在 GRE 写作中,一个吸引人的开头可以为文章增色不少,以下是一些方法让开头更具吸引力:
一、提出引人深思的问题
紧扣主题设问
围绕作文题目提出一个或几个相关的问题,引发读者的思考。例如,如果题目是 “Should governments invest more in public transportation?”(政府应该在公共交通上投入更多吗?)可以在开头这样写:“As cities grow more congested and pollution levels rise, we must ask ourselves: Should governments indeed allocate greater resources to public transportation? What would be the consequences of such an investment, and what are the alternatives?”(随着城市变得更加拥堵,污染水平上升,我们必须问问自己:政府真的应该为公共交通分配更多资源吗?这样的投资会带来什么后果?还有哪些替代方案呢?)
这种方式能迅速抓住读者的注意力,让他们带着问题去阅读文章,寻找答案。
反问强化观点
使用反问句来强调观点或引发争议。比如,对于题目 “Does technology make us more isolated?”(科技让我们更加孤立吗?)可以这样开头:“In an age dominated by technology, where we are constantly connected through smartphones and social media, one might wonder: Does technology truly make us more isolated? Or has it, in fact, brought us closer together?”(在一个由科技主导的时代,我们通过智能手机和社交媒体不断连接,人们可能会想:科技真的让我们更加孤立吗?或者事实上,它让我们更亲近了吗?)反问句可以激发读者的思考和辩论欲望。
二、讲述生动的故事或案例
相关个人经历
分享一个与题目相关的个人经历或故事,使文章更具亲和力和真实性。例如,对于题目 “The importance of perseverance”(坚持的重要性),可以这样开头:“I still remember the day I decided to climb the highest mountain in my hometown. As I struggled up the steep slopes, doubts and fatigue overwhelmed me. But through sheer perseverance, I reached the summit. That experience taught me the power of never giving up.”(我仍然记得我决定攀登家乡最高山峰的那一天。当我在陡峭的山坡上挣扎时,怀疑和疲劳淹没了我。但通过纯粹的坚持,我到达了山顶。那次经历教会了我永不放弃的力量。)
个人经历能让读者更容易产生共鸣,从而更愿意继续阅读文章。
引人瞩目的新闻事件
引用一个近期发生的、与题目相关的新闻事件或社会热点。比如,对于题目 “The impact of social media on society”(社交媒体对社会的影响),可以这样开头:“In recent months, the world has witnessed the power of social media as protests and movements have spread like wildfire across different countries. From the Arab Spring to the Black Lives Matter movement, social media has become a powerful tool for mobilization. But what are the true implications of this digital revolution on society?”(最近几个月,世界目睹了社交媒体的力量,抗议和运动像野火一样在不同国家蔓延。从阿拉伯之春到黑人的命也是命运动,社交媒体已成为动员的有力工具。但是,这场数字革命对社会的真正影响是什么呢?)新闻事件可以增加文章的时效性和现实意义。
三、引用名言警句或权威观点
恰当的名言引入
选择一句与题目相关的名言警句来开头,为文章增添文化底蕴和深度。例如,对于题目 “The value of education”(教育的价值),可以这样开头:“As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Indeed, education has the potential to transform lives and societies. But what exactly is the value of education in today’s world?”(正如纳尔逊・曼德拉曾经说过:“教育是你可以用来改变世界的最强大武器。” 的确,教育有改变生活和社会的潜力。但是在当今世界,教育的价值究竟是什么呢?)
名言警句要与文章主题紧密契合,并且要准确引用,注明出处。
权威观点铺垫
引用一位权威人士或专家的观点来引出文章的主题。比如,对于题目 “Climate change and its solutions”(气候变化及其解决方案),可以这样开头:“According to renowned environmental scientist Dr. Jane Smith, ‘Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. Urgent action is needed to mitigate its effects.’ With this in mind, let us explore the various ways in which we can address climate change.”(根据著名环境科学家简・史密斯博士的说法,“气候变化是当今人类面临的最大挑战之一。需要采取紧急行动来减轻其影响。” 考虑到这一点,让我们探索我们可以应对气候变化的各种方法。)权威观点可以增加文章的可信度和说服力。
四、描绘生动的场景
具体细节刻画
通过描述一个生动的场景来吸引读者的注意力,让他们仿佛身临其境。例如,对于题目 “The beauty of nature”(自然之美),可以这样开头:“Imagine standing on a cliff overlooking a vast ocean, the sun setting on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the gentle breeze caressing your face. This is the beauty of nature, a source of inspiration and wonder.”(想象一下,站在悬崖上俯瞰广阔的海洋,太阳在地平线上落下,将天空染成橙色和粉色。海浪拍打着岩石的声音和轻柔的微风抚摸着你的脸。这就是自然之美,一个灵感和奇迹的源泉。)
场景描写要具体、生动,使用丰富的形容词和动词来增强画面感。
对比突出主题
描绘两个对比鲜明的场景,突出文章的主题。比如,对于题目 “Progress and tradition”(进步与传统),可以这样开头:“In a bustling city filled with skyscrapers and advanced technology, people rush about, always in pursuit of the next innovation. But in a small, secluded village, time seems to stand still. Here, age-old traditions are preserved, and life moves at a slower pace. The contrast between these two worlds raises an important question: How can we balance progress and tradition?”(在一个充满摩天大楼和先进技术的繁华城市里,人们匆匆忙忙,总是在追求下一个创新。但在一个偏僻的小村庄里,时间似乎静止了。在这里,古老的传统得以保留,生活节奏较慢。这两个世界的对比提出了一个重要问题:我们如何平衡进步与传统?)对比可以引发读者的思考,使文章更具吸引力。