的五道题中，除了第三题涉及指代外，其他题都可以根据本文的主题与态度确定正确答案。而且，对第三题之外的其他四道题的正确答案进行比较，会发现它们的意思差不多——都是说经济形势不太坏：

1．（D）未绝望 2．（A）乐观 4．（A）许多人会在某些方面获益 5．（C）谨慎点就行了，不必恐慌

其中第一、第二与第五的答案就是本文主题的不同说法，不过第一题是以例子引出主题，第二与第五题是概述主题。第四题针对末段，答案对应的是段落主题。

下面以2007年的第三篇阅读为例进一步说明从宏观上驾驭主题态度如何能提高做题的正确率。

During the past generation, the American middle-class family that once could count on hard work and fair play to keep itself financially secure has been transformed by economic risk and new realities. Now a pink slip, a bad diagnosis, or a disappearing spouse can reduce a family from solidly middle class to newly poor in a few months.

……

From the middle-class family perspective, much of this, understandably, looks far less like an opportunity to exercise more financial responsibility, and a good deal more like a frightening acceleration of the wholesale shift of financial risk onto their already overburdened shoulders. The financial fallout has begun, and the political fallout may not be far behind.

1. Today’s double-income families are at greater financial risk in that

[A] the safety net they used to enjoy has disappeared.

[B] their chances of being laid off have greatly increased.

[C] they are more vulnerable to changes in family economies.

[D] they are deprived of unemployment or disability insurance.

2. As a result of President Bush’s reform, retired people may have

[A] a higher sense of security.

[B] less secured payments.

[C] less chance to invest.

[D] a guaranteed future.

3. According to the author, health-savings plans will

[A] help reduce the cost of healthcare.

[B] popularize among the middle class.

[C] compensate for the reduced pensions.

[D] increase the families’ investment risk.

4. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that

[A] financial risks tend to outweigh political risks.

[B] the middle class may face greater political challenges.

[C] financial problems may bring about political problems.

[D] financial responsibility is an indicator of political status.

5. Which of the following is the best title for this text?

[A] The Middle Class on the Alert

[B] The Middle Class on the Cliff

[C] The Middle Class in Conflict

[D] The Middle Class in Ruins

本文选自2006年1月的Harvard Magazine（《哈佛杂志》），原文标题是The Middle Class on the Precipice（处于悬崖边缘的中产阶级）。本文的主题是：美国经济政策变化给中产阶级家庭带来的经济威胁。文章第二段与第三段分别从家庭经济变化与退休收入受影响两方面说明这一点。最后一段总结了上述经济威胁，并指出经济问题可能会带来政治后果（fallout）。

既然主题是经济威胁，那么许多答案都会与威胁以及有关的不良后果相联系。在文章对应的五道题中，除最后一道题直接问主题以外，其他四道题也涉及主题。第一题

责任编辑:gaoyan