值得一提的是折中观点和折中方案在表态型与讨论型文章中十分普遍。那么究竟该如何使用折中观点呢?
很多雅思写作考题的提问方式都是“Do you agree or disagree?”或者“To what extent do you agree or disagree?”很多刚刚接触雅思考试的考生认为对于这种提问方式无非就是yes或no两种答案,所以文章的观点也就只能是同意或者不同意。其实,对于这类提问也可以采用折中观点的回答,即“partly agree, partly disagree”(部分同意,部分不同意),但是前提是一定要从支持和反对的两方面各自阐述理由,而且最好再提出一种折中方案。例如,考题问:“现在很多人用动物做试验,你同意吗?”考生可以在文中分别讨论支持和反对动物试验的理由,最后提出动物试验既有好处也有坏处,这就是一种折中观点。除此之外,考生还可以提出是否能用动物来做试验主要取决于试验是否能给人类生活带来显著的改善(比如帮助人类发明治疗疾病的药物),这也属于折中方案。
那么如何提出折中观点呢?折中方案又有哪几种形式呢?下面将结合相应的考题,对常见的几种折中观点和折中方案的形式进行总结。
“兴利除弊”是一种比较简单的折中方案,在优缺点类文章中极其常用,即在分析完考题所涉及事物的优缺点之后,在结尾段提出“优缺点都有,我们要兴利除弊”这样的折中方案。例如以下考题:
The advantages brought by the spread of English as a “global language” will outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
在讨论完英语作为全球性语言的利与弊之后,结尾段可以这样提出折中观点:
To sum up, it is difficult to tell whether or not the advantages outweigh the disadvantages regarding the spread of English as a global language. What we may have to consider is how to accept this trend as positive while at the same time staying away from its drawbacks.
很多考题需要考生讨论两种观点,通常以“discuss both views and give your own opinion”这样的形式提问。很多情况下,文中说到的两种观点表面上看来完全相反,但其实并不矛盾,考生可以用“平衡发展”的思路来提出观点。例如以下考题:
Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
在讨论完发展旅游的必要性和保护文化传统的重要性之后,结尾段可以这样提出折中方案:
We should find the right balance between tourism development and cultural protection and I believe the government has a very important role to play here. In my own country, for example, many tourist cities have made effective development plans to successfully attract large numbers of visitors while still preserving their distinct cultural traditions.
有时在讨论完A和B两种观点以后,可以提出类似于“同意A还是B要取决于……”这样的折中观点,前文讲到的动物试验是否可以进行取决于试验的性质就是属于这种情况。再比如下面这个例子:
Some people think that the animals should be treated as pets; others think that animals are sources of food and clothing. What is your opinion?
在讨论完把动物当宠物养的理由和把动物当食物的理由之后,结尾段可以这样提出观点:
From my point of view, there is no absolute answer as to whether animals should be treated like pets or as sources of food and clothes. It largely depends on what kinds of animals they are. But what remains undoubted is that we should treat animals with a humane attitude and bear in mind that they are important in preserving nature’s ecological equilibrium.
很多双边讨论型文章中所讨论的两种观点其实可以通过某种方案来“化解矛盾”,例如这道考题:
In many countries, good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities. Some people think new teachers and doctors should work in rural areas for a few years, but others think everyone should be free to choose where they work. Discuss and give your own opinion.
在讨论完“支持边远地区发展”的利(缩小城乡差距)与弊(年轻人丧失自由)之后,我们可以提出这样一种解决方案:
The best solution, therefore, is not to order, but to encourage. We should instill a sense of responsibility in young people and give more incentives to those who are willing to work in difficult areas, so that we can address the problem of urban-rural disparity while respecting whatever decisions new teachers or doctors would made.
练习
请在两分钟内确定文章的结构,并完成以下写作任务。
Some people think that universities should provide graduates with knowledge and skills needed in the workplace, while others argue that the main function of universities is to teach students theoretic knowledge. What’s your opinion?
People should look after their health as a duty to the society they live in rather than personal benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?