威威老師的閱讀教室：說明議論文 (Expository & Argumentative Texts)
Section 1：議論文結構 (Argumentative Text Structure)
1.1 議論文四大要素
議論文 (Argumentative Text) 的目的是說服讀者接受某個觀點。掌握以下結構，就能快速拆解任何議論文：
Thesis（論點）
→ 作者的核心主張，通常在第一段
|
Evidence（證據）
→ 支持論點的事實、數據、例子
|
Counterargument（反駁/讓步）
→ 承認對方觀點，再加以反駁
|
Conclusion（結論）
→ 重申論點，呼籲行動
1.2 信號字 (Signal Words)
| 功能 | 信號字 |
|---|---|
| 增加論點 | moreover, furthermore, in addition, additionally, also |
| 轉折對比 | however, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, although |
| 因果關係 | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence |
| 舉例說明 | for example, for instance, such as, specifically |
| 總結結論 | in conclusion, to sum up, overall, ultimately |
1.3 閱讀議論文的策略
- 找論點 (Thesis)——通常在第一段最後一句
- 找論據 (Evidence)——每段的支持細節
- 找讓步 (Concession)——“Some people argue…However…”
- 找結論 (Conclusion)——最後一段的主張
- 判斷作者目的——是要說服？比較？分析？
Section 2：五篇說明議論文 (Five Expository & Argumentative Texts)
Text 1：Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs?（學生應該打工嗎？）
The question of whether high school students should take on part-time jobs has been debated for many years. While some people believe that working while studying can be beneficial, others argue that it may interfere with students’ academic performance. In my opinion, part-time jobs can be valuable experiences if they are managed properly.
Supporters of part-time jobs point out several advantages. First, working teaches students responsibility and time management. When students have to balance schoolwork and job duties, they learn to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Second, earning their own money helps students develop financial literacy. They become more aware of the value of money and less likely to spend it carelessly. Third, part-time work provides practical experience that cannot be learned from textbooks. Students develop communication skills, learn to work with different types of people, and gain confidence in handling real-world situations.
However, opponents raise valid concerns. The most common worry is that working too many hours can leave students with insufficient time and energy for their studies. Research has shown that students who work more than twenty hours per week tend to have lower grades than those who work fewer hours or not at all. Additionally, some students may become too focused on earning money and lose interest in their education, seeing work as more immediately rewarding than studying.
The key, it seems, lies in finding the right balance. Students who work moderate hours—typically no more than ten to fifteen hours per week—can enjoy the benefits of employment without sacrificing their academic performance. Schools and parents can help by guiding students to choose jobs that are flexible and not overly demanding.
In conclusion, part-time jobs can be a positive experience for high school students as long as they are approached with careful planning and moderation. The skills and lessons learned from working can prepare students for the challenges of adulthood, making the experience well worth the effort.
Key Vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| beneficial | 有益的 |
| interfere with | 干擾 |
| academic performance | 學業表現 |
| prioritize | 排優先順序 |
| financial literacy | 理財素養 |
| opponent | 反對者 |
| insufficient | 不足的 |
| moderate | 適度的 |
| flexible | 有彈性的 |
| moderation | 節制/適度 |
Questions
1. (Main Idea) What is the author’s main argument?
- (A) Students should never work part-time jobs.
- (B) Part-time jobs are always good for students.
- (C) Part-time jobs can be beneficial if managed properly and kept to moderate hours.
- (D) Schools should ban students from working.
2. (Detail) According to the passage, what is one benefit of earning your own money?
- (A) You can buy expensive things.
- (B) It helps develop financial literacy and awareness of money’s value.
- (C) You can pay for college.
- (D) You can lend money to friends.
3. (Detail) What does research show about students who work more than 20 hours per week?
- (A) They perform better academically.
- (B) They are happier.
- (C) They tend to have lower grades.
- (D) They have more friends.
4. (Author’s Purpose) Why does the author mention “opponents” in the third paragraph?
- (A) To agree with them completely
- (B) To acknowledge opposing views before presenting a balanced conclusion
- (C) To criticize them
- (D) To change the topic
5. (Inference) What does “the key lies in finding the right balance” suggest?
- (A) Students should work as many hours as possible.
- (B) Students should avoid work entirely.
- (C) Both studying and working are important, and neither should be neglected.
- (D) Balance is impossible to achieve.
6. (Inference) What can we infer about the author’s attitude toward part-time jobs?
- (A) Strongly opposed
- (B) Strongly supportive without conditions
- (C) Cautiously supportive with reasonable limits
- (D) Indifferent
7. (Structure) What is the structure of this passage?
- (A) Problem → Solution → Example
- (B) Thesis → Supporting arguments → Counterargument → Balanced conclusion
- (C) Chronological narrative
- (D) Pure comparison with no opinion
Answer Key — Text 1
- (C) — “part-time jobs can be valuable experiences if they are managed properly.”
- (B) — “helps students develop financial literacy” + “more aware of the value of money.”
- (C) — “students who work more than twenty hours per week tend to have lower grades.”
- (B) — 先承認反方論點，再提出平衡的結論。
- (C) — 平衡 = 兩者兼顧，不偏廢。
- (C) — 有條件地支持（cautiously supportive）。
- (B) — 論點 → 支持 → 反駁 → 平衡結論。
Text 2：The Impact of Social Media（社交媒體的影響）
Social media has become an inseparable part of modern life. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook connect billions of people around the world, allowing them to share moments, exchange ideas, and build communities. However, the growing influence of social media has also raised serious concerns about its effects on mental health, particularly among young people.
On the positive side, social media offers unprecedented opportunities for connection and self-expression. Teenagers who feel isolated in their local communities can find like-minded friends online. Social media also serves as a platform for raising awareness about important issues, from environmental protection to social justice. Many young people have used these platforms to organize charitable events, support causes they believe in, and even start small businesses.
Despite these benefits, studies have increasingly linked heavy social media use to mental health problems. A 2023 survey found that teenagers who spent more than three hours per day on social media were twice as likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who spent less time online. The constant comparison with carefully curated images of other people’s lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a distorted sense of reality. Cyberbullying is another serious issue, as the anonymity of the internet can embolden people to say things they would never say face-to-face.
Moreover, social media is designed to be addictive. Features like infinite scrolling, notifications, and “like” counts are engineered to keep users engaged for as long as possible. This can lead to decreased productivity, poor sleep quality, and reduced time spent on healthier activities such as exercise and face-to-face social interaction.
The solution is not to abandon social media entirely—that would be neither realistic nor desirable for most people. Instead, developing healthy digital habits is essential. Setting time limits, being mindful about what content we consume, and taking regular breaks from screens can all help us enjoy the benefits of social media while minimizing its negative effects.
Key Vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| inseparable | 不可分割的 |
| unprecedented | 史無前例的 |
| isolate | 孤立 |
| symptom | 症狀 |
| inadequacy | 不足/自卑感 |
| self-esteem | 自尊 |
| distorted | 扭曲的 |
| cyberbullying | 網路霸凌 |
| anonymity | 匿名性 |
| embolden | 壯膽/使更大膽 |
Questions
1. (Main Idea) What is the main argument of this passage?
- (A) Social media should be banned for teenagers.
- (B) Social media has both positive and negative effects, and healthy habits are needed.
- (C) Social media is entirely harmful.
- (D) Social media is the greatest invention of all time.
2. (Detail) According to the 2023 survey, what did heavy social media users experience?
- (A) Better grades
- (B) Twice the likelihood of anxiety and depression symptoms
- (C) More real-world friendships
- (D) Improved sleep quality
3. (Detail) Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a negative effect of social media?
- (A) Cyberbullying
- (B) Decreased productivity
- (C) Weight gain
- (D) Low self-esteem
4. (Author’s Purpose) What is the author’s purpose in the fourth paragraph?
- (A) To praise social media companies
- (B) To explain why social media is addictive and its consequences
- (C) To recommend specific apps
- (D) To describe the history of social media
5. (Inference) What does “carefully curated images” suggest?
- (A) Random, unedited photos
- (B) Images that have been selectively chosen and edited to present an idealized version of life
- (C) Professional photography
- (D) Images that accurately represent reality
6. (Inference) Why does the author say abandoning social media entirely would be “neither realistic nor desirable”?
- (A) Because the author works for a social media company
- (B) Because social media has real benefits, and most people cannot avoid it completely
- (C) Because social media is required by law
- (D) Because the author does not believe social media is harmful
7. (Structure) Which signal word in the passage indicates a shift from positive to negative points?
- (A) Moreover
- (B) Furthermore
- (C) Despite these benefits
- (D) Therefore
Answer Key — Text 2
- (B) — 社交媒體有正反兩面，需要健康的使用習慣。
- (B) — “twice as likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
- (C) — 體重增加未被提及。
- (B) — 第四段解釋社交媒體的成癮設計和後果。
- (B) — carefully curated = 精心挑選和編輯的，呈現理想化的生活。
- (B) — 社交媒體有好處，且完全不用不現實。
- (C) — “Despite these benefits” 標誌從正面轉向負面。
Text 3：Climate Change and Individual Action（氣候變遷與個人行動）
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity are just some of the consequences that scientists have been warning about for decades. While governments and corporations bear a significant responsibility for addressing this crisis, the role of individual action should not be underestimated.
Many people feel that their personal choices are too small to make a difference in the face of such a massive problem. “What can one person do when factories produce more pollution in a day than I do in a lifetime?” they argue. This feeling of helplessness is understandable, but it overlooks an important fact: collective individual actions add up to enormous change.
Consider some simple lifestyle changes. Reducing meat consumption, even by one or two meals per week, can significantly lower your carbon footprint, because the meat industry is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing public transportation, cycling, or walking instead of driving reduces air pollution and fossil fuel consumption. Recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastic waste help conserve natural resources and reduce landfill overflow.
Beyond personal habits, individuals can also influence change through their consumer choices. When people choose to buy from environmentally responsible companies, they send a powerful message to the market. Businesses respond to consumer demand, and when enough customers insist on sustainable products, companies are forced to change their practices. This “voting with your wallet” approach has already driven positive changes in industries such as fashion, food, and technology.
Furthermore, individual voices can drive political change. Citizens who contact their elected representatives, participate in climate marches, or support environmental organizations help create the public pressure needed for policy reform. History has shown that major social changes—from civil rights to public health regulations—often begin with individuals who decided to speak up.
Of course, individual action alone is not enough to solve the climate crisis. Systemic changes in energy production, transportation infrastructure, and industrial regulations are essential. However, individual actions and systemic changes are not mutually exclusive—they are complementary. When millions of people adopt greener habits, they create a cultural shift that makes it easier for governments to implement bold environmental policies.
Key Vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| pressing | 迫切的 |
| biodiversity | 生物多樣性 |
| underestimate | 低估 |
| collective | 集體的 |
| carbon footprint | 碳足跡 |
| greenhouse gas | 溫室氣體 |
| emission | 排放 |
| compost | 堆肥 |
| sustainable | 可持續的 |
| mutually exclusive | 互斥的 |
Questions
1. (Main Idea) What is the author’s main argument?
- (A) Individual actions are the only solution to climate change.
- (B) Individual actions, while not sufficient alone, are important and complement systemic changes.
- (C) Only governments can solve climate change.
- (D) Climate change is not a real problem.
2. (Detail) What is one example of “voting with your wallet”?
- (A) Voting in political elections
- (B) Choosing to buy from environmentally responsible companies
- (C) Donating to charity
- (D) Investing in the stock market
3. (Detail) Which industry is NOT mentioned as being affected by consumer demand for sustainability?
- (A) Fashion
- (B) Food
- (C) Technology
- (D) Automobile
4. (Author’s Purpose) Why does the author mention historical social changes like civil rights?
- (A) To discuss American politics
- (B) To show that individual voices can drive major change, just as they have in the past
- (C) To compare climate change to racism
- (D) To fill space in the article
5. (Inference) What does “mutually exclusive” mean in the last paragraph?
- (A) They are the same thing.
- (B) They cannot exist at the same time.
- (C) They work together and support each other.
- (D) One is better than the other.
6. (Inference) What does the author imply about people who feel their actions are “too small”?
- (A) They are correct.
- (B) They fail to see that small actions, when combined, create large-scale change.
- (C) They should give up.
- (D) They should only focus on voting.
7. (Structure) How does the author organize the argument?
- (A) States the problem, addresses a counterargument, provides examples of individual actions, explains broader impact, concludes with a balanced view.
- (B) Tells a story about climate change.
- (C) Only lists facts without an argument.
- (D) Compares two countries’ policies.
Answer Key — Text 3
- (B) — 個人行動雖然不足夠，但很重要，且與系統性改變互補。
- (B) — “When people choose to buy from environmentally responsible companies.”
- (D) — 汽車工業未被明確提及（只有 fashion, food, technology）。
- (B) — 用歷史例子說明個人聲音可以推動重大改變。
- (B) — mutually exclusive = 互斥的，不能同時存在。作者說兩者不互斥，意思是可同時進行。
- (B) — “collective individual actions add up to enormous change.”
- (A) — 提出問題 → 反駁無力感 → 舉例個人行動 → 說明更廣泛影響 → 平衡結論。
Text 4：Traditional vs. Online Learning（傳統 vs. 線上學習）
The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools around the world to shift to online learning almost overnight. While many schools have since returned to in-person classes, the debate over traditional versus online learning continues. Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best educational model may lie somewhere in between.
Traditional classroom learning offers several undeniable advantages. The most significant is face-to-face interaction between teachers and students. In a physical classroom, teachers can immediately notice when a student is confused or disengaged and adjust their teaching accordingly. Group discussions, hands-on activities, and laboratory experiments are also much easier to conduct in person. Furthermore, the school environment provides structure and routine, which helps students develop discipline and time management skills. For younger students especially, the social aspect of school—making friends, learning to cooperate, and developing interpersonal skills—is crucial for their overall development.
Online learning, on the other hand, offers flexibility that traditional classrooms cannot match. Students can learn at their own pace, rewatching recorded lectures if they need more time to understand a concept. This is particularly beneficial for students who may feel embarrassed to ask questions in front of their peers. Online learning also eliminates commuting time and allows students in remote areas to access high-quality educational resources that might not be available locally. During the pandemic, many students discovered that they actually preferred the comfort and convenience of learning from home.
However, online learning has significant drawbacks. The lack of physical presence can make students feel isolated and disconnected. Studies have shown that online learners are more prone to procrastination and distraction, as home environments often contain more temptations than classrooms. Technical issues, such as unstable internet connections or software problems, can disrupt learning. Additionally, not all students have equal access to the technology needed for online learning, creating a “digital divide” that disadvantages students from lower-income families.
A growing number of educators now advocate for a hybrid model that combines the best elements of both approaches. In a hybrid system, students attend some classes in person and complete other coursework online. This model preserves the social and interactive benefits of traditional learning while taking advantage of the flexibility and accessibility of online education.
Ultimately, the goal of education is not about choosing one method over another but about finding the most effective way to help students learn. As technology continues to evolve, the best educational models will likely be those that adapt to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Key Vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| undeniable | 不可否認的 |
| disengaged | 不投入的 |
| discipline | 紀律 |
| interpersonal | 人際的 |
| eliminate | 消除 |
| commute | 通勤 |
| prone to | 容易…的 |
| procrastination | 拖延 |
| hybrid | 混合的 |
| digital divide | 數位落差 |
Questions
1. (Main Idea) What is the author’s main thesis?
- (A) Online learning is always better than traditional learning.
- (B) Traditional learning is always better than online learning.
- (C) Both methods have strengths and weaknesses; a hybrid model may be ideal.
- (D) Technology will replace all teachers.
2. (Detail) What is one advantage of online learning mentioned in the passage?
- (A) Better social interaction
- (B) Students can learn at their own pace and rewatch lectures.
- (C) More laboratory experiments
- (D) Fewer technical problems
3. (Detail) What is the “digital divide”?
- (A) The gap between young and old teachers
- (B) The inequality in access to technology between different income groups
- (C) The difference between online and offline content
- (D) A type of computer virus
4. (Author’s Purpose) What is the purpose of the last paragraph?
- (A) To introduce a new counterargument
- (B) To summarize and state the broader goal of education
- (C) To criticize online learning
- (D) To list more disadvantages
5. (Inference) Why might some students prefer online learning according to the passage?
- (A) Because it is easier to cheat
- (B) Because they can avoid embarrassment and learn at their own speed
- (C) Because there is less homework
- (D) Because they can sleep during class
6. (Inference) What does “a growing number of educators now advocate for a hybrid model” suggest?
- (A) Only a few teachers support hybrid learning.
- (B) More and more teachers are seeing the value of combining both methods.
- (C) Teachers reject both online and traditional learning.
- (D) Hybrid learning has been proven to be perfect.
7. (Structure) What signal word does the author use to shift from discussing traditional learning to online learning?
- (A) Therefore
- (B) On the other hand
- (C) In conclusion
- (D) Similarly
Answer Key — Text 4
- (C) — 兩者各有優缺點，混合模式可能最理想。
- (B) — “Students can learn at their own pace, rewatching recorded lectures.”
- (B) — “not all students have equal access to the technology…disadvantaging students from lower-income families.”
- (B) — 最後一段總結並提出教育的最終目標。
- (B) — “beneficial for students who may feel embarrassed to ask questions.”
- (B) — “a growing number” = 越來越多教師支持混合模式。
- (B) — “On the other hand” 標誌轉向線上學習的討論。
Text 5：The Importance of Failure（失敗的重要性）
We live in a society that celebrates success and often overlooks the role that failure plays in achieving it. From a young age, we are taught to strive for perfection—to get the highest grades, win the most awards, and avoid mistakes at all costs. However, this obsession with success can actually hinder our growth and prevent us from reaching our full potential.
Failure is not the opposite of success; it is a stepping stone on the path to success. Consider some of the most accomplished people in history. Thomas Edison famously failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb. J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by twelve publishers before finally being accepted. Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, was cut from his high school basketball team as a sophomore. These individuals did not succeed despite their failures—they succeeded because of them.
The reason failure is so valuable is that it provides feedback that success cannot. When we fail, we are forced to examine what went wrong and consider alternative approaches. This process of reflection and adjustment is where real learning happens. A student who gets every answer right on a math test without struggling has not learned as deeply as one who made mistakes, understood why, and corrected them.
Moreover, failure builds resilience—the ability to recover from setbacks and keep going. People who have never experienced failure are often the most vulnerable to its effects when it eventually happens. In contrast, those who have learned to cope with failure develop a growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Research by psychologist Carol Dweck has shown that students with a growth mindset consistently outperform those with a fixed mindset, precisely because they view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a reflection of their worth.
This is not to say that we should seek out failure or enjoy it. Failure can be painful, embarrassing, and discouraging. The point is that we should not fear it or try to avoid it at all costs. Instead, we should embrace it as a natural and necessary part of the learning process. Schools, in particular, should create environments where students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes, because that is where the deepest learning occurs.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” If we can shift our perspective to see failure not as an ending but as a beginning, we unlock the potential for growth that lies within every setback.
Key Vocabulary
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| hinder | 阻礙 |
| stepping stone | 墊腳石 |
| accomplished | 有成就的 |
| manuscript | 手稿 |
| reflection | 反思 |
| resilience | 韌性/復原力 |
| setback | 挫折 |
| growth mindset | 成長型思維 |
| outperform | 表現優於 |
| embrace | 擁抱/接受 |
Questions
1. (Main Idea) What is the author’s thesis?
- (A) Failure should be avoided at all costs.
- (B) Failure is a necessary and valuable part of the learning process.
- (C) Only successful people matter.
- (D) Schools should not test students.
2. (Detail) How many publishers rejected J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter manuscript?
- (A) Five
- (B) Eight
- (C) Twelve
- (D) Twenty
3. (Detail) What is a “growth mindset” according to the passage?
- (A) The belief that abilities are fixed and cannot change
- (B) The belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning
- (C) The belief that failure is always bad
- (D) The belief that success comes easily
4. (Author’s Purpose) Why does the author mention famous people like Edison, Rowling, and Jordan?
- (A) To show that only famous people succeed
- (B) To provide concrete examples of how failure leads to success
- (C) To criticize them
- (D) To suggest that everyone will become famous
5. (Inference) What does “failure provides feedback that success cannot” mean?
- (A) Success gives better feedback than failure.
- (B) Only failure can show you what needs to be improved.
- (C) Feedback is unimportant.
- (D) Success and failure provide the same feedback.
6. (Inference) What does the Mandela quote “I never lose. I either win or learn” suggest?
- (A) Mandela never failed at anything.
- (B) Even in failure, there is value because you learn something.
- (C) Winning is the only thing that matters.
- (D) Mandela was a perfect person.
7. (Structure) The author uses which organizational pattern?
- (A) Chronological order
- (B) Thesis → Examples → Explanation → Counterargument (partial) → Restatement of thesis with quote
- (C) Pure comparison
- (D) Problem → Solution only
Answer Key — Text 5
- (B) — 失敗是學習過程中必要且有價值的一部分。
- (C) — “rejected by twelve publishers.”
- (B) — “the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning.”
- (B) — 用具體例子說明失敗如何通向成功。
- (B) — 只有失敗才能告訴你哪裡需要改進。
- (B) — 即使失敗也有價值，因為你從中學到了東西。
- (B) — 論點 → 名人例子 → 原理解釋 → 部分讓步 → 引言重申論點。
Section 3：議論文閱讀總複習 Checklist
在進入下一篇 R07 學測閱讀-克漏字攻略 之前，請確認你已經掌握：
- 我能找出作者的論點 (Thesis)
- 我能分辨支持論點的證據 (Evidence)
- 我能辨識讓步和反駁 (Counterargument)
- 我能利用信號字判斷文章結構
- 我能判斷作者的目的和態度
- 我能回答推論題，理解言外之意
恭喜！
你已經完成議論文的閱讀訓練！接下來要進入學測實戰，學習克漏字和篇章結構的解題技巧！
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