刚准备睡觉的时候，突发奇想，给2009年Text 1的作者写封信吧，这篇文章很难，当年很多考生就倒在这篇文章上。这篇文章中最后一段that和it的指代在高手看来很简单，却引起了同行的很大争议。虽然08年那篇奴隶制的文章作者把中国人根据自己文章出的题目给做错了，但是这篇文章的作者不会把自己写的东西中的指代搞错吧？匆匆给作者写了封信，以期彻底平息争议，结果半小时不到，作者回信了！大家可以把以下的两封英文书信学习下，说不定对小作文有用哦。
Dear Ding,
"That" and "it" refer to the idea that we can all be good at everything, which research has shown is not correct. In fact, we all have particular talents in thinking and understanding and developing those creates excellence, rather than mediocrity.
Is that clearer?
MJ
On Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 2:34 AM, xiaozhong ding <********> wrote:
Dear Ms. Ryan,
I am a teacher of English in China's mainland. I was drawn to one of your articles published in nytimes.com. Two proun references in your essay have puzzled some Chinese scholars.
May I ask you for your help? What do "that" and "it" in ③ refer to?
The current emphasis on standardized testing highlights analysis and procedure, meaning that few of us inherently use our innovative and collaborative modes of thought. ②“This breaks the major rule in the American belief system — that anyone can do anything,” explains M. J. Ryan, author of the 2006 book “This Year I Will...” and Ms. Markova’s business partner. ③“That’s a lie that we have perpetuated, and it fosters commonness. ④Knowing what you’re good at and doing even more of it creates excellence.” ⑤This is where developing new habits comes in.
Personally, I believe "that" and "it" refer to "the major rule in the American belief system — that anyone can do anything", which is crystal clear. But the above-mentioned academics think otherwise, contending that "that" and "it" refer to "The current emphasis on standardized testing".
I'd like to hear about your opinion.
Many thanks!
Best Regards,
Frank Ding
Dear Ding,
"That" and "it" refer to the idea that we can all be good at everything, which research has shown is not correct. In fact, we all have particular talents in thinking and understanding and developing those creates excellence, rather than mediocrity.
Is that clearer?
MJ
On Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 2:34 AM, xiaozhong ding <********> wrote:
Dear Ms. Ryan,
I am a teacher of English in China's mainland. I was drawn to one of your articles published in nytimes.com. Two proun references in your essay have puzzled some Chinese scholars.
May I ask you for your help? What do "that" and "it" in ③ refer to?
The current emphasis on standardized testing highlights analysis and procedure, meaning that few of us inherently use our innovative and collaborative modes of thought. ②“This breaks the major rule in the American belief system — that anyone can do anything,” explains M. J. Ryan, author of the 2006 book “This Year I Will...” and Ms. Markova’s business partner. ③“That’s a lie that we have perpetuated, and it fosters commonness. ④Knowing what you’re good at and doing even more of it creates excellence.” ⑤This is where developing new habits comes in.
Personally, I believe "that" and "it" refer to "the major rule in the American belief system — that anyone can do anything", which is crystal clear. But the above-mentioned academics think otherwise, contending that "that" and "it" refer to "The current emphasis on standardized testing".
I'd like to hear about your opinion.
Many thanks!
Best Regards,
Frank Ding