reason their pay has gone up so much is that CEOs really have upped their game relative to many other workers in the U.S. economy.

    让步类/委婉表达 It's not popular to say, but unpopular as it may be though many disagree controversial as it sounds at the risk of being unpopular this may sound harsh, but difficult as it is to accept

    这个 implicature 的言外之意是:作者明确知道 aware 自己的观点——CEOs deserve their high pay——会引起争议 controversy 甚至反感 resentment,但依然坚持 insist 这个观点,暗示 imply 这是基于事实 facts 而非讨好 please 读者的结论 conclusion。对文章主旨 thesis 的作用:通过这种'我知道你们不爱听但这是真相'的策略 strategy,作者将自己塑造成 position as 一个理性 rational、不迎合大众情绪 mass sentiment 的分析者 analyst,从而增强 strengthen 为 CEO 高薪辩护的说服力 persuasive power。价值 value:这打破了读者可能的预设 preconception——认为为 CEO 辩护就是为富人说话 speak for the rich,而是转换成 reframe 基于经济逻辑 economic logic 的理性讨论 rational discussion。

  • 通过'必须'强调职责复杂性的升级

    P3
    Today's CEO, at least for major American firms, must have many more skills than simply being able to "run the company." CEOs must have a good sense of financial markets and maybe even how the company should trade in them. They also need better public relations skills than their predecessors, as the costs of even a minor slipup can be significant.

    情态词 must have must be have to it is essential that it is imperative that are required to are obligated to

    这个 implicature 的言外之意是:通过反复使用 'must' 和列举 enumerate 多项复杂技能 complex skills,作者在论证 argue 现代 CEO 的工作难度 difficulty 远超以往 far exceeds the past,这些'必须具备 must possess'的能力 capabilities 不是可有可无 optional 的,而是生存必需 survival necessities。对文章主旨的作用 function:这直接支撑 support 了主旨——CEO 高薪是合理的 justified——因为他们的工作要求 job requirements 已经变得异常复杂 extraordinarily complex。价值 value:通过这种'必须'的语气 tone,作者将 CEO 的高薪从'贪婪 greed'的指控 accusation 转换成 reframe 对'高难度工作 demanding job'的合理回报 fair compensation。

  • 通过否定常见观点揭示其逻辑缺陷

    P4
    The common idea that high CEO pay is mainly about ripping people off doesn't explain history very well. By most measures, corporate governance has become a lot tighter and more rigorous since the 1970s. Yet it is principally during this period of stronger governance that CEO pay has been high and rising.

    否定类/反驳类 doesn't explain fails to account for cannot justify does not hold up is inconsistent with contradicts overlooks

    这个 implicature 的言外之意是:作者通过否定'CEO 高薪是剥削 exploitation'这个常见批评 common criticism,并提供历史证据 historical evidence(公司治理 corporate governance 加强了但薪酬仍在涨 rising),暗示 suggest 真正的原因 real reason 不是治理失败 governance failure,而是市场对 CEO 价值的认可 market recognition。对文章主旨的作用:这是关键的驳论环节 refutation part——如果不驳斥'剥削论 exploitation theory',读者会持续怀疑 doubt 作者的辩护 defense。价值 value:通过用历史趋势 historical trend 驳斥常见批评,作者展示了论证的严密性 rigor 和对反对意见 counterarguments 的掌控力 control。

  • 通过市场反应证明薪酬机制的合理性

    P5
    And the stock market reacts positively when companies tie CEO pay to, say, stock prices, a sign that those practices build up corporate value not just for the CEO.

    因果推理类/证据指示词 a sign that indicates that suggests that evidence that demonstrates that shows that proves that

    这个 implicature 的言外之意是:作者通过引用股市的正面反应 positive reaction 作为'客观证据 objective evidence',暗示 imply CEO 高薪制度 compensation system 不仅对 CEO 有利 beneficial,也为整个公司和股东 shareholders 创造价值 create value。这种'市场用脚投票 vote with feet'的逻辑 logic 增强了论证的说服力 persuasiveness。对文章主旨的作用:这是最后的致胜一击 final blow——用市场这个'中立裁判 neutral referee'来验证 validate 前面所有的辩护 defense。价值 value:通过引入外部客观指标 external objective indicators,作者避免了纯粹的主观辩护 subjective defense,使论证更加可信 credible。

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( Supportive: high CEO pay is justified and well-earned)。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 首段让步句定位 P1

    议论文首段通常起到引出topic的作用,如果只是陈述数据没有明显倾向词,说明态度还没揭示,需要往下继续读,但一旦出现让步句就要立刻警觉。

  2. 论点句锁定 P2

    议论文的论点句(thesis)几乎决定全文态度方向,因为后续body paragraphs都是为了support这一个中心论点展开的。

  3. 驳论段落识别 P4

    议论文里作者常先摆出一个反方popular belief,再用doesn't/fails to等否定词驳倒它,这种rebuttal的强度直接反映作者态度的坚定程度。

  4. 三角验证综述 P2 P3 P4 P5

    态度判断最终要看thesis句、evidence段、rebuttal段三者是否方向一致,如果三者都指向同一个conclusion,态度就非常明确,不存在模糊的neutral空间。

文中的态度信号词

  • It's not popular to say, but P2

    这个hedge结构承认自己的观点unpopular,但仍坚持说出来,这种表达方式反而强化了作者的confidence,说明作者是deliberately在为CEO高薪做正面辩护。

    同类词 Admittedly Granted To be fair I know this sounds controversial, but

  • doesn't explain history very well P4

    这是对popular idea的直接否定,doesn't加well这种弱化评价,等于用委婉但坚定的方式说对立观点是错的,从而反向support作者自己的立场。

    同类词 doesn't explain...well fails to hold up doesn't stand up to scrutiny falls short is not well supported by

  • Yet P4

    Yet连接了governance变紧和CEO薪酬却依然上涨这两个看似矛盾的fact,转折词的出现往往标志作者要引出自己真正的judgment。

    同类词 However But Nonetheless Still

  • another sign that P5

    这个evidentiary marker把outside candidates薪酬更高这个fact直接和作者的interpretation连接起来,明确告诉读者这是support高薪合理性的证据。

    同类词 a sign that suggesting that indicating that which shows that

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇议论文

体裁决定读法与出题套路。以下判断步骤与标志词全部以本文为例,可直接迁移到其他考研英语 真题文章。

如何快速判断这是一篇议论文?

  1. 开篇呈现争议话题 P1

    第1段 开头就说 'It is true that CEO pay has gone up',这个 'It is true' 的表达暗示了外界对此有 concerns 或 debates。接着用数据 '300 times' 和 '500%' 来 emphasize 这个 controversial phenomenon。说明文会平铺直叙地 explain,新闻报道会 focus on recent events,而这里明显是在 set up 一个需要 defend 或 argue 的 position。

  2. 明确表达观点立场 P2

    第2段 第一句就说 'The best model for understanding... is that of limited CEO talent',这个 'best model' 是典型的 evaluative language,表明作者在 advocate 一个特定的 interpretation。接着说 'It's not popular to say, but one reason... is that CEOs really have upped their game',这个 'not popular to say, but' 是明显的 argumentative signal,显示作者在 take a controversial position。说明文不会有这种 subjective judgment,新闻报道会 maintain neutrality。

  3. 提供单向论证证据 P3 P4 P5

    第3段 列举了 multiple reasons:'must have many more skills', 'need better public relations skills', 'companies are much more globalized', 'becoming tech companies'。这些不是 neutral description,而是被 carefully chosen 来 prove 'CEOs deserve high pay' 这个 central argument。每个 point 都在 build up 一个 logical case。第4段 和 第5段 继续提供 counter-arguments ('The common idea... doesn't explain history') 和 additional evidence ('stock market reacts positively'),形成完整的 argumentation structure。说明文会 comprehensively cover all aspects,新闻会 present multiple perspectives equally。

  4. 反驳对立观点 P4

    第4段 明确提到 'The common idea that high CEO pay is mainly about ripping people off' 就是在 acknowledge 一个 opposing viewpoint,然后立刻用 'doesn't explain history very well' 来 refute it。这种 'Some say X, but actually Y' 的 structure 是议论文特有的。说明文不需要 address alternative views 因为它只是 explaining;新闻可能 present different views 但不会 argue which one is right。

  5. 综合识别说服意图 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5

    这篇文章从头到尾都在 defend 'high CEO pay is justified' 这个 controversial position。它不是在 objectively explain CEO pay structure (说明文目的),也不是在 report a recent CEO pay scandal (新闻目的),而是在 persuade readers 去 accept 一个 specific interpretation。作者的 goal 是 convince,不是 inform neutrally。整体 tone 是 argumentative 而非 explanatory 或 journalistic。

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁?

  • It is true that P1 观点引导词 It is clear that It is obvious that The fact is that Undeniably Admittedly
  • but P2 论证逻辑连接词 however yet nevertheless nonetheless although
  • The best model for understanding P2 立场表态词 The key to understanding The most important factor The primary reason The main argument is What truly matters is
  • doesn't explain P4 论证逻辑连接词 fails to account for cannot justify does not support contradicts undermines
  • That suggests P4 论证逻辑连接词 This indicates This implies This demonstrates This shows This proves
  • Furthermore P5 论证逻辑连接词 Moreover Additionally In addition What's more Besides
  • another sign that P5 论证逻辑连接词 another indication that another piece of evidence further proof that additional support for more evidence that
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

10 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 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries 的常见问题

2020年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (2) 文章 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries 的原文出自哪里?
Time《时代周刊》2019年4月11日一篇题为 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries(为何 CEO理应获得数万亿美元的薪水)的文章。
2020年考研英语二真题文章 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries 的主旨是什么?
2020年考研英语二真题 Section II Part A (2) 文章 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries 认为,自20世纪70年代以来CEO薪酬的大幅增长是合理的,因为他们的角色复杂性不断扩大,需要在全球运营、技术、金融和公共关系等方面具备多样化技能,而不是对公司治理的剥削。(英文表述:The article argues that the substantial increase in CEO compensation since the 1970s is justified by the expanding complexity of their roles, requiring diverse skills in global operations, technology, finance, and public relations, rather than being exploitation of corporate governance.)
Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries(2020年考研英语二真题文章)是什么体裁?难度如何?
体裁为议论文,作者立场是积极支持(Supportive: high CEO pay is justified and well-earned)。CEFR 难度 C1,全文 398 词、5 段;在考研英语二全部 94 篇真题文章中,C1 级共 72 篇(占 77%)。
2020年考研英语二真题文章 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries 的篇章结构是怎样的?
全文 5 段按议论文骨架分为 5 个意群:引言 · 第1段——CEO薪酬增长现象呈现;分论点 · 第2段——CEO价值提升的市场逻辑;分论点 · 第3段——CEO岗位复杂性的具体展开;分论点 · 第4段——公司治理改善驳斥剥削论;分论点 · 第5段——市场反应验证薪酬合理性。
Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries 一文的作者态度是什么?
作者态度是积极支持(Supportive: high CEO pay is justified and well-earned)。判断路径:首段让步句定位 → 论点句锁定 → 驳论段落识别 → 三角验证综述;文中的态度信号词包括 It's not popular to say, but(第2段)、doesn't explain history very well(第4段)、Yet(第4段)、another sign that(第5段)。
2020年考研英语二真题文章 Why CEOs Actually Deserve Their Gazillion Dollar Salaries 中有哪些值得积累的生词?
按文中出现顺序共 4 个:slipup(失误、差错)、rigorous(严格的、严谨的)、depredation(掠夺、侵害、破坏性剥削)、cozy(关系过密的、裙带关系的),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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