IBT阅读秘籍：准确把握句子间的关系（二）

　　3．显示因果关系的信号词：

　　As a result of the pilots' strike, all flights have had to be cancelled.

　　All flights have had to be cancelled as a result of the pilots' strike.

　　所有航班被取消的原因是因为飞行员们的罢工；飞行员们的罢工导致了所有的航班不得不被取消。显示因果关系的信号词还有：

　　for, thus, because, for this reason, so, therefore, as, since, consequently

　　4．显示顺序的信号词：

　　Internet speeds communication between companies, among co-workers through video-conferences, and among other individuals. First, media companies use the Internet for online news, or to broadcast audio and video, including live radio and television programs, while individuals use the Internet for communication, entertainment, finding information, buying and selling goods and services. Second, the notion of distance disappears thanks to the Internet. People also enjoy instant messaging to exchange text messages or pictures in real time, with real-time video and sound. Finally, scientists and scholars use the Internet to perform research, distribute lecture notes or course materials to students, they communicate with colleagues, and can also publish papers and articles.

　　抓住了这样的信号词就把握住了作者叙述的顺序，也就分清了相对独立的论据。这样的信号词包括：

　　first, second, third, and so on, then, after, before, next, last, afterward, finally

　　5．表示结论/总结的信号词：

　　In conclusion, I would like to say how much I have enjoyed myself today.

　　词组“in conclusion”前面所提到的一些信息将在这里被归纳总结。读到带有这样的信号词或短语的句子时，应格外留心注意，它们往往会向我们提示相关段落的核心信息。表示结论或总结的信号词和短语还有：as a result, finally, therefore, accordingly, in short, thus, consequently, in conclusion, so, in brief, in a word.

　　评语：在托福阅读中对于段落中所给的信号词要敏感一些。这样有助于对文章细节的理解。对于并列关系、因果关系、递进关系、转折关系这样的句子要仔细阅读，也许就是问题中的答案。