4段式？还是5段式？
（1）一个关键的判断过程
要理顺议论文结构，我们需要先对雅思议论文的出题方式进行归类。IELTS大作文按照出题类型可以分成两类：
Report
Argument
Report（分析解释类）是题目里不给出任何观点，只是给出一种现象，要求你分析这种现象的causes原因、solutions解决方案、problems所带来的问题、factors影响因素、measures应对的措施、effects(或influence/impact)影响等。
Argument（辩论类）就是要求考生辩论观点或者比较利弊的考题。
在最近5年的亚太区考试里，平均每年Report题型只占全年考题的15%~25%。所以如果备考时间确实很紧张，从概率的角度就应该先重点掌握Argument。对于Report作文，熟悉作文结构并且认真研读2~3篇范文就好了。
判断练习 请迅速判断下面各真题的类型：
① Some people believe that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.（剑14 test 2）
② In many countries, the amount of crime is increasing. What do you think are the main causes of crime? How can we deal with those causes?（剑10 test A）
③ At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?（剑12 test 6）
④ Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?（剑14 test 3）
⑤ In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem? (剑13 test 4)
⑥ Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.（剑14 test 1）
⑦ People today can perform many everyday tasks, such as shopping or banking, without meeting others face to face. What effects will this trend have on individuals and society as a whole?
⑧ Today, multinational companies and their products are becoming increasingly important. Some people think that this trend is damaging our quality of life. Do you agree or disagree?
(正确答案：2、5、7题为Report，其他的都是Argument)
其中，Argument（俗称“阿狗”）又分为四种提问方式。
Figure 1. Frequency distribution
Argument的4种提问方式
从确定结构的角度来说，在拿到一道议论文题目之后我们首先必须做的就是判断它属于Argument还是属于Report。如果是Argument，那么就必须看清它到底属于上面的哪一类Argument。如果是Report，那么就必须看清它到底是要你分析causes, solutions, measures, problems还是effects/influence。
这个判断过程可以确保你的作文结构不会出现大的方向性偏差，绝不是浪费时间。
（2）四段式vs五段式：区别在哪儿？
四段式和五段式的区别并不只是在于主体段的数量（两个主体段还是3个主体段），主体段的具体写法也有不同。请看下面的主体段实例：
一个典型的 4段式结构里的第1个主体段：
Globalisation has cultural and economic benefits.The main benefit is that information and knowledge can be shared among people around the world. For example, many of the world's top universities, including Oxford University and University College London, offer open courses that can be attended online. These courses provide free access to valuable educational materials for students in other countries.Also, the increase in international trade has made products cheaper. They can be imported from countries where the production costs are lower. As a result, consumers have a wide variety of（多种多样的）shopping choices available to them at lower prices.Another benefit of globalisation is that many foreign companies invest in developing countries. These companies build factories, contribute to the local economy and create jobs for the local people.
再来看同一话题的 5段式结构里的第1个主体段和第2个主体段：
The main benefit of globalisation is that information and knowledge can be shared among people around the world. This can help people to gain a better understanding of other cultures and become more open-minded. For example, TED talks, which are available on the Internet free of charge, provide viewers with opportunities to learn from experts in other countries. The sharing of information and ideas can help to build understanding and reduce isolation.
Also, the increase in international trade has made products cheaper. Many trade barriers have been removed to encourage free trade. This means that products, such as clothing, toys and electronics, can be imported at lower costs. As a result, consumers in both developing and developed countries have a wide variety of shopping choices available to them at lower prices.
我们再看一个典型的四段式结构里面的第2个主体段：
On the other hand, physical classrooms（实体的教室，传统意义上的教室）also have advantages.Classroom-based education can help students to develop good learning habits. For example, students who learn in classrooms are required to pay attention in class and complete their assignments on time.Another advantage of classroom-based education is that students are more likely to take part in group discussions. By contrast, distance education reduces face-to-face interaction among students.
对比来看一个典型的五段式结构里面的第3个主体段：
On the other hand, it is true that natural talent separates those good players from children who are trained to play a sport. In other words, there is more to the skill that really talented young sports players have than a learned technique. This natural talent cannot be taught or trained, no matter how good the coach is or how frequently a child practices.
区别在哪？
通过对这两种结构的比较，我们可以清晰地看出：
4段式的每一个主体段里都含有两个分论点或者三个分论点（也就是理由，“ideas”）。4段式结构更适合你对话题能够想出比较多的分论点、但是你对于每个分论点能想出的支持句（supporting sentences）比较少的情况。
5段式的每个主体段只“聚焦”在一个分论点（即一个理由）上面。5段式结构更适合你对题目能够想到的分论点（即“ideas”）比较少，但是你能够对自己想到的每一个分论点写出比较多的支持句（supporting sentences）的情况。
可见，4段式和5段式之间其实并没有绝对不可逾越的鸿沟。如果感觉对于4段式里自己更倾向一方的理由（ideas）“很有感觉”，也可以从那一方里挑出两条理由，把这两条理由分别放到前两个主体段里进行更深入的论述，那么一个4段式结构也就自然地“变形”成了一个5段式结构
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您还可以在本书Day 8和《作业本》Day 8里看到更多四段式结构和五段式结构的主体段实例。
（在今天的作业里，我们会先掌握英文写作对于开头和结尾的要求。请您记得及时完成《作业本》Day 4里对应的练习）