在雅思写作中,序数词(如first, second, third等)是逻辑衔接和段落组织的重要工具,恰当使用序数词可以让文章结构更清晰,同时帮助考官快速理解论述层次,许多考生在使用序数词时容易陷入机械堆砌或表达单一的问题,本文将系统分析序数词的正确使用方法,并提供实用技巧,帮助考生在雅思写作中更自然地展现逻辑思维。
序数词的核心功能
序数词在雅思写作中主要承担三大功能:
(1)明确论述顺序
当需要分点说明观点时,序数词能直观展示论述的先后次序。
First, governments should invest in renewable energy. Second, stricter regulations on carbon emissions are necessary. Finally, public awareness campaigns can encourage sustainable habits.
(2)增强段落连贯性
在主体段中,序数词能衔接不同层次的论点,对比以下两种表达:
✖ 不加序数词:
Reducing plastic use requires multiple approaches. Businesses must adopt eco-friendly packaging. Consumers should choose reusable products. Recycling facilities need improvement.
✔ 使用序数词:
Reducing plastic use requires a threefold approach. Firstly, businesses must adopt eco-friendly packaging. Secondly, consumers should choose reusable products. Lastly, recycling facilities need significant upgrades.
(3)突出论点重要性
通过序数词强调主次关系,
The most critical measure is policy reform, followed by technological innovation and individual action.
高分表达替换方案
机械重复"firstly, secondly, finally"会降低语言多样性,以下为6种进阶表达方式:
基础表达 | 高分替代方案 |
---|---|
First | Primarily / The foremost step is |
Second | Additionally / Equally crucial is |
Finally | Ultimately / A final consideration |
实际应用示例:
To begin with, education empowers individuals economically. Moreover, it fosters social cohesion. Beyond these points, lifelong learning enhances mental resilience.
常见错误与修正
错误1:序数词与逻辑不符
✖ First, fossil fuels cause pollution. Second, solar energy is clean. (两者无递进关系)
✔ On one hand, fossil fuels cause pollution. On the other hand, solar energy provides a clean alternative.
错误2:过度使用显性连接词
✖ Firstly...Secondly...Thirdly...In conclusion... (机械刻板)
✔ 通过隐性衔接:
Addressing climate change requires multidimensional solutions. Policy interventions form the foundation... Simultaneously, technological advances... Complementing these efforts, individual actions...
错误3:序数词层级混乱
✖ The main reason is... Secondly... (层级不一致)
✔ The primary reason is... A secondary factor...
学术写作中的特殊用法
在Task 1图表题中,序数词能精准描述数据变化:
Initially, exports remained stable at 2 million tons. Subsequently, there was a threefold increase, peaking at 6 million tons in 2010.
在议论文中,可结合比较级:
A more significant consequence is urban sprawl, whereas a less apparent effect is cultural homogenization.
文化差异注意事项
英文学术写作通常避免用"firstly"开启段落首句,更倾向使用:
The primary consideration... / Central to this issue...
中式英语常出现的"at first"(表时间先后)不适合作逻辑连接词,应改用:
Initially... / In the preliminary stage...
个人观点
真正优秀的雅思作文不在于序数词的数量,而在于逻辑的自然流动,建议考生先建立完整的思维导图,再选择最适合的连接方式,有时一个精心设计的并列结构(not only...but also...)或对比句式(while...)比生硬的"first/second"更能体现语言驾驭能力,平时可精读剑桥雅思范文,观察考官如何不着痕迹地组织论点,这种隐性衔接才是7分以上作文的关键特征。