測驗時間 40 分鐘:第一部分中譯英(40%)、第二部分英文作文(60%)。本回是挑戰級:句子要更完整,論證要有層次。
請將下列的一段中文翻譯成通順、達意且前後連貫的英文。
上星期,我們班參觀了一所大學的實驗室,一位化學家告訴我們,他的團隊花了三年時間開發一種仍處於實驗(experimental)階段的電池。他說,這項發明的關鍵在於原子的排列方式,而這個想法起初不過是一個理論。他的同事是一位物理學家,想出(devise)了一種方法,能在電池運作的同時,觀察原子層級的變化。化學家堅持,不管公式多麼優美,沒有證據支持,就都不該被接受。直到那時,我們才明白,科學不是在背答案,而是在不斷提問。回家的路上,我的朋友說,我們早該從一開始就用這種方式學習科學。
目前 0 個英文字參考長度約 120–150 字
請依下面的提示寫一篇英文作文,長度約 170 至 200 字(10 至 14 個句子,可分兩段)。可以是一個完整的段落,也可以分段。(評分重點:內容、組織、文法、用字遣詞、標點符號、大小寫。)
有人認為自然科課程應該把大部分時間用在做實驗,也有人認為先把理論和公式學好更重要。請寫一篇文章:
目前 0 個英文字範文約 165–205 字(考試要求約 180 字)
批改花的是你自己的 AI 額度。建議在老師或家長陪同下使用;AI 給的分數只是練習用的估計,不是官方分數。
Last week, our class visited a university laboratory, where a chemist told us that his team had spent three years developing a battery that was still at the experimental stage. He said that the key to the invention lay in the way atoms are arranged, an idea that had begun as nothing more than a theory. His colleague, a physicist, devised a method for observing changes at the atomic level while the battery was working. The chemist insisted that no formula be accepted without evidence to support it, no matter how elegant it may be. Only then did we realize that science is not about memorizing answers but about asking questions. On the way home, my friend said that we should have learned science this way from the start.
上星期,我們班參觀了一所大學的實驗室,一位化學家告訴我們,他的團隊花了三年時間開發一種仍處於實驗(experimental)階段的電池。
Last week, our class visited a university laboratory, where a chemist told us that his team had spent three years developing a battery that was still at the experimental stage.
where 引導非限定關係子句,補充說明地點(實驗室),前面要加逗號。told us that … 的 that 引導名詞子句;因為 told 是過去式,「花了三年」發生在更早,所以用過去完成式 had spent。spend + 時間 + V-ing 是「花時間做…」,spend 後面接動名詞 developing。that was still at the experimental stage 是限定關係子句,修飾 battery。experimental 是形容詞,名詞是 experiment。
他說,這項發明的關鍵在於原子的排列方式,而這個想法起初不過是一個理論。
He said that the key to the invention lay in the way atoms are arranged, an idea that had begun as nothing more than a theory.
the key to + 名詞 是「…的關鍵」,to 是介系詞。lay 是 lie(在於)的過去式,與 lay(放置)形態相同,要靠上下文判斷。the way atoms are arranged 是「原子被排列的方式」,the way 後面可以直接接子句,不必加 in which。an idea that … 是同位語,補充說明前面整件事;had begun 是過去完成式,表示「在說這句話之前就已經開始」。nothing more than 是「不過是…」。
他的同事是一位物理學家,想出(devise)了一種方法,能在電池運作的同時,觀察原子層級的變化。
His colleague, a physicist, devised a method for observing changes at the atomic level while the battery was working.
a physicist 是同位語,補充說明 colleague,前後要加逗號。devise 是動詞「想出、設計」(發音 /dɪˈvaɪz/),名詞 device 是「裝置」,兩者拼法和唸法都不同。a method for + V-ing 是「…的方法」,for 後面接動名詞。at the atomic level 是「在原子層級上」,atomic 是形容詞,名詞是 atom。while 引導時間副詞子句,與主要子句時態一致(過去式)。
化學家堅持,不管公式多麼優美,沒有證據支持,就都不該被接受。
The chemist insisted that no formula be accepted without evidence to support it, no matter how elegant it may be.
insist that + S + (should) + 原形動詞 是「堅持…應該…」的假設語氣:that 子句裡的動詞用原形,所以是 no formula be accepted,不是 is accepted,也不會隨主詞或時態變化。no formula 是「沒有任何公式」,本身已含否定,所以後面不再加 not。no matter how + 形容詞 + S + V 是「不管…多麼…」,形容詞要緊跟在 how 後面,所以是 how elegant it may be,不是 how it may be elegant。evidence 是不可數名詞,不加 s;evidence to support it 的 to support 是不定詞片語,修飾 evidence。
直到那時,我們才明白,科學不是在背答案,而是在不斷提問。
Only then did we realize that science is not about memorizing answers but about asking questions.
Only then 放在句首時,主要子句要倒裝:助動詞 did 提到主詞 we 前面,動詞回到原形 realize。that 引導名詞子句,作 realize 的受詞,子句裡陳述一般真理,所以用現在式 is。not about A but about B 是「不是在…而是在…」,about 後面都接動名詞,A 與 B 結構要平行。
回家的路上,我的朋友說,我們早該從一開始就用這種方式學習科學。
On the way home, my friend said that we should have learned science this way from the start.
should have + 過去分詞 表示「早就應該…(但當時沒有做)」,用來表達對過去的遺憾或批評,這裡指「我們早該這樣學,可惜以前不是」。間接敘述時,should have learned 不需要再往後退一個時態。this way 是「用這種方式」,前面不加 in。from the start 是「從一開始」。on the way home 是「回家的路上」,way 前面不加 in。
Having memorized every formula in our chemistry textbook, I still could not explain why a piece of ice floats on water. It was that experience that convinced me science classes should spend more time on experiments than on facts. First, an experiment turns an abstract idea into something students can see for themselves. Watching a candle burn under a glass jar teaches more about oxygen than a page of notes ever could. Second, experiments build the habits that are characteristic of real scientists: careful observation, honest records and the courage to admit that a guess was wrong. The more students practice these skills, the more useful they find them, even if they never plan to enter a laboratory.
Some teachers raise the objection that exams test theory and that class time is too short for practical work. It is true that without technical vocabulary no student can read a scientific article, and I do not deny it. However, a theory learned without proof is quickly forgotten, while one tested by hand stays with us for life. If schools traded a few exercises for a few experiments, not only would students score higher, but they would also concentrate better in class.
背熟了化學課本裡的每一個公式之後,我卻仍然說不出冰塊為什麼會浮在水面上。正是那次經驗讓我確信,自然科課程應該把更多時間花在實驗而不是背事實上。首先,實驗能把抽象的概念變成學生可以親眼看見的東西。看著蠟燭在玻璃罐裡燃燒,比一頁筆記更能讓人明白氧氣是怎麼一回事。其次,實驗培養的是真正科學家所具備的習慣:仔細的觀察、誠實的紀錄,以及承認猜測錯誤的勇氣。學生越常練習這些能力,就越覺得它們有用,即使他們從未打算走進實驗室。
有些老師提出反對意見,認為考試考的是理論,而且上課時間太短,不適合做實作。我承認,沒有專業詞彙,學生就看不懂科學文章,這一點我並不否認。然而,沒有經過證明就學來的理論很快就會被忘記,而親手驗證過的理論卻能陪伴我們一輩子。如果學校用幾個實驗換掉幾份練習題,學生不但分數會更高,上課也會更專心。
本題屬於「議論文」,且要同時處理對立看法,題目角度是「教學方法」而非「公共議題」。第一段:不用 Although 起手,而用一個個人經驗(背得出公式卻解釋不了為什麼冰會浮)引出立場,句型用完成式分詞構句,再以強調句 It was that experience that… 把經驗和立場連起來;理由一(實驗讓抽象概念變具體)用 First 帶出並加上具體例子(蠟燭、玻璃罐),理由二(實驗培養科學家的習慣)用 Second 帶出,以冒號後的三個平行名詞片語列出能力,最後用 The more…, the more… 說明練習越多、越覺得有用,連不打算進實驗室的學生也不例外。第二段:先轉述老師的反對意見,再用 It is true that… 承認其中的道理(需要專業詞彙),接著用 However 轉折,說明「親手驗證的知識記得更久」,最後以假設語氣加上 Not only 倒裝句收尾,把兩個好處合併成結論。全文用具體例子,不用空洞的口號。
Having memorized every formula in our chemistry textbook, I still could not explain why a piece of ice floats on water
Having + 過去分詞是「完成式分詞構句」,表示分詞的動作比主要子句的動作更早發生(先背熟,後來才發現說不出原因),等於 Although I had memorized…。主詞必須相同(都是 I)。why 引導名詞子句,作 explain 的受詞,用肯定語序。
Having finished his homework, he went out to play.
做完功課後,他出去玩了。
It was that experience that convinced me science classes should spend more time on experiments than on facts
強調句型 It is/was + 被強調的部分 + that…。這句把 that experience 放在 It was 後面強調,意思是「正是那次經驗(而不是別的原因)讓我確信…」,比直接寫 That experience convinced me… 更有力,也自然銜接上一句的個人經驗。convince sb (that) … 是「使某人確信…」,that 可以省略;spend time on + 名詞,than on facts 的 on 要重複,保持平行。
It was my grandmother who taught me how to cook.
正是我的祖母教我怎麼煮菜的。
The more students practice these skills, the more useful they find them
The + 比較級 + S + V, the + 比較級 + S + V 表示「越…,就越…」,兩個子句都把比較級放在句首,後面用正常語序。這句的 find them useful 是「覺得它們有用」,因為 more useful 提到句首,所以 useful 前移,them 留在動詞後面。
The harder you work, the more you will learn.
你越努力,學到的就越多。
insisted that no formula be accepted without evidence to support it
insist、suggest、demand、recommend 等表示堅持、建議、要求的動詞,後面的 that 子句用「(should) + 原形動詞」,所以是 no formula be accepted,不是 is accepted;否定要寫 should not be 或 not be。這種句型語氣正式,適合用來表達立場堅定的要求。
The teacher insisted that every student hand in the report on time.
老師堅持每位學生都要準時交報告。
we should have learned science this way from the start
should have + 過去分詞 表示「早該做某事卻沒做」,帶有遺憾或批評,講的是已經過去、無法改變的事。比較:should learn 是「應該學」(現在或未來);should have learned 是「當初早該學」。
I should have listened to my parents' advice.
我早該聽父母的勸。
careful observation, honest records and the courage to admit that a guess was wrong
平行結構:三個名詞片語並列(careful observation, honest records, the courage to…),詞性相同、長度相近,讀起來清楚有節奏。冒號後面列舉內容,是 B2 寫作常用的方式。
She likes reading novels, playing the piano and walking in the park.
她喜歡讀小說、彈鋼琴和在公園散步。
the habits that are characteristic of real scientists
that 引導限定關係子句,說明是哪一種習慣(真正科學家特有的)。be characteristic of 是「是…的特徵」,用來描寫某類人或事物的典型特色。
Generosity is a quality that is typical of him.
慷慨是他的典型特質。
the objection that exams test theory and that class time is too short for practical work
that 子句在此是同位語子句,說明 objection 的內容,而不是關係子句(that 後面的子句是完整的句子,that 不作主詞或受詞)。兩個 that 子句並列,重複第二個 that 讓層次更清楚。
The news that he had won surprised everyone.
他獲勝的消息讓每個人都很驚訝。
It is true that without technical vocabulary no student can read a scientific article, and I do not deny it
It is true that… 是承認對立看法的常用句型,先把對方的理由說得公平,再於下一句用 However 轉回自己的立場。技術性的字(technical vocabulary)是對方論點的核心,承認它顯得你的論證有說服力。
It is true that the plan is expensive, but it will save money in the long run.
這個計畫確實很貴,但長遠來看能省錢。
a theory learned without proof is quickly forgotten, while one tested by hand stays with us for life
while 在此表示對比(「而」),連接兩個形成對照的情況。learned without proof 和 tested by hand 都是過去分詞片語,分別修飾 a theory 和 one;one 代替前面的 a theory,避免重複。
Some plants need a lot of water, while others prefer dry soil.
有些植物需要大量的水,而有些喜歡乾燥的土壤。
If schools traded a few exercises for a few experiments
與現在事實相反的假設:If + S + 過去式(traded),主要子句用 would。trade A for B 是「用 A 換 B」。這句的主要子句用 Not only 倒裝,是 B2 常見的收尾寫法。
If I traded my old phone for a new one, I would need to pay extra.
如果我用舊手機換新的,我就得多付錢。
not only would students score higher, but they would also concentrate better in class
Not only 放在句首(子句前部)時,要倒裝:助動詞 would 放在主詞 students 前面;but they would also 不倒裝。把兩個好處(分數更高、更專心)連在一起,讓結論更有力。
Not only was the food cheap, but it was also delicious.
那食物不但便宜,而且很好吃。
| 單字 | 本回用法 |
|---|---|
| atom | an atom of oxygen 一個氧原子;the way atoms are arranged 原子的排列方式 |
| atomic | the atomic level 原子層級;atomic energy 原子能(adj.) |
| chemist | a research chemist 研究化學家;chemist 在英式英語也可指藥劑師 |
| chemistry | chemistry class 化學課;the chemistry between two people 兩人之間的默契(比喻) |
| devise | devise a plan 想出計畫;devise 是動詞,名詞是 device(裝置) |
| evidence | evidence for a theory 理論的證據;evidence 不可數 |
| experiment | do an experiment 做實驗(n.);experiment with new ideas 嘗試新想法(v.) |
| experimental | the experimental stage 實驗階段;experimental 是形容詞,名詞是 experiment |
| formula | a chemical formula 化學式;a math formula 數學公式(複數 formulas 或 formulae) |
| invention | a great invention 偉大的發明;the invention of the telephone 電話的發明 |
| laboratory | a university laboratory 大學實驗室;口語常縮寫成 lab |
| observation | careful observation 仔細觀察;observation 也可指觀察後的評論 |
| observe | observe changes 觀察變化;observe a rule 遵守規定(不同意思) |
| physicist | a physicist 物理學家;physics 是物理學 |
| proof | proof of an idea 想法的證明;proof 不可數,動詞形是 prove |
| scientific | a scientific article 科學文章;scientific 是形容詞,名詞是 science、scientist |
| technical | technical vocabulary 專門詞彙;technical 與 technology 同源,但意思是「專門的、技術性的」 |
| theory | a theory of how atoms work 原子運作方式的理論;in theory 理論上 |
| objection | raise an objection 提出反對意見;have no objection to … 對…沒有異議 |
| concentrate | concentrate better in class 在課堂上更專心;concentrate on … 專心於… |
| characteristic | be characteristic of … 是…的特徵(adj.);a characteristic 也可當名詞「特色」 |
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