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2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C
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2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C

说明文 · 英译汉（划线句子翻译） · 真题文章逐层精读

本文节选自David Barrie 的著作 Supernavigators: Exploring the Wonders of How Animals Find Their Way《超级导航家:探索动物不可思议的寻路本能》第25章The Human Navigational Brain(人类的导航大脑)。

本页是 2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章的精读视角页——这篇说明文全文 391 词、7 段，CEFR 难度 C1（C1 级在考研英语一文章中占 90%），作者立场为「积极支持」；英文原文之外，本篇已有的 11 项精读维度逐项展开，其中能迁移到其他考研英语真题文章的判断方法（篇章结构、修辞、言外之意、作者态度、体裁速判）随各维度一并讲透。

精读最佳实践

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

PASSAGE · 文章原文

7 段英文原文

以下为2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 的英译汉（划线句子翻译）原文，共 7 段。左侧 P1–P7 是段落编号——本页全部解析（结构、逐段、修辞、自检题）都以它为坐标回指原文，点击解析里的段号，原文即在顶部翻开并定位到该段、引用的原文同步标亮；合上原文仍停在当前阅读位置。原文保持卷面形态，不带翻译与标注。

"Elephants never forget"—or so they say—and that piece of folklore seems to have some foundation.

The African savanna elephant, also known as the African bush elephant, is distributed across 37 African countries. They move between a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land. They sometimes travel more than sixty miles to find food or water, and are very good at working out where other elephants are—even when they are out of sight. Using tracking devices, researchers have shown that they have "remarkable spatial acuity." When finding their way to waterholes, they headed off in exactly the right direction, on one occasion from a distance of roughly thirty miles. What is more, they almost always seem to choose the nearest waterhole. The researchers are convinced that the elephants always know precisely where they are in relation to all the resources they need, and can therefore take shortcuts, as well as following familiar routes.

Although the cues used by African elephants for long-distance navigation are not yet understood, smell may well play a part.

Elephants are very choosy eaters, but until recently little was known about how they selected their food. One possibility was that they merely used their eyes and tried out the plants they found, but that would probably result in a lot of wasted time and energy, not least because their eyesight is actually not very good.

The volatile chemicals produced by plants can be carried a long way, and they are very characteristic: Each plant or tree has its own particular odor signature. What is more, they can be detected even when they are not actually visible. New research suggests that smell is a crucial factor in guiding elephants—and probably other herbivores—to the best food resources.

The researchers first established what kinds of plant the elephants preferred either to eat or avoid when foraging freely. They then set up a "food station" experiment, in which they gave the elephants a series of choices based only on smell. The experiment showed that elephants may well use smell to identify patches of trees that are good to eat, and secondly to assess the quality of the trees within each patch. Free-ranging elephants presumably also use this information to locate their preferred food.

Their well-developed hippocampal structures may enable elephants, like rats and people, to construct cognitive maps.

PARAGRAPHS · 逐段精读

7 段逐段主旨与解读

逐段拆解2024年考研英语一真题 的这篇原文——每段给出英文段落主旨、段落标题与中文解读，并提炼一条「这段为什么这样读」的具体方法。

  1. P1

    Elephants Never Forget?

    The belief in elephants' exceptional memory may be true.

    本段在全文中承担引入功能：它先提出 elephants 记忆超群这一总论点，后文再分别用 spatial navigation、smell-based food selection 和 hippocampal structures 提供具体证据。

    抓住开篇俗语
  2. P2

    Remarkable Navigation to Water

    African savanna elephants use exceptional spatial knowledge to locate water efficiently.

    本段是全文论证 elephants 优异认知能力的第一组核心证据，它具体展示了文章主旨中的 spatial memory 与 navigation abilities，并以 waterholes 证明这种能力具有实际生存价值。

    寻水路线证据
  3. P3

    A Possible Role for Smell

    Smell may help elephants navigate over long distances.

    本段是明显的过渡段：它从已被证实的 navigation result 转向尚未完全明了的 sensory mechanism，并将全文焦点自然推进到 smell 与食物选择。

    识别情态限定
  4. P4

    Why Vision Is Not Enough

    Elephants' food choices cannot be adequately explained by vision alone.

    本段通过排除 vision 这一解释，构成后文引入 smell 的逻辑前提；它使“气味引导觅食”的研究结论显得更有必要，也更具说服力。

    紧盯but后信息
  5. P5

    Plant Odors as Food Guides

    Distinctive plant odors help guide elephants to preferred food resources.

    本段提出全文关于 food selection 的核心论断，并补足其科学依据；它对应文章主旨中“rely heavily on smell to identify and select preferred food sources”的前半部分。

    串联气味与觅食
  6. P6

    Testing Smell-Based Food Selection

    Experiments show that elephants use smell to find and evaluate preferred food.

    本段为前段的 smell hypothesis 提供了最直接的实验证据，并把气味的作用具体化为“定位食物区域”和“评估树木质量”两项能力，是全文 food-selection 论证的证据中心。

    实验验证嗅觉
  7. P7

    The Brain Basis of Cognitive Maps

    Elephants may form cognitive maps because of their developed hippocampal structures.

    本段收束全文：前文证明 elephants 能精准导航、借助 smell 觅食，本段则用 hippocampal structures 和 cognitive maps 为这些复杂行为提供可能的认知基础，从而呼应开头“never forget”的主题。

    海马体支持认知图
SELF CHECK · 段落自检题

7 道逐段细节自检题

针对2024年考研英语一真题这篇原文，每段配 1 道细节题（ 1 个正确项 + 5 个干扰项 ，由懒笔记精读引擎基于本段命制，非试卷原题）。 选项默认中性；点「显示答案与解析」展开正确项、解析与最快解法，现代浏览器会同步高亮正确选项。

  1. 第 1 段 定位词 elephants never forget belief

    What does the passage suggest about the belief that elephants never forget?

    • A It is completely supported by scientific evidence.
    • B It is merely an ancient piece of folklore.
    • C It appears to have some factual basis.
    • D Elephants literally remember everything.
    • E The belief has been rejected by researchers.
    • F The belief concerns elephants' ability to navigate.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    原文中的 seems to have some foundation 表明作者认为该说法并非毫无根据，但使用 seems 和 some 保持了谨慎。正确项保留了这种有限认可，既没有夸大为科学上绝对成立，也没有改变作者态度。

    评价语气反推法 先扫描全文中带引号、破折号或明显引用色彩的表达，发现 elephants never forget 后，直接检查其后的评价语气，再选择保留有限认可的正确项。

  2. 第 2 段 定位词 researchers' findings navigation abilities

    What do the researchers' findings suggest about the navigation abilities of African savanna elephants?

    • A They rely exclusively on agricultural land to find waterholes.
    • B They can only find water when it is within their sight.
    • C They prefer following familiar routes rather than taking shortcuts.
    • D They possess an accurate sense of their position relative to necessary resources.
    • E They struggle to head in the right direction over long distances.
    • F They always travel sixty miles to locate their companions.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：D

    该项是 precisely know where they are in relation to all the resources they need 的同义改写，准确概括了 spatial acuity、寻找水源和 taking shortcuts 等证据。

    结论句反向匹配法 直接寻找结论触发词 convinced，并核对其后的 precisely know where they are in relation to resources；能同时覆盖多个证据的正确项优先。

  3. 第 3 段 定位词 long-distance navigation cues

    What does the passage indicate about the cues African elephants use for long-distance navigation?

    • A Smell has been proven to be the only navigation cue.
    • B Researchers completely understand the cues used by elephants.
    • C Elephants use only visual signals over long distances.
    • D The cues are produced by agricultural land.
    • E The cues involved have not yet been fully identified, although smell may contribute.
    • F Smell prevents elephants from getting lost in forests.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：E

    该项同时保留了 not yet understood 的未知状态和 smell may well play a part 的可能性，没有把推测提升为确定结论。

    不确定性词筛选法 先找 not yet understood，再把所有包含 fully known、proven 或 only 的选项快速排除，最后保留同时体现未知与可能性的正确项。

  4. 第 4 段 定位词 relying only on sight trial

    Why would relying only on sight and trial be inefficient for elephants when selecting food?

    • A Their eyesight is exceptionally accurate.
    • B Trying plants requires no energy.
    • C Elephants avoid all unfamiliar plants.
    • D Plants cannot be recognized by their smell.
    • E Food selection is already fully understood.
    • F It could waste time and energy, partly because their eyesight is poor.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：F

    原文直接指出这种方式 probably result in a lot of wasted time and energy，并以 not least because 引出 eyesight is actually not very good。正确项完整保留了结果和原因。

    转折后果因定位法 锁定 but 后的负面结果，并用 not least because 找到具体原因；能同时覆盖 wasted time and energy 与 poor eyesight 的正确项即可确定。

  5. 第 5 段 定位词 crucial factor odor signature

    Why is smell considered a crucial factor for elephants in locating food?

    • A Plants produce characteristic odors that can travel far and be detected when the plants are not visible.
    • B Elephants have better eyesight than most other herbivores.
    • C Visible cues are the most reliable source for finding trees.
    • D Odors help elephants camouflage themselves from predators.
    • E The research focuses only on the diet of African elephants.
    • F Volatile chemicals prevent plants from being eaten.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：A

    该项完整整合了 characteristic、carried a long way 和 detected even when not visible，准确解释了气味为何适合远距离识别和定位食物资源。

    三项优势合并法 利用题干中的 crucial factor 反向寻找能够同时解释 distance、characteristic 和 not visible 的选项；不要仅凭 smell 这一单词作选择。

  6. 第 6 段 定位词 food station experiment use smell

    What did the food station experiment show about how elephants use smell?

    • A They use smell only after tasting every plant.
    • B They may use smell both to locate edible tree patches and to assess tree quality within them.
    • C They use smell to identify waterholes rather than food.
    • D They can determine the age of every tree by smell.
    • E They avoid all trees within a food patch.
    • F The experiment proved that smell is irrelevant to foraging.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：B

    原文明确指出 smell 可用于 identify patches of trees that are good to eat，secondly 用于 assess the quality of trees within each patch。正确项保留了双重功能和 may well 的谨慎程度。

    并列动词双匹配 直接抓住 experiment showed 后的两个并列动词 identify 和 assess，寻找同时覆盖两项功能的正确项。

  7. 第 7 段 定位词 cognitive maps hippocampal structures

    What may enable elephants to construct cognitive maps?

    • A Their eyesight enables them to construct cognitive maps.
    • B Their odor signatures form cognitive maps.
    • C Their well-developed hippocampal structures may allow them to build cognitive maps.
    • D Their agricultural habitats create cognitive maps.
    • E Their familiar routes are the only basis for cognitive maps.
    • F Their food stations directly produce hippocampal structures.
    显示答案与解析 收起答案与解析

    正确答案：C

    原文直接建立 well-developed hippocampal structures 与 construct cognitive maps 之间的可能关系。正确项准确保留了结构特征、功能结果和 may 的推测性。

    结果反推生理机制 先锁定 cognitive maps，再向前寻找紧邻的主语结构 hippocampal structures；这是典型的结果术语反向追因。

STRUCTURE · 篇章结构

7 个意群的说明文骨架

按说明文 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. P1

    引入主题：大象记忆力的民间说法

    这个 opening paragraph 用 folklore 引出了 elephants 拥有强大 memory 的 topic，并且通过 seem to have some foundation 这个表达暗示后文会提供 scientific evidence 来支持这个 popular belief。

    作为 expository writing 的 hook，这个 sense group 用 familiar saying 吸引 readers 的 attention，同时为后续展开关于 elephants 的 spatial memory 和 navigation abilities 的 detailed explanation 做好 preparation。

    引入记忆力话题
  2. P2

    空间记忆能力的科学证据

    这个 sense group 提供了 concrete evidence 来 support 前面的 claim，通过 tracking devices 和 researchers 的 studies 展示了 African savanna elephants 如何 navigate long distances，找到 waterholes，并且展现出 remarkable spatial acuity 和 precise awareness of their location。

    作为说明文的 main body 第一部分，这个 sense group 用 scientific research 和 specific examples 来 demonstrate 主旨中提到的 exceptional spatial memory and navigation abilities，通过 quantifiable data 如 sixty miles 和 thirty miles 增强 credibility。

    空间导航能力实证
  3. P3

    导航机制的猜想：嗅觉的可能作用

    这个 transitional sense group 从 what elephants can do 转向 how they do it，提出了 smell 可能在 long-distance navigation 中 play a part，尽管 cues 还 not yet understood。这个 although 结构标志着从 proven facts 到 hypotheses 的 shift。

    在说明文的 logical flow 中，这个 sense group 充当 bridge，connecting 已经 established 的 navigation abilities 和接下来要 elaborate 的 smell-based mechanism。它用 may well 这种 hedging language 为后续的 detailed explanation 做 preparation。

    提出嗅觉机制假设
  4. P4

    食物选择行为的问题提出

    这个 sense group 提出了关于 elephants 如何 select food 的 question，并且 reject 了 visual-based hypothesis，通过 pointing out elephants' poor eyesight 和 potential waste of time and energy 来 set up 后续关于 smell 的 explanation。

    在说明文的 problem-solution structure 中，这个 sense group 建立了 need for explanation，为后续 paragraphs 关于 smell 在 food selection 中的 role 提供 rationale。它通过 排除法强化了 smell 这个 solution 的 necessity。

    引出食物选择问题
  5. P5

    嗅觉在食物选择中的作用机制

    这个 sense group 解释了 how smell works 在 food selection 中，通过 describing volatile chemicals，odor signatures，以及 detection capabilities，提出了 smell 是 crucial factor 的 argument，并且 generalize 到 other herbivores。

    这个 sense group 在说明文中 provide 了 theoretical foundation，explaining the mechanism behind smell-based navigation and selection。它 support 主旨中 rely heavily on smell 的 claim，通过 scientific details 如 volatile chemicals 和 odor signature 增强 explanatory depth。

    阐述嗅觉机制原理
  6. P6

    嗅觉作用的实验验证

    这个 sense group 描述了 researchers 如何通过 food station experiment 来 verify smell 的 role，展示了 experimental design 和 findings，证明了 elephants use smell 来 identify 和 assess food quality 的 hypothesis。

    作为说明文的 empirical evidence section，这个 sense group 通过 controlled experiment 来 validate 前面提出的 theoretical claims，为主旨中 rely heavily on smell to identify and select preferred food sources 提供 solid scientific support。

    提供实验证据
  7. P7

    认知地图的神经基础

    这个 closing sense group 提供了 neurological explanation，指出 well-developed hippocampal structures 可能 enable elephants 建立 cognitive maps，通过 comparison with rats and people 增强 credibility，为整个 explanation 提供 biological foundation。

    作为说明文的 concluding explanation，这个 sense group 提供了 underlying biological mechanism，解释 why elephants 能够 construct cognitive maps 从而实现 exceptional spatial memory。它 elevate 整个 explanation 到 neuroscience level，为主旨的 abilities 提供 ultimate explanation。

    揭示神经机制基础
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2024年考研英语一真题 这篇原文的实际行文顺序给出，每步说明看哪里、看出什么，可直接迁移到其他考研英语文章。

  1. 民间说法+科学验证结构 P1

    说明文常用 opening strategy 是先提出一个 popular notion，然后用 scientific research 来 verify 或 explain 它。首段的 'Elephants never forget' 和 'seems to have some foundation' 就是典型的 transition from folklore to fact，暗示后文会用 empirical evidence 支持这个说法

  2. 多段展开的核心能力 P2 P5 P6

    说明文的 body section 会通过 concrete examples 和 research data 来展开主旨。第2段 详细描述了 spatial navigation ability，第5段-6 重点阐述 smell-based food selection，这两个 recurring themes 构成了文章的 dual focus。通过计算哪些 capabilities 获得最多 textual space，可以快速定位主旨的 core components

  3. 试探性解释的机制 P3 P5 P7

    说明文不仅描述 what（现象），还解释 how（机制）。第3段 和 第5段 提出 smell 作为 navigation cue，第7段 提出 hippocampal structures 支持 cognitive mapping。这些 mechanistic explanations 虽然用了 tentative language，但它们是 connecting 现象和原因的 bridge，必然出现在主旨中

  4. 对象-能力-机制三元组 P1 P2 P3 P5 P6 P7

    说明文的主旨通常遵循 'who/what + does what remarkably + enabled by what' 的 formula。本文中：subject 是 African savanna elephants，exceptional abilities 是 spatial memory/navigation 和 smell-based selection，mechanisms 是 olfactory cues 和 hippocampal structures。把这三个 components 串联起来就是完整主旨

主旨信号词 remarkable P2 enable P7 suggests P5 crucial P5 precisely P2

MAIN IDEA · 主旨

这篇文章在说什么

非洲草原象拥有卓越的空间记忆和导航能力,能够从很远的距离定位水源并选择最佳路线。研究表明,它们严重依赖嗅觉来识别和选择偏好的食物来源,这得益于发达的海马体结构,使它们能够构建认知地图。
African savanna elephants possess exceptional spatial memory and navigation abilities, enabling them to locate water sources from great distances and choose optimal routes. Research suggests they rely heavily on smell to identify and select preferred food sources, supported by well-developed hippocampal structures that allow them to create cognitive maps.
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。

  • acuity 敏锐度;准确性

    让我们把这三条 clues 串联起来。首先，从 morphology 角度，acuity 很可能源于 acute，表示某种「敏锐性」。然后，context 告诉我们这是 spatial 领域的 acuity，用来描述 elephants 的 navigation ability。最关键的是，text 用 exactly the right direction 和 from a distance of roughly thirty miles 这样的 concrete examples 来 exemplify 这个 remarkable spatial acuity。所有 evidence 指向同一个 conclusion：acuity 表示「敏锐度、准确度」，在这里特指 elephants 在 spatial judgment 上的 exceptional precision。

    构词-语境-实证三层验证
  • volatile 易挥发的;不稳定的

    现在让我们 synthesize 这些 clues。Paragraph structure 告诉我们，整段在论证 smell plays a crucial role in elephant navigation。Volatile chemicals 是这个 mechanism 的物质基础。Context 提供了两个关键 characteristics：chemicals can be carried a long way，并且 can be detected even when not visible。这两点都要求 chemicals 必须能够 easily enter the air。Morphology 虽然不如前两条 clues 直接，但 vol- 的「变化」含义与 -atile 后缀结合，也支持「易变性」这个 semantic direction。综合来看，volatile 必然表示「易挥发的」，指 substances 容易转化为 gas 并在 air 中 disperse。

    功能倒推物理特性
  • forage 觅食;搜寻食物

    让我们 integrate 这三个 perspectives。Syntax 告诉我们 foraging freely 与 elephants' food preferences 直接相关，是 determining which plants are eaten 的过程。Discourse structure 进一步明确这是 natural, uncontrolled behavior，作为 experimental manipulation 的 baseline。Morphology 虽然不如前两条 definitive，但 for- 的「寻找」含义与整个 context 高度 consistent。综合这些 evidence，forage 显然表示「觅食」，特指 animals 在 natural habitat 中 search for and consume food 的 behavior。

    句法定位加生态功能
  • hippocampal 海马体的;与海马体相关的

    现在让我们 connect 这些 clues。Context 明确指出 hippocampal structures enable cognitive map construction，这是 spatial navigation 的 neural basis。Cross-species comparison（elephants, rats, people）告诉我们这是 universal neural mechanism，不是某个 species 的 unique feature。Morphology 确认这是带有 -al 后缀的 anatomical adjective，对应一个名为 hippocampus 的 brain structure。虽然我们不知道 hippocampus 的 etymology，但所有 contextual evidence 都指向同一个 conclusion：hippocampal 是「海马体的」，指 brain 中负责 spatial memory 和 navigation 的关键区域。

    专业领域语境约束
RHETORIC · 修辞手法

6 处修辞手法与仿写

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

  • 引资料

    P1

    文章开篇引用了 folklore "Elephants never forget" 这个 popular saying，作为 opening hook 来 introduce 大象的 exceptional memory。这个 proverb 不仅 capture 了读者的 attention，还为后文关于大象 spatial memory 和 navigation abilities 的 scientific evidence 做了 natural transition。引用这个 well-known saying 让 abstract 的科学研究变得 relatable，同时暗示接下来会用 concrete data 来 verify 这个民间说法，strengthening 文章的 credibility。

    信号词 or so they say according to as the saying goes research shows studies suggest experts claim as stated in it is said that evidence indicates

    仿写： 在写 expository writing 时，可以先思考：我要说明的 phenomenon 有没有相关的 famous quotes、proverbs 或 previous studies？Opening 用引资料时，要确保 quotation 和主题 directly relevant，然后用 "or so they say" 或 "according to" 这类 transitional phrases 自然过渡。仿写模版："[Quote/Saying]"—[transitional phrase]—and [connection to main topic]. 例如："Time is money"—as the old saying goes—and this principle seems particularly true in modern productivity research.

  • 列数字

    P2

    文章多处运用了 precise numbers 来 quantify 大象的 capabilities："37 African countries"、"more than sixty miles"、"roughly thirty miles"。这些 specific figures 让大象的 spatial abilities 从 vague description 变成 concrete evidence。特别是 "thirty miles" 的 distance 和 "nearest waterhole" 的 accuracy，directly demonstrate 了大象 remarkable 的 navigation precision。数字使 abstract concept of "good memory" 变得 measurable and verifiable，significantly enhancing 文章的 scientific rigor 和 persuasiveness。

    信号词 more than approximately roughly about nearly up to as many as over around

    仿写： 使用列数字时要考虑：哪些 aspects 可以被 quantified？数字是否 significant enough 来 impress readers？建议将 numbers 和 context 结合，比如不只说 "sixty miles"，而说 "more than sixty miles to find food"。仿写模版：[Subject] + [action verb] + [specific number] + [unit] + [purpose/context]. 例如：Migrating birds can travel over 11,000 kilometers in a single journey to reach their breeding grounds.

  • 举例子

    P6

    文章通过 "food station" experiment 这个 concrete example 来 illustrate 大象如何用 smell 来 select food。这个 controlled experiment 的 detailed description—先确定 elephants' preferences，再设置 smell-based choices—provides tangible evidence for the abstract claim that "smell is crucial"。Example 的 two-step process (identifying preferences + testing smell-based choices) 让 research methodology 变得 transparent and understandable，helping readers grasp how scientists actually verified 大象的 olfactory capabilities。

    信号词 for example for instance such as experiment case study one example to illustrate specifically in one case

    仿写： 选择 examples 时要问：这个 instance 是否 representative？是否 detailed enough 来 clarify the point？建议用 "For example" 或 describe 一个 complete scenario。Example 应该 include specific details 而不是 generic descriptions。仿写模版：The researchers [conducted specific experiment/observed specific case], in which [detailed process]. The [experiment/observation] showed that [specific finding]. 例如：Scientists conducted a mirror test, in which they placed dolphins in front of reflective surfaces. The experiment showed that dolphins could recognize their own reflections, indicating self-awareness.

  • 作比较

    P7

    文章最后一段将 elephants 和 rats、people 进行 comparison，指出它们都拥有 well-developed hippocampal structures 和 construct cognitive maps 的能力。这个 cross-species comparison 巧妙地 contextualize 了大象的能力—通过 link 到人类这个 familiar reference point，让读者 immediately grasp 大象 cognitive abilities 的 significance。Comparing elephants to humans (rather than just other animals) elevates 大象的 intelligence level in readers' perception，同时暗示这种 spatial memory 是 sophisticated cognitive function 而非 simple instinct。

    信号词 like similar to as...as compared to in contrast to unlike just as whereas while

    仿写： 使用作比较时要考虑：comparison subject 是否 familiar to readers？比较的 basis 是否 clear and relevant？建议用 "like"、"similar to"、"as...as" 等 comparative structures。要确保 compared elements 有 meaningful common ground。仿写模版：[Subject A] may [ability/feature], like [Subject B] and [Subject C], to [shared function/purpose]. 例如：Octopuses may use distributed neural networks, like modern computer systems and human brain regions, to process information independently in each arm.

  • 作诠释

    P5

    第五段对 volatile chemicals 进行了 detailed explanation：它们 can be carried long distances，每种植物有 particular odor signature，而且即使 not visible 也能被 detected。这个 multi-layered interpretation 不仅 define 了 volatile chemicals 的 properties，还 explain 了为什么它们对大象 navigation 如此重要。Interpretation 将 scientific concept (volatile chemicals) 和 functional significance (navigation cues) 连接起来，让读者 understand not just "what" but "why" and "how"，为后续的 experiment description 提供了 necessary theoretical foundation。

    信号词 What is more This means In other words That is to say Specifically Namely To put it differently To clarify In essence

    仿写： 使用作诠释时要思考：concept 的哪些 aspects need clarification？如何 connect abstract properties 到 concrete functions？建议用 "What is more"、"This means" 等 phrase 来 expand explanations。诠释应该 layer information from basic to complex。仿写模版：[Concept] can [property 1], and [property 2]. What is more, [additional property/implication]. 例如：Neural plasticity can reshape brain connections in response to learning, and strengthen frequently used pathways. What is more, this adaptation continues throughout adult life, enabling continuous skill development.

  • 下定义

    P2

    第二段开头对 African savanna elephant 进行了 formal definition："also known as the African bush elephant"。这个 alternative name 的提供不仅 clarify 了文章讨论的 specific species，还为 international readers 提供了 terminology reference。Definition 虽然简短，但它 establish 了文章的 precise scope—不是泛指所有大象，而是 African savanna elephant 这个 particular species，ensuring readers have accurate understanding of the subject 并为后续 habitat 和 distribution 的描述提供了 clear context。

    信号词 also known as is defined as refers to means is called termed known as is defined as

    仿写： 下定义时要确保：definition 是否 precise and unambiguous？是否包含 essential attributes？常用 "also known as"、"refers to"、"is defined as" 等 phrases。Definition 应该 concise 但 complete，包含 category 和 distinguishing features。仿写模版：[Term], also known as [alternative name], is [essential characteristic/category]. 例如：Photosynthesis, also known as carbon fixation, is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

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。

  • 民间说法可能有科学依据

    P1
    that piece of folklore seems to have some foundation

    模糊限制语 seem to appear to suggest may might probably possibly

    这个 seem to 传递的 implication 是:大象的 remarkable memory 不只是 folk tale,而是有 scientific basis 的。这为 entire article 定下 tone,表明接下来会 present research evidence 来 support 这个 initially uncertain claim。对 main idea 的作用是 establish credibility,从 questioning a saying 过渡到 proving it with facts,让 readers 对后续的 spatial memory 和 navigation abilities 的论述有 psychological preparation。

  • 大象导航能力超出预期

    P2
    they have 'remarkable spatial acuity'

    情感色彩词 remarkable extraordinary exceptional surprising impressive striking notable

    remarkable 这个词 convey 的是:大象的 spatial acuity 不是 ordinary,而是 surpasses normal expectations。Combined with the concrete example 'from a distance of roughly thirty miles',这 strengthen 文章的 central claim about elephants' exceptional memory。言外之意是 researchers were impressed,暗示这种能力 rare even among animals。这为 main idea 中的 'exceptional spatial memory' 提供了 emphatic support,让 thesis 更 convincing。

  • 导航机制尚不明确但有假设

    P3
    the cues used by African elephants for long-distance navigation are not yet understood, smell may well play a part

    让步类 not yet understood although while despite even though remains unclear little is known

    这句话的 implication 是:虽然 mechanism 还是 mystery,但 researchers have a promising lead—smell。'may well' 比单纯的 'may' stronger,显示 reasonable confidence。这为后续 paragraphs 关于 smell 的 detailed discussion 做 transition,将文章 focus 从 spatial navigation 转向 specific sensory mechanism。对 main idea 的价值是 explain 'how' elephants achieve their exceptional navigation,从 phenomenon 深入到 mechanism,让 thesis 更 comprehensive。

  • 纯视觉策略效率低下

    P4
    that would probably result in a lot of wasted time and energy, not least because their eyesight is actually not very good

    转折类 but however yet nevertheless nonetheless in contrast on the other hand

    这个 but 后的 reasoning 传递的 implication 是:visual-only strategy is inefficient and implausible。'not least because' 强化了 'eyesight is actually not very good' 这个 critical point,言外之意是 elephants must rely on other senses。这 logically leads to 下一段的 smell discussion,通过 elimination 使 smell hypothesis 更 convincing。对 main idea 的作用是 explain why smell matters,让 'rely heavily on smell' 这个 claim 有 solid logical foundation。

  • 气味是关键导向因素

    P5
    What is more, they can be detected even when they are not actually visible

    递进类 What is more Furthermore Moreover In addition Additionally Besides Also

    What is more 引出的这个 advantage—气味 can be detected when plants are invisible—是 critical implication:smell 比 vision superior for navigation in complex terrain。这 directly addresses 第4段 中的 efficiency problem,说明 why smell is the optimal sense。'even when not visible' 这个 detail 呼应了大象 long-distance navigation 的需求。对 main idea 的价值是 provide mechanistic explanation for 'how smell enables exceptional navigation',让 thesis 从 phenomenon 到 mechanism 完整闭环。

  • 实验证据支持气味假设

    P6
    elephants may well use smell to identify patches of trees that are good to eat

    情态词 may well might well could well can may might should

    may well 这个 slightly stronger modal 传递的 implication 是:实验 results are convincing enough to support the hypothesis with reasonable confidence。Coupled with 'The experiment showed',这 indicate solid experimental evidence。言外之意是 smell hypothesis 已经 moved from speculation to evidence-based conclusion。对 main idea 的作用是 validate 'rely heavily on smell' 这个 core claim,让整个 thesis about elephants' abilities 从 observation 上升到 scientifically supported fact。

  • 记忆能力有生理基础

    P7
    Their well-developed hippocampal structures may enable elephants, like rats and people, to construct cognitive maps

    情态词 may enable might allow could facilitate may contribute to might explain could account for may be responsible for

    may enable 配合 'like rats and people' 传递的 implication 是:大象的 exceptional spatial memory 有 anatomical basis,而且这个 mechanism 在 evolutionarily distant species 中 conserved,增强了 hypothesis 的 biological plausibility。言外之意是 elephants' cognitive abilities 不是 mysterious,而是有 concrete neural substrate。这 provides biological foundation for 整个 article 的 behavioral observations,让 'exceptional spatial memory and navigation abilities' 从 behavioral description 深入到 neurobiological explanation,让 thesis 更 comprehensive and scientifically grounded。

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（ Objective admiration with scientific interest）。下面是按步骤还原的判断过程与文中的态度信号词。

  1. 引用俗语再验证 P1

    在 explanatory writing 中，作者如果 reference 一个 well-known saying 然后说它 'seems to have some foundation'，这就 signal 了作者的 intention 是要 support 这个 saying with evidence，而不是 debunk it。这种 opening strategy 暗示了作者的 positive stance。

  2. 高频正面评价词 P2 P5 P6

    说明文作者在 describe 研究 results 时，如果 consistently use positive evaluative terms，这就不是 purely neutral reporting 了。Words like 'remarkable spatial acuity' 和 'very good at working out' 表明作者不仅在 present facts，还在 highlight 这些 abilities 的 impressiveness。这种 descriptive choice 体现了 appreciation。

  3. 能力递进式展开 P2 P5 P6 P7

    Expository writing 的 structure 本身就能 reveal attitude。如果作者 organize information 成一个 building pattern，where each section adds another layer of complexity to the subject's abilities，这说明作者的 intent 是 demonstrate 而不只是 inform。这种 architectural choice 反映了作者想让 readers appreciate 这个 subject 的 multifaceted intelligence。

  4. 科学客观中的热情 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    综合来看，这篇 expository article 的作者虽然 maintain 了 scientific writing 的 objectivity requirements，但通过 careful word choices（remarkable, precisely）、progressive structure（从 navigation 到 cognition）以及 reference to ongoing research（'researchers are convinced'），consistently convey 了对大象 cognitive abilities 的 admiration 和 scientific interest。这种 attitude 既不是 cold objectivity 也不是 uncritical praise，而是一种 informed appreciation characteristic of quality science exposition。

文中的态度信号词

  • remarkable P2

    'Remarkable' 这个 adjective 是 evaluative language，作者用它来 modify 'spatial acuity' 时，不只是 state 一个 fact，而是 express admiration。在 scientific exposition 中，作者 could have used neutral terms like 'accurate' or 'precise'，但 choose 'remarkable' 说明他们认为这个 ability 值得 special attention and appreciation。

    同类词 extraordinary exceptional impressive outstanding striking

  • very good at P2

    这个 phrase 包含 intensifier 'very' 加上 positive adjective 'good'，构成了 emphatic praise。作者 could simply say 'able to work out'，但 add 'very good at' 就 inject 了 evaluative judgment。这种 intensification strategy 在 expository writing 中是作者 attitude 的 telltale sign。

    同类词 excellent at highly skilled in proficient in adept at masterful at

  • seems to have some foundation P1

    这个 qualifying phrase 虽然表面上 sounds tentative with 'seems to'，但 combined with 'have some foundation' 实际上是在 validate 那个 folklore。在 academic writing 中，这种 hedged affirmation 是作者 expressing agreement while maintaining scholarly caution 的 standard way。它 signals 作者准备 present supporting evidence。

    同类词 appears to be true has merit is supported by evidence proves to be accurate turns out to be valid

  • researchers are convinced P2

    'Are convinced' 是一个 strong epistemic stance marker，比 'think' or 'suggest' 更 assertive。作者 choosing to report 研究者 are 'convinced' rather than 'hypothesize' or 'suspect'，这 amplify 了 research findings 的 credibility and reliability，同时 align 作者自己 with this confident conclusion。在 exposition 中，这是作者 endorse 科学 consensus 的 way。

    同类词 scientists believe experts agree studies confirm evidence demonstrates research shows

  • crucial factor P5

    'Crucial' 是一个 high-importance marker，作者用它来 emphasize smell 的 role in elephant navigation。这不是 neutral description（'a factor'），而是 evaluative assertion（'crucial factor'）。这种 emphasis language 在 expository writing 中 reveal 作者认为这个 discovery particularly important and noteworthy。

    同类词 key element critical component essential aspect vital role pivotal factor

GENRE · 速判体裁

30 秒判定这是一篇说明文

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说明文？

  1. 民间智慧引入现象 P1

    第1段 用 folklore 引出 elephants 的记忆力话题，属于典型的说明文 opening strategy。议论文会直接提出 argument 或 claim，新闻报道会用 lead paragraph 交代 who/what/when/where。说明文的 opening 是为了 arouse interest 并 introduce topic，而非 state position 或 report event。

  2. 研究数据持续呈现 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6

    第2段 到 第6段 持续呈现 researchers' findings、tracking devices data、experimental results 等 objective facts。说明文的核心是 inform and explain，用 evidence 来 illustrate 现象。议论文会用 evidence 来 support argument，新闻会用 facts 来 report events with timeliness。这里的 evidence 服务于 explanation，不是 persuasion 也不是 breaking news。

  3. 问题答案配对展开 P4 P5 P6

    第4段 提出 question（how elephants select food），第5段-6 给出 answer（through smell and cognitive processes）。这种 structure 体现说明文的 explanatory nature。议论文用 claim-support structure，新闻用 inverted pyramid structure。说明文通过 raising questions 和 providing explanations 来 guide readers through understanding。

  4. 知识联系拓展 P7

    第7段 通过 connecting elephants' abilities 到 broader cognitive framework（与 rats and people 对比）来 deepen understanding。说明文的 ending 通常 broaden perspective 或 suggest further implications。议论文会 restate thesis 并 urge action，新闻会 wrap up with latest developments 或 future outlook。这里是 knowledge extension，不是 persuasive conclusion 也不是 news wrap-up。

  5. 解释性目的主导全文 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7

    本文完整体现说明文特征：用 scientific research 解释 elephant navigation and foraging behaviors 的 mechanisms，没有 author's argument to convince readers（议论文特征），也没有 time-sensitive event reporting（新闻特征）。整篇文章的 communicative purpose 是 to inform and explain，not to persuade or report breaking news。

哪些词暴露了说明文体裁？

  • is distributed across P2 事物属性功能描述词 is characterized by is composed of consists of is made up of is defined as
  • Using tracking devices, researchers have shown that P2 说明顺序与例证词 research shows that studies indicate that experiments demonstrate that researchers have found that data reveals that
  • What is more P2 说明顺序与例证词 what is more furthermore moreover in addition additionally
  • are not yet understood P3 说明对象定义解释词 remain unclear are still unknown have not been determined are uncertain require further investigation
  • One possibility was that P4 说明顺序与例证词 one possibility is that one explanation is that one hypothesis is that it is possible that perhaps
  • New research suggests that P5 说明顺序与例证词 new research suggests that recent studies show that latest findings indicate that emerging evidence suggests that current research demonstrates that
  • The researchers first established...They then set up P6 说明顺序与例证词 first...then initially...subsequently to begin with...next first...secondly...finally in the first stage...in the second stage
  • may enable P7 说明对象定义解释词 might allow could facilitate probably helps likely contributes to appears to support
SENTENCE INSIGHTS · 句子精讲

13 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 2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 的常见问题

2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章 的原文出自哪里？
2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章节选自David Barrie 的著作 Supernavigators: Exploring the Wonders of How Animals Find Their Way《超级导航家:探索动物不可思议的寻路本能》第25章The Human Navigational Brain(人类的导航大脑)。
2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章的主旨是什么？
非洲草原象拥有卓越的空间记忆和导航能力,能够从很远的距离定位水源并选择最佳路线。研究表明,它们严重依赖嗅觉来识别和选择偏好的食物来源,这得益于发达的海马体结构,使它们能够构建认知地图。（英文表述：African savanna elephants possess exceptional spatial memory and navigation abilities, enabling them to locate water sources from great distances and choose optimal routes. Research suggests they rely heavily on smell to identify and select preferred food sources, supported by well-developed hippocampal structures that allow them to create cognitive maps.）
2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章是什么体裁？难度如何？
体裁为说明文，作者立场是积极支持（Objective admiration with scientific interest）。CEFR 难度 C1，全文 391 词、7 段；在考研英语一全部 102 篇真题文章中，C1 级共 92 篇（占 90%）。
2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章的篇章结构是怎样的？
全文 7 段按说明文骨架分为 7 个意群：第1段——引入主题：大象记忆力的民间说法；第2段——空间记忆能力的科学证据；第3段——导航机制的猜想：嗅觉的可能作用；第4段——食物选择行为的问题提出；第5段——嗅觉在食物选择中的作用机制；第6段——嗅觉作用的实验验证；第7段——认知地图的神经基础。
2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章的作者态度是什么？
作者态度是积极支持（Objective admiration with scientific interest）。判断路径：引用俗语再验证 → 高频正面评价词 → 能力递进式展开 → 科学客观中的热情；文中的态度信号词包括 remarkable（第2段）、very good at（第2段）、seems to have some foundation（第1段）、researchers are convinced（第2段）、crucial factor（第5段）。
2024年考研英语一真题 Section II Part C 文章中有哪些值得积累的生词？
按文中出现顺序共 4 个：acuity（敏锐度;准确性）、volatile（易挥发的;不稳定的）、forage（觅食;搜寻食物）、hippocampal（海马体的;与海马体相关的），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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