一,何為“折衷觀點”和“折衷方案”。
很多雅思寫作考題的提問方式都是“Do you agree or disagree?”或者“To what extent do you agree or disagree?”。很多剛剛接觸雅思考試的學(xué)生甚至是老師認為對于這種提問方式無非就是yes或no兩種答案,所以文章的觀點也就只能是同意或者不同意了。其實,對于這類提問,也可以采用“折衷”的觀點,即“partly agree,partly disagree”(部分同意,部分不同意)。但是前提是一定要在文章中從支持和反對的兩方面都闡述一些理由,而且最好再提出一種“折衷”方案。例如,考題問“現(xiàn)在很多人用動物做試驗,你同意嗎?”,考生可以在文中分別討論支持和反對動物試驗的理由,最后提出動物試驗既有好處也有壞處,這就是一種“折衷”觀點。除此之外,作者還提出了是否能用動物來做試驗主要是取決于試驗是否能給人類生活帶來顯著的改善(比如幫助人類發(fā)明治療Aids的藥物),這就屬于“折衷”方案。
二,“折衷觀點”和“折衷方案”的幾種形式。
那么如何提出“折衷觀點”呢?“折衷方案”又有哪幾種形式呢?下面筆者將對常見的幾種安排折衷觀點和折衷方案的形式,結(jié)合相應(yīng)的考題進行總結(jié)。
(1) 興利除弊
“興利除弊”應(yīng)該是一種比較簡單的折衷方案,在優(yōu)缺點類文章中特別常用。即在分析完考題所涉及事物的優(yōu)缺點之后,在結(jié)尾段提出“優(yōu)缺點都有,我們要興利除弊”這樣的折衷方案。例如以下考題:
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?
在討論完英語作為全球性語言的利與弊之后,結(jié)尾段可以這樣提出折衷觀點:
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.
(2) 平衡發(fā)展
很多考題需要考生討論兩種觀點,通常會有“discuss both views and give your own opinion”這樣的提問要求。很多情況下,文中說到的兩種觀點表面上看來是完全相反,但其實并不矛盾,可以用“平衡發(fā)展”的思路來提出觀點。例如考題:
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 on both sides and give your opinion.
在討論完發(fā)展旅游的必要性和保護文化傳統(tǒng)的重要性之后,結(jié)尾段可以這樣提出折衷方案:
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.
(3) 取決于……
有時在討論完A和B兩種觀點以后,可以提出類似于“同意A還是B要取決于……”這樣的折衷觀點,前文講到的動物試驗是否可以進行取決于試驗的性質(zhì)就是屬于這樣的方案。再比如下面這個例子:
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?
在討論完動物當(dāng)寵物養(yǎng)的理由和動物當(dāng)食物吃的理由之后,結(jié)尾段可以這樣提出觀點:
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.
(4) 解決方法
很多雙邊討論型文章中所討論的兩種觀點其實是可以通過某種方案來“化解矛盾”的,例如這道考題:
In many countries, good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities. Some people think new teachers and doctors should wok 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.
在討論完“支邊”的利(縮小城鄉(xiāng)差距)與弊(年輕人喪失自由)之后,我們可以提出這樣一種解決方案:
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 have made.