懒笔记
2021年考研英语二真题 Section I Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences
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Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences

2021年考研英语二真题文章逐层精读

本文选自网站 Business Spotlight一篇题为Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences(设定目标可能会带来不可预见的负面影响)的文章。

本页是 2021年考研英语二真题 Section I 文章的精读视角页——这篇议论文全文 353 词、6 段，CEFR 难度 C1（C1 级在考研英语二文章中占 77%），作者立场为「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

6 段英文原文

以下为2021年考研英语二真题 Section I 的完形填空（四选一）原文，共 6 段。左侧 P1–P6 是段落编号——本页全部解析（结构、逐段、修辞、自检题）都以它为坐标回指原文，点击解析里的段号，原文即在顶部翻开并定位到该段、引用的原文同步标亮；合上原文仍停在当前阅读位置。原文保持卷面形态，不带翻译与标注。

Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences

It's not difficult to set targets for staff. It is much harder, however, to understand their negative consequences. Most work-related behaviors have multiple components. Emphasize one and the others become distorted.

Travel on a London bus and you'll quickly see how this works with drivers. Watch people get on and show their tickets. Are they carefully inspected? Never. Do people get on without paying? Of course! Are there inspectors to check that people have paid? Possibly, but very few. And people who run for the bus? They are ignored. How about jumping lights? Buses do so almost as frequently as cyclists.

Why? Because the target is punctuality. People complained that buses were late and infrequent. So, the number of buses and bus lanes was increased, and drivers were rewarded or punished according to the time they took. And drivers hit these targets. But they also hit cyclists. If the target was changed to revenue, you would have more inspectors and more sensitive pricing. If the criterion changed to safety, you would get more cautious drivers who obeyed traffic laws. But both these criteria would be at the expense of time.

There is another problem: people became immensely inventive in hitting targets. Have you noticed that you can leave on a flight an hour late but still arrive on time? Tailwinds? Of course not! Airlines have simply changed the time a trip is meant to take. A one-hour flight is now billed as a two-hour flight.

The moral of the story is simple. Most jobs are multidimensional, with multiple criteria. Choose one criterion and you may well sacrifice others. Everything can be done faster and made cheaper, but there is a cost. Setting targets can and does have unforeseen negative consequences.

This is not an argument against target-setting. But it is an argument for exploring consequences first. All good targets should have multiple criteria relating to critical factors such as time, money, quality and customer feedback. The trick is not only to specify just one or even two dimensions of the objective, but also to understand how to help people better achieve the objective.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

6 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2021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 Hidden Cost of Single Targets

    Focusing on one target can distort other components of work.

    本段承担提出论题的功能，它先建立“单一指标可能有害”这一 general principle，为后文的公交、航空等 examples 提供解释框架。它也直接呼应全文主旨中的“single-dimensional performance targets”与“unintended negative consequences”。

    抓转折后的论点
  2. P2

    The London Bus Example

    London buses illustrate how a narrow target leads to neglected duties.

    本段是全文的例证铺垫，它暂时只呈现公交系统中的 abnormal behaviors，制造“Why?”这一阅读悬念。下一段将揭示根源是 punctuality target，从而完成“现象—原因—后果”的论证链条。

    串联现象找共因
  3. P3

    How Punctuality Distorts Performance

    Punctuality targets shape bus drivers' behavior at the expense of revenue and safety.

    本段是全文最关键的实证论证之一，它不仅解释了第二段的公交乱象，还具体证明单一 target 会挤压其他重要维度。它为全文最终提出 multiple criteria 的主张奠定了现实依据。

    锁定指标与代价
  4. P4

    Gaming the Target

    Airlines show how organizations can manipulate targets rather than improve performance.

    本段拓展了文章批评的深度：第三段说明人们会为达标而牺牲其他价值，本段进一步说明人们甚至会操纵 measurement 本身。这样，单一考核的 negative consequences 就从行为偏差升级为制度性失真。

    辨别表面达标
  5. P5

    The Cost of One-Dimensional Evaluation

    Single-criterion targets sacrifice other job dimensions and create unforeseen costs.

    本段是对前四段论证的阶段性总结，也是全文主旨的直接重申。它明确提出单一 criterion 会牺牲其他维度，从而将具体案例凝练为适用于各种工作的普遍论断。

    由案例升到规律
  6. P6

    A Better Approach to Target-Setting

    Effective target-setting requires multiple criteria and support for achieving the overall objective.

    本段完成全文的立论闭环：作者并不否定 target-setting，而是提出更合理的 multidimensional approach。它精准落实文章主旨，即避免只优化一个维度，而要兼顾时间、成本、质量与客户满意度等关键因素。

    抓让步后的方案
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

6 道逐段细节自检题

针对2021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 staff

    What is the problem with setting staff targets according to the author?

    • A It is extremely difficult to establish any targets for employees.
    • B Staff members usually ignore the targets set by managers.
    • C Focusing on one component can distort the others.
    • D Negative consequences are always predictable before implementation.
    • E Managers lack the motivation to monitor employee behaviors.
    • F Multiple components of work make it impossible to set targets.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    来源段落先说明 work-related behaviors 具有 multiple components，随后指出 emphasize one 会使 others become distorted。正确项保留了 one component 与 the others 的关系，是对原文因果结构的准确 paraphrase。

    单项牵动其余 时间紧张时，先用题干中的 staff 锁定 第1段，再寻找 one 与 others 构成的 contrast structure。无须逐句翻译，只需比较各选项是否保留 single focus 导致其余部分变化的因果骨架，即可判定正确项。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 London bus

    What happens to people who run for a London bus?

    • A They are invited to board without showing tickets.
    • B They are given extra time to reach the bus.
    • C They are stopped by inspectors before boarding.
    • D They are ignored by the drivers.
    • E They are warned not to run near the bus.
    • F They are treated more carefully than other passengers.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    来源段落针对 people who run for the bus 直接给出 They are ignored。正确项仅补出了语境中明确的执行者 the drivers，没有引入其他段落中的 punctuality 或 target 等原因解释。

    追车者邻句匹配 先用 London bus 直接锁定 第2段，再在该段扫描 people who run 附近的短句。此题属于局部问答式细节，无须概括整段，只需把题干对象与紧邻谓语进行 subject-predicate matching，即可判定正确项。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 punctuality

    What happens even when drivers meet their punctuality targets?

    • A They significantly increase the company's revenue.
    • B They become more cautious and obey traffic laws.
    • C They make London's bus lanes unnecessary.
    • D They recruit more inspectors to check fares.
    • E They also hit cyclists.
    • F They introduce more sensitive ticket pricing.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    来源段落先说 drivers hit these targets，随后用 but 转折并指出 they also hit cyclists。正确项直接复现转折后的事实，其中 hit 同时连接达成目标与撞击骑行者，体现了作者的 wordplay。

    达标后转折取义 用 punctuality 锁定 第3段 后，不必分析所有条件句，只需寻找 meet targets 之后的 but。转折后的短句就是命题重心，再通过动词复现和主语一致性判定正确项。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 flight

    How can airlines report an on-time arrival even when a flight leaves late?

    • A By taking advantage of strong tailwinds during flights.
    • B By improving the engine efficiency of their aircraft.
    • C By reducing the time spent on ground maintenance.
    • D By hiring more experienced and inventive pilots.
    • E By increasing the frequency of short-distance flights.
    • F By lengthening the scheduled duration of the flight.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    原文说明 airlines changed the time a trip is meant to take，并以 one-hour flight 被 billed as a two-hour flight 为例。正确项中的 lengthening the scheduled duration 准确概括了这种做法。

    标称时长改写 先用 flight 锁定 第4段，再只看段落中的数字变化和时间表述。无需分析航空原理，直接比较选项是否体现 scheduled duration 的变化，即可判定正确项。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 most jobs

    What does the author conclude about most jobs?

    • A They involve multiple aspects that cannot be fully captured by one metric.
    • B Most jobs should be simplified to a single dimension.
    • C Cost reduction is the ultimate goal of any management target.
    • D Setting targets is no longer effective in modern industries.
    • E Negative consequences are rare if the target is clear enough.
    • F Employees prefer multidimensional targets over single ones.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    原文指出 most jobs are multidimensional and have multiple criteria，并说明 choose one criterion 可能 sacrifice others。正确项用 multiple aspects 概括 multidimensional，用 cannot be fully captured by one metric 概括单一标准造成的遗漏。

    多维工作单尺失真 用 most jobs 直接定位 第5段，然后只提取该主语后的核心表语和紧随其后的 trade-off。将 multidimensional 转换为 multiple aspects，并检查选项是否保留 one criterion 无法兼顾整体的逻辑，即可判定正确项。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 target-setting

    What is the author's suggestion for effective target-setting?

    • A Abolishing all targets to avoid negative consequences.
    • B Using multiple criteria and helping people achieve the objective better.
    • C Focusing only on the dimensions of time and money.
    • D Strictly punishing those who fail to hit a single target.
    • E Relying on inspectors to monitor every dimension of work.
    • F Ignoring consequences until the objectives are met.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    来源段落明确提出 good targets should have multiple criteria，并进一步强调 understand how to help people better achieve the objective。正确项完整保留了 criteria design 与 practical support 两个层面。

    多标尺加达成支持 先用 target-setting 锁定 第6段，再跳读 should 与 not only...but also... 一类建议结构。将前半部分归纳为 multiple criteria，将后半部分归纳为 helping people，然后寻找同时覆盖两部分的正确项。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

4 个意群的议论文骨架

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

  1. 引言 P1

    设定目标的困境

    这个 opening paragraph 开门见山地 introduce 了一个 paradox：设定 staff targets 很容易，但 understand 其 negative consequences 却非常困难，因为 work-related behaviors 是 multidimensional 的，emphasize 某一个 component 就会 distort 其他方面。

    这个 introductory section 的作用是 establish 文章的 central problem，为后续的 concrete examples 和 final recommendation 奠定 foundation，让读者意识到 single-dimensional targets 存在 inherent flaws。

    直接提出目标设定的负面后果问题
  2. 分论点 P2 P3

    公交司机案例论证

    这两个 paragraphs 通过 London bus drivers 这个 concrete example 来 demonstrate 引言中的 abstract problem。第2段 用 observational evidence 展示司机 ignore 了 ticket inspection、passenger safety 等 aspects，而 第3段 用 causal analysis 解释这是因为 punctuality target 导致其他 dimensions 被 sacrificed。

    这个 supporting section 把 abstract concept 转化为 tangible scenario，让读者 visualize 当 single criterion（punctuality）被 prioritized 时，其他 critical factors（revenue collection, safety compliance）如何被 compromised。这个 detailed illustration 使主旨的 validity 更加 convincing。

    用准点率目标牺牲安全和收入的实例
  3. 分论点 P4

    航空公司案例补充

    这个 paragraph 引入 another problem：people 在 hitting targets 方面变得 inventive，通过 airline 延长 scheduled flight time 的 example 说明组织会 manipulate definitions 来 meet targets artificially，进一步 reinforce 了 target-setting 的 unintended consequences。

    这个 additional supporting point 不仅 provide 了 second concrete case，更重要的是 reveal 了 another dimension 的问题：beyond sacrificing other aspects，人们还会 game the system by redefining metrics，这让 target-setting 的 negative consequences 显得更加 pervasive and problematic。

    用操纵时间定义达标的实例
  4. 结论 P5 P6

    总结与建议

    第5段 用 "The moral of the story" 这个典型的 concluding phrase 来 summarize 前面的 arguments：jobs 是 multidimensional 的，choosing single criterion 会 sacrifice others。第6段 进一步 clarify 立场：这不是 against target-setting，而是主张 explore consequences first 并采用 multiple criteria，最后提出 comprehensive approach 来 achieve objectives。

    这个 concluding section 完成了 argumentative essay 的 essential closure function：既 restate 了 core problem（single-dimensional targets 的 negative consequences），又提供 constructive solution（multiple criteria approach），避免让文章停留在 pure criticism 层面，体现了 balanced argumentation 的特点。

    提出多维度目标设定的解决方案
MAIN IDEA · 速判主旨

4 步定位这篇文章的主旨

不读完全篇也能锁定主旨——以下 4 步按2021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. 首段矛盾点定位 P1

    议论文的 opening paragraph 通常会 present the main issue 或者 state the general problem，这是 author 想要 discuss 的 central topic。首段的 'harder to understand their negative consequences' 和 'Emphasize one and the others become distorted' 已经暗示了 argument 的方向。

  2. 归纳句跳跃定位 P5

    议论文的 supporting examples 只是 illustrate the point，真正的 thesis 会在 author 进行 generalization 或 abstraction 时出现。第五段的 'moral' 这个词明确标志着从 specific cases 到 general principle 的转换。

  3. 结论立场提炼 P6

    议论文的 conclusion 通常会 refine 或 qualify the argument，避免 oversimplification。'This is not an argument against' 这个 structure 表明 author 不是 simply opposing targets，而是 advocating for a more sophisticated approach (multiple criteria)。这种 qualified stance 才是 true thesis。

  4. 三段论点整合 P1 P5 P6

    议论文的 thesis 通常是 problem + consequence + solution 的 three-part structure。不能只看某一段，要 synthesize 首段的 problem framing，中间段的 principle extraction，和结尾段的 solution proposition，才能得到 comprehensive main idea。

主旨信号词 negative consequences P1 distorted P1 The moral of the story is simple P5 sacrifice P3 This is not an argument against... But it is an argument for P6 multiple criteria P5

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

为员工设定单一维度的绩效目标往往会扭曲工作的其他重要方面,产生意想不到的负面后果。有效的目标设定需要多重标准来兼顾时间、成本、质量和客户满意度等关键因素,而不是以牺牲其他维度为代价来优化某一个维度。
Setting single-dimensional performance targets for staff often produces unintended negative consequences by distorting other important aspects of work. Effective target-setting requires multiple criteria addressing critical factors like time, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction, rather than optimizing for one dimension at the expense of others.
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。

  • distorted 扭曲的，变形的，偏离正常状态的

    让我们把这些 clues 串联起来。第一段建立了一个 causality：emphasize one component 会让 others 产生 negative change。构词法告诉我们 dis- prefix 表示 negative 或 deviation。第三段的 bus example 具体展示了这种 negative consequence：追求 punctuality 导致 ignored safety rules，hit cyclists。所有线索共同指向：distorted 描述的是一种因为 overemphasis 某一方面而导致其他方面 deviate from normal state 并产生 negative effects 的状态。

    因果逻辑加构词加实例三重验证
  • punctuality 准时性，守时

    综合所有 evidence：第一条 clue 从 problem-solution framework 确定了这个词与 solving lateness problem 和 time management 相关；构词法的 -ity suffix 确认了这是一个 abstract quality；parallel structure 把它与 revenue、safety 这样的 performance metrics 放在同等地位。将这些 pieces 组合起来：punctuality 是一个描述 time performance 的 abstract noun，specifically 指 not being late 这个 quality。

    问题背景加构词加并列三角定位
  • criterion 标准，准则

    整合这些 clues：第一条通过 synonym substitution 确立了 criterion 与 target 的 semantic relationship，但 criterion 更侧重于 measurement standard；第二条通过 singular-plural logic 揭示了 one target, multiple criteria 的 hierarchical relationship；morphology 确认了 abstract noun 的 word class。综合来看：criterion 是 a standard or principle by which something is judged or measured，是比 target 更 specific 的 measurement dimension。

    同义替换加层级关系加搭配模式
  • inventive 善于创新的,富于创造力的

    让我们 synthesize：example 展示了 people 在 hitting targets 方面的 clever problem-solving，morphology 确认了与 creating new ideas 相关的 quality，authorial tone 揭示了这种 cleverness 可能用于 gaming the system。将这些 elements 整合：inventive 的 core meaning 是 good at creating new ideas or solutions，在这个 context 中特指那种 clever（有时过于 clever）地找到 unconventional ways 来 achieve targets 的能力。

    行为实例加词根加语气三层剥离
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

6 处修辞手法与仿写

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

  • 举例论证

    P2 P3

    作者通过 London bus drivers 这个 concrete example 来 illustrate 单一 target 带来的 negative consequences。司机们为了达到 punctuality target，忽略了 ticket inspection、safety 等其他重要方面。这个 vivid case 让抽象的 argument 变得 tangible and convincing，直接支撑了文章的 central thesis：单一维度的 performance targets 会 distort 工作的其他 components。

    信号词 for example for instance consider take... as an example look at such as imagine suppose

    仿写： 写作时可以遵循 'claim → example → analysis' 的 structure。首先提出你的 argument，然后选择一个 readers 熟悉的、具有 representativeness 的 scenario。关键是在 example 之后要 explicitly connect 回你的 main point。模版：'Consider the case of [具体例子]. When [描述情况], [结果]. This demonstrates that [回扣论点]。'

  • 举例论证

    P4

    作者引入 airline flight times 这个 second example 来进一步 reinforce 主论点。航空公司通过 manipulating 预期飞行时间来 artificially meet punctuality targets，这个 example 展示了人们在 hitting targets 时的 inventiveness，同时揭示了 target-setting 的另一个 pitfall：它可能导致 gaming the system 而非 genuine improvement。这个 case 从不同 angle 补充了 bus example。

    信号词 for example for instance consider take... as an example look at such as imagine suppose have you noticed

    仿写： 写作时可以遵循 'claim → example → analysis' 的 structure。首先提出你的 argument，然后选择一个 readers 熟悉的、具有 representativeness 的 scenario。关键是在 example 之后要 explicitly connect 回你的 main point。模版：'Consider the case of [具体例子]. When [描述情况], [结果]. This demonstrates that [回扣论点]。'

  • 因果论证

    P3

    第三段通过 'Why? Because...' 这个 explicit causal structure 来 explain bus drivers 的 behaviors。作者建立了清晰的 cause-effect chain：punctuality target (cause) → drivers' specific behaviors (effect)。更进一步，作者用 conditional reasoning ('If the target was changed to...') 来 demonstrate 不同 targets 会导致 different outcomes。这种 causal analysis 让 argument 具有 logical rigor，清晰展示了 single targets 如何 systematically distort behaviors。

    信号词 because therefore thus as a result consequently so hence if...then leads to causes due to owing to

    仿写： 构建因果论证时，要明确 establish 因果链条。可以用 'because'、'therefore'、'as a result' 等 connectives 来 signal causality。更 sophisticated 的方法是使用 conditional structures ('If X, then Y') 来展示 multiple scenarios。模版：'Why does [现象] occur? Because [原因]. When [条件], [结果]. If [假设条件], then [预期结果], demonstrating that [结论]。'

  • 对比论证

    P3

    第三段通过 contrast different targets 及其 outcomes 来强化论点。作者对比了三种 scenarios：punctuality target → ignore safety；revenue target → more inspectors；safety target → cautious driving but slower。这种 juxtaposition 清晰展示了 single-target approach 的 inherent trade-offs，证明 multidimensional criteria 的 necessity。Contrast 让每个 scenario 的 limitations 更加 prominent，从而支撑了文章的 solution-oriented conclusion。

    信号词 but however in contrast on the other hand whereas while conversely alternatively yet if...then compared to

    仿写： 使用对比论证时，选择 two or more comparable items，确保 comparison basis 清晰。可以采用 'while X does A, Y does B' 或 'X leads to A, whereas Y results in B' 的 structure。关键是让 contrast 服务于你的 argument，而非单纯列举差异。模版：'When [情况A], [结果A]. In contrast, if [情况B], [结果B]. However, both approaches [共同缺陷], suggesting that [结论]。'

  • 反问修辞

    P2

    第二段连续使用五个 rhetorical questions ('Are they carefully inspected? Never. Do people get on without paying? Of course!') 来 engage readers 并 emphasize 观察到的 phenomena。这些 questions 不需要 actual answers，因为 answers 是 self-evident 的。这种 technique 让 readers 主动参与 thinking process，使 argument 更加 interactive and memorable。同时，quick succession of questions 创造了 rhythmic momentum，增强了 persuasive force。

    信号词 is it...? do they...? can we...? who doesn't...? why would...? how could...? what else...? isn't it...?

    仿写： 使用反问时，确保 answer 是 obvious 或 universally agreed upon 的，这样才能达到 rhetorical effect。可以连用 multiple questions 来 build momentum。在 question 后可以直接给出 emphatic answer ('Never!', 'Of course!') 来 reinforce。模版：'Does [明显现象] happen? [强调性回答]. Is [显而易见的事] true? [确认]. These questions reveal that [论点]。'

  • 比喻修辞

    P5

    第五段用 'The moral of the story' 这个 figurative expression 来 summarize 前面的 examples 和 arguments。这个 phrase 将整个 discussion 比作一个 story with lessons，给 argumentative essay 增添了 narrative flavor。虽然不是 traditional metaphor，但它 frames 整个 argument as a tale，让 conclusion 更加 memorable and accessible。这种 framing 也暗示了 universal applicability of the lesson。

    信号词 like as metaphorically speaking in a sense is a kind of resembles can be seen as functions as

    仿写： 使用比喻时，选择 readers 熟悉的 source domain 来 explain abstract target domain。确保 similarity 是 meaningful 的，能 illuminate key aspects。可以用 'like'、'as'（simile）或 direct equation（metaphor）。模版：'[抽象概念] is like [具体事物] in that [相似点]. Just as [具体事物的特征], [抽象概念] also [对应特征], which shows [论点]。'

IMPLIED MEANING · 言外之意

6 处话里有话

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

  • 设定目标容易但理解负面后果很难

    P1
    It is much harder, however, to understand their negative consequences.

    转折类 however but yet nevertheless nonetheless whereas while

    作者用 however 制造 contrast,表面在说 setting targets 很 easy,实则想 emphasize understanding negative consequences 才是 real challenge。这个 implied meaning 是:大多数人只看到 target-setting 的 surface simplicity,却 overlook 了它的 hidden complexity 和 potential harm。这为全文 thesis 铺垫:单一 targets 会产生 unforeseen negative effects,直接 supports 文章主旨关于 unintended consequences 的 warning。

  • 通过连续反问揭示实际运营混乱

    P2
    Are they carefully inspected? Never. Do people get on without paying? Of course! Are there inspectors to check that people have paid? Possibly, but very few.

    反问句 Never. Of course! Possibly, but very few. Are they...? Never. Do people...? Of course! Are there...? Possibly, but... Why? How about...? Isn't it...?

    作者通过 rapid-fire rhetorical questions 加 blunt answers,营造出 London bus system 运营的 chaotic reality:tickets 不被 inspect,passengers 逃票 routinely,inspectors 几乎不存在。这些 implied message 是:当 punctuality 成为 sole target,其他 dimensions like revenue collection 和 rule enforcement 全都被 sacrifice 了。这个 concrete example 直接 illustrates 文章主旨中的 distortion effect - 强调一个 criterion 导致其他 components become distorted。

  • 准点目标以安全为代价

    P3
    And drivers hit these targets. But they also hit cyclists.

    转折类 But but however yet still nevertheless at the same time

    作者用 hit targets 和 hit cyclists 的 wordplay 制造 dark irony,暗示 drivers 为了 achieve punctuality targets 而 compromise safety。这个 implied meaning 非常 sharp:表面的 performance success 掩盖了 serious safety hazards。这直接 reinforces 文章主旨的 core argument - single-dimensional targets lead to dangerous trade-offs and unforeseen negative consequences,把 abstract principle 用 shocking concrete terms 表达出来。

  • 航空公司操纵时间标准来达标

    P4
    Tailwinds? Of course not! Airlines have simply changed the time a trip is meant to take.

    反问句 Of course not! Certainly not! Hardly! Not at all! Far from it! Not really. Think again.

    作者通过 reject tailwinds 这个 natural explanation,揭示 airlines 其实在 game the system by redefining time standards。Implied meaning 是:people 变得 immensely inventive in hitting targets,不是通过 genuine improvement,而是通过 manipulate metrics 本身。这个 example illustrates 文章主旨中的另一个 dimension:target-setting 不仅产生 unintended consequences,还 incentivizes gaming behavior 和 metric manipulation。

  • 所有改进都有隐性成本

    P5
    Everything can be done faster and made cheaper, but there is a cost.

    转折类 but there is a cost but at what cost but the price is however, the trade-off is yet this comes at the expense of but you sacrifice though it means losing

    作者用 Everything can be done faster and made cheaper 表面上 acknowledge 优化的 possibility,但紧跟的 but there is a cost 才是 real message:所有 single-dimensional optimization 必然 involve hidden sacrifices。Implied meaning 是:managers 和 organizations 往往 focus on visible improvements while ignoring invisible costs。这个 concluding statement of 第5段 直接 encapsulates 文章主旨的 central warning about unforeseen negative consequences。

  • 文章并非反对目标设定本身

    P6
    This is not an argument against target-setting. But it is an argument for exploring consequences first.

    委婉表达 This is not an argument against I'm not saying It's not that This doesn't mean Not that Rather than rejecting Instead of opposing

    作者 explicitly state 文章不是在 oppose target-setting 本身,而是在 advocate 先 explore consequences 的 approach。Implied meaning 是:问题不在于 targets themselves,而在于 how they are set - single-criterion vs. multi-dimensional。这个 clarification 很关键,它 prevents readers from dismissing 文章为 anti-management rhetoric,instead positioning it as constructive guidance,perfectly aligning with 文章主旨中 effective target-setting requires multiple criteria 的 practical solution。

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

  1. 开篇对比定调 P1

    议论文的 opening statement 往往 reveal 作者的 core position。这里用 'much harder' 和 'negative consequences' 这样的 expression 来 emphasize problem，说明作者不是在 praise target-setting，而是要 point out 它的 drawbacks。

  2. 负面案例堆砌 P2 P3 P4

    议论文中 examples 的 function 不是 neutral description，而是 serve author's argument。这里所有 cases 都在 show problems：drivers hit cyclists、ignore passengers、airlines manipulate flight times。没有一个 positive example，说明作者在 build up critical evidence。

  3. 明示道德总结 P5

    议论文最 straightforward 的 attitude indicator 就是作者的 explicit judgment。这里用 'moral of the story' 这种 phrase 来 introduce conclusion，而 conclusion 的内容是 warning about costs and negative consequences，这 unambiguously shows critical attitude。

  4. 建议性转折 P6

    纯粹的 criticism 会 end with problems，但 constructive criticism 会 transition to suggestions。这里作者说 'not an argument against' 并提出 'exploring consequences' 和 'multiple criteria' 作为 solutions，说明 attitude 是 critical but balanced，不是 extreme rejection。

  5. 三角定位法 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    这个 comprehensive approach 结合了 structural analysis（opening and ending）和 content analysis（examples and conclusion），能够既 快速 identify basic attitude，又 accurately capture subtle nuances like 'constructive' vs 'destructive' criticism。

文中的态度信号词

  • negative consequences P1

    这个 phrase 直接 label 作者要讨论的 object 是 negative 的，immediately signal critical perspective。在议论文 opening 使用这种 explicitly negative terminology 是 establish critical tone 的 standard technique。

    同类词 unforeseen consequences adverse effects unintended outcomes harmful results detrimental impact

  • distorted P1

    这个 verb 描述 emphasis on one component 会让其他 components become distorted，用 strong negative connotation 的词来 characterize the transformation，reinforcing critical view。

    同类词 skewed warped twisted perverted corrupted

  • Of course! P2

    这个 rhetorical response 用 ironic tone 来 confirm 一个 negative behavior（people not paying），通过 sarcasm 表达作者的 disapproval。这种 conversational interjection creates intimacy with readers while conveying criticism。

    同类词 Naturally! Obviously! Inevitably! Predictably! No surprise!

  • sacrifice P3

    这个 verb 出现在 'you may well sacrifice others' 这个 prediction 中，用 inherently negative 的词来 describe the cost of choosing one criterion。Sacrifice implies losing something valuable，直接 convey 作者对这种 trade-off 的 concern。

    同类词 trade off compromise give up forgo lose

  • at the expense of P3

    这个 prepositional phrase 明确 establish trade-off relationship，showing 获得一个 criterion 的 achievement 必然 harm another。这种 framing 直接 communicate 作者对 single-criterion approach 的 criticism。

    同类词 at the cost of to the detriment of sacrificing trading off compromising

  • immensely inventive P4

    这个 phrase 看似 positive（inventive 通常是 compliment），但在 context 中是 ironic praise。作者用它来 describe 人们 gaming the system（airlines changing flight times），actually criticizing this manipulative behavior through mock admiration。

    同类词 cleverly manipulative creatively deceptive ingeniously misleading craftily evasive cunningly adaptive

  • The moral of the story P5

    这个 meta-discourse marker 明确 signal 作者要 state their main conclusion。它 create a frame for explicit judgment，告诉 readers 'this is my core message'。Following this phrase 的内容 directly reveals author's attitude。

    同类词 The lesson here The point is The takeaway is What this shows The upshot is

  • unforeseen P5

    这个 adjective 修饰 'negative consequences'，emphasizing 这些问题 not obvious or planned。它 adds to criticism by suggesting target-setters 没有 adequately think through implications，making their approach 更 problematic。

    同类词 unexpected unintended unanticipated unpredicted surprising

  • This is not an argument against P6

    这个 qualifying phrase 显示作者在 moderate their criticism。它 acknowledge that despite problems discussed，作者 not completely rejecting target-setting。这种 rhetorical move makes criticism 更 reasonable and balanced，属于 constructive rather than destructive criticism。

    同类词 I'm not saying we should abandon This doesn't mean we should reject I'm not opposed to This isn't to suggest I'm not advocating against

  • But it is an argument for P6

    这个 contrasting phrase 紧跟 'not an argument against'，showing 作者在 pivot from criticism to constructive suggestion。'But' signals shift in direction，'argument for' indicates author 提出 alternative approach。这种 structure makes overall attitude constructively critical。

    同类词 However, I do advocate Instead, we should Rather, the goal is What I am proposing is The solution is to

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇议论文

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

如何快速判断这是一篇议论文？

  1. 首段表态 P1

    第1段 开篇就用了 'It's not difficult... It is much harder, however' 这种 contrasting structure，并且提出了 'negative consequences' 和 'become distorted' 这样带有 evaluative meaning 的词汇。这是作者在 making a judgment，而不是 objectively describing 某个现象。说明文会 neutral 地介绍信息,新闻报道会 focus on recent events and facts，但这里作者在 argue 一个观点。

  2. 举例论证 P2 P3 P4

    第2段 和 第3段 详细描述了 London bus drivers 的 behavior，但这个 example 的 function 不是为了 explain 'how bus system works'（说明文的目的），而是为了 prove 'targets have negative consequences'（论证作者的观点）。第4段 的 airline example 同样在 supporting 这个 thesis。如果是新闻报道，会 focus on 'when and where this happened'，而不是用它来 argue a broader point。

  3. 明确观点 P5

    第5段 明确写出 'The moral of the story is simple'，然后 state 了整篇文章的 core argument。这是典型的 argumentative structure：用 preceding paragraphs 建立 evidence base，然后 explicitly articulate 要 argue 的 main point。说明文不会有 'moral'，新闻报道不会有 'story' 这种 framing。

  4. 倡导建议 P6

    第6段 开头说 'This is not an argument against...'，这是在 qualify 自己的 position，然后提出 'But it is an argument for...'，最后给出 recommendations（'should have multiple criteria'、'The trick is...'）。这种 structure 是议论文特有的：defend a nuanced position 并 propose solutions。说明文会 summarize information，新闻报道会 end with final facts 或 quotes，但都不会 make recommendations。

  5. 整体结构 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    这篇文章完整地 demonstrates 了议论文的 typical flow：第1段 establish 了 problematic view，第2段-4 provide supporting evidence，第5段 explicitly state the thesis，第6段 offer balanced conclusion with actionable advice。整个 logic chain 是 argumentative 而非 expository 或 journalistic。如果你能 identify 出这个 'claim → evidence → thesis → recommendation' 的 pattern，就能 quickly determine 这是 argumentative writing。

哪些词暴露了议论文体裁？

  • however P1 论证逻辑连接词 but yet nevertheless nonetheless although
  • The moral of the story P5 观点引导词 The point is The key takeaway What this means is In essence Fundamentally
  • should P6 立场表态词 must ought to need to it is essential that it is imperative that
  • not...but P6 论证逻辑连接词 not only...but also rather than instead of as opposed to on the one hand...on the other hand
  • Why? P3 观点引导词 How? What does this mean? So what? Why does this matter? What's the reason?
  • Of course P2 立场表态词 Obviously Clearly Undoubtedly Certainly Naturally
  • The trick is P6 观点引导词 The key is The challenge is The problem is The issue is The difficulty lies in
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

11 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 Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences 的常见问题

2021年考研英语二真题 Section I 文章 Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences 的原文出自哪里？
2021年考研英语二真题 Section I 文章 Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences 选自网站 Business Spotlight一篇题为Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences(设定目标可能会带来不可预见的负面影响)的文章。
2021年考研英语二真题文章 Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences 的主旨是什么？
为员工设定单一维度的绩效目标往往会扭曲工作的其他重要方面,产生意想不到的负面后果。有效的目标设定需要多重标准来兼顾时间、成本、质量和客户满意度等关键因素,而不是以牺牲其他维度为代价来优化某一个维度。（英文表述：Setting single-dimensional performance targets for staff often produces unintended negative consequences by distorting other important aspects of work. Effective target-setting requires multiple criteria addressing critical factors like time, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction, rather than optimizing for one dimension at the expense of others.）
Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences（2021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（cautiously critical with constructive suggestions）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 353 词、6 段；在考研英语二全部 94 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 72 篇（占 77%）。
2021年考研英语二真题文章 Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences 的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 6 段按议论文骨架分为 4 个意群：引言 · 第1段——设定目标的困境；分论点 · 第2段、第3段——公交司机案例论证；分论点 · 第4段——航空公司案例补充；结论 · 第5段、第6段——总结与建议。
Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences 一文的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是消极批判（cautiously critical with constructive suggestions）。判断路径：开篇对比定调 → 负面案例堆砌 → 明示道德总结 → 建议性转折 → 三角定位法；文中的态度信号词包括 negative consequences（第1段）、distorted（第1段）、Of course!（第2段）、sacrifice（第3段）、at the expense of（第3段）、immensely inventive（第4段）、The moral of the story（第5段）、unforeseen（第5段）、This is not an argument against（第6段）、But it is an argument for（第6段）。
2021年考研英语二真题文章 Setting targets can have unforeseen negative consequences 中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 4 个：distorted（扭曲的，变形的，偏离正常状态的）、punctuality（准时性，守时）、criterion（标准，准则）、inventive（善于创新的,富于创造力的），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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