【摘要】近年來(lái),圖畫(huà)作文廣泛地出現(xiàn)在各類英語(yǔ)考試中,如研究生入學(xué)英語(yǔ)考試和英語(yǔ)四六級(jí)測(cè)試等。因此,本文將分析英語(yǔ)圖畫(huà)作文的立意與寫(xiě)作方法,以幫助考生訓(xùn)練其邏輯思維能力和謀篇布局的能力,從而創(chuàng)作出高水平的文章,同時(shí)也為大學(xué)英語(yǔ)寫(xiě)作課程的開(kāi)展與優(yōu)化提供參考。
【關(guān)鍵詞】圖畫(huà)作文;寫(xiě)作方法
【作者簡(jiǎn)介】游航,四川大學(xué)外國(guó)語(yǔ)學(xué)院。
一、前言
近年來(lái),圖畫(huà)作文廣泛地出現(xiàn)在各類英語(yǔ)考試中,如研究生入學(xué)英語(yǔ)考試和英語(yǔ)四六級(jí)測(cè)試等。尤其是在我國(guó)2000年之后的研究生入學(xué)英語(yǔ)考試中,提示信息多以圖畫(huà)形式出現(xiàn),而行文又以議論文為主。但是考生普遍得分較低,其文章在立意與寫(xiě)作方面都存在很多問(wèn)題,究其原因,主要是考生缺乏英語(yǔ)寫(xiě)作的指導(dǎo)與訓(xùn)練,因此,本文將結(jié)合題目與范文分析英語(yǔ)圖畫(huà)作文的立意與寫(xiě)作方法,以幫助考生訓(xùn)練其邏輯思維能力和謀篇布局的能力,提高寫(xiě)作水平,同時(shí)也為大學(xué)英語(yǔ)寫(xiě)作課程的開(kāi)展與完善提供參考。
二、圖畫(huà)作文之立意
圖畫(huà)作文通常會(huì)給出一幅或幾幅圖片和簡(jiǎn)略的文字提示,考生需要仔細(xì)觀察圖片,并分析圖片所反映的社會(huì)現(xiàn)象或問(wèn)題,以“透過(guò)現(xiàn)象看本質(zhì)”,“一朵花中見(jiàn)天堂”的眼光剖析圖畫(huà)中蘊(yùn)含的深刻寓意,確定文章的中心論點(diǎn),然后開(kāi)始寫(xiě)作。由于題目明確要求考生在文中應(yīng)簡(jiǎn)單描述圖片,闡釋圖片寓意并寫(xiě)出自己的評(píng)論,故此類應(yīng)試作文應(yīng)采用議論文文體。鑒于篇幅,考生雖不用旁征博引,但也應(yīng)做到言之有理,論之有據(jù),論述充分,論據(jù)詳實(shí)且有說(shuō)服力。優(yōu)秀的作文源于優(yōu)秀的思想,這就要求考生平時(shí)要積累豐富的知識(shí),包括語(yǔ)言、經(jīng)濟(jì)、歷史、文化和社會(huì)的方方面面。同時(shí)還應(yīng)養(yǎng)成細(xì)心觀察和熱愛(ài)思考的好習(xí)慣,逐漸培養(yǎng)自己分析問(wèn)題和解決問(wèn)題的能力以及邏輯思辨能力。這樣才不會(huì)在寫(xiě)作時(shí)無(wú)話可說(shuō)或無(wú)從下筆。寫(xiě)作源于生活而高于生活,考生若是善于觀察、思考,將個(gè)人經(jīng)歷與對(duì)生活的感悟融入寫(xiě)作,做到有感而發(fā)、有情可述、有據(jù)可依,必將成就一篇優(yōu)秀的作文。此外,考試時(shí)切忌倉(cāng)促下筆,邏輯混亂或上下文銜接不當(dāng)??忌鷳?yīng)在確定文章論點(diǎn)和中心思想后先寫(xiě)一個(gè)提綱,進(jìn)行一到兩分鐘的頭腦風(fēng)暴搜尋論據(jù),然后篩選合適的論據(jù)并按一定的順序組織起來(lái),最后再動(dòng)筆寫(xiě)作,完成寫(xiě)作之后還應(yīng)適當(dāng)檢查、修改。寫(xiě)作時(shí)可以按以下步驟進(jìn)行:
第一部分(破題、引入)用一、兩句話簡(jiǎn)單描寫(xiě)圖片的主要信息,點(diǎn)出圖片所反映的社會(huì)現(xiàn)象并引入話題。第二部分(立論、闡述、論據(jù))提出論點(diǎn),進(jìn)一步分析圖片揭示的寓意、該社會(huì)現(xiàn)象產(chǎn)生的原因或某負(fù)面情況導(dǎo)致的后果,并輔之以具體論據(jù)充分論述。論據(jù)可以是客觀事實(shí)、歷史事件、名人典故或具體數(shù)據(jù)等等。第三部分(總結(jié))再次強(qiáng)調(diào)文章的中心論點(diǎn),結(jié)尾簡(jiǎn)短有力,發(fā)人深思且令人印象深刻。注意總結(jié)部分不能有前文未涉及到的內(nèi)容,也不能提出新觀點(diǎn),最好做到首尾呼應(yīng),如果前文提出了某個(gè)問(wèn)題,這里應(yīng)給予回答。需要指出的是考生不必按“三段論”的方式羅列以上三部分內(nèi)容,應(yīng)打破固定的思維模式,靈活組織段落。例如,開(kāi)頭引入部分可以與第二部分寫(xiě)成一段,總結(jié)陳述部分為第二段;抑或破題引入部分自成一段,立論闡述部分為第二段,一句話總結(jié)寫(xiě)在第二段末尾;再則可以讓第二部分各分論點(diǎn)獨(dú)立成段,文章可以是“四段論”、“五段論”、“六段論”……此外,短文作文要求考生在切中題意并覆蓋所有內(nèi)容要點(diǎn)的基礎(chǔ)上使用豐富的語(yǔ)法結(jié)構(gòu)和詞匯,切忌千篇一律和句式單一,語(yǔ)言應(yīng)自然流暢,語(yǔ)句連貫,條理清晰,忌背模版或依葫蘆畫(huà)瓢。
【例1】
Directions: Write an essay of 160~200 words based on the following drawing. In your essay, you should describe the drawing briefly, explain its intended meaning, and then give your comments.
You should write neatly on ANSWER SHEET 2. (2009年全國(guó)碩士研究生入學(xué)考試英語(yǔ)試題)
Sample:
As can be seen in the picture, in the “net” sit a group of people surfing the net. They enjoy sending messages and expressing ideas through the internet so much that they almost forget the goodness and uniqueness of face-to-face communication.
Theres no doubt that Internet is one of the greatest innovations of the 20th century which has revolutionized the world in almost every aspect. It has changed the way we behave and the way we communicate. We benefit a lot from the convenience of online shopping, video call, network course and the like. Moreover, we could even have access to the newly released album, movie or the latest academic journal via the internet. However, theres also some negative impact that cannot be neglected. More and more young people prefer to press the button and chat online, which makes them alienated from their family and even the real society. Some students tend to spend hours watching movie or playing computer games, making the great invention enemy of their health. According to the recent survey, nearly 40% of the teenagers in our country are addicted to Internet, among which half of them have psychological problems. They benefit from the net, love the fun it brings to them, but they are also caught in the net. The situation is so serious that its high time that certain measures should be taken to cope with it.
An British writer named Charles Percy Snow once said “technology is an odd thing: it brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other.” Internet is no exception. Only if we use it with proper purposes and self-control can we foster the strength of Internet while avoiding its disadvantages and enjoy our life to the best.
這是一篇很好的議論文,不僅中心突出、層次清晰,而且使用了豐富的句型和語(yǔ)法結(jié)構(gòu),語(yǔ)言表達(dá)連貫、自然。作者開(kāi)篇簡(jiǎn)明扼要地描述了圖片內(nèi)容,并提出自己的論點(diǎn)。倒裝句“in the ‘net sit a group of people surfing the net”的使用不僅簡(jiǎn)潔明確,而且運(yùn)用“net”一詞多意的特點(diǎn)重復(fù)使用使文章具有節(jié)奏感和韻律美,后文“goodness and uniqueness”的并列也是一樣。第二段中作者展開(kāi)論述,運(yùn)用了充分的論據(jù)闡述網(wǎng)絡(luò)的優(yōu)勢(shì)與弊端,其中也不乏優(yōu)秀的句子。最后一段作者引用英國(guó)作家查爾斯的名言指出科技是一把雙刃劍,我們只有正確使用互聯(lián)網(wǎng)并學(xué)會(huì)自我控制才能趨利避害,首尾呼應(yīng),升華中心。
【例2】
Directions: Write an essay of 160~200 words based on the following drawing. In your essay, you should describe the drawing briefly, explain its intended meaning, and support your view with an example / examples.
You should write neatly on ANSWER SHEET 2. (2007年全國(guó)碩士研究生入學(xué)考試英語(yǔ)試題)
Sample:
As is shown is the picture above, in a football match, a goal keeper is standing in front of a goal, preparing to stop a player from kicking the ball in. At the same time, the goal keeper is thinking: “How wide the goal is, but how small I am! How can I stop the ball?” Meanwhile, the player is thinking what is contrary to that, “How big the keeper is! How can I kick the ball in?”
Apparently, the purpose of the picture is to emphasize the importance of self-confidence in our daily life. We often underestimate ourselves and overestimate others. In all walks of life, competition grows increasingly fierce, imposing tremendous pressure on us, so we must maintain self-confidence in the face of challenges to succeed. Losing our self-confidence before we take actions can not only destroy our mood but also affect our performance.
For example, when I was in the middle school, our school basketball team once played against a famous team in the city. Everyone on our team was so frightened and diffident that we even didnt make any preparations beforehand. As a result, we failed. One year later, we met the same team in another match. This time, our teacher inspired us with confidence and hope. Then, we made a detailed plan and practiced a lot. To everyones surprise, we won! So, from my own experience, I learned that confidence is the key to success.
這篇范文采用了簡(jiǎn)潔流暢的語(yǔ)言描述圖片中人物的心理,隨后提出圖片反映了自信心的重要性,并將此觀點(diǎn)作為文章的中心思想,層層遞進(jìn),展開(kāi)論述。最后,作者以其親身經(jīng)歷作為論據(jù),具有很強(qiáng)的說(shuō)服力,其論述邏輯清晰,遣詞造句表達(dá)準(zhǔn)確,上下文銜接得當(dāng),語(yǔ)言自然流暢。
三、議論文寫(xiě)作的基本要素
寫(xiě)作是一個(gè)縝密思考的過(guò)程,既不能絮絮叨叨,也不能無(wú)病呻吟。想要寫(xiě)出一篇優(yōu)秀的議論文首先要有一個(gè)好的論點(diǎn),除此之外還需要深刻的見(jiàn)解、富于洞察力的思想以及對(duì)此有條不紊的論述。好的文章反映出好的思想,而好的思想也需要清晰、自然、流暢的語(yǔ)言來(lái)承載。在議論文寫(xiě)作中,作者應(yīng)注意文章的統(tǒng)一性、連貫性,做到中心突出,層次清晰,過(guò)渡自然,論證詳實(shí)。
1.統(tǒng)一性(Unity)。
文章的統(tǒng)一性(也叫整體性)是指一篇議論文只能有一個(gè)中心論點(diǎn)(如果是考試的命題作文,則該中心論點(diǎn)應(yīng)做到切中題意),所有段落都必須圍繞這一中心論點(diǎn)展開(kāi)論述,緊扣主題,不能有與此無(wú)關(guān)的信息或論述不貼切的內(nèi)容,從而使文章成為一個(gè)有機(jī)統(tǒng)一體。
2.連貫性(Coherence)。
文章各部分之間除了要統(tǒng)一,還應(yīng)銜接得當(dāng),使上下文具有連貫性。此外,選擇恰當(dāng)?shù)倪B詞與關(guān)系從句來(lái)表達(dá)句與句之間的邏輯關(guān)系可以讓文章內(nèi)容連貫,起承轉(zhuǎn)合過(guò)渡自然。
【例3】
Keeping Pets
Keeping dogs as pets has more benefits than most people recognize. First, they contribute to the health of their owners. Often their demands for walks and play improve their owners exercise routine. In fact, statistics show that dog owners get more regular exercise than non-dog owners do. Also, they enhance health simply by being around to be petted. Second, they provide a means for parents to teach their children responsibility. When parents give children a dog, they provide them the opportunity to fulfill the responsibilities of walking, feeding, and caring for its other needs. Finally and most important of all, dogs enhance the well-being and emotional stability of families. Older people who live alone especially rely on dogs to give them enjoyment and company. Children also find a great deal of comfort in their dogs. As an example, a family dog helps a little boy adapt when his mother leaves him with a sister and goes to work. In brief, although dogs cause their owners trouble and expense, these animals may at the same time return unrealized value.
該議論文主題明確,結(jié)構(gòu)緊湊,全篇圍繞養(yǎng)狗的三點(diǎn)意義(有助于主人的健康、能培養(yǎng)孩子的責(zé)任感以及利于家庭和睦與情感穩(wěn)定)展開(kāi)論述,且層層遞進(jìn),所闡述的觀點(diǎn)的重要性依次遞增,體現(xiàn)出作者在構(gòu)思文章時(shí)嚴(yán)密的邏輯。此外,“First”, “Also”,“Second”和“Finally and most important of all”等指示性詞語(yǔ)的使用使得文章的上下文銜接連貫,在具有“統(tǒng)一性”的同時(shí)兼具“連貫性”。
3.中心突出(Emphasis)。
中心突出是指文章的中心思想應(yīng)明確,論點(diǎn)要鮮明。作者可將表現(xiàn)中心思想和論點(diǎn)的主題句放在文章或段落的開(kāi)頭,并在結(jié)尾處再次點(diǎn)題,首尾呼應(yīng)。此外,也可以使用重復(fù)、強(qiáng)調(diào)、排比、引用等修辭手法使文章主題鮮明、中心突出。以培根的代表作“Of Studies”(“論讀書(shū)”)為例,培根在文中科學(xué)地概括了學(xué)習(xí)的方法,闡述了學(xué)習(xí)的重要性,并指出不同的書(shū)應(yīng)采用不同的閱讀方法,最后還談了各門(mén)學(xué)科對(duì)人的性格產(chǎn)生的影響。每個(gè)段落都有一個(gè)分論點(diǎn),并有論有證,但全文卻圍繞讀書(shū)學(xué)習(xí)這一個(gè)中心展開(kāi)論述,可謂論點(diǎn)鮮明,中心突出,層次分明。他的作品邏輯嚴(yán)謹(jǐn),論證精辟,語(yǔ)言簡(jiǎn)潔明快,不失為議論文寫(xiě)作的優(yōu)秀范例。
4.層次清晰(Development)。
文章的組織結(jié)構(gòu)應(yīng)遵循“緒論—本論—總結(jié)”的邏輯架構(gòu),做到層次清晰,結(jié)構(gòu)清楚,邏輯性強(qiáng)。在連句成段、綴段成篇時(shí)應(yīng)按照一定的順序來(lái)組織安排內(nèi)容,如時(shí)間順序、空間順序和過(guò)程順序等,或以分類、比較或?qū)Ρ鹊确椒ㄖ\篇布局。
同時(shí),也可按總分關(guān)系、并列關(guān)系、轉(zhuǎn)折關(guān)系和因果關(guān)系等邏輯順序展開(kāi)論述,或兼用對(duì)比、排比等方法使文章層次清晰。
5.論證詳實(shí)(Support)。
議論文寫(xiě)作要做到論點(diǎn)鮮明、論證充分、論據(jù)確鑿詳實(shí),除了需要適當(dāng)幾個(gè)分論點(diǎn)來(lái)支撐文章的中心論點(diǎn)外,文中所使用的論據(jù)必須具備相關(guān)性和說(shuō)服性。
論據(jù)的相關(guān)性是指所選用的論據(jù)應(yīng)與論點(diǎn)相關(guān)才能充分證明論點(diǎn)的正確性。如:
Knowledge often results only after persistent investigation. Albert Einstein, after a lengthy examination of the characteristics of matter and energy, formulated his famous Theory of Relativity, which now acts as a basis for further research in nuclear physics….After years of work Annie Jump Cannon perfected the classification of the spectra of some 350,000 stars….
上文的論點(diǎn)是知識(shí)源于堅(jiān)持不懈的調(diào)查研究,而愛(ài)因斯坦與安妮·坎農(nóng)通過(guò)多年的不懈努力才取得科研成果的例子恰好證明了這一觀點(diǎn),若是將文中的例子換成牛頓因被蘋(píng)果砸中而產(chǎn)生靈感進(jìn)而發(fā)現(xiàn)了萬(wàn)有引力或是引用培根的名句“Knowledge is power”都不足以論證主題句中的論點(diǎn),顯得文不對(duì)題。
而論據(jù)的說(shuō)服性是指所使用的論據(jù)應(yīng)具有說(shuō)服力。例如,有同學(xué)曾在題為“Can Men Triump Over Nature”的作文中寫(xiě)到:“Nature is more powerful than men because nature has power, such as wind, water, crustal movement and so on.”所舉的例子具有相關(guān)性,但沒(méi)有說(shuō)服力,使得其文蒼白無(wú)力,論證不詳實(shí)。
四、總結(jié)
寫(xiě)作是一個(gè)循序漸進(jìn)的過(guò)程,不積跬步無(wú)以至千里,優(yōu)秀的文章得益于作者在學(xué)習(xí)和生活中的不斷積累和訓(xùn)練。本文結(jié)合題目與范文分析英語(yǔ)圖畫(huà)作文的立意與寫(xiě)作方法,從統(tǒng)一性、連貫性,中心突出,層次清晰和論證詳實(shí)五個(gè)方面論述議論文寫(xiě)作的立論及論證方法,對(duì)考生邏輯思維能力和謀篇布局能力的培養(yǎng)有積極作用,對(duì)其書(shū)寫(xiě)創(chuàng)作也具有一定的指導(dǎo)意義,同時(shí)也為大學(xué)英語(yǔ)寫(xiě)作課程的開(kāi)展與優(yōu)化提供參考。
參考文獻(xiàn):
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