雅思口语题目解析第112期：A skill learned in a math class

　　语言点解析

　　Linear equation with one unknown

　　严格意义上来说，解决语料中所述的生活问题用的应该是一元一次不等式。但是考虑到语料中的用词及句型难度，我们这里把它说成是一元一次方程(确实也可以达到相同的比较效果)。

　　if memory serves me right

　　地道表达：如果我没记错的话(直译：如果记忆在正确地服务我)

　　if memory serves me correctly/well/right都可以使用

　　=if I remember correctly

　　=if I’m not mistaken

　　例句：If memory serves me well, we should turn left here.

　　without doubt

　　地道表达：毫无疑问 (口语中经常用作插入语)

　　例句：That is, without doubt, the best memory for me.

　　a crucial component in the syllabus

　　课程大纲中的重要组成部分

　　name the unknown or the variable as X

　　设置未知数或变量为X

　　简单版本替换：name the unknown as X

　　With certain subtractions or divisions and such

　　通过特定的减法、除法之类的...

　　简单版本替换：With certain calculation 通过特定的计算

　　Bob’s your uncle !

　　英国俚语：易如反掌!/大功告成!/这就行了!

　　massive help

　　巨大的帮助

　　很多烤鸭会选择说...which is very helpful...。这语法上没有任何错误，但是口语考试中大多数考生都会这个表达，在适当的时候同义替换成...which could be a massive help...可能成为加分亮点。

　　Part3

　　Can computers help us in math areas?

　　电脑在数学领域对我们有帮助是显而易见的，但是不建议烤鸭们用“这还用问?”的用语或语气，比如“That's obvious.”。应保持谦逊的态度，首先作肯定回答，然后铺垫生活当中有很多地方都见得到电脑帮助解决数学问题的情况，最后举两到三个例子完成答案。

　　Well, I would say so. Although I’m not an expert in mathematics, I’ve seen so many cases in which math problems are better solved by computers. For instance, when people need to process a large amount of statistics, like when average is needed for a group of numbers, Excel can work that out under a second. Also, if we’re dealing with complex equations or functions, certain software could generate the graph for us.

　　What is the first subject learned by children in China?

　　这题的答案看似也很明显，一般都会说语文课，但是单说语文课又不太容易展开到满足part 3需要的内容量。所以给大家介绍一个比较好用的扩充语料规则：从普遍到特殊。用语也不难掌握：开头Normally,...... 延伸Sometimes,......。如果还能想到非常特殊的，我们还可以在最后加上In some extreme cases,......。

　　Normally, children in China, like in most of foreign countries, would receive language training when they enter the education system. I mean, kids of that age would generally have limited language ability. I remember when I was about to attend the primary school, I couldn’t even write down my name properly. Sometimes, pupils would be welcomed by a series of behaviour modification sessions, which would later help them fit in better.

　　What methods can be applied to make math class more interesting?

　　这题有一个必须注意的点，问题中提到“methods”使用的复数形式，所以考生只答一个方法是会在答题内容量方面被扣分的。同样的规则适用于其它part 1及part 3中任意一个问题中带复数的答案，如“What reasons...”。其实这样的题反过来说还更好回答一些，因为思路非常明确，就是罗列两到三个所问的方法、原因等。下列答案中罗列了两个方法，第一个方法用说原因的方式扩展，第二个方法用举例子的方式扩展。

　　First of all, I think it would be really intriguing for the students if the math class is closely related to their daily lives. I mean, if they are aware that the skills they’re about to learn could be used after school, they would probably pay more attention. Also, appropriate realia could definitely catch pupils’ eyes. For example, I remember when we started to learn the basic trigonometry, our math teacher brought some Chinese tangram, with which we had a lot of fun whilst actually having learned a lot at the same time.

　　How do you use math in your daily life?

　　该题关于考生本人，偏向part 1问题类型，所以没有太多限制，可以按照自己的实际经历作答。

　　Well, it’s truly in every aspect of my life. I’m a person who likes to manage money accurately, so I always keep records of my expenses. Sometimes if I’m a bit strapped for cash, I would work out an average daily cost and stick to the budget. Or just like I mentioned earlier, whenever I get different offers or packages, I always do the calculation and figure out the best option for me.

　　Do you think everyone needs to learn math?

　　该题如继续举前面的例子显得重复，虽然这些问题考官不一定在同一场考试中全部都问到。以防万一，我们采取举反例的策略来规避这个风险。

　　Absolutely, I think that’s why math is always the top priority in public educations, along with the language. I mean, it’s just essential in life, literally for everyone. People may think a painter would get by without math, well, geometry is in their bones! Or a linguist, who doesn’t seem to need math when studying languages, but what if he needs to deal with statistics in related area, let alone all the basic math skills everyone needs to survive in the society.