Topic: Traveling by Train or by Plane

Questions for reference:

1.What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by train?

2.What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane?

3.What do you think is the ideal way of traveling?

 

万事开头难，因此学会如何开头是成功的第一步。而口译考生如何走好第一步呢？一般情况下，考生可采用最常用的三种方法有，如下所示。

 

1. 对立法：先引出其他人的不同看法，然后提出自己的看法。例如：

I think if we ask people about their views on traveling by train or by plane, the vast majority would prefer the latter.

But I think a bit differently.

 

2. 现象法：引出要剖析的现象或者问题，然后评论。

With the improvement of our lives, many people travel during holidays. The mode of traveling has given rise to people’s 

 

concern.

 

3. 观点法：开门见山，直接提出自己对要讨论的问题的看法。

I think traveling by plane is a wonderful means of transportation.

 

中间段为主体内容，基本可把所提示的三个问题作为中心来展开论述。要注意标志性词语 (如first, second, in addition等）的运用。

 

文章结尾段多采用“结论性”、“后果性”和“号召性”三种方式。 

 

 

1. 结论性：通过对文章前面内容的讨论,引出或重申文章的中心思想及观点。

From what has been discussed above, we may safely draw the conclusion that...

In summary/in a word, it is more valuable ...

2. 后果性：揭示所讨论的问题若不解决将产生的严重后果。

We must call for an immediate method, because the current phenomenon of •“，if allowed to proceed, will surely lead to the heavy cost of...

Obviously, if we ignore/are blind to the problem, there is every chance that ... will be put in

danger.

3. 号召性：呼吁听众行动起来,采取行动或提请注意。

It is time that we urged an immediate end to the undesirable tendency of …

It is essential that effective measures should be taken to correct the tendency.

 

参考答案

With the improvement of transportation, many people travel during holidays. The mode of travel has given rise to people’s concern. Few people really like the idea of sitting long hours in a train. First, the train will get crowded soon after it starts out. The luggage will be piled on the rack overhead or stacked knee high between you and your neighbor. Second, the journey will be unpleasant because you can’t get much sleep due to the noise. Third，going to the toilet can be a  problem. You may worry about the hygienic condition. Last but not least, you have to be on your guard all the time lest your money be stolen. However, train riding still appeals to short-distance travelers for being scenic, safe and 

inexpensive. Traveling by air, though expensive, has the advantages of being quick and comfortable. You will arrive at your destination fresh and lively, ready for the business before you. If you want to, you can read magazines, watch video or listen to music. In addition, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the mountains and rivers below. But for short journeys, it is time-consuming, because airports are usually far from the city center, and you have to be there at least one hour before departure time to check in. Due to the reasons I have mentioned, I like traveling by air for long distance trips and by train for short journeys.