学生的作文主要有以下几个方面的问题：
第一、英语底子太薄。
第二、词汇量太小，且对已学词汇记忆不清。
第三、表达思想不清楚。
下面我们以考生的实际作文来进行一下分析。
1） Some one consider that fresh water will not touch it's end.
2） One man's life lack of money, he will impossible to live on.
3） As is know, that there are much fake commodities in today's society.
这里引述的例句与考生通篇作文的写作水平是一致的，其中5、6分的例句具有典型性，代表了近乎中等水平考生的写作水平。从这些例句中不难看出，中等水平的考生，事实上也包括中上等水平的考生，在写作上存在的主要问题是表达思想不清楚。
表达思想不清楚的主要原因是考生作文中严重汉化的英语，即中式英语，比如：
"man can live happiness"，
"Man is iron, and food is steel.",
“Women are half side sky.”。
此外，语言错误的普遍性和严重性十分惊人，比如，主谓不一致，名词单复数不分，动词时态语态滥用，常用词拼写错误比比皆是。这些严重地影响了思想的表达。考试实践表明，多数考生在写作上的主要欠缺不是系统的写作理论和方法，而是最基本的单句写作能力。
文章无论长短，都是由句子组成的，句子是表达思想的最基本的单位。因此，句子是否能写得正确、达意和清楚，将直接影响整篇文章的写作质量。大学英语四、六级考试和研究生入学英语考试的实践都表明，考生写作成绩长期得不到明显提高的主要原因是欠缺写好单句的能力。
为改变这种状况，我们将从剖析考生作文中的典型病句入手，对写作测试中的基本句子结构和写法进行评议和分析，来帮生进一步提高句子写作能力。一、 There be结构
考生病句：
1. There are many people like to go to the movies.
2. There are different kinds of vegetables can be bought on the market by people. 正确表达：
1. There are many people who like to go to the movies.
2. There are different kinds of vegetables that people can buy on the market.
这两个例句的错误比较有普遍性，因为在历次考试中有不少考生不能正确运用there be这一最常用的句式。在这种结构中，there是引导词，没有实际意义。be在句中作谓语，有时态和数的变化。
例如：
1. There was no school in the village at that time. (=there was not a school...) 注意：在否定句中，否定词用no，也可用not a或not any。not a后接单数名词，not a 后接复数名词，no后面的名词单复数都可以。
2. There is not a moment to be lost.
3. There are many people rushing into the cities every year.
4. There are many things we can do to prevent traffic accidents.
5. There is no use holding back the wheel of history.
从以上例句还可看出，句中的主语后面可接多种修饰语，如介词短语、不定式短语、定语从句、分词短语等等。这无疑使该结构增加了表现力，使句子表达内容更加丰富。 在运用这一结构时，考生最容易犯的错误是在there be之后又用了一个动词作谓语，使句子结构出现严重错误。这里列举的考生的典型错误均属这种情况，对此我们在写作中要格外注意。
二、 比较结构
考生病句：
1. Comparing with the bike, the car runs much faster.
2. The climate in Walton is colder than other cities.
正确表达：
1. Compared with the bike, the car runs much faster.
2. The climate in Walton is colder than that of other cities.
评议与分析：许多考生在作文中用compare或than表示比较，但相当多的表达有误。
在例1中，对两个事物进行比较的句式为Compared with A, B...,只能用compare的过去分词，不能用现在分词，因为B是分词的逻辑主语，只能被比较。在例2中，考生误将"天气"与"城市"进行比较，而二者没有可比性，只有将后者改为"其他城市的天气"才符合逻辑，很显然，考生的错误是受了汉语表达习惯的影响。
比较结构是常用结构，正确地使用这一结构可以使文章的句式增加变化，有利于提高写作成绩。一般说来，考生若能恰当、正确地运用这一结构，其写作成绩应在5分以上。
下面是比较结构的一些常用的表达方法。
1． 同级比较
1） In 2006 we produced as many cars as we did in the previous five years.
2） We have accomplished as much in the past three years as would have taken ten years in the past.
2． 比较级
1） Children now enjoy better medical treatment than before.
2） We can live longer without food than we can (live ) without water.
三、 表达原因的结构
考生病句：
1. The real reason to our failure is not far to seek.
2. The reason for this is because some people want to earn plenty of money without working hard.
正确表达：
1. The real reason for our failure is not far to seek.
2. The reason for this is that some people want to earn plenty of money without working hard.
评议与分析：
以上两个病句引自四级考试的考生作文。从遣词造句上看，这两位考生具有一定的写作能力，not far to seek, plenty of money以及without working hard等均运用正确、恰当。但令人遗憾的是，第一位考生不知道reason不与to搭配而应接介词for，第二位考生犯了一个中国学生常犯的错误，就是用because引起表语从句，because这个词不能引起表语从句，在本句中只能改用that才正确。
掌握好表达原因的结构是十分重要的，几乎所有的写作试题都要求写原因或可以写原因。在大学英语四、六级考试、研究生入学英语考试以及TOEFL考试中，写作的文体基本上是议论文，而议论文的基本模式是摆事实、讲道理，讲道理就是说明原因。写作测试的文体决定了表达原因结构的重要性。
英语中用来表达原因这一概念的结构有多种。我们可用as , because, since, seeing that, considering that, now that, not that...等词组引出表示原因的从句。例如：
1. Now that we have seen these great achievements with our own eyes, we feel more proud than ever of our country.
2. Professor Liu is strict with us because he wants us to make rapid progress.
3. Since we live near the sea, we enjoy a healthy climate.
4. Pollution is still a serious problem, not that we don't have the ability to solve it, but that some people have not realized the consequences of the problem.
我们还可以借助某些词语用简单句表达原因结构。例如：
1. The reason for this change is quite obvious.
2. Diligence is the key factor of success.
3. Idleness is the root of all evils.
4. He was ashamed to have made the mistake.(=He was ashamed that he had made the mistake. =He was ashamed because he had made the mistake.)
除了上述的例句外，英语中还有很多或易或难的表达原因的结构。我们在进行写作训练的时候，不能满足于一知半解，要讲究书面语言的正确性和准确性。比如，because是最常用的引导原因从句的连词，语气最强，表示直接的原因，若because置于句首，后面的主句不能再用so。用as引导的原因从句语气较弱，所说明的原因是附带的，而since表示的原因暗示着是稍加分析之后才能推断出来的原因。
四、 否定结构
考生病句
1. Some people think we needn't to worry about fresh water.
2. Nowadays many people don't like to go to the movies, too.
正确表达：
1. Some people think we needn't worry (或don't need to worry) about fresh water.
2. Nowadays many people don't like to go to the movies, either.
评议与分析：
例句1选自四级考生作文，例句2选自六级考生作文。例句1 的错误在于该考生混淆了need作为情态动词和作为普通动词的用法。need作为情态动词时，主要用于否定句，后面的动词不带to, needn't worry，作we的谓语。need作为实意动词时，可用于肯定句、否定句和疑问句，don't need to worry 中的to worry作don't need的宾语。例句2的错误在于该考生混淆了too和either的区别，这两个词都表示"也"的意思，但是在英语中too, also只能用于肯定句，而either只能用于否定句。
否定结构除了在助动词、情态动词，be和have后面加not之外，还有许多不含not的否定结构。若能正确使用他们，文章会显得生动活泼，增加写作的闪光点。下面我们就来看看:
1． 含有否定意义的词汇和短语
以下列举的词和词组本身就具有否定的含义，因此无需用否定词。
介词against, beyond, but, except, without,...
形容词和动词absent, deny, differ, different, fail, free, ignore, miss, refuse, the last, used to, reluctant, lack, want,...
短语keep...from, protect...from, prevent...from, let alone, at a loss, in vain, instead of, out of the question, rather than, too...to, by no means, anything but,...
我们看以下例句：
1） Women fail to get the equal rights in some countries.
在一些国家里妇女没有得到平等的权利。
2） This is by no means the best way to solve the problem of energy crisis.
这不是解决能源危机的最好的办法。
3） We should protect trees from being destroyed.
我们应保护树木，不让它们受破坏。
4） In old China we could not make a nail, let alone(make) machines.
在旧中国，我们连一个钉子都造不了，更不用说制造机器了。
2． 含有半否定意义的词语
barely, hardly, few, little, rarely, scarcely, seldom, not all, not everyone, not everything,...具有半否定的意义。例句：
1） We could hardly see any fresh vegetables in winter on market several years ago.
几年前在冬天市场上很难见到新鲜蔬菜。
2） These young people know little about how to choose good books to read.
这些年轻人几乎不知道如何挑选优秀的书籍来读。
3． 不含否定意义的否定结构
有些词和词组形式上是否定结构，但其含义是肯定的，比如：cannot but, can't help, no sooner...than, not...until, in no time, none other than, nothing but,等等。例句：
1） We can't but face the reality.
我们只有面对现实。
2） These old buildings will be replaced by modern apartment buildings in no time.
这些旧建筑将很快为现代化的公寓所代替。
4． 否定结构的倒装语序
我们有时为了强调而把否定词和词组放在句首，这时句子结构应倒装。例如：
1） On no account should we follow blindly.我们决不应当盲从。
2） No where has the world ever seen such great enthusiasm for learning as in our country.没有任何其他地方有我国这样高的学习热情。
五、 含有it的结构
考生病句：
1. As is known to all of us that science and technology play an important role in the development of society.
2. It is known to us, practice makes perfect.
正确表达：
1. It is known to all of us that science and technology play an important role in the development of society. (或:As is known to all of us, science...)
2. It is known to us that practice makes perfect. (或:As is known to us, practice...)
评议与分析：
例句1是六级考试11分作文的评分样卷句子，例句2选自四级考试作文。很显然，两个考生混淆了it和as的用法。如果用it作形式主语，后面的主语从句必须由that引起；如果用as，则后面不能用that，因为as是关系代词，代表practice makes perfect。
It 在英语中是个相当活跃的代词，在写作中我们常要使用它。以下几种用法应熟练掌握，并能灵活运用。
1．作形式主语
It is necessary for us to master a foreign language skillfully. It makes difference whether we could purify the air or not.
2.作形式宾语
We find it rather difficult to prevent people from doing that. Modern science has made it possible for babies to grow healthily and for people to live longer.
3.引导强调句
It is only by this way that we can achieve success. It was then that people began to realize the importance of controlling population.
从语法结构来看，上述的句子都不难，或者可以说是考生相当熟悉的。然而在写作考试中，多数考生缺乏运用自己已掌握的句式的意识，而以自己头脑中拼凑的中式英语取而代之。其实，只要能恰当地运用上述的任何一个句式，考生的作文就会出现闪光点，就会取得比较好的成绩。
段落的写作
段落是文章的缩影。写好了段落，就能比较成功地写出较好的文章。经过中学英语基础阶段的学习之后，大学英语的写作重点就从选词造句转移到了联句成段和联段成篇上。进行段落层次上的写作训练，是写好英语文章的关键一环。下面介绍的是段落结构。
段落（ paragraph ）是由表达单一中心思想（controlling idea or central idea ）的一组句子（包括主题句 topic sentence,推展句supporting sentences及结论句concluding sentence）构成，是文章结构的基本单位。我们将就主题句和中心思想这两个方面进行讨论。
. 主题句（topic sentence）是表达段落主题的句子。它用以概括段落大意，要求全段其他文字都围绕它展开。请看下例：
My mother has passed along to me certain rules for getting along with others. Don't argue with parents; they will think you don't love them. Don't argue with children; they will think themselves victimized. Don't argue with spouses; they will think you are a tiresome mate. Don't argue with strangers; they will think you are not friendly. My mother's rules, in fact, can be summed up in two words: Don't argue.
主题句中提出的 ＂certain rules＂ 指的是什么？展开句中通过四个 ＂Don't argue---" 逐一加以交代。从结构来看，这是一个比较典型的段落，它包括了主题句，推展句和结论句（即本段中的末句）。
1．1 主题句的位置
主题句通常放在段落的开端，其特点是开门见山地摆出问题，然后加以详细说明。其作用是使文章的结构更清晰，更具说服力，便于读者迅速地把握主题和想象全段的内容。主题句可以放在段中起到承上启下的作用，或放在段尾起概括全段的作用。但初学者比较难于掌握，因而在四级考试中，考生应尽量采用将主题句放在段落开头的写作手法。
例1 Our life today depends very much on energy. In towns and in villages, on farms and in factories, machines have made life easier than it used to be. The machines use energy, and energy is needed for heating, lighting, communications, carrying goods ---everything. Factories and industrial plants use a great deal of energy to make the things that we use and buy and sell.
这段文字所讲的主要是能源问题。第一句就概括性地提出“我们目前的生活很大程度上依赖于能源”。而随后出现的三句都是具体事例，对第一句进行说明和论述。我们可以断定第一句为该段的主题句（斜体部分）。
例2 （主题句）No one can avoid being influenced by advertisements. （推展句1）Much as we may pride ourselves on our good taste, we are no longer free to choose the things we want, for advertising exerts a subtle influence on us. （推展句2）In their efforts to persuade us to buy this or that product, advertisers have made a close study of human nature and have classified all our little weakness.
1．2 如何写好主题句中的关键词
段落的主题句对主题的限定主要是通过句中的关键词来表现的。关键词要尽量写得具体些。对“具体”的要求包括两个方面：一是要具体到能控制和段落的发展；二是要具体到能说明段落发展的方法。准确地把握关键词是清楚地表达段落主题、写好段落主题句的重要前提之一。
在上面的例1，例2中，主题句的关键词分别为：depends very much on energy; no one can avoid being influenced. 我们再看下列例句：
原句1: He can fix a bicycle himself.
蓝色字体部分应为主题句中的关键词。但它只是了段落发展的部分内容，并没有告诉读者该用哪种方法展开，是用因果关系法还是用分类法？
修正：He can fix a bicycle himself in several simple steps.
修正：There are several reasons why he can fix a bicycle himself.
原句2: She tries to improve her looks.
蓝色字体部分应为主题句中的关键词。她试着改变她面容的理由是什么？或者她采取什么方法来改善呢？我们无法从关键词中清楚得知。
修正：She tries many ways to improve her looks.
修正：There are some reasons why she tries to improve her looks.
1.3 如何写好主题句的中心思想
主题句由两部分组成，即主题(topic)和中心思想（controlling idea）。中心思想的作用是导向(control)和制约(limit)。我们前面谈到的关键词就反映了中心思想。所谓导向就是规定段落的发展脉络，所谓制约就是主题的覆盖范围，两者不可分割。没有导向，内容就会离题或偏题；没有制约，内容就可能超出一个段落所能容纳的范围。
对于初学写作的人来说，“导向”的重要性容易理解，但如果由他们自己来构思一个主题句，就可能忽视“制约”这一面。例如：
There are two ways in which one can own a book. The first is the property right you establish by paying for it, just as you have made it a part of yourself and the best way to make yourself a part of it is by writing in it.
本段的主题句如果没有in which 引出的定语从句，那么two ways 不仅不能起制约作用，而且也不能起导向作用，句子本身读起来也就使人觉得欠缺点什么。
Exercise is beneficial to your heart. A 22-year study was conducted by doctors in California. They found that people who work at physical jobs experience fewer heart attacks than other people. These active people work all the time at moderate speeds, their daily routine gives them an adequate amount of exercise and helps them stay in shape.
"Exercise is beneficial"这是毫无疑义的。但主题句中如不加上＂to your heart＂来加以 control 和 limit，那就流于空泛。
因此，紧紧把握主题句中controlling idea的导向和制约作用，是短文写作成功关键之一。
2．推展句
2.1 主要推展句
主要推展句(major supporting statement)的主要特点是：围绕段落主题句展开的每一个推展句本身都不要求作进一步的说明或证明，句与句之间的关系是相互又是互相连接的。
例1：(主题句) There are several factors affecting climate. (推展句1)One factor is the mount of sunlight received. (推展句2)Altitude, or the height above sea level, also determines climate. (推展句3)The oceans have an effect on the climate of adjacent land. (推展句4)In addition, climate is influenced by the general circulation of the atmosphere.
主题句指出影响气候的几个因素。然后用四个扩展句说明四种因素。第一种是太阳光的接收量，第二种是海拔高度，第三句和第四句分别是海洋和大气环流因素。
2.2 次要推展句
次要推展句(minor supporting statement)是指对主要推展句作进一步的事实分析和举例说明。它从属于某一个或某几个推展句。
例2：(主题句)I don't teach because teaching is easy for me. (主要推展句1)Teaching is the most difficult of the various ways I have attempted to earn my living: mechanic, carpenter, writer. (主要推展句2)For me, teaching is a red-eye, sweaty-palm, sinking-stomach profession. (次要推展句1)Red-eye, because I never feel ready to teach no matter how late I stay up preparing. (次要推展句2)Sweaty-palm, because I'm always nervous before I enter the classroom, sure that I will be found out for the fool that I am. (次要推展句3)Sinking-stomach, because I leave the classroom an hour later convinced that I was even more boring than usual.
从属于主要推展句2的三个次要推展句起着解释说明作用，分别解释red-eye, sweaty-palm, sinking-stomach的含义，这就更加形象生动地证明了 "teaching is not easy" 这个主题。
2．3 主要推展句与次要推展句的关系
主要推展句与次要推展句的关系(relation)基本可以遵循下面的“三部分”(three-part)规则。
1〕每个主要推展句都应该是对主题句中表示主要思想的关键词的直接、明确的说明。
2〕每个次要推展句都应该说明它的主要推展句。
3〕含有讨论说明或分析的问题通常既要有主要推展素材，又要有次要推展素材。
2．4 写好推展句的方法
主题句及关键词确定后，开始选择和主题有关的信息和素材。实质上，针对关键词测试每一个所选择的素材就是一个分类的过程。有一种常用的方法就是句子展开前加以设问，然后解答，即设问－解答(why-because)的方法。下面我们通过举例来看一看这种分类过程是如何完成的。例3 ：
假设(suppose)
Topic sentence: English is an international language?
设问(why)
Why can we say English is an international language?
解答(because)
Because: English is spoken by pilots and airport control operators on all the airways of the world.
Because: Over 70 percent of the world's mail is written in English.
Because: More than 60 percent of the world's radio programs are in English.
Because: Pakistan was once one of the British colonies.
Because: Many members of the International Language Society are selected from English-spoken countries.
从上面可以看出，最初的三个推展句是和关键词an international language一致的。第四句和主题句不统一，尽管第四句会成为另一主题句(Many Pakistanis speak English)的很好的推展句。第五句说服力不强。
当然，在写成段落时，没有必要在每个句子开头写上 ＂because＂，但是，在动笔展开句子时，头脑里要想着这个词，这种检验方法能帮助你把注意力集中在某个重心，围绕主题思想层层展开。
上面我们讨论了主要推展句的一种展开方法。而展开次要推展句的方法与主要推展句类似，这里我们就不再复述了。
在上一讲我们讲了主题句，推展句的写法；这一讲我们要进一步来谈一谈段落发展的几种手段以及结尾段的写法。
一、段落发展的几种手段
1． 列举法(details)
作者运用列举法，是通过列举一系列的论据对topic sentence中摆出的论点进行广泛、全面地陈述或解释，列举的顺序可以按照所列各点内容的相对重要性、时间、空间等进行。
Yesterday was one of those awful days for me when everything I did went wrong. First, I didn't hear my alarm clock and arrived late for work. Then, I didn't read my diary properly and forgot to get to an important meeting with my boss. During the coffee break, I dropped my coffee cup and spoilt my new skirt. At lunch time, I left my purse on a bus and lost all the money that was in it. After lunch, my boss was angry because I hadn't gone to the meeting. Then I didn't notice a sign on a door that said "Wet Paint" and so I spoilt my jacket too. When I got home I couldn't get into my flat because I had left my key in my office. So I broke a window to get in－and cut my hand.
根据本段主题句中的关键词组everything I did went wrong，作者列举了8点内容，分别由first, then, during the coffee break, after lunch time等连接词语引出，使得该文条理清楚、脉络分明、内容连贯。
常用于列举法的过渡连接词有：for one thing , for another, finally, besides, moreover, one another , still another, first, second, also等。
2. 举例法(example)
作者通过举出具体事例来阐述、说明主题句的内容，严格地讲，举例法也是列举法的一种，它们的区别在于：列举法侧重罗列事实，所列事实力求全面；而举例法侧重通过举出典型事例来解释作者观点，且事例可多可少。
我们来看下面这个用举例法展开的段落。
There are many different forms of exercises to suit different tastes. For example, those who enjoy competitive sports may take up ball games. For another example, if they prefer to exercise alone, they can have a run or take a walk in the morning or in the evening. Besides, people can go swimming in the summer and go skating in the winter. In short, no matter what their interests are, people can always find more than one sports that are suitable to them.
本段采用了三个事例来说明主题句中的关键词组different forms of exercises，这三个例子分别由连接词for example, for another example 和besides引出，最后由引导的结尾句总结全段内容。
举例法中常用的连接词有：for example(instance), one example is, besides, furthermore, moreover, in addition等。
3. 叙述法(narration)
叙述法发展段落主要是按照事物本身的时间或空间的排列顺序，通过对一些特有过渡连接词的使用，有层次分步骤地表达主题句的一种写作手段。用这种方法展开段落，作者能够清楚连贯地交待事物的本末，从而可以使读者可以清晰、完整地理解文章的含义，例如：
In the flat opposite, a woman heard the noise outside. When she looked out through the window, she discovered that her neighbor was threatened by someone. She immediately called the police station. In answer to the call, a patrol police car arrived at the scene of the crime quickly. Three policemen went inside the flat at once, and others guarded outside the building to prevent anyone from escaping.
这段是按照事物发展的先后顺序，叙述从发现案情、报警、到赶到、包围现场的过程。全文脉络清晰，叙述的层次感强，结构紧凑。
常用于叙述法中的过渡连接词有：first, an the beginning, to start with, after that, later, then, afterwards, in the end, finally等。
4．对比法或比较法(comparison & contrast)
将同类的事物按照某种特定的规则进行比较分析是一种常用的思维方法。通过对比，更容易阐述所述对象之间的异同和优缺点，例如：
The heart of an electronic computer lies in its vacuum tubes, or transistors. Its electronic circuits work a thousand times faster than the nicer cells in the human brain. A problem that might take a human being a long time to solve can be solved by a computer in one minute.
在这段文字上，作者为了突出电子计算机运行速度之快，首先将它与人脑进行了比较， "---a thousand times faster than ---" ;而后，又将这一概念具体到了 ＂a problem＂上，通过对比使读者从 "---a long time ---in one minute＂上有更加直观的认识。
常用于对本法或比较法上的过渡连接词有：than, compared with等。
5．分类法(classification)
在阐述某一概念的段落中，常用分类法。通过对概念中所包括的事物进行分门别类，分别加以叙述，使读者有更为清晰的认识，如：
Ever since humans have lived on the earth, they have made use of various forms of communication. Generally, this expression of thoughts and feelings has been in the form of oral speech. When there is a language barrier, communication is accomplished through sign language in which motions stand for letters, words and ideas. Tourists and the people unable to hear or speak have had to resort to this form of expression. Many of these symbols of whole words are very vivid and exact and can be used internationally; spelling, however, cannot. Body language transmits ideas or thoughts by certain actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. A nod signifies approval, while shaking the head indicates a negative reaction. Other forms of nonlinguistic language can be found in signal flags, Morse code, and picture signs.
在该段中为了说明topic sentence中的 ＂various forms of communication＂，作者将其分为oral speech, sign language, body language及other forms of nonlinguistic language，并逐加阐述。
采用这种方法的段落并没有标志突出的连接词，所述各项均为平行并列关系，所以没有明显的主次之分。
6． 因果分析法(cause and effect )
在阐述某一现象的段落中，常采用因果分析法。例如：
The role of women in today's society is changing. One reason is that women have begun to assert themselves as independent people through the women's movement. Also, women are aware of the alternatives to staying at home. Another reason is that increasing numbers of women who enter new fields and interests serve as role models for other women. Moreover, men are becoming more conscious of the abilities of women and have begun to view their independence positively.
本段中，主题句提出了一种社会现象，推展句则对产生这种现象的原因做出各种解释。 常用于因果分析法的连接词有：because, so, as a result等。
7． 定义法(definition)
在科普文章的写作中，定义法是必不可少的。通过下定义，可以使读者对该事物有一个更直接的认识。
Automation refers to the introduction of electronic control and automation operation of productive machinery. It reduces the human factors, mental and physical, in production, and is designed to make possible the manufacture of more goods with fewer workers. The development of automation in American industry has been called the "Second Industrial Revolution".
这一段文字使我们了解了 ＂automation＂ 和 ＂Second Industrial Revolution＂ 两个概念，分别由 ＂refers to" 和"been called＂ 引出。
常出现在定义法中的词语有：refer to , mean, call等。
8. 重复法(repetition)
句子的一部分反复出现在段落中，这就是重复法。它往往造成一种步步紧逼的气氛，使文章结构紧凑，有感染力。比如：
Since that time, which is far enough away from now, I have often thought that few people know what secrecy there is in the young, under terror. I was in mortal terror of the young man who wanted my heart and liver; I was in mortal terror of my interlocutor with the iron leg; I was in mortal terror of myself, from whom an awful promise had been extracted;---
该段中反复应用了I was in mortal terror of …我经常处于恐怖之中。
以上， 我们结合具体文章讨论了展开段落的几种方法。在实际写作中，我们往往不必拘泥于一种写作方法，而是将若干方法穿插在一起，使文章有声有色。
二、结尾段
我们知道文章的开头很重要，因为好的开头可以吸引读者、抓住读者的注意力。同样，文章的结尾也很重要，好的结尾会使读者对全文的中心思想留下深刻的印象，可以增添文章的效果和说服力，让人深思，回味无穷。确切地说，结尾的作用就是概括全文内容，进一步强调或肯定文章的中心思想，使读者加深印象；有时也用于展望未来，提出今后方向或令人深思的问题给读者留下回味和思考的余地。
但是，如何才能写好英文短文的结尾呢?下面就介绍几种写结尾段最常用的方法：
1．重复中心思想: 回到文章开头阐明的中心思想或主题句上，达到再次肯定和强调的效果。
(例1)A sense of humor is really one of the keys to happiness. It gives zest to life to make it worth living.
(例2)With all these benefits, it is no wonder that sports and games have now become more popular with people than ever.
2．做出结论: 文章最后用几句话概括全文内容，并进一步肯定文章的中心思想或作者的观点。
(例1)In conclusion, a good teacher-student relationship can be mutual beneficial. The students gain knowledge eagerly and enjoyably, and the teacher gains satisfaction from his job.
(例2)On the whole there are more advantages than disadvantages in the use of TV. Yet different people may have different attitude toward TV. But we must realize that television in itself is neither good nor bad. Its value to people and society depends on how we look at it.
3．应用引语: 用格言、谚语或习语总结全文，既言简意赅又有更强的说服力。
(例1) If you have anything to do, try to do it yourself, for that is the safest way to permanent success. Remember the famous saying. "Heaven helps those who help themselves."
(例2)If we stick to studies day after day, there is nothing that can't be achieved. As an old saying goes: "Constant dropping of water wears away a stone."
4．用反问结尾: 虽然形式是问句，但意义却是肯定的，具有明显的强调作用，引起读者思考。
(例1)Therefore, listening skills must be consciously improved. Since it is such an important means of learning and communication, why should we not develop this ability as far as possible?
(例2)So，what can we benefit from wealth if we do not have health?
5．提出展望或期望: 表示对将来的展望或期待读者投入行动。
(例1)I am sure that Chinese will become one of the most important languages in the world in the next century. As China will open further to the outside world the language is sure to be spread world widely.
(例2) If everyone has developed good manners, people will form a more harmonious relation. If everyone behaves considerately towards others and social ethics people will live in a better world. With the general mood of society improved, there will be a progress of civilization.
以上介绍了几种写结尾段最常用的方法，但到底选择何种方法结尾还得根据文体来决定。平铺直叙的记叙文，往往在故事或事实情节讲完时文章也就自然结束了，而说理性和逻辑性较强的说明文和议论文都应有一个正式的结尾。希望以上介绍的几种方法能对大家写好结尾有所帮助。
首先，一个段落必须有一个中心即主题思想，该中心由主题句特别是其中的题旨来表达。整个段落必须紧扣这个主题(stick or hold to the topic)，这就是段落的统一性(unity)。
其次，一个段落必须有若干推展句，使主题思想得到充分展开，从而给读者一个完整的感觉，这就是完整性(completeness or adequateness)。
再者，一个段落不是杂乱无章的，而是有机的组合，句子的排列顺序必须合乎逻辑，从一个句子到另一个句子的过渡必须流畅(smooth)，这就是连贯性(coherence)。下面我们就对这三个标准分别加以说明。
1. 统一性
一个段落内的各个句子必须从属于一个中心，任何游离于中心思想之外的句子都是不可取的。
请看下例：
Joe and I decided to take the long trip we'd always wanted across the country. We were like young kids buying our camper and stocking it with all the necessities of life. Bella bakes the best rhubarb pie. We started out in early spring from Minneapolis and headed west across the northern part of the country. We both enjoyed those people we met at the trailer park. Joe received a watch at his retirement dinner. To our surprise, we found that we liked the warm southern regions very much, and so we decided to stay here in New Mexico.
本段的主题句是段首句，controlling idea（中心思想）是take the long trip across the country。文中出现两个irrelevant sentences，一个是Bella bakes the best rhubarb pie，这一段是讲的是Joe and I ，中间出现一个Bella是不合适的。还有，Joe received a watch at his retirement dinner这一句更是与主题句不相关。考生在四级统考的作文卷上常常因为造出irrelevant sentences（不相关语句）而丢分，值得引起注意。
再看一个例子：
My name is Roseanna, and I like to keep physically fit. I used to weigh two hundred pounds, but I joined the YMCA for an exercise class and diet program. In one year I lost eighty pounds. I feel much better and never want to have that much weight on my five-feet frame again. I bought two new suitcases last week. Everyday I practice jogging three miles, swimming fifteen laps, lifting twenty-pound weights and playing tennis for one hour. My mother was a premature baby.
本段的controlling idea 是like to deep physically fit，但段中有两个irrelevant sentences，一个是I bought two new suitcases last week，另一个是My mother was a premature baby。
从上面两个例子可以看出，native speakers同样会造出来irrelevant sentences。卷面上如果这种句子多了，造成偏题或离题，那问题就更严重了。
2． 完整性
正像我们前面说得那样，一个段落的主题思想靠推展句来实现，如果只有主题句而没有推展句来进一步交待和充实，就不能构成一个完整的段落。同样，虽然有推展句，但主题思想没有得到相对的交待，给读者一种意犹未尽的感觉。这样的段落也不能完成其交际功能。例如：
Physical work can be a useful form of therapy for a mind in turmoil. Work concentrates your thoughts on a concrete task. Besides, it is more useful to work ---- you produce something rather than more anxiety or depression.
本段的主题句是段首句。本段的两个推展句均不能回答主题句中提出的问题。什么是 ＂a mind in turmoil＂（心境不平静）Physical work又如何能改变这种情况？为什么它能起therapy的作用？读者得不到明确的答案。
由于四级统考的作文部分只要求写一篇100～120个词的三段式短文，每一段只有大约40个词左右，因此，要达到完整就必须尽可能地简明。
例如：
It is not always true that a good picture is worth a thousand words. Often writing is much clearer than a picture. It is sometimes difficult to figure out what a picture means, but a careful writer can almost always explain it.
段首句所表达的主题思想是一种看法，必须有具体事例加以验证。上述两个推展句只是在文字上对主题作些解释，整个段落内容空洞，简而不明。如果用一两个具体的例子的话，就可以把主题解释清楚了。
比如下段：
It is not always true that a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, pictures are pretty useless things. If you can't swim and fall in the river and start gulping water, will you be better off to hold up a picture of yourself drowning, or start screaming "Help"?
3．连贯性(coherence)
连贯性包括意连和形连两个方面，前者指的是内在的逻辑性，后者指的是使用转换词语。当然这两者常常是不可分割的。只有形连而没有意连，句子之间就没有内在的有机的联系；反之，只有意连而没有形连，有时行文就不够流畅。
1） 意连
段落中句子的排列应遵循一定的次序，不能想到什么就写什么。如果在下笔之前没有构思，边写边想，写写停停，那就写不出一气呵成的好文章来。下面介绍几种常见的排列方式。
A．按时间先后排列(chronological arrangement)
例如：
We had a number of close calls that day. When we rose, it was obviously late and we had to hurry so as not to miss breakfast; we knew the dining room staff was strict about closing at nine o'clock. Then, when we had been driving in the desert for nearly two hours ----- it must have been close to noon ---- the heat nearly hid us in; the radiator boiled over and we had to use most of our drinking water to cool it down. By the time we reached the mountain, it was four o'clock and we were exhausted. Here, judgment ran out of us and we started the tough climb to the summit, not realizing that darkness came suddenly in the desert. Sure enough, by six we were struggling and Andrew very nearly went down a steep cliff, dragging Mohammed and me along with him. By nine, when the wind howled across the flat ledge of the summit, we knew as we shivered together for warmth that it had not been our lucky day.
本段从 ＂rose＂（起床）写起，然后是吃早餐(＂not to miss breakfast＂, ＂closing at nine o'clock＂)，然后是 ＂close to noon＂，一直写到这一天结束(＂By nine--")。
B. 按位置远近排列(spatial arrangement)。
例如：
From a distance, it looked like a skinny tube, but as we got closer, we could see it flesh out before our eyes. It was tubular, all right, but fatter than we could see from far away. Furthermore, we were also astonished to notice that the building was really in two parts: a pagoda sitting on top of a tubular one-story structure. Standing ten feet away, we could marvel at how much of the pagoda was made up of glass windows. Almost everything under the wonderful Chinese roof was made of glass, unlike the tube that it was sitting on, which only had four. Inside, the tube was gloomy, because of the lack of light. Then a steep, narrow staircase took us up inside the pagoda and the light changed dramatically. All those windows let in a flood of sunshine and we could see out for miles across the flat land.
本段的写法是由远及近，从远处(＂from a distance＂)写起，然后＂get closer＂，再到(＂ten feet away＂)，最后是 ＂inside the pagoda＂……当然，按位置远近来写不等于都是由远及近。根据需要，也可以由近及远，由表及里等等。
C. 按逻辑关系排列(logical arrangement)
a. 按重要性顺序排列(arrangement in order of importance)
If you work as a soda jerker, you will, of course, not need much skill in expressing yourself to be effective. If you work on a machine, your ability to express yourself will be of little importance. But as soon as you move one step up from the bottom, your effectiveness depends on your ability to reach others through the spoken or the written word. And the further away your job is from manual work, the larger the organization of which you are an employee, the more important it will be that you know how to convey your thoughts in writing or speaking. In the very large business organization, whether it is the government, the large corporation, or the Army, this ability to express oneself is perhaps the most important of all the skills a man can possess.
这一段谈的是表达能力，它的重要性与职业，身份有关，从＂not need much skill"或 "of little importance"到 "more important"，最后是 "most important"。
b.由一般到特殊排列（general-to-specific arrangement）
If a reader is lost, it is generally because the writer has not been careful enough to keep him on the path. This carelessness can take any number of forms. Perhaps a sentence is so excessively cluttered that the reader, hacking his way through the verbiage, simply doesn't know what it means. Perhaps a sentence has been so shoddily constructed that the reader could read it in any of several ways. Perhaps the writer has switched tenses, or has switched pronouns in mid-sentence, so the reader loses track of when the action took place or who is talking. Perhaps sentence B is not logical sequel to sentence A ---- the writer, in whose head the connection is clear, has not bothered to provide the missing link. Perhaps the writer has used an important word incorrectly by not taking the trouble to look it up. He may think that "sanguine" and "sanguinary" mean the same thing, but the difference is a bloody big one. The reader can only infer what the writer is trying to imply.
这一段谈的是a writer's carelessness，先给出一个general statement作为主题句，然后通过5个 ＂perhaps＂加以例证。
c. 由特殊到一般排列(specific-to-general arrangement)
I do not understand why people confuse my Siamese cat, Prissy, with the one I had several years ago, Henry. The two cats are only alike in breed. Prissy, a quiet, feminine feline, loves me dearly but not possessively. She likes to keep her distance from people, exert her independence and is never so rude as to beg, lick, or sniff unceremoniously. Her usual posture is sitting upright, eyes closed, perfectly still. Prissy is a very proper cat. Henry, on the other hand, loved me dearly but possessively. He was my shadow from morning till night. He expected me to constantly entertain him. Henry never cared who saw him do anything, whether it was decorous or not, and he usually offended my friends in some way. The cat made himself quite comfortable, on the top of the television, across stranger's feet or laps, in beds, drawers, sacks, closets, or nooks. The difference between them is imperceptible to strangers.
本段的主题句是段首句，它仅提出一个问题：为什么两只猫会被搞混。然后对两者进行比较，末句才下结论。
2） 形连
行文的逻辑性常常要靠适当的转换词语及其他手段来实现。请读下面这一段文字并找出文中用以承上启下的词语：
Walter's goal in life was to become a successful surgeon. First, though, he had to get through high school, so he concentrated all his efforts on his studies --- in particular, biology, chemistry, and math. Because he worked constantly on these subjects, Walter became proficient in them; however, Walter forgot that he needed to master other subjects besides those he had chosen. As a result, during his junior year of high school, Walter failed both English and Latin. Consequently, he had to repeat these subjects and he was almost unable to graduate on schedule. Finally, on June 6, Walter achieved the first step toward realizing his goal.
本文中起承上启下的词语有两种，一种是转换词语(transitional words or phrases)，另一种是起转换作用的其他连接手段(linking devices)。前者依次有：first, though, so, in particular, and, because, however, besides, as a result, both…and, consequently, and, finally.后者依次是：he, he, his, his, he, these, them, he, those, his, he, these, his. 本段有词汇105个，所使用的转换词语及其他连接用语共26个词，约占该段总词汇量的四分之一。由此可见，掌握好transitions不仅对行文的流畅(smoothness)有益，而且对于学生在半个小时内写足四级短文所要求的120个词也是不无好处的。一个段落里如果没有transitions也就很难有coherence了.
我们看下面一个例子：
Speaking and writing are different in many ways. Speech depends on sounds. Writing uses written symbols. Speech developed about 500 000 years ago. Written language is a recent development. It was invented only about six thousand years ago. Speech is usually informal. The word choice of writing is often relatively formal. Pronunciation and accent often tell where the speaker is from. Pronunciation and accent are ignored in writing. A standard diction and spelling system prevails in the written language of most countries. Speech relies on gesture, loudness, and rise and fall of the voice. Writing lacks gesture, loudness and the rise and fall of the voice. Careful speakers and writers are aware of the differences.
本段中除了第6句开头出现一个起过渡作用的＂it＂之外，没有使用其他的过渡词语.这样，文中出现许多重复的词语，全段读起来也显得生硬而不自然。如果加上必要的过渡词语来修饰的话，这一段就成了下面一个流畅连贯的段落：
Speaking and writing are different in many ways. Speech depends on sounds; writing, on the other hand, uses written symbols. Speech was developed about 500 000 years ago, but written language is a recent development, invented only about six thousand years ago. Speech is usually informal, while the word choice of writing, by contrast, is often relatively formal. Although pronunciation and accent often tell where the speaker is from, they are ignored in wiring because a standard diction and spelling system prevails in most countries. Speech relies on gesture, loudness, and the rise and fall of the voice, but writing lacks these features. Careful speakers and writers are aware of the differences．
4． 有损连贯性的几种情况：
考生在写作中经常出现下面几种错误：
1）不必要的改变时态，
比如：
In the movie, Robert Redford was a spy. He goes to his office where he found everybody dead. Other spies wanted to kill him, so he takes refuge with Julie Christie. At her house, he had waited for the heat to die down, but they come after him anyway.
2）不必要的改变单复数，
比如：
Everybody looks for satisfaction in his life. They want to be happy. But if he seeks only pleasure in the short run, the person will soon run out of pleasure and life will catch up to him. They need to pursue the deeper pleasure of satisfaction in work and in relationships.
3）不必要的改变人称，
比如：
Now more than ever, parents need to be in touch with their children's activities because modern life has the tendency to cause cleavages in the family. You need to arrange family like
it so that family members will do things together and know one another. You need to give up isolated pleasures of your own and realize that parents have a set of obligations to sponsor togetherness and therefore sponsor knowledge.
因此写作中，一定要注意时态，人称以及数的变化是否正确，要注意保持一致。众所周知，要写出清晰流畅的文章，需要把段落中各部分巧妙地连接在一起。这样可使文章自然而别致，并能层层展开主题句，完整地表达中心思想。
起连贯作用的过渡词语可以用来连接段落中的各个句子，也可以用来连接文章中的各个段落。下面是在段落中连接句子的例子（段中黑体字为过渡词）
To many foreigners, the American word family is confusing. Foreigners often hear an American say "My family is coming to visit." In this sentence, family means grandparents and perhaps other relatives. However, at other times, the same American might say, "I'm going to stay home with my family this weekend." In this case, he is talking about his wife and children. This is a much narrower meaning than the first one. Using family in this way makes a foreigner wonder which term really describes an American family. The answer, of course, is that there are two meanings for the word family in the United States -- a narrow one and a broad one. And there is another term ---- immediate family ----- to describe something in between.
这一段中出现的过渡手法有两种：一种是过渡词或词组，如however, in this case, of course； 另一种是起过渡作用的代词，如this, one.
段与段之间也可以用过渡词连接，比如but可以连接两个为转折关系的段落．
2. 过渡词语的分类 常用的过渡词根据意思和作用的不同，可以分为以下十一类：
1) 用以解释的过渡词，比如：now, in addition, for, in this case, furthermore, in fact
a. The problem, in this case, is hard to solve.
b. Furthermore, several people telephoned the same night.
2) 表示强调的过渡词，如：certainly, indeed, above all, surely, most important
a. Indeed, a dessert is always enjoyable.
b. Above all, do not build an open fire in a forest.
3) 表示的过渡词but, however, although, though, yet, except for
a. Yet there was still a chance that he would win.
b. Except for one girl, all the hikers returned.
4) 用以举例的过渡词for example, for instance, thus, such, next
a. For instance, a telegram often costs more than a telephone call.
b. Thus the trip finally began.
5) 表示递进或补充的过渡词in addition，furthermore，also，moreover，yet
a. In addition, the tour stops in Vancouver.
b. Furthermore, the time for registration has been extended.
6) 表达顺序的过渡词first, second, third, afterward(s)（后来）, meanwhile（几乎同时）, thereafter（在那以后）, last, finally, eventually（终于）
a. First, you mail in an application. Second, you ask for an appointment. Third, you send them three personal references.
b. Then you come to a traffic light and turn right.
7) 用以表示比较的过渡词like, in the same way, similarly, equally important, too
a. In the same way, we look for a good doctor.
b. Similarly, the Thais enjoy spicy foods.
8) 用以表示对比的过渡词unlike, in contrast, whereas, on the other hand, instead
a. In contrast, the red fluid does not lose its color.
b. The husband wanted a boy, whereas the wife wanted a girl.
9) 表示让步的过渡词although, nevertheless, of curse, after all, clearly, still, yet
a. He planned, nevertheless, to ask for a promotion.
b. After all, you learn to cook many foods in this job.
10) 用以表述结果的过渡词therefore, as a result, consequently, then，thereby， therefore，thus，hence，accordingly, so, otherwise
a. As a result, she became the prince's bride.
b. Consequently, we opened an account at the bank.
11) 用以表示总结的过渡词to sum up, finally, in conclusion, at last, in short，in a word，in the long run，in summary
a. To sum up, Christmas is the most important holiday.
b. In conclusion, a consulate offers more services.
上文已经讲过，除了过渡词或词组之外，起过渡作用的还有代词、同义词、连接词和词的重复等。下面分别举例说明。
1. 起过渡作用的代词
例：He asked what that meant.
We watched the hikers. They climbed slowly.
以上两句中的蓝体字分别起句内和句间的过渡作用。起过渡作用的代词在下面例子中的作用很大，没有它，这段文字就不能成立。
It is the most talked-of subject in town. Every family in the community discusses it half a dozen times a day. You mentioned it to at least one of your friends before you came into the room today. You think about it at least once during every class. Its passage is steady. It touched everyone. What is it? It is Time.
2. 起过渡作用的同义词
同义词用得好，不仅有助于文章的连贯，也增加了文采。例如下文：
Community colleges are like the two-year colleges called junior colleges, or "j.c.'s". Both schools prepare students for four-year colleges. J.c.'s offer all the courses most four-year colleges ask their freshmen and sophomores to take. Community colleges also give such required courses. But community colleges are also like other institutions called trade schools. Both schools offer technical training. Trade schools give courses in such areas as carpentry, nursing, television repairing, or photography. Community colleges have complete technical courses for students who do not plan to go on to a university.
3． 重复词起过渡作用
词的重复是常用的连接手法，它可强调你所要表达的意思。按方式，还可进一步分为绝对重复和相对重复。
Gulls, as they soar, are not always searching for food but merely having fun on the wing. A gull flying along the shore is taking advantages of wind current formed when the sea air strikes the warm land and rises. Gulls also love the lower, weaker air currents that form about three feet above the waves. They ride them for hours, tipping from one current to the next. Most people think that gulls ride behind boats for the food. But garbage is only a small part of what they eat. Clams and fish make up most of their diet. The sea gulls follow boats for the tide on the thermal currents the ships create at sea.
上面文章中的红体字就是通过重复来起承上启下的作用，与同义词类似。
4. 平行结构起承上启下的作用
My mother has passed along to me certain rules for getting along with others. Don't argue with parents; they will think you don't love them. Don't argue with children; they will think themselves victimized. Don't argue with spouses; they will think you are a tiresome mate. Don't argue with strangers; they will think you are not friendly. My mother's rules, in fact, can be summed up in two words. Don't argue.
文中的don't argue反复出现，形成平行结构，有助于段落的流畅和连贯。
新的《大学英语教学大纲》对写作提出了新的、具体的要求，分为基本要求和较高要求。
基本要求是:
“能就一定的话题和给定的提纲写短文，能写信和便条，表达意思清楚，无重大语言错误。能在半小时内写出120－150词的短文。
较高要求是:
能就与课文难度相仿的阅读材料回答问题，写提纲和摘要，能就一定的话题和给定的提纲、表格或图示写短文，能写日常应用文（如信函、简历等），内容完整，条理清楚，文理通顺。”能在半小时内写出150－180词的短文。”
由于种种原因，学生的写作训练不够，导致学生写出的作文主要存在以下问题：
1. 内容贫乏，知识面窄，想象不丰富。
2. 文章结构紊乱，句与句之间、段与段之间缺乏逻辑关系，中心不突出。
3. 语言不地道，文章中满是汉语式、翻译式的句子，且句型单调。
4. 语言贫乏，缺乏美感，没有吸引力。
大学英语四级考试的作文要求在应试者在30分钟内写出一篇不少于100字的文章。这对于基础较差的应试者有一定的难度，因此学习并掌握一定的技巧，对我们写出高分作文是有帮助的。我们应尽力做到以下几点：
1． 改变一个传统观念
在中学阶段，用母语写作的中学生会运用一些写作技巧，以求文章新颖、别致，但若将此观念引用到大学英语四级考试作文中来，效果可能相反。原因主要有：
1） 汉英两种语言的差异很大，汉语属分析性语言，注重意合，强调语言的含蓄性；英语属综合性语言，注重型合，强调语言的直接性。因而，文章开门见山，更符合英语习惯。
2） 《大学英语教学大纲》关于四级写作的要求是培养学生初步的写作能力。具体体现在四个方面：切题与否，内容表达清楚与否，文字通顺连贯与否，语言错误多与否。由此看来，生动的语言还不是四级作文考察的重点。
3） 追求构思新颖，布局巧妙，语言生动，若没有较强的英语语言驾驭能力，很容易跑题，或者思想表达不清，实在是得不偿失。
因此，四级作文的应试者的注意力应放在切题，以及清楚、准确表达思想上。这种认识，一定先要在观念上确立起来。
2． 了解作文题型特点
从1988年6月实行大学英语统测以来，所有的作文试题形式都是命题作文。其中前四次的作文属带主题句的命题作文。也就是：既有标题，又分别给出三个段落的主题句。而从1990年6月开始，作文命题基本上为带提示句的命题作文，即给出标题，同时对作文的三段正文分别给予内容提示，而不再给出主题句。文体多是议论文，主要向读者阐述观点，表达见解。而且四级作文不必象一般文章那样有起始段、主体部分和结尾段之类的完整结构，只要求依照作文题意及每段提示，写出不少于100字的三段式短文就可以了。
3． 把握5个关键步骤
由于带提示句的命题作文比带主题句的命题作文除了多一步拟主题句之外，其他步骤均相同，这里我们以带提示句的命题作文为例来进行分析。
1） 认真审题，明确三方面问题
文章切题，是写好文章最重要的前提。如果文章跑题，即使内容丰富，语言生动流畅，得分也不会高。因此，审好题，审清题在很大程度上关系到整篇文章的成败，绝不可以掉以轻心。
审题，不仅要分析题目，还要结合给出的提示句，首先要明确文章要写的内容，即文章要围绕什么主题来写，这是保证整篇文章切题的关键；其次，确定文章所需的主语人称，人称混乱是中国学生常犯的一个毛病，而在审题阶段确定人称是避免文章人称混乱的有效途径；第三，注意文章对动词的时态、语气有无特殊要求。
比如，某年1月四级考试作文标题为＂What would happen if there were no power＂。如果只看标题，就无法确定文章的主题内容。因为＂power＂一词含义广泛，有权利、政权、电力、能力、体力、精力等许多意思。这里＂power＂究竟是什么意思呢？这就要结合提示句来看了。文章各段的提示句分别为：
1. Ever since early this century, electricity has become an essential part of our modern life;
2. If there were no electric power---
3. Therefore--
结合提示句，首先可以确定文章的主题内容是写如果没有电，会发生什么事情，会对人们和社会产生什么影响。其次，文章的主语人称，可以选we，也可以选people，但二者必须确定其一，不宜混用。第三，要注意文章第二段需用虚拟语气，这是一个特殊之处，绝不可忽略。假如应试者把这种假设写成真实情况，即没有用虚拟语气，文章写得再好也不会得高分。又比如，某年1月考题：
Title: Don't Hesitate to Say No
Outline:
1． 在有人要求帮忙时，什么时候应该说不？
2． 为什么有人在该说不的时候却不说不？
3． 该说不却没说不的坏处。
看到题目时，我们就会想到why and when之类的问题，那也就是文中想要论述的问题。这样就能对全文的构思做到心中有数。
再比如，标题是＂Make the Most of School Days＂，各段提示分别为：
1． 为什么上学；
2． 在校时应与老师接触；
3． 在校时只钻书本或置学习于不顾都不好，
综合标题和提示我们可确定：首先，文章主题内容是关于要充分利用学校的大好时光。其次，文章主语可选we，也可选students，但二者不可混用。第三，文章宜用现在时完成。
2） 扩展提示句,草拟提纲。
草拟提纲时，要紧紧围绕提示句，尤其是提示句的关键词，尽量多地扩展提示句所提供的信息，从而基本构筑出文章的框架。在扩展提示句时，为了避免段落内容跑题，要从提示句中的关键词出发，围绕关键词开拓思路，发挥联想，记录下所联想到的东西：可以是句子，也可以是词组；可以是英语，也可以是汉语。总之，这个阶段要思维敏捷,动作迅速。我们仍以＂Make the Most of School Days＂为例。
第一段提示句为“为什么要上学”，围绕上学的目的，可扩展出learn knowledge，学习如何与他人相处，完善自我,成为对社会有用的人等。
第二段，可以扩展出为什么要与老师多接触(老师博学，多识经验丰富)，多与老师接触的益处(学到更多方面知识，有利于自己成长的知识和技能)。
第三段，提示句为"在校时只钻书本，或置学习于不顾不好"，围绕不走两个极端，可自然而然地想到为什么走两个极端都不好。(若光有书本知识，而缺少处理人际关系的技能以及其它方面的知识和经验，会使书本知识难以充分发挥；若缺少必要的书本知识，也难以胜任很多对知识要求较高的工作。)这样一个三段式的作文提纲就构筑起来了。构思时要带着题目去判断各段意是否能作为该段的主题句，如果可能的话，还要尽量找出其中的关键字眼。
我们再来看一个例题：
Title: Fake Commodity
Outline:
1． 假冒伪劣产品在当今社会为什么如此盛行？
2． 假冒伪劣产品对社会和个人有哪些损害。
3． 你的观点。（四级中没有列出这一段意）
本文中，第一段中的关键字是“为什么、盛行”，第二段中的关键字是“社会、个人、损害”。在看段意构思的过程中可以在这些词下划线以示注意。在列提纲时一定要在题目的指导下把握文章的重心，同时也要考虑段与段之间的过渡。在列提纲之前可以针对段意中的关键词提＂WH＂问题。不过，有时段意本身就是问句，可直接回答。
本文可能的提纲：
1． cheap comparably, price gap; don't like filing claims; market systems
2． fake appliance, cause fire, lose money; fake medicine
3． realize the worst result, resist 下载本文
