考研英語閱讀情感態(tài)度題勝經(jīng)

1、考研英語閱讀情感態(tài)度題勝經(jīng)情感態(tài)度題概述：情感態(tài)度題分為兩種，即全文情感態(tài)度題和局部情感態(tài)度題。全文情感態(tài)度題，是指作者對于全文論點談?wù)搶ο蟮那楦袘B(tài)度；局部情感態(tài)度題，是指作者對于文章的非論點談?wù)搶ο蟮那楦袘B(tài)度或者是指除作者以外的其他人對于論點談?wù)搶ο蠡蚍钦擖c談?wù)搶ο蟮那楦袘B(tài)度。 例如，假設(shè)一篇文章的論點是豬是所有動物中游泳最快的動物，并且為了證明這個論點，文章中的論據(jù)部分講到了Smith先生說，“狗這個動物游泳也很快”。那么題目問我們作者對于豬是什么情感態(tài)度的題目就是全文情感態(tài)度題，因為它是作者對于全文論點談?wù)搶ο蟮那楦袘B(tài)度；而如果問的是作者對于狗的情感態(tài)度或Smith對于狗或豬的情感態(tài)度的

2、什么的題目就是局部情感態(tài)度題，因為它們是作者對于文章的非論點談?wù)搶ο蟮那楦袘B(tài)度或者是指除作者以外的其他人對于論點談?wù)搶ο蠡蚍钦擖c談?wù)搶ο蟮那楦袘B(tài)度?？佳械奈恼氯渴莵碓从谟⒚绹覈鴥?nèi)雜志上發(fā)表過的議論文，那么根據(jù)議論的特點議論的論點必須鮮明。如果一個論點不鮮明的文章投稿的話，報社自然是不會采用的，因為那是一篇很糟糕的議論文。而如果這個議論文談?wù)摰脑掝}是男女平等的問題的話，那么作者的情感態(tài)度必然是支持男女平等的。在美國國內(nèi)是不會有人寫支持男女不平等的文章的，更沒有哪個報社敢刊登這樣的“大逆不道”的文章的。所以因為我們考察的文章是議論文，這樣就在某種程度上決定了我們在做情感態(tài)度題目的時候必須按照議

3、論文的特征來解答。議論文的特征也正是情感態(tài)度題的命題的邏輯的缺陷，成為我們解題的關(guān)鍵。下面詳細的講解情感態(tài)度題的解題方法：全文情感態(tài)度題(一)情感態(tài)度題選項核心詞匯(1)必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞：indifferent,漠不關(guān)心的意思，這個詞永遠不能成為正確答案，因為如果作者對于論點談?wù)摰脑掝}不關(guān)心的話怎么可能去寫一篇450字左右的文章呢？既然寫了就一定是關(guān)心的；相近詞匯有：disinterested, impassive;suspicion,懷疑的意思，它的形容詞是suspicious，議論文的論點必須是鮮明的，作者已經(jīng)把文章寫完了又怎么可能會依舊懷疑自己的論點呢？如果懷疑又怎么有自信把

4、自己的文章郵寄到報社發(fā)表呢？報社又怎么可能發(fā)表呢？既然報社不可能發(fā)表那我們的命題者又是怎么找到文章的呢？所以這個詞永遠不會成為正確答案的；相近詞匯有：questioned,questionable, puzzled, puzzling, gloomy; neutral,中立的意思，議論文的論點必須有傾向性，必須鮮明，因此不選。(2)必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞sensitive,敏感的意思，這個詞匯是萬能選項，因為任何議論文作者必然是對論點談?wù)摰膶ο笫敲舾械?，否則就不會寫這樣的議論文了。因此這個選項是適合任何議論文的作者的全文情感態(tài)度的，只有在確定排除其他選項的情況下，才可以成為正確答

5、案，一般是直接排除。因為萬能選項不能考察考生的閱讀理解文章的能力，如果可以成為正確答案的話，大家看見就選那這個題目出的還有什么意思？沒有任何難度。它的相近詞匯有：concerned;biased,有偏見的意思，如果這個詞是正確答案的話，也就是說命題者任何作者的觀點是有偏見，即命題者是完全否認作者的這個文章的，而如果命題者已經(jīng)完全否定了這個文章又怎么可能再把在他眼睛里的“垃圾”拿來考你呢？因此不選。相近詞匯有：prejudice;scared,害怕的意思，如果作者對于他自己談?wù)摰脑掝}很害怕他怎么會郵寄到報社去發(fā)表呢？不郵寄到報社，報社又怎么發(fā)表呢？因此也不可能成為正確的答案的。相近詞匯有：afr

6、aid, fear;(3)可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞objective,客觀的意思，有人要問具有褒義色彩的中性詞和中性詞有什么區(qū)別？它們的區(qū)別就是中性詞沒有任何的傾向性，而具有褒義色彩的中性詞本身雖然是中性詞，但是它們確實有褒義傾向的。因此可以成為正確的答案。impartial,公正的、沒有偏袒的意思，解釋同上。surprised,驚訝的意思，相近詞匯有：amazed;(4)可以成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞critical,批評的意思，作者在寫議論文的時候完全批評一個事物；approve，同意的意思，它的反意詞是：disapprove;positive，積極的意思，它的反意詞是：

7、passive=negative；optimistic，樂觀的意思，它的反意詞是：pessimistic；在考試中是不是說只有以上歸納的詞匯成為全文情感態(tài)度題的選項呢？答案當(dāng)然是否定的?？荚囍胁豢赡苤挥幸陨系脑~匯成為選項的。以上的選項只是從歷年真題中提煉出來的歸納和總結(jié)，具有代表意義。希望大家在以后的解題過程中把每個不在以上范圍內(nèi)的詞匯根據(jù)以上的解析歸納到以上的范圍內(nèi)，這樣有助于我們解題。(二)情感態(tài)度題解題步驟(1)看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞；(2)看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；(3)看選項，排除選項中的相近選項；例如一個題目中的選項如下：A

8、.identical(一致的); B. similar(相似的); C.complementary(相互補充的); D.opposite(相反的);因此這個題目選擇D；(4)看選項，保留選項中可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞和可以成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；(5)看題干，判斷情感態(tài)度指向的對象；(6)判斷該對象的性質(zhì)；如果該對象與倫理道德觀念相吻合，那么應(yīng)該選擇含有可以成為正確答案的褒義詞的選項；比如尊師重道；如果該對象與倫理道德觀念不相吻合，那么應(yīng)該選擇含有可以成為正確答案的貶義詞的選項；比如作奸犯科；如果該對象與倫理道德觀念沒有關(guān)系，那么應(yīng)該選擇可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性

9、詞；比如經(jīng)濟的增長或衰弱；如果該對象與倫理道德的的關(guān)系還沒有形成定論，那么應(yīng)該選擇可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞；比如安樂死，我們的道德觀念不認為一個人支持安樂死就說他是邪惡的，也不會認為一個人反對安樂死就說他是殘忍的，我們的道德觀念而是允許發(fā)表任何言論。注1：如果判斷一個題目應(yīng)該選擇褒義詞，但是選項中沒有褒義詞的時候應(yīng)該選擇具有褒義色彩的中性詞；反之亦然；注2：可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞成為正確答案的機率最大，其次是可以成為正確答案的褒義詞，最后是可以成為正確答案的貶義詞。(三)情感態(tài)度題真題演示 例1. The authors attitude towards euth

10、anasia seems to be that of .(1997)(A) opposition (B) suspicion (C) approval (D)indifference【解析】我們在做全文情感態(tài)度題時要嚴格的按照以上的解題方法和步驟去解題，不能跳躍，換而言之，我們必須能夠合上筆記本說出上面的所有內(nèi)容才能確保我們在做這樣的題目時萬無一失。第一步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞；據(jù)此排除了B和D；第二步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；沒有發(fā)現(xiàn)這樣的詞匯；第三步：看選項，排除選項中的相近選項；也沒有相近的選項；第四步：看選項，保留選項中可以

11、成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞和可以成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；因此保留A和C；第五步：看題干，判斷情感態(tài)度指向的對象；即euthanasia(安樂死)。第六步：判斷該對象的性質(zhì)；很顯然安樂死是屬于與倫理道德的關(guān)系還沒有形成定論的，所以應(yīng)該選擇可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞。但是本題中沒有可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞，因此根據(jù)注1應(yīng)該選擇褒義詞，所以這個題目選C。例2. The passage shows that the author is the present situation.(1997)(A) critical of (B) puzzled by (C) d

12、isappointed at (D) amazed at第一步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞；據(jù)此排除了B；第二步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；沒有發(fā)現(xiàn)這樣的詞匯；第三步：看選項，排除選項中的相近選項；應(yīng)該排除A和C，因為A是批評的意思，C是失望的意思；因為批評了怎么可能會不失望呢？失望了又怎么能不批評呢？所以它們是相近選項排除；第四步：看選項，保留選項中可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞和可以成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；因此保留D；第五步：看題干，判斷情感態(tài)度指向的對象；即present situation. 根據(jù)文章知道present

13、 situation是指經(jīng)濟相關(guān)的話題；第六步：判斷該對象的性質(zhì)；很顯然經(jīng)濟相關(guān)的話題是屬于與倫理道德沒有關(guān)系的，所以應(yīng)該選擇可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞。因此所以這個題目選D。例3. The authors attitude toward the issue of “science vs. antiscience” is .(1998)(A) impartial (B) subjective (C) biased (D) puzzling第一步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞；據(jù)此排除了D；第二步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；據(jù)此排除

14、了C；第三步：看選項，排除選項中的相近選項；本題沒有相近選項；第四步：看選項，保留選項中可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞和可以成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；因此保留A和B；第五步：看題干，判斷情感態(tài)度指向的對象；即“science vs. antiscience”，是指科學(xué)與反科學(xué)做斗爭的話題；第六步：判斷該對象的性質(zhì)；很顯然該對象與倫理道德觀念相吻合，那么應(yīng)該選擇含有可以成為正確答案的褒義詞的選項；但是根選項中沒有褒義詞，根據(jù)注1這個題目應(yīng)該選A；例4. The authors attitude towards the issue seems to be .(1999)(A) bias

15、ed (B) indifferent (C) puzzling (D)objective第一步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞；據(jù)此排除了B和C；第二步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；據(jù)此排除了A；第三步：看選項，排除選項中的相近選項；本題沒有相近選項；第四步：看選項，保留選項中可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞和可以成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；因此保留D；第五步：看題干，判斷情感態(tài)度指向的對象；即issue，根據(jù)文章知道是指法庭對于消費者受到商品傷害后的處理案件的態(tài)度的發(fā)展史的話題；第六步：判斷該對象的性質(zhì)；很顯然該對象與倫理道德的的關(guān)系還

16、沒有形成定論，那么應(yīng)該選擇可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞，所以選擇D；例5. Toward the new business wave, the writers attitude can be said to be .(2001)(A) optimistic (B) objective (C) pessimistic (D)biased第一步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞；本題中沒有該選項；第二步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；因此排除D；第三步：看選項，排除選項中的相近選項；本題中沒有這樣的選項；第四步：看選項，保留選項中可以成為正確答

17、案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞和可以成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；因此保留A、B和C；第五步：看題干，判斷情感態(tài)度指向的對象；即new business wave根據(jù)文章知道new business wave是指經(jīng)濟相關(guān)的話題；第六步：判斷該對象的性質(zhì)；很顯然經(jīng)濟相關(guān)的話題是屬于與倫理道德沒有關(guān)系的，所以應(yīng)該選擇可以成為正確答案的具有褒義色彩的中性詞。因此所以這個題目選B。例6. From the text we can see that the writer seems .(2002)(A) optimistic (B) sensitive. (C) gloomy (D) scared.第一步：看

18、選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的中性詞；本題中沒有該選項；第二步：看選項，排除選項中的必然不會成為正確答案的褒義詞和貶義詞；因此排除B、C和D；所以這個題目應(yīng)該選擇A本章總結(jié)：以上的例題把從1994年到2005年的有關(guān)全文情感態(tài)度題全部列舉了出來，如果一種解題的方法可以使用每一年的真題，那么我們有什么理由不相信它依舊使用2006呢？在大家做各個輔導(dǎo)老師出的模擬題的時候必然會發(fā)現(xiàn)我們這里講的方法是不能通用在模擬題中的，這個不是說我們的方法不靈了，而是那個出模擬題的人沒有對真題有深入的研究，是模擬題出的質(zhì)量有問題，因此大家應(yīng)該批判的去做模擬題。局部情感態(tài)度題在我國的考研英語閱讀理解試卷中局

19、部情感態(tài)度題極為罕見。在2003年和2004年連續(xù)兩年各考了2題，但是此前并沒有這樣的題型，而且在2005的試卷中也沒有考到。這個不能說明這樣的題型不重要，相反只能說明局部情感態(tài)度題是非常重要的，而且根據(jù)往年的得分統(tǒng)計來看，該題型得分非常低。究其原因是什么？我們先來研究這個四個題目，最后再回答這個問題。一、局部情感態(tài)度題與全文情感態(tài)度題的區(qū)別兩者其實雖然都是情感態(tài)度題，但是在本質(zhì)上他們沒有什么共同之處，在全文情感態(tài)度題里所有不可能成為正確答案的選項在這里都可以成為正確答案。而且他們的解題方法沒有任何共同之處。他們唯一的共同點就是都是情感態(tài)度題。二、局部情感態(tài)度題的解題步驟(一)根據(jù)局部對象或者

20、局部對象的主體找出本題的出題句；(二)在出題句(或稱得分句)中尋找含有感情色彩的詞語或句子；(三)比較該感情色彩的詞語或句子和四個選項，選擇一個意思和該詞語最為接近的選項；三、局部情感態(tài)度題歷年真題解析例1、In recent years, railroads have been combiningwith each other, merging into supersystems, causing heightened concerns about monopoly. As recently as 1995, the top four railroads accounted for unde

21、r 70 percent of the total ton-miles moved by rails. Nextyear, after a series of mergers is completed, justfour railroads will control well over 90 percent ofall the freight moved by major rail carriers.Supporters of the new super systems argue that these mergers will allow for substantial cost reduc

22、tions and better coordinated service. Any threat of monopoly,they argue, is removed by fierce competition from trucks. But many shippers complain that for heavy bulk commodities traveling long distances, such as coal, chemicals, and grain, trucking is too costly and the railroads therefore have them

23、 by the throat.The vast consolidation within the rail industry means that most shippers are served by only one rail company. Railroads typically charge such “captive”shippers 20 to 30 percent more than they do when another railroad is competing for the business.Shippers who feel they are being overc

24、harged have the right to appeal to the federal governments Surface Transportation Board for rate relief, but the process is expensive, time consuming, and will work only in truly extreme cases.Railroads justify rate discrimination against captive shippers on the grounds that in the long run it reduc

25、es everyones cost. If railroads charged all customers the same average rate, they argue, shippers who have the option of switching to trucks or other forms of transportation would do so, leaving remaining customers to shoulder the cost of keeping up the line. Its theory to which many economists subs

26、cribe, but in practice it often leaves railroads in the position of determining which companies will flourish and which will fail. “Do we really want railroads to be the arbiters of who wins and who loses in the marketplace?”asks Martin Bercovici, a Washington lawyer who frequently represents shippe

27、r.Many captive shippers also worry they will soon be hit with a round of huge rate increases. The railroad industry as a whole, despite its brightening fortunes. still does not earn enough to cover the cost of the capital it must invest to keep up with its surging traffic. Yet railroads continue to

28、borrow billions to acquire one another, with Wall Street cheering them on. Consider the $10. 2 billion bid by Norfolk Southern and CSX to acquire Conrail this year.Conrails net railway operating income in 1996 was just $427 million, less than half of the carrying costs of the transaction. Whos going

29、 to pay for the rest of the bill? Many captive shippers fear that they will, as Norfolk Southern and CSX increase their grip on the market. 52.What is many captive shippers attitude towards the consolidation in the rail industry?(2003)(A)Indifferent. (B) Supportive. (C) Indignant. (D) Apprehensive.【

30、解析】：第一步：根據(jù)局部對象或者局部對象的主體找出本題的出題句；根據(jù)該題的題干，我們可以依據(jù)many captive shippers找到本題目的出題句(得分句)為最后一段的第一句話。第二步：在出題句(或稱得分句)中尋找含有感情色彩的詞語或句子；在最后一段的第一句中我們找到了worry這個單詞；第三步：比較該感情色彩的詞語或句子和四個選項，選擇一個意思和該詞語最為接近的選項；發(fā)現(xiàn)D不僅有理解的意思，還有憂慮的意思，因此本題選D；例2、It is said that in England death is pressing, in Canada inevitable and in Califor

31、nia optional. Small wonder. Americans life expectancy has nearly doubled over the past century. Failing hips can be replaced, clinical depression controlled, cataracts removed in a 30-minuts surgical procedure. Such advances offer the aging population a quality of life that was unimaginable when I e

32、ntered medicine 50 years ago. But not even a great health-care system can cure death-and our failure to confront that reality now threatens this greatness of ours. Death is normal; we are genetically programmed to disintegrate and perish, even under ideal conditions. We all understand that at some l

33、evel, yet as medical consumers we treat death as a problem to be solved. Shielded by third-party payers from the cost of our care, we demand everything that can possibly be done for us, even if its useless. The most obvious example is late-stage cancer care. Physicians-frustrated by their inability

34、to cure the disease and fearing loss of hope in the patient-too often offer aggressive treatment far beyond what is scientifically justified. In 1950, the U. S. spent $12. 7 billion on health care. In 2002, the cost will be $1540 billion. Anyone can see this trend is unsustainable. Yet few seem will

35、ing to try to reverse it. Some scholars conclude that a government with finite resources should simplystop paying for medical care that sustains life beyond a certain agesay 83 or so. Former Colorado governor Richard Lamm has been quoted as saying that the old and infirm “have a duty to die and get

36、out of the way”, so that younger, healthier people can realize their potential.I would not go that far. Energetic people now routinely work through their 60s and beyond, and remain dazzlingly productive. At 78, Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone jokingly claims to be 53. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Da

37、y OConnor is in her 70s, and former surgeon general C. Everett Koop chairs an Internet start-up in his 80s. These leaders are living proof that prevention works and that we can manage the health problems that come naturally with age. As a mere 68-year-old, I wish to age as productively as they have.

38、Yet there are limits to what a society can spend in this pursuit. Ask a physician, I know the most costly and dramatic measures may be ineffective and painful. I also know that people in Japan and Sweden, countries that spend far less on medical care, have achieved longer, healthier lives than we ha

39、ve. As a nation, we may be overfunding the quest for unlikely cures while underfunding research on humbler therapies that could improve peoples lives. 58.The authors attitude toward Richard Lamms remark is one of .(2003)(A) strong disapproval (B) reserved consent (C) slight contempt (D) enthusiastic

40、 support【解析】：第一步：根據(jù)局部對象或者局部對象的主體找出本題的出題句；根據(jù)該題的題干，我們可以依據(jù)Richard Lamms remark找到本題目的出題句(得分句)為第三段的最后一句話，但是這句話里并沒有作者的情感態(tài)度，只有Richard Lamm的看法，因此本句不是出題句(得分句)，但是可以肯定的是出題句就是該句附近。我們發(fā)現(xiàn)在第四段第一句話說I would not go that far.這里的I就是指作者，that是指Richard Lamm的看法，所以本句才是真正的出題句；第二步：在出題句(或稱得分句)中尋找含有感情色彩的詞語或句子；這個句子中沒有一個單詞是有感情色彩的，

41、但是作為一個整體又是有感情色彩的，意思是作者不會和Richard Lamm走一樣遠的。不會走一樣遠并不是說不走，只是說沒有走的那么遠，所以作者對于Richard Lamm的看法是局部的同意和支持的；第三步：比較該感情色彩的詞語或句子和四個選項，選擇一個意思和該詞語最為接近的選項；因此本題應(yīng)該選擇B；例3、When it comes to the slowing economy, Ellen Spero isnt biting her nails just yet. But the 47-year-old manicurist isnt cutting, filling or polishing

42、 as many nails as shed like to, either. Most of her clients spend $12 to $50 weekly, but last month two longtime customers suddenly stopped showing up. Spero blames the softening economy. “Im a good economic indicator,” she says. “I provide a service that people can do without when theyre concerned

43、about saving some dollars.” So Spero is downscaling, shopping at middle-brow Dillards department store near her suburban Cleveland home, instead of Neiman Marcus. “I dont know if other clients are going to abandon me, too” she says.Even before Alan Greenspans admission that Americas red-hot economy

44、is cooling, lots of working folks had already seen signs of the slowdown themselves. From car dealerships to Gap outlets, sales have been lagging for months as shoppers temper their spending. For retailers, who last year took in 24 percent of their revenue between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the cau

45、tious approach is coming at a crucial time. Already, experts say, holiday sales are off 7 percent from last years pace. But dont sound any alarms just yet. Consumers seem only concerned, not panicked, and many say they remain optimistic about the economys long-term prospects, even as they do some mo

46、dest belt-tightening. Consumers say theyre not in despair because, despite the dreadful headlines, their own fortunes still feel pretty good. Home prices are holding steady in most regions. In Manhattan, “theres a new gold rush happening in the $4 million to $10 million range, predominantly fed by W

47、all Street bonuses,” says broker Barbara Corcoran. In San Francisco, prices are still rising even as frenzied overbidding quiets. “Instead of 20 to 30 offers, now maybe you only get two or three,” says john Deadly, a Bay Area real-estate broker. And most folks still feel pretty comfortable about the

48、ir ability to find and keep a job.Many folks see silver linings to this slowdown. Potential home buyers would cheer for lower interest rates. Employers wouldnt mind a little fewer bubbles in the job market. Many consumers seem to have been influenced by stock-market swings, which investors now view

49、as a necessary ingredient to a sustained boom. Diners might see an upside, too. Getting a table at Manhattans hot new Alain Ducasse restaurant need to be impossible. Not anymore. For that, Greenspan & Co. may still be worth toasting.52.How do the public feel about the current economic situation? (20

50、04)(A) Optimistic. (B) Confused. (C) Carefree. (D) Panicked.【解析】：第一步：根據(jù)局部對象或者局部對象的主體找出本題的出題句；我們發(fā)現(xiàn)本題根本就沒有對應(yīng)的出題句。因為文章中沒有the public這個短語。在沒有一樣的詞語的時候我們應(yīng)該尋找一個近意詞來替代。結(jié)果發(fā)現(xiàn)在文章倒數(shù)第二段的第一句話中的Consumers即是指大眾，因此本句為出題句。第二步：在出題句(或稱得分句)中尋找含有感情色彩的詞語或句子；在最后一段的第一句中我們找到了notin despair這個詞組，是沒有絕望的意思；第三步：比較該感情色彩的詞語或句子和四個選項，選擇

51、一個意思和該詞語最為接近的選項；發(fā)現(xiàn)A是樂觀的意思，是四個選項中意思最為接近的選項；例4、Americans today dont place a very high value on intellect. Our heroes are athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs, not scholars. Even our schools are where we send our children to get a practical education not to pursue knowledge for the sake of knowled

52、ge. Symptoms of pervasive anti-intellectualism in our schools arent difficult to find. “Schools have always been in a society where practical is more important than intellectual,” says education writer Diane Ravitch. “Schools could be a counterbalance.” Razitchs latest bock, Left Back: A Century of

53、Failed School Reforms, traces the roots of anti-intellectualism in our schools, concluding they are anything but a counterbalance to the American distaste for intellectual pursuits.But they could and should be. Encouraging kids to reject the life of the mind leaves them vulnerable to exploitation an

54、d control. Without the ability to think critically, to defend their ideas and understand the ideas of others, they cannot fully participate in our democracy. Continuing along this path, says writer Earl Shorris, “We will become a second-rate country. We will have a less civil society.”“Intellect is resented as a form of power or privilege,” writes historian and professor Richard Hofstadter in Anti-Intellectualism in American life, a Pulitzer Prize winning book on