分科-閱讀攻略

威威老師的分科閱讀攻略 (AST Advanced Reading Guide)

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前言：為什麼分科閱讀比學測難這麼多？

分科測驗的閱讀理解，是整份考卷中最能拉開分數差距的部分。如果你覺得學測閱讀輕鬆拿分，恭喜你——你站在很好的起跑點上。但分科閱讀有它獨特的挑戰：

威威老師高分秘訣

分科閱讀的致勝關鍵不是「讀得快」，而是「讀得準」。當大家都在瞎猜時，你用對策略就能甩開上千人。

分科閱讀 vs 學測閱讀：四大差異

差異面向	學測 (GSAT)	分科測驗 (AST)	你需要的能力升級
文章長度	250-400 字/篇	350-500 字/篇	閱讀耐力 + 資訊整合
學術字彙密度	CEFR B1-B2	CEFR B2-C1	學術字彙量 (AWL) 至少 500+
句子複雜度	1-2 個子句為主	3-5 個子句常見	長句解析能力
推論深度	約 25% 推論題	約 40% 推論題	evidence-based 推理
選項陷阱	較直接	高度相似、需細微區分	精準比對能力

分科閱讀幾乎每篇都有一個「陷阱選項」——看起來對但其實不對，或是對了一半但有一個關鍵字讓它變成錯的。這種題目就是分科高分的門檻。

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Section 1：六大題型完全攻略

題型一：主旨歸納 (Main Idea)

題目特徵： What is the main idea of the passage? / The best title for this passage would be… / The passage is primarily concerned with…

核心難點： 分科的文章往往主旨在「雲霧中」——前奏很長、細節很多，真正的主旨要讀完才知道，甚至可能在最後一段才浮現。

威威老師的解題策略

步驟一：找各段主旨句 (Topic Sentence)

• 70% 的段落在第 1-2 句就是主旨句
• 如果沒有，最後一句也可能是
• 如果都沒有——這段是純細節，先跳過

步驟二：排除「太窄」或「太寬」的選項

• 太窄 (too specific)：只是其中一段的細節
• 太寬 (too broad)：超出文章範圍，可套用到任何類似文章

步驟三：驗證每個段落是否都被主旨 cover

• 用「這篇主要在講___」來測試每個段落
• 如果有一個段落與你的答案無關——你選錯了

小心陷阱

主旨題最常見的陷阱是「正確但只是細節」——選項本身是對的，但那只是文章的一小部分，不是全文主旨。問自己：如果這是 title，其他段落會配合它嗎？

練習題 1

Passage Excerpt:

The concept of “digital detox” has gained significant traction in recent years. A 2023 study found that the average teenager spends over seven hours daily on screen-based activities outside of schoolwork. This trend has prompted educators and health professionals to sound the alarm. In response, some schools in Scandinavia have implemented “screen-free Fridays,” where students engage exclusively in face-to-face interaction and outdoor activities. Initial results indicate a 23% reduction in reported anxiety levels among participants. Meanwhile, tech companies themselves have introduced screen-time tracking features, though critics argue these measures are insufficient given that the business model relies on maximizing user engagement.

Q: What is the main idea of this passage? (A) Teenagers spend too much time on screens every day. (B) Schools in Scandinavia have banned screens on Fridays. (C) The growing concern over screen time has led to various responses aimed at reducing its impact. (D) Tech companies are responsible for the rise in screen addiction among teenagers.

答案與解析

答案：C

• (A) 是細節（第一段就提了），不是全文主旨 —— 太窄
• (B) 只是其中一個例子，只是全文的一部分 —— 太窄
• (C) 正確！完整涵蓋：問題（screen time concern）＋ 各種回應（schools + tech companies）—— 寬度剛好
• (D) 文章提到 tech companies 的 business model，但沒有說它們是「responsible for the rise」—— 推論過度

練習題 2

Passage Excerpt:

Coral reefs are often described as the rainforests of the sea, harboring approximately 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. However, rising ocean temperatures have triggered widespread coral bleaching events. When water temperatures exceed normal thresholds by as little as 1-2 degrees Celsius, corals expel the symbiotic algae that give them both their color and their primary food source. Without these algae, the corals turn white and begin to starve. Scientists estimate that half of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral cover has been lost since 1985. Restoration efforts, including the transplantation of heat-resistant coral strains and the creation of artificial reef structures, are underway but face significant challenges in scale and funding.

Q: Which of the following best summarizes the passage? (A) Coral reefs are endangered due to rising ocean temperatures, and restoration efforts face considerable obstacles. (B) The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its coral since 1985. (C) Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their symbiotic algae. (D) Artificial reef structures are being used to restore damaged coral ecosystems.

答案與解析

答案：A

• (A) 正確！前半句總結問題 (rising temperatures → endangered)，後半句總結回應 (restoration → challenges)
• (B) 細節 —— 太窄
• (C) 細節 —— 是什麼導致 bleaching，但不是全文重點
• (D) 細節 —— 只是 restoration efforts 的其中一例

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題型二：細節理解 (Detail)

題目特徵： According to the passage… / Which of the following is true about…? / The author mentions…in order to…

核心難點： 分科的細節題不再像學測那樣可以「看到關鍵字就選答案」。選項往往經過改寫 (paraphrase)，你需要理解語意，而非單純比對關鍵字。

威威老師的解題策略

步驟一：先讀題，找出定位關鍵字

• 人名、地名、數字、專有名詞 = 最好定位
• 如果題目問 “According to paragraph 2…” —— 你只需要讀 paragraph 2

步驟二：掃讀 (Scan) 文章，找關鍵字所在句子

• 眼光快速跳躍，不要逐字讀
• 找到後，讀該句以及「前一句」和「後一句」

步驟三：比對選項——注意 paraphrase

• 原文：The government allocated additional funding to the project.
• 選項可能寫：The project received supplementary financial support from the government.
• allocated → received; additional → supplementary; funding → financial support

威威老師高分秘訣

細節題的答案永遠在文章中找得到，你不需要「推理」——只需要「找到」。如果你覺得需要推理，表示你還沒定位到正確的句子。訓練自己「先定位，再判斷」。

練習題 1

Passage Excerpt:

The Mediterranean diet has been the subject of extensive nutritional research over the past five decades. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018 tracked more than 7,000 participants over a five-year period. The researchers found that those who adhered strictly to the Mediterranean diet—characterized by high consumption of olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fish, combined with low intake of red meat and processed foods—experienced a 30% lower risk of cardiovascular events compared to the control group. Interestingly, the protective effect was observed even among participants who did not lose weight during the study, suggesting that the diet’s benefits extend beyond weight management.

Q: According to the passage, which of the following is a characteristic of the Mediterranean diet? (A) High consumption of red meat and dairy products (B) Regular intake of processed foods in moderation (C) Frequent consumption of olive oil and nuts (D) Complete elimination of all animal-based products

答案與解析

答案：C

定位關鍵字：Mediterranean diet characteristics → 找到 “characterized by high consumption of olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fish, combined with low intake of red meat and processed foods”

• (A) 相反 —— 是 low intake of red meat，不是 high
• (B) 相反 —— 是 low intake of processed foods
• (C) 正確 —— olive oil 和 nuts 都明確提到為 high consumption
• (D) 文章沒說 elimination，而且還吃 fish and red meat (少量)

練習題 2

Passage Excerpt:

Remote work, once considered a perk reserved for a select group of professionals, became mainstream during the global pandemic. According to a 2022 survey by McKinsey, 58% of Americans now have the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, a figure that stood at just 20% before 2020. The shift has had ripple effects across multiple sectors. Commercial real estate in major urban centers has seen vacancy rates climb to 20-year highs, while suburban housing markets have experienced unprecedented demand. Additionally, companies have reported mixed productivity outcomes: while some have documented efficiency gains of up to 13%, others have struggled with what researchers term “collaboration erosion”—the gradual loss of spontaneous idea-sharing that occurs in physical office environments.

Q: According to the passage, what percentage of Americans could work remotely at least one day per week before 2020? (A) 58% (B) 13% (C) 20% (D) 35%

答案與解析

答案：C

定位關鍵字：before 2020 + percentage → 找到 “a figure that stood at just 20% before 2020”

• (A) 58% 是目前 (now)
• (B) 13% 是其中一些公司記錄的效率提升
• (C) 20% 是 2020 年前 —— 正確
• (D) 35% 文章完全沒提到

數字題是最簡單的細節題。如果出現在考卷上就一定要拿下。

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題型三：推論判斷 (Inference)

題目特徵： It can be inferred from the passage that… / The author implies that… / The passage suggests which of the following?

核心難點： 這是大多數學生最怕的題型。很多人不是在「推論」，而是在「腦補」。分科的 inference 題要求你從文章已有的證據中，推導出一個「合理必然的結論」。

威威老師的解題策略

什麼是合理的推論？

• 推理 = 證據 A + 證據 B → 結論 C
• 腦補 = 證據 A + 個人想法 → 結論 C

推論四大類型：

推論類型	題目線索	策略
因果推論	只給結果，問原因	往回找前文描述的事件/情境
對比推論	比較兩個事物，問差異	比對兩個事物的描述，找不同點
延續推論	文章結尾暗示未來方向	看最後一段的 but/however/yet 後的內容
態度推論	透過用詞判斷作者立場	注意形容詞和副詞的正負面色彩

小心陷阱

推論題的「極端選項」(always, never, all, none, must) 幾乎永遠是錯的。分科的正確答案通常用 may, likely, tend to, often 等留有餘地的詞。考試設計者知道你會猜最強烈的選項，所以他們故意在那裡挖坑。

練習題 1

Passage Excerpt:

E-readers were widely predicted to render physical books obsolete when they first entered the market in the late 2000s. Sales of e-readers surged between 2009 and 2014, and industry analysts forecasted that e-books would account for over 75% of all book sales by 2020. However, recent data tells a different story. E-book sales have plateaued at roughly 25% of total book revenue since 2018, while physical book sales have stabilized and, in some categories such as children’s literature and academic textbooks, actually increased. In a 2023 survey, 67% of readers aged 18-35 reported preferring physical books, citing reasons such as reduced screen fatigue and the tactile experience of reading.

Q: What can be inferred about the initial predictions regarding e-readers? (A) They were based on incomplete data analysis. (B) They overestimated the extent to which e-books would replace physical books. (C) They accurately predicted the decline of physical books. (D) They were deliberately exaggerated by e-reader manufacturers.

答案與解析

答案：B

推理過程：

• 證據 A：專家預測 e-books 在 2020 年會占 75% 銷售

• 證據 B：實際只占 25%，且部分領域紙本書還成長

• 推理：預測高估了 (overestimated) e-book 的取代程度

• (A) 沒有證據說分析不完整 —— 腦補

• (B) 正確 —— 從實際數據 vs 預測數據可以合理推論

• (C) 與事實相反

• (D) 說「故意誇大」沒有證據 —— 腦補

練習題 2

Passage Excerpt:

Vertical farming—growing crops in stacked layers within controlled indoor environments—has been touted as a solution to food security challenges. Proponents highlight its advantages: year-round production, 95% less water usage than traditional agriculture, and elimination of pesticide requirements. However, the technology faces a fundamental economic hurdle. A 2024 analysis of 12 commercial vertical farms across Europe and North America found that leafy greens produced indoors cost approximately 2.5 times more than field-grown equivalents. The primary driver of this cost differential is the electricity required for artificial lighting, which accounts for roughly 60% of operational expenses. Unless energy costs decrease substantially—or crop yields increase dramatically—vertical farming may remain confined to premium markets.

Q: Based on the passage, which of the following is most likely to happen if electricity prices drop by 50%? (A) Vertical farming would immediately become cheaper than traditional farming. (B) The cost gap between vertical and traditional farming would narrow significantly. (C) All traditional farms would be replaced by vertical farms. (D) Crop yields in vertical farms would automatically increase.

答案與解析

答案：B

推理過程：

• 證據 A：電費占 vertical farming 營運成本約 60%

• 證據 B：目前 indoor produce 比 field-grown 貴 2.5 倍

• 推理：如果電費降一半，總成本會顯著下降，差距會縮小，但不一定完全消失

• (A) “immediately” 和 “cheaper than” 都太極端

• (B) 正確 —— 電費是主要成本驅動因素，降半會顯著縮小差距

• (C) “all” 太極端

• (D) 電費和產量是兩個獨立變數 —— 邏輯錯誤

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題型四：作者態度/語氣 (Author’s Tone/Attitude)

題目特徵： What is the author’s attitude toward…? / The tone of the passage can best be described as…

核心難點： 分科需要你區分細微的語氣差異，例如 skeptical vs. critical、cautious vs. pessimistic、neutral vs. indifferent。

態度詞彙銀行 (Tone Vocabulary Bank)

態度	英文詞彙	文章中會出現的訊號
正面	approving, supportive, optimistic, enthusiastic	breakthrough, promising, remarkable, effective
負面-批判	critical, disapproving, condemnatory	failure, neglect, inadequate, misleading
負面-懷疑	skeptical, doubtful, questioning	questionable, supposedly, alleged, purported
負面-擔憂	concerned, worried, alarmed	alarming, threatening, endangered, at risk
中立-客觀	neutral, objective, balanced, impartial	on the one hand…on the other hand, studies show, data indicate
中立-好奇	curious, intrigued, explorative	intriguing, mysterious, fascinating, unknown
諷刺/反諷	sarcastic, ironic, satirical	用正面詞彙描述負面事物（反差）
悲觀	pessimistic, bleak, despairing	inevitable, hopeless, irreversible, doomed

威威老師的解題策略

步驟一：找形容詞和副詞 作者的情感藏在修飾詞中：

• “a disturbing trend” (負面) vs “an interesting trend” (中立偏正面)
• “convincingly argued” (正面) vs “hastily concluded” (負面)

步驟二：注意轉折詞後的內容

• “However…” / “Unfortunately…” / “But the reality is…” → 這裡才是作者真正的態度
• 轉折前的正面描述可能只是鋪陳

步驟三：排除混淆選項

• neutral ≠ indifferent（中立是公平描述，冷漠是漠不關心）
• skeptical ≠ cynical（懷疑是 evidence-based 質疑，憤世嫉俗是全面否定）
• concerned ≠ alarmed（擔憂是 mild，警覺是 severe）

練習題 1

Passage Excerpt:

The city council’s newly unveiled “Green Transportation Initiative” promises to reduce carbon emissions by 40% within five years through a combination of expanded bike lanes, electric bus fleets, and congestion pricing. On paper, the plan appears comprehensive and ambitious. However, a closer examination reveals significant gaps. The budget allocates only 15% of the promised funding for the first two years, with the remaining 85% contingent on “future grant approvals” that have yet to be secured. Moreover, the timeline for the electric bus transition relies on battery technology that, according to independent engineers, is at least three years from commercial viability. While the vision is commendable, the execution strategy leaves much to be desired.

Q: What is the author’s attitude toward the Green Transportation Initiative? (A) Enthusiastically supportive (B) Skeptical of its feasibility (C) Completely dismissive (D) Indifferent and unconcerned

答案與解析

答案：B

態度訊號詞分析：

• “On paper, the plan appears comprehensive” → 前半句正面，但 on paper 暗示「紙上看起來」

• “However…” → 關鍵轉折，這裡才是態度

• “only 15%”, “contingent on…have yet to be secured” → 質疑可行性

• “at least three years from commercial viability” → 繼續質疑

• “While the vision is commendable, the execution strategy leaves much to be desired” → 方向認同，但執行力存疑 = skeptical

• (A) 完全相反 —— 不是 enthusiastically supportive

• (B) 正確 —— 對可行性持懷疑態度

• (C) completely dismissive 太強烈 —— 作者還說 “vision is commendable”

• (D) indifferent 不對 —— 作者明顯在意且有具體分析

練習題 2

Passage Excerpt:

For decades, economists taught that humans are rational actors who make decisions based on careful calculation of costs and benefits. This elegant theory underpinned everything from investment models to public policy design. Then came behavioral economics, which systematically dismantled this assumption. Through a series of ingenious experiments, researchers demonstrated that people are predictably irrational: we overvalue immediate rewards, fear losses more than we desire equivalent gains, and are swayed by how choices are framed rather than their objective content. The implications are profound—and deeply unsettling for anyone who believed the old models.

Q: The author’s tone in this passage can best be described as: (A) Admiring but skeptical (B) Neutral and detached (C) Sarcastic about traditional economics (D) Enthusiastic about behavioral economics

答案與解析

答案：A

態度訊號詞分析：

• “elegant theory” → admiring (對舊理論有敬意)

• “systematically dismantled” → 承認行為經濟學的顛覆性力量

• “predictably irrational” → 有趣的矛盾修辭

• “ingenious experiments” → 正面評價

• “profound—and deeply unsettling” → 承認深遠，但指出令人不安

• (A) 正確 —— admiring (elegant, ingenious) 但 skeptical of old models (dismantled assumption, unsettling)

• (B) 不對 —— 作者不是 detached，有明顯情感色彩

• (C) sarcastic 太強烈 —— 文章沒有諷刺語氣，而是認真分析

• (D) 不完整 —— 沒有 purely enthusiastic，有 “deeply unsettling” 表示保留

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題型五：詞彙猜測 (Vocabulary in Context)

題目特徵： The word/phrase ”___” in paragraph X is closest in meaning to… / What does the underlined word refer to?

核心難點： 分科會故意考「你看似認識但在此語境下意思不同」的字。例如 “harbor” 你不是港口，而是「心懷（怨恨等）」；“constitution” 不是憲法，而是「體質」。

五大上下文線索 (Context Clues)

線索類型	訊號詞	範例	破解方式
定義線索	which means, that is, in other words, i.e., namely, refers to	Hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen…	直接往後讀，定義就在破折號、逗號後
舉例線索	such as, for instance, for example, including, like	Many ungulates, such as deer, cattle, and horses…	從例子歸納出該詞的類別
對比線索	however, but, unlike, whereas, in contrast, rather than	Unlike her gregarious sister, Jane was shy and preferred solitude.	gregarious = 反義於 shy → sociable
原因結果線索	because, since, therefore, as a result, consequently, thus	The drought caused widespread famine; consequently, the population became emaciated.	famine (飢荒) → emaciated = extremely thin/starving
邏輯推論線索	(無固定信號詞，需從整段推理)	The politician’s prevarication frustrated journalists who wanted straightforward answers.	prevarication = 不直接回答 = evasion/equivocation

威威老師高分秘訣

遇到不認識的字，不要慌！立刻問自己：「這附近有沒有定義、舉例、對比、或因果關係？」把文章當作你的字典——字典裡的字都能在文章中找到定義。

練習題 1

Passage Excerpt:

The researcher’s methodology was criticized for its lack of rigor. Unlike previous studies that employed double-blind protocols and large sample sizes, her experiment used a small, self-selected group and made no attempt to control for confounding variables such as participants’ prior knowledge or socioeconomic background. As a result, many in the scientific community considered her conclusions to be specious—they appeared plausible on the surface but collapsed under scrutiny.

Q: The word “specious” is closest in meaning to: (A) Scientifically sound (B) Deceptively attractive but actually flawed (C) Clearly and obviously correct (D) Difficult to understand

答案與解析

答案：B

上下文線索分析：

• 定義線索：破折號後 “they appeared plausible on the surface but collapsed under scrutiny” = 表面合理但禁不起檢驗
• 對比線索：前面批評她的方法不嚴謹 → specious 應該是負面詞
• (A) 正面 → 錯
• (B) 正確 —— deceptively attractive but actually flawed = 表面合理但實際上 flawed
• (C) 正面 → 錯
• (D) 文章沒說難以理解，而是說經不起檢驗

練習題 2

Passage Excerpt:

The CEO’s management style was characterized by what colleagues described as “benevolent autocracy.” While he made all major decisions unilaterally and rarely sought input from subordinates, he also ensured that employees received generous benefits, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development. This paradoxical combination of dictatorial control and genuine concern for staff welfare left many employees ambivalent about his leadership.

Q: What does “ambivalent” most likely mean in this context? (A) Strongly supportive (B) Having mixed or contradictory feelings (C) Openly hostile (D) Completely indifferent

答案與解析

答案：B

上下文線索分析：

• 邏輯推論：CEO 的管理是 “paradoxical combination of dictatorial control and genuine concern” = 矛盾的組合
• 員工對這種矛盾的狀態會有什麼反應？不會是完全支持（討厭控制），也不是完全敵對（喜歡福利）
• ambivalent = 又愛又恨、矛盾的心情
• (A) strongly supportive → 不對，有 dictatorial control 怎麼會 strongly supportive
• (B) 正確 —— mixed feelings 反映了前面描述的 paradoxical combination
• (C) openly hostile → 太強烈，員工還有 genuine concern for welfare
• (D) completely indifferent → 不對，文章描述的員工有理有據的兩難

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題型六：篇章結構 (Text Organization)

題目特徵： How is the passage organized? / Which of the following best describes the structure of paragraph X? / The author develops the argument by…

核心難點： 你需要看出文章背後「無形的骨架」——這篇文章是因果關係？對比？解決方案？還是時間順序？

六大篇章結構模式

結構類型	典型信號詞	結構圖示	常見學術主題
因果 (Cause-Effect)	because, cause, lead to, result in, consequently, therefore, as a result, trigger	原因 → 機制 → 結果 → 影響	climate change, health, economics
對比 (Compare-Contrast)	similarly, likewise, in contrast, however, whereas, on the other hand, differ from	A特點 ↔ B特點 → 結論	technology adoption, cultural studies
問題解決 (Problem-Solution)	challenge, issue, problem, solution, address, tackle, combat, resolve	問題描述 → 解決方案 → 評估	public policy, environment, education
時間順序 (Chronological)	first, next, then, subsequently, eventually, later, prior to, after	事件1 → 事件2 → 事件3 → 現況	history, scientific discovery, biography
分類 (Classification)	can be divided into, types of, categories, fall into, classified as	總介紹 → 類型A → 類型B → 類型C	biology, psychology, linguistics
論證 (Argumentation)	claim, argue, evidence, however, on the contrary, in fact, indeed	主張 → 證據 → 反駁 → 重申	editorial, opinion, academic debate

威威老師的解題策略

步驟一：先看第一段和最後一段

• 第一段通常揭示結構（提出問題？比較？提出主張？）
• 最後一段通常確認結構（給出解決方案？總結對比？重申立場？）

步驟二：掃視各段首句

• 各段首句之間的關係就是結構的骨幹
• 例如：段2 = “One major cause is…” → 因果結構
• 段2 = “On the other hand…” → 對比結構

步驟三：回答「作者為什麼這樣安排？」

• 不只是說「這是一篇因果文」，而是說「作者用因果結構讓讀者了解問題的根源和後果」

練習題 1

Passage Excerpt:

Urban heat islands (UHIs) present a growing challenge for cities worldwide. The phenomenon occurs when dense concentrations of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and retain heat more than natural landscapes, causing urban areas to be significantly warmer than surrounding rural regions. Several factors contribute to this effect. First, dark surfaces such as asphalt roads and dark rooftops have low albedo, meaning they absorb rather than reflect solar radiation. Second, tall buildings create “urban canyons” that trap heat and block cooling winds. Third, human activities such as air conditioning and vehicle emissions release additional heat into the environment.

To mitigate UHIs, urban planners have proposed a range of interventions. Cool roofs, which use reflective materials to bounce solar radiation back into space, have shown a 15-20% reduction in surface temperature in pilot programs. Expanding urban green spaces—including parks, rooftop gardens, and tree-lined streets—provides natural cooling through shade and evapotranspiration. Some cities have even experimented with “cool pavements” that reflect more sunlight than traditional asphalt. While these measures require upfront investment, cost-benefit analyses suggest that the long-term savings in energy and public health outweigh the initial costs.

Q: Which of the following best describes the organization of this passage? (A) A chronological account of urban development (B) A comparison of different types of urban infrastructure (C) A presentation of a problem followed by potential solutions (D) An argument for and against urbanization

答案與解析

答案：C

結構分析：

• 第一段：定義 UHIs (problem) + 三個 causes

• 第二段：提出三個 mitigation measures (solutions) + 成本效益分析 (evaluation)

• 整體結構：Problem → Causes → Solutions → Evaluation = 問題解決結構

• (A) 沒有時間線索 → 錯

• (B) 不是主要對比不同 infrastructure，而是解決方案 → 錯

• (C) 正確 —— 問題 (UHIs) + 解決方案 (cool roofs, green spaces, cool pavements)

• (D) 沒有贊成和反對 urbanisation 的辯論 → 錯

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Section 2：進階閱讀技巧

技巧一：複雜長句解析

分科文章中，一句話包含 40-60 個字是常態。如果你試圖「從左到右線性閱讀」，八成會迷失方向。

「剝洋蔥法」三步驟

步驟一：找主要子句的主詞和動詞

Although critics of the proposed legislation, which would require all food manufacturers to disclose detailed nutritional information, argue that such regulations, despite their good intentions, place an undue burden on small businesses, supporters maintain that public health considerations should take precedence.

剝掉修飾語後：

[...] supporters maintain that public health considerations should take precedence.

主詞 = supporters, 動詞 = maintain

步驟二：找出所有修飾成分以及它們修飾什麼

• Although critics [...] argue that such regulations [...] place an undue burden on small businesses → 副詞子句（讓步），修飾主要子句
• of the proposed legislation → 介系詞片語，修飾 critics
• which would require all food manufacturers to disclose detailed nutritional information → 形容詞子句，修飾 legislation
• despite their good intentions → 介系詞片語，修飾 argue

步驟三：重組語意

• 「有些批評者說這法案會給小企業帶來負擔」
• 「但支持者認為公共衛生更重要」
• 核心 = supporters prioritize public health over business concerns

練習：解析這個長句

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies across industries ranging from healthcare to finance has prompted both excitement about unprecedented efficiency gains and anxiety about potential job displacement, a tension that policymakers worldwide are grappling with as they attempt to craft regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting workers whose skills may become obsolete.

解析

• 主要子句主詞： The rapid proliferation (of AI technologies) … has prompted
• 主要子句動詞： has prompted
• 主要子句受詞： both excitement (about efficiency gains) and anxiety (about job displacement)
• 同位語： a tension that policymakers … are grappling with
• 副詞子句 (as)： as they attempt to craft regulatory frameworks
• 嵌套形容詞子句 (that)： that encourage innovation while protecting workers
• 再嵌套形容詞子句 (whose)： whose skills may become obsolete

核心語意：AI 快速發展帶來了效率和失業的雙重焦慮，這是政策制定者正在努力處理的張力——他們想要鼓勵創新同時保護工人。

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技巧二：主題句與論點句的辨識

主題句 (Topic Sentence) — 段落說了什麼

• 通常在段落開頭（70-80%）
• 功能：宣告這一段要討論的方向
• 特徵：比較概括，不太有具體數據或例子

論點句 (Thesis Statement) — 整篇文章主張什麼

• 通常在引言段的最後一句
• 功能：告訴讀者作者的立場或全文的中心主張
• 特徵：有立場，可被辯論（arguable）

威威老師高分秘訣

閱讀時養成在段落旁「只用三個中文字」標註段意的習慣。這強迫你提煉核心，而不是複述細節。考場上這三字筆記能幫你快速找到答案的位置。

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技巧三：事實 vs 意見

這是分科推論題的基礎技能。很多學生把作者的意見當成事實來回答問題。

類型	定義	判斷方法	範例
事實 (Fact)	可被驗證的客觀陳述	有數據、有來源、可證偽	”Taiwan’s literacy rate reached 98.7% in 2022.”
意見 (Opinion)	主觀判斷，不可驗證	有價值判斷詞（should, best, worst, unfortunately, fortunately）	“Taiwan’s education system is the best in Asia.”
推論的意見 (Informed Opinion)	有事實基礎但仍為主觀判斷	混合事實和判斷	”Given the 98.7% literacy rate, Taiwan’s education policy has been remarkably effective.”

訊號詞區分：

• 意見常用：should, must, ought to, it is essential that, the best approach, clearly, undoubtedly
• 事實常用：according to, studies show, data indicate, researchers found, x% of

練習：判斷事實或意見

標記以下句子為 Fact (F) 或 Opinion (O)：

1. “The global average temperature has risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era.”
2. “Governments should impose stricter regulations on carbon emissions to combat climate change.”
3. “A 2024 study found that individuals who exercise regularly are 35% less likely to develop heart disease.”
4. “Regular exercise is the single most effective way to maintain good health.”

答案

1. Fact — 有具體數據 (1.1°C)，可被 IPCC 等機構驗證
2. Opinion — “should” 是價值判斷，不可驗證對錯
3. Fact — 引用研究結果，有具體數據
4. Opinion — “single most effective” 是主觀判斷，沒有數據支撐

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技巧四：辨識偏見與觀點 (Bias and Perspective)

分科測驗越來越多文章隱含作者或來源的偏見。你需要問：

• 誰寫的？（作者背景）
• 為誰寫的？（目標讀者）
• 為什麼寫？（目的——說服？告知？娛樂？）

偏見的語言線索：

• 過度概括：all, every, never, always
• 情緒化詞彙：disastrous, miraculous, appalling, extraordinary
• 選擇性呈現：只呈現一方觀點，不提反駁
• 標籤化語言：用負面詞稱呼對方（“so-called experts”, “alleged solutions”）

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Section 3：八大模擬閱讀測驗 (8 Full-Length Practice Passages)

Passage 1: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

難度：★★★☆☆ | 字數：約 420 字 | 建議時間：8 分鐘

The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare has progressed from theoretical possibility to clinical reality at a pace that has surprised even its most ardent advocates. AI algorithms now assist radiologists in detecting tumors in medical images with accuracy rates that match or exceed human performance. In pathology, machine learning models can analyze tissue samples to identify cancerous cells that might escape the human eye during routine screening. Beyond diagnostics, AI-driven predictive models help hospitals anticipate patient admissions, optimize staffing schedules, and reduce waiting times.

However, the deployment of AI in medicine raises ethical questions that remain largely unresolved. One central concern is algorithmic bias. Training datasets that underrepresent certain demographic groups can produce models that perform poorly for those populations. A widely cited 2019 study revealed that a commercial algorithm used by major U.S. hospitals systematically underestimated the healthcare needs of Black patients compared to equally sick White patients, because the algorithm used healthcare costs rather than health status as a proxy for medical need—and Black patients historically receive less healthcare spending.

Another challenge is the “black box” problem. Many deep learning systems arrive at conclusions through processes that even their developers cannot fully explain. In a field where doctors must justify their decisions to patients, regulators, and sometimes courts, the inability to articulate why an AI recommended a particular treatment poses a significant barrier to adoption.

Looking forward, experts emphasize that AI should serve as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for clinical judgment. The most effective healthcare systems of the future will likely be those that successfully integrate machine precision with human empathy and contextual understanding.

Vocabulary Notes:

• ardent (adj.) 熱切的、熱烈的
• deploy/deployment (n.) 部署、應用
• demographic (adj.) 人口統計的
• proxy (n.) 代理指標、替代物
• articulate (v.) 清楚表達
• complementary (adj.) 互補的

Questions:

1. What is the primary purpose of this passage? (A) To argue that AI should replace human doctors in medical diagnosis (B) To examine both the potential and the challenges of AI in healthcare (C) To describe the technical workings of deep learning systems (D) To criticize hospitals for adopting AI technologies prematurely

2. According to the passage, what caused the algorithm to underestimate healthcare needs of Black patients? (A) The developers deliberately programmed racial bias into the system (B) The algorithm was trained exclusively on data from White patients (C) The algorithm used healthcare costs as a measure of medical need (D) Black patients refused to participate in the training data collection

3. The “black box” problem refers to: (A) The physical hardware used to store medical AI systems (B) The inability to explain how AI reaches its conclusions (C) The lack of diversity in AI development teams (D) The high cost of implementing AI systems in hospitals

4. What does the author suggest about the future role of AI in healthcare? (A) AI will eventually replace most human doctors (B) AI should be banned due to ethical concerns (C) AI should work alongside human clinicians as a complementary tool (D) AI is only useful for administrative tasks, not clinical decisions

5. The author’s attitude toward AI in healthcare can best be described as: (A) Uncritically enthusiastic (B) Cautiously optimistic (C) Deeply pessimistic (D) Completely neutral

答案與詳解

1. B — 全文結構：先介紹 AI 在醫療的應用（正面）→ 再討論倫理挑戰（algorithmic bias + black box）→ 最後給出平衡建議（complementary tool）。主旨是全面檢視 AI 在醫療的潛力和挑戰。

2. C — 細節題。定位到第二段：“because the algorithm used healthcare costs rather than health status as a proxy for medical need—and Black patients historically receive less healthcare spending.”

3. B — 詞彙猜測題。“black box” 後面立刻有定義：“many deep learning systems arrive at conclusions through processes that even their developers cannot fully explain.”

4. C — 細節題。定位到最後一段：“AI should serve as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for clinical judgment.”

5. B — 態度題。作者認可 AI 的成就 (match or exceed human performance)，但花兩段討論倫理問題，最後給出平衡建議。整體態度是 cautiously optimistic。

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Passage 2: The Microbiome Revolution

難度：★★★☆☆ | 字數：約 450 字 | 建議時間：8 分鐘

The human body contains roughly as many bacterial cells as human cells, a startling fact that has reshaped our understanding of what it means to be human. This vast ecosystem of microorganisms—collectively termed the microbiome—resides primarily in the gut and plays roles far more significant than scientists had previously imagined. Research over the past two decades has linked the composition of gut bacteria to conditions ranging from obesity and diabetes to depression and Parkinson’s disease.

The mechanism by which gut bacteria influence seemingly unrelated organs involves what scientists call the “gut-brain axis.” Bacteria in the intestines produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine—chemicals traditionally associated with brain function. In fact, approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain. These microbial metabolites travel through the bloodstream and interact with the vagus nerve, which connects the digestive system directly to the brain. This bidirectional communication pathway means that the state of your gut microbiome can influence your mood, cognition, and even behavior.

This discovery has opened up entirely new therapeutic possibilities. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)—transferring gut bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient—has shown remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, with cure rates exceeding 90%. Researchers are now investigating whether similar approaches could treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, autism spectrum disorders, and even certain types of cancer. Pharmaceutical companies have invested billions in developing “psychobiotics”—probiotics specifically designed to improve mental health.

Yet the field remains in its infancy, and experts urge caution. The long-term effects of manipulating the microbiome are poorly understood. Unregulated “do-it-yourself” FMT procedures, promoted through online forums, have resulted in serious adverse events. Moreover, the microbiome is extraordinarily complex, with thousands of bacterial species interacting in ways that resist simple cause-and-effect analysis. As one researcher noted, “We have graduated from knowing nothing to knowing that we know very little.”

Vocabulary Notes:

• ecosystem (n.) 生態系統
• neurotransmitter (n.) 神經傳導物質
• metabolite (n.) 代謝物
• bidirectional (adj.) 雙向的
• transplantation (n.) 移植
• adverse (adj.) 不利的、有害的

Questions:

1. What does the passage suggest about the traditional view of serotonin? (A) It was known to be produced primarily in the gut. (B) It was wrongly believed to be produced only by bacteria. (C) It was associated mainly with brain function, not gut function. (D) It had never been studied by scientists before the microbiome era.

2. Which of the following is mentioned as a successful application of microbiome research? (A) Curing all forms of depression through psychobiotics (B) Treating recurrent C. difficile infections with FMT (C) Reversing Parkinson’s disease through dietary changes (D) Eliminating the need for cancer treatments

3. The phrase “in its infancy” most likely means: (A) Completely discredited (B) At an early stage of development (C) Primarily focused on infant health (D) Widely accepted by the medical community

4. It can be inferred that “do-it-yourself” FMT procedures: (A) Are recommended by most medical professionals (B) Have been proven safe through clinical trials (C) Carry potential risks that are not fully understood (D) Are more effective than hospital-administered treatments

5. The final quotation “We have graduated from knowing nothing to knowing that we know very little” suggests: (A) The field has made no progress whatsoever (B) Scientists now have complete understanding of the microbiome (C) Progress has been made, but the complexity is humbling (D) The research is no longer worth pursuing

答案與詳解

1. C — 推論題。文章說 “approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain”，並指出 serotonin 是 “chemicals traditionally associated with brain function”。由此推論：傳統觀點將 serotonin 主要與大腦功能聯繫起來。

2. B — 細節題。定位到第三段：“Fecal microbiota transplantation…has shown remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, with cure rates exceeding 90%.”

3. B — 詞彙猜測題。“in its infancy” 是比喻用法，意指「處於初期階段」。從上下文可知專家在呼籲謹慎，因為對長期效果還不清楚。

4. C — 推論題。文章說 unregulated DIY procedures “have resulted in serious adverse events”，且長期效果 “poorly understood”。可以推論這些程序有未被充分了解的風險。

5. C — 推論題。這句話表達的是：我們進步了（從一無所知到知道自己了解很少），但進步讓我們看到了更大的複雜性。

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Passage 3: The Psychology of Scarcity

難度：★★★★☆ | 字數：約 480 字 | 建議時間：8 分鐘

Why do people living in poverty often make decisions that seem, to outside observers, obviously counterproductive—taking out high-interest loans, neglecting preventive healthcare, or failing to invest in education? The conventional explanation has long invoked individual failings: poor judgment, lack of self-discipline, or inadequate knowledge. However, an emerging body of research in behavioral economics offers a radically different interpretation. The problem, these researchers argue, is not the person but the condition of scarcity itself.

Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir, in their influential book Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much, propose that scarcity—whether of money, time, or social connection—captures the mind. It operates through two opposing mechanisms. On one hand, scarcity produces a “focus dividend”: when resources are tight, people become highly efficient in managing the scarce resource. A person with an imminent deadline, for example, achieves remarkable productivity in the final hours. On the other hand, this intense focus comes at a cost: “tunneling.” When the mind is consumed by scarcity, it neglects everything outside the tunnel. The student racing to meet a deadline neglects to eat properly; the person worrying about rent overlooks a medical appointment.

The cognitive consequences are measurable. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that inducing thoughts of financial scarcity temporarily reduces performance on IQ tests by approximately 13 points—equivalent to the impairment caused by a night without sleep. This is not because poverty reduces intelligence, but because scarcity consumes cognitive bandwidth. Mental capacity that could be devoted to planning, problem-solving, and self-control is instead monopolized by the immediate scarcity concern.

The policy implications are significant. Programs that aim to help people in poverty often require exactly the cognitive resources that scarcity depletes: filling out complex forms, attending multiple appointments, meeting strict eligibility criteria. Simplifying these processes—for instance, automatically enrolling eligible families in assistance programs rather than requiring them to navigate bureaucratic obstacles—could substantially improve outcomes. As Mullainathan and Shafir conclude, understanding scarcity is not about blaming or excusing poverty, but about designing environments that work with human psychology rather than against it.

Vocabulary Notes:

• counterproductive (adj.) 適得其反的
• imminent (adj.) 即將來臨的
• cognitive (adj.) 認知的
• bandwidth (n.) （比喻）腦力容量、頻寬
• monopolize (v.) 壟斷、獨占
• bureaucratic (adj.) 官僚的

Questions:

1. The conventional explanation for poor decision-making among people in poverty emphasizes: (A) The inherent difficulty of economic systems (B) Personal shortcomings and individual failings (C) The complexity of modern financial products (D) Lack of access to quality education

2. The “focus dividend” refers to: (A) The financial profit gained from focusing on moneymaking activities (B) The improved efficiency that scarcity creates for the scarce resource (C) The attention that researchers pay to studying poverty (D) The benefit that wealthy people gain from financial planning

3. According to the passage, what happens to cognitive performance when people think about financial scarcity? (A) It improves temporarily because people focus more intensely (B) It declines temporarily, similar to the effect of sleep deprivation (C) It is permanently damaged by the stress of poverty (D) It remains unchanged regardless of the financial situation

4. The author’s attitude toward policy implications is: (A) That current policies already account for the psychology of scarcity (B) That policies should be redesigned to reduce cognitive demands (C) That no policy intervention can help people in poverty (D) That people in poverty should simply try harder to overcome scarcity

5. The passage suggests that automatic enrollment in assistance programs is preferable because: (A) It reduces the administrative cost for government agencies (B) It bypasses the cognitive demands that scarcity depletes (C) It ensures only deserving families receive benefits (D) It prevents fraud and abuse of the welfare system

答案與詳解

1. B — 細節題。第一段明確指出：“The conventional explanation has long invoked individual failings: poor judgment, lack of self-discipline, or inadequate knowledge.”

2. B — 細節題。第二段定義 focus dividend：“when resources are tight, people become highly efficient in managing the scarce resource.”

3. B — 細節題。第三段：“inducing thoughts of financial scarcity temporarily reduces performance on IQ tests by approximately 13 points—equivalent to the impairment caused by a night without sleep.”

4. B — 推論/態度題。最後一段認為現行政策要求認知資源但匱乏狀態正好剝奪這些資源，建議簡化流程。

5. B — 細節題。最後一段：“Programs that aim to help people in poverty often require exactly the cognitive resources that scarcity depletes…Simplifying these processes…could substantially improve outcomes.”

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Passage 4: Ocean Acidification — The Other CO2 Problem

難度：★★★★☆ | 字數：約 470 字 | 建議時間：7 分鐘

When carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere, roughly one-quarter of it is absorbed by the world’s oceans. This absorption, while mitigating atmospheric warming, triggers a chemical reaction that is fundamentally altering ocean chemistry. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which increases the water’s acidity—a process known as ocean acidification. Since the Industrial Revolution, the average pH of surface ocean waters has dropped from 8.2 to 8.1, representing a 30% increase in acidity on the logarithmic pH scale.

The biological consequences are already observable. Organisms that build shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate—including corals, oysters, clams, and certain types of plankton—struggle to construct and maintain their protective structures in more acidic waters. Pteropods, tiny marine snails nicknamed “sea butterflies” that form the base of many ocean food webs, have shown visible shell dissolution in waters matching future pH projections. The implications radiate through entire ecosystems, threatening fisheries that hundreds of millions of people depend on for protein and livelihood.

The speed of this chemical shift is unprecedented in geological history. Paleoclimate records indicate that the last time ocean chemistry changed at a comparable rate was approximately 56 million years ago, during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. That event caused a mass extinction of deep-sea organisms, and it took the ocean hundreds of thousands of years to recover. Today’s rate of acidification is estimated to be roughly ten times faster than during that ancient event.

Unlike other environmental problems, there is no local fix for ocean acidification. Reducing fertilizer runoff or restricting coastal development—effective strategies for other marine threats—do nothing to address the fundamental driver of acidification, which is the global concentration of atmospheric CO2. The only solution is systemic reduction of carbon emissions, though some researchers are exploring whether techniques such as adding alkaline minerals to seawater could provide localized relief. The scientific consensus, however, is unambiguous: without significant and sustained emissions reductions, the chemistry of the ocean will continue to change in ways that jeopardize marine life and the human communities that depend on it.

Vocabulary Notes:

• mitigate (v.) 減輕、緩解
• logarithmic (adj.) 對數的
• dissolution (n.) 溶解
• paleoclimate (n.) 古氣候
• unprecedented (adj.) 史無前例的
• alkaline (adj.) 鹼性的
• unambiguous (adj.) 明確的、不含糊的
• jeopardize (v.) 危害、危及

Questions:

1. According to the passage, how much has ocean acidity increased since the Industrial Revolution? (A) 10% (B) 30% (C) 50% (D) 100%

2. Why are pteropods significant in this context? (A) They are the only organisms immune to ocean acidification (B) Scientists use them to measure atmospheric CO2 levels (C) They form the base of many ocean food webs and are visibly affected (D) They produce calcium carbonate that neutralizes ocean acidity

3. The author mentions the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum to: (A) Illustrate how quickly ocean acidification used to occur in the past (B) Provide historical context for the unprecedented speed of current acidification (C) Argue that mass extinctions are a natural part of Earth’s history (D) Suggest that ocean recovery is possible within a few decades

4. According to the passage, why are local environmental measures insufficient to address ocean acidification? (A) Local governments lack the authority to implement such measures (B) The cost of local solutions exceeds available funding (C) The fundamental driver is global atmospheric CO2 concentration (D) Scientists have not yet developed any local intervention techniques

5. The tone of the final paragraph can best be characterized as: (A) Uncertain and hesitant (B) Humorous and light-hearted (C) Definite and urgent (D) Indifferent and detached

答案與詳解

1. B — 細節題。第一段：“representing a 30% increase in acidity on the logarithmic pH scale.”

2. C — 細節題。第二段：“Pteropods, tiny marine snails…that form the base of many ocean food webs, have shown visible shell dissolution.”

3. B — 修辭目的題。第三段比較了古代事件和現今速度的主旨在於凸顯現今酸化速度之快。

4. C — 細節題。最後一段：“the fundamental driver of acidification, which is the global concentration of atmospheric CO2.”

5. C — 態度題。最後一段使用 unambiguous、without…will continue、jeopardize 等詞，語氣明確且急迫。

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Passage 5: The Attention Economy

難度：★★★☆☆ | 字數：約 430 字 | 建議時間：7 分鐘

In an era of infinite information, the scarcest resource is human attention. Technology companies have built business models around this insight, competing fiercely to capture and monetize every moment of our focus. Social media platforms use algorithms that prioritize emotionally charged content because outrage and excitement generate more engagement than neutral information. Streaming services autoplay the next episode before you have a chance to decide whether to continue watching. News apps send notifications designed to trigger curiosity gaps—headlines that promise shocking revelations without delivering the actual information, compelling you to click.

The design philosophy behind these features draws on findings from behavioral psychology. Variable rewards—the same mechanism that makes slot machines addictive—are employed throughout digital platforms. When you pull to refresh a social media feed, you never know whether you will see something boring or something fascinating. This unpredictability, known as intermittent reinforcement, is the most powerful schedule for maintaining behavior. B.F. Skinner demonstrated this with pigeons in the 1950s; today’s tech designers apply the same principle to human users with extraordinary sophistication.

The personal costs of this attention arms race are becoming increasingly clear. Heavy social media use correlates with higher rates of anxiety and depression among teenagers, according to multiple longitudinal studies. The fragmentation of attention impairs deep work—the kind of sustained cognitive effort required for learning complex subjects, creating original work, or solving difficult problems. Students report finding it increasingly difficult to read a book for an hour without checking their phones.

Some countries have begun to respond. France has banned smartphones in primary and middle schools. China has imposed strict limits on gaming time for minors. Individual users, meanwhile, are adopting “digital minimalism”—deliberately stripping away apps and notifications that do not serve their core values. Whether these individual and regulatory responses can counterbalance the immense resources that technology companies devote to capturing attention remains an open and deeply consequential question.

Vocabulary Notes:

• monetize (v.) 變現、盈利
• intermittent (adj.) 間歇的
• reinforcement (n.) 強化
• longitudinal (adj.) 縱向的、長期的
• fragmentation (n.) 碎片化
• counterbalance (v.) 抵消、抗衡
• consequential (adj.) 重大的、有深遠影響的

Questions:

1. Which psychological concept does the passage identify as central to tech platforms’ design? (A) Classical conditioning (B) Intermittent reinforcement (C) Cognitive dissonance (D) Learned helplessness

2. According to the passage, what effect does attention fragmentation have on students? (A) It improves their ability to multitask (B) It makes deep, sustained cognitive work more difficult (C) It has no measurable impact on academic performance (D) It actually increases their reading speed

3. The passage mentions B.F. Skinner’s pigeons primarily to: (A) Criticize the ethics of animal research (B) Illustrate that the behavioral principles used by tech companies are not new (C) Suggest that humans are not much smarter than pigeons (D) Provide a humorous diversion from the serious topic

4. What can be inferred about the effectiveness of regulatory responses so far? (A) They have completely solved the problem of technology addiction (B) Their ultimate effectiveness remains uncertain (C) They have been proven ineffective and have been abandoned (D) They are unanimously supported by technology companies

5. The phrase “deeply consequential question” in the final sentence suggests the author believes: (A) The outcome of this issue will significantly affect society (B) The question is too trivial to deserve serious consideration (C) The answer has already been determined by scientific research (D) Only technology companies should decide the answer

答案與詳解

1. B — 細節題。第二段：“This unpredictability, known as intermittent reinforcement, is the most powerful schedule for maintaining behavior.”

2. B — 細節題。第三段：“The fragmentation of attention impairs deep work—the kind of sustained cognitive effort required for learning complex subjects…”

3. B — 修辭目的題。提到 Skinner 是為了證明 intermittent reinforcement 不是新發現，而是早已被證實的行為原理，現在被科技公司應用。

4. B — 推論題。最後一句說 “remains an open and deeply consequential question”，表示結果不確定。

5. A — 推論題。作者用 “deeply consequential” 修飾這個問題，表明他認為其答案對社會有重大影響。

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Passage 6: The Revival of Ancient Grains

難度：★★★☆☆ | 字數：約 400 字 | 建議時間：7 分鐘

Walk through any upscale supermarket today and you will encounter products featuring quinoa, amaranth, teff, and spelt—grains that sustained civilizations for millennia before largely disappearing from Western diets in favor of modern wheat, rice, and corn. This revival of “ancient grains” is not merely a food trend driven by health-conscious consumers; it reflects deeper shifts in agricultural thinking about sustainability, biodiversity, and food security.

Modern industrial agriculture relies overwhelmingly on a handful of crop varieties. Approximately 60% of the world’s caloric intake comes from just three crops: rice, wheat, and maize. This genetic homogeneity creates vulnerability. The Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s, which killed approximately one million people, occurred because Ireland relied on a single potato variety that proved susceptible to a fungal blight. Diversifying the crops we cultivate is, in effect, an insurance policy against catastrophic crop failure.

Ancient grains offer agronomic advantages over their modern counterparts. Many are naturally resilient to conditions that increasingly trouble farmers: drought, poor soil quality, and extreme temperatures. Teff, a tiny grain from Ethiopia, thrives in both waterlogged and drought conditions. Quinoa grows at high altitudes in saline soils where other crops fail. These traits, which once made these grains staples of harsh environments, are becoming newly relevant as climate change makes growing conditions more unpredictable.

Nutritionally, ancient grains often surpass modern staples. Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein—rare among plant foods. Amaranth is rich in iron and calcium. Millet provides more fiber than brown rice. While some nutritional claims have been exaggerated by marketers—ancient grains are not miraculous cure-alls—the scientific evidence generally supports their value as nutrient-dense alternatives.

The main obstacle to wider adoption remains cost. Ancient grains often require specialized harvesting and processing equipment, and yields per acre are generally lower than those of conventionally bred crops. Whether economics or ecology will ultimately determine what fills our plates in the coming decades is a question that farmers, policymakers, and consumers will answer together.

Vocabulary Notes:

• agronomic (adj.) 農藝的
• homogeneity (n.) 同質性
• resilient (adj.) 有韌性的、能復原的
• susceptible (adj.) 易受影響的
• blight (n.) 枯萎病
• saline (adj.) 含鹽的
• nutrient-dense (adj.) 營養密度高的

Questions:

1. According to the passage, what percentage of global caloric intake depends on rice, wheat, and maize? (A) 30% (B) 45% (C) 60% (D) 75%

2. The Irish Potato Famine is mentioned to illustrate: (A) The historical importance of grain diversity in Ireland (B) The dangers of relying on a limited range of crop varieties (C) How ancient grains can prevent fungal diseases (D) The superiority of Irish agricultural methods

3. Which of the following is identified as a nutritional advantage of quinoa? (A) It contains more fiber than any other grain (B) It provides all nine essential amino acids (C) It has zero calories (D) It can cure specific diseases

4. What is identified as the primary barrier to wider adoption of ancient grains? (A) Consumer dislike of the taste (B) Lack of scientific research on their benefits (C) Higher production costs and lower yields (D) Government bans on non-traditional crops

5. The passage suggests that ancient grains are becoming “newly relevant” primarily because: (A) Marketing campaigns have successfully rebranded them (B) Climate change is making growing conditions more unpredictable (C) Modern wheat has been found to be toxic to humans (D) International trade agreements favor ancient grain exports

答案與詳解

1. C — 細節題。第二段：“Approximately 60% of the world’s caloric intake comes from just three crops: rice, wheat, and maize.”

2. B — 修辭目的題。愛爾蘭馬鈴薯飢荒作為 gene homogeneity 的風險例證，說明依賴少數品種的危險。

3. B — 細節題。第四段：“Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.”

4. C — 細節題。最後一段：“The main obstacle to wider adoption remains cost. Ancient grains often require specialized harvesting and processing equipment, and yields per acre are generally lower…”

5. B — 推論題。第三段指出 ancient grains 在惡劣條件下的韌性 “are becoming newly relevant as climate change makes growing conditions more unpredictable.”

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Passage 7: Universal Basic Income — Promise and Peril

難度：★★★★☆ | 字數：約 490 字 | 建議時間：7 分鐘

Universal Basic Income (UBI)—the idea of providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment—has migrated from the fringes of economic thought to mainstream policy debate. Once championed primarily by a narrow band of libertarians and utopian socialists, UBI now commands attention from central bankers, technology executives, and heads of state. The catalyst for this shift is the accelerating automation of work, which threatens to displace workers across sectors previously considered immune to technological disruption.

Proponents marshal an array of arguments. Economically, they contend that UBI could provide a buffer against the volatility of gig-economy employment and the erosion of traditional job security. Psychologically, the removal of chronic financial anxiety might unlock creativity and entrepreneurial risk-taking that poverty currently suppresses. Empirically, a growing body of evidence from pilot programs—in Finland, Kenya, and Stockton, California—suggests that unconditional cash transfers do not, as critics have predicted, cause recipients to stop working. In the Finnish experiment, recipients of a monthly stipend reported significantly higher levels of well-being and trust in social institutions, though their employment rates did not measurably change.

Critics, however, raise substantial objections. The fiscal arithmetic is daunting: providing every adult citizen with even a modest income would require either massive tax increases or deep cuts to existing social programs. A UBI set at just $12,000annuallyforeveryAmericanadultwouldcostroughly$3 trillion per year—nearly the entire current federal budget. Philosophical objections also persist. Some argue that UBI severs the connection between effort and reward that underpins the work ethic, potentially eroding a sense of purpose and social contribution. Religious and communitarian thinkers warn that replacing community-based mutual aid with government checks could weaken the social fabric that holds communities together.

The debate is further complicated by fundamental uncertainty about the future of work itself. If automation eliminates tens of millions of jobs, UBI may become not a policy choice but a necessity. If, on the other hand, technology creates new categories of employment as quickly as it destroys old ones—as it has historically—then the case for UBI weakens. The policy’s viability hinges on a prediction about technological unemployment that remains, at present, unknowable. As one economist observed, “We are designing lifeboats for a ship that may or may not be sinking.”

Vocabulary Notes:

• fringe (n.) 邊緣
• utopian (adj.) 烏托邦的、理想化的
• catalyst (n.) 催化劑
• marshal (v.) 組織、聚集（論據等）
• empirical (adj.) 經驗的、實證的
• stipend (n.) 津貼、定期付款
• fiscal (adj.) 財政的
• arithmetic (n.) 算術（此處比喻財政數字）
• sever (v.) 切斷
• hinge on (phr.) 取決於

Questions:

1. According to the passage, what has driven UBI from fringe debate to mainstream attention? (A) Increasing popularity among voters (B) The accelerating automation of work (C) Successful pilot programs in developing countries (D) A decline in global economic growth

2. What did the Finnish UBI experiment find? (A) Participants stopped working and became dependent on the stipend (B) Recipients reported higher well-being, but their employment rates did not measurably change (C) The economy grew by 5% as a result of the program (D) Most participants used the money to start new businesses

3. Which of the following is a fiscal objection to UBI mentioned in the passage? (A) The administrative costs of distributing payments would be prohibitive (B) Providing a modest income to all adults would cost roughly the entire federal budget (C) UBI would cause inflation that would cancel out any income gains (D) International trade agreements prohibit direct cash transfers to citizens

4. The author compares UBI development to “designing lifeboats for a ship that may or may not be sinking.” This comparison suggests: (A) UBI is an unnecessary precaution (B) We are preparing for a scenario whose probability is uncertain (C) The ship is definitely sinking, and we need to act immediately (D) Lifeboats are more important than preventing the ship from sinking

5. What is the main organizational pattern of this passage? (A) Chronological narrative of UBI’s development (B) Problem-solution analysis of unemployment (C) Balanced presentation of arguments for and against UBI (D) Classification of different types of welfare programs

答案與詳解

1. B — 細節題。第一段：“The catalyst for this shift is the accelerating automation of work.”

2. B — 細節題。第二段：“recipients of a monthly stipend reported significantly higher levels of well-being and trust in social institutions, though their employment rates did not measurably change.”

3. B — 細節題。第三段：“A UBI set at just $12,000annuallyforeveryAmericanadultwouldcostroughly$3 trillion per year—nearly the entire current federal budget.”

4. B — 推論題。這個比喻表示我們正在為一個不確定會不會發生的情況做準備。文章最後一句說未來工作狀況 “remains, at present, unknowable.”

5. C — 篇章結構題。文章結構是先介紹 UBI → 支持方論點 → 反對方論點 → 不確定結論，是平衡的正反呈現。

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Passage 8: The Plastic Brain — Neuroplasticity After Childhood

難度：★★★★☆ | 字數：約 460 字 | 建議時間：7 分鐘

For much of the twentieth century, neuroscientists operated under a doctrine that now appears fundamentally mistaken. The adult brain, it was believed, was a fixed organ—its structure and function largely immutable after a critical window of development in childhood. Neurons could die, but they could not regenerate; neural pathways could weaken with disuse, but new ones could not form. This view, which shaped medical approaches to stroke recovery, learning disabilities, and mental health for decades, has been thoroughly overturned by research on neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This capacity operates on multiple scales. At the microscopic level, individual neurons can strengthen or weaken their synaptic connections in response to patterns of activity—the cellular basis of learning and memory, often summarized by the Hebbian principle that “neurons that fire together wire together.” At the macroscopic level, entire brain regions can reallocate their functions. When one sensory modality is lost, the cortical territory normally devoted to processing that sense can be appropriated by remaining senses—which explains why individuals who are blind from birth often display enhanced auditory processing, and why their visual cortex may become responsive to touch and sound.

The therapeutic implications are profound and actively being explored. Constraint-induced movement therapy, in which a stroke patient’s unaffected arm is restrained to force use of the affected limb, has demonstrated that intensive, repetitive practice can partially restore motor function years after an injury. Cognitive training programs aim to exploit neuroplasticity to slow or even reverse age-related cognitive decline. More controversially, some commercial “brain training” products claim to enhance cognitive function in healthy individuals—claims that the scientific community has largely rejected as unsupported by rigorous evidence.

What drives neuroplastic change? Three factors appear critical: attention, repetition, and emotional engagement. Passive exposure produces negligible change, which is why merely listening to language recordings does not produce fluency. Deliberate practice, sustained over time and coupled with focused attention and meaningful engagement, is what sculpts the brain. This principle carries an empowering message: the brain is not destiny. Through sustained, purposeful effort, we retain the capacity to reshape our cognitive architecture long after childhood has ended.

Vocabulary Notes:

• immutable (adj.) 不可改變的
• regenerate (v.) 再生
• synaptic (adj.) 突觸的
• macroscopic (adj.) 宏觀的
• allocate/reallocate (v.) 分配/重新分配
• cortical (adj.) 皮質的
• appropriate (v.) 占用、挪用
• modality (n.) 模態、形式
• negligible (adj.) 微不足道的
• sculpt (v.) 塑造

Questions:

1. According to the passage, the twentieth-century view of the adult brain held that: (A) The brain could continuously form new neural connections throughout life (B) The adult brain was largely fixed and unchangeable after childhood (C) Brain training could reverse any form of neurological damage (D) Learning was impossible after the age of 25

2. The Hebbian principle “neurons that fire together wire together” refers to: (A) The process by which neurons die when not used (B) The strengthening of connections between neurons that are simultaneously active (C) The transfer of functions from one brain region to another (D) The effect of medication on neural activity

3. Why do blind individuals often display enhanced auditory processing, according to the passage? (A) They are born with genetically superior hearing abilities (B) Their visual cortex is reallocated to process other sensory information (C) They actively practice listening skills more than sighted people (D) Modern hearing aids amplify sounds for visually impaired people

4. The author’s view on commercial “brain training” products is: (A) Enthusiastically supportive of their proven benefits (B) Skeptical, noting that the scientific community has rejected their claims (C) Completely neutral, presenting arguments from both sides (D) Claiming they are harmful and should be banned

5. According to the passage, what is required for neuroplastic change to occur? (A) Passive exposure to new information over long periods (B) Attention, repetition, and emotional engagement (C) Expensive brain training software (D) Medical intervention and pharmaceutical assistance

答案與詳解

1. B — 細節題。第一段：“The adult brain, it was believed, was a fixed organ—its structure and function largely immutable after a critical window of development in childhood.”

2. B — 詞彙猜測/細節題。前一句解釋了這個原則：“individual neurons can strengthen or weaken their synaptic connections in response to patterns of activity—the cellular basis of learning and memory.”

3. B — 細節題。第二段：“the cortical territory normally devoted to processing that sense can be appropriated by remaining senses.”

4. B — 態度題。第四段提到 “claims that the scientific community has largely rejected as unsupported by rigorous evidence.”

5. B — 細節題。最後一段：“Three factors appear critical: attention, repetition, and emotional engagement.”

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Section 4：定時閱讀訓練 (Timed Reading Drills)

階段	每篇文章時間限制	每組篇數	持續週數	目標
Phase 1	10 分鐘	2 篇/天	第 1 週	建立閱讀節奏
Phase 2	8 分鐘	2 篇/天	第 2 週	提升速度與理解率
Phase 3	7 分鐘	3 篇/天	第 3 週	接近實戰速度
Phase 4	6 分鐘	3 篇/天	第 4 週	實戰模擬
Phase 5	5 分鐘	3 篇/天	第 5 週起	高分衝刺

訓練規則：

1. 設定計時器，讀完就按下暫停，記錄實際時間
2. 算出閱讀速度（文章字數 / 分鐘）
3. 做完題目後才看答案，記錄答對率
4. 目標：在 6 分鐘內讀完 450 字文章，答對率 > 80%

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Section 5：常見錯誤答案模式 (Common Wrong Answer Patterns)

分科測驗中的錯誤選項不是隨便設計的——它們按照特定模式製造。學會辨識這些「陷阱模板」，你就能在兩個相似選項中迅速做出正確判斷。

陷阱類型	說明	範例	破解方法
過度極端 (Overreach)	使用 always, never, all, none, must, completely 等絕對詞	原文說 “may help”，選項寫 “will definitely solve”	看到極端詞，優先排除（除非原文也有）
偷換概念 (Concept Switch)	將 A 事物的屬性偷換到 B 事物上	原文說 “A causes B”，選項說 “B causes A”（倒因為果）	仔細比對主詞和受詞的關係
部分正確 (Half-Right)	前半對後半錯，或名詞對但動詞錯	原文說 “may increase efficiency”，選項說 “guarantees efficiency”	不要看到熟悉詞就選，確認每個詞的語意
無中生有 (Not Mentioned)	聽起來合理但文章中根本沒提到	文章討論 AI 倫理，選項提到 AI 的法律問題（但文章沒談法律）	問自己：這個資訊在哪一段？找不到就不要選
張冠李戴 (Mismatch)	把不同段落的資訊混在一起	第 1 段的 cause + 第 3 段的 effect 被組合成一個選項	用關鍵字定位，確認選項內的所有元素是否在同一上下文
過度推論 (Over-Inference)	從文章中推導出一個看似合理但沒有充分證據支持的結論	原文說 “study found correlation”，選項說 “study proved causation”	推論題只能推一步，不能推兩步以上

威威老師高分秘訣

當你在兩個選項之間猶豫不決時，不要靠感覺——拿兩個選項回去跟原文逐字逐句比對。大部分時候你會發現其中一個選項有一個關鍵詞與原文不符。這就是分科閱讀的決勝時刻。

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Section 6：考前最後衝刺閱讀清單

以下主題是分科閱讀最常出現的領域，每個領域都值得你在考前至少讀過一篇類似文章：

主題領域	關鍵詞彙	建議閱讀來源
科技與倫理	algorithm, automation, ethics, privacy, surveillance	BBC Future, MIT Technology Review
環境與永續	sustainability, biodiversity, emissions, conservation	National Geographic, The Guardian Environment
心理與行為	cognition, bias, motivation, decision-making	Psychology Today, Behavioral Scientist
公共衛生	epidemiology, nutrition, pandemic, healthcare	WHO, The Lancet (news section)
全球化與經濟	trade, inequality, development, digital economy	The Economist, World Economic Forum
文化與社會	identity, heritage, migration, urbanization	Aeon, The Atlantic

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威威老師高分秘訣 — 終極閱讀建議

分科閱讀的致勝之道只有一句話：每天保持閱讀習慣。每天讀一篇 400-500 字的英文文章，用我教你的策略練習，一個月後你會發現自己的閱讀速度、理解深度、和答題準確率都有顯著提升。記住：閱讀不是天賦，是習慣養成的技能。你讀得越多，你就讀得越好。