多益閱讀「多篇文章」題型基本解題步驟
無論是雙篇文章或是三篇文章，我們其實都可以利用相同的策略去閱讀與解題。讓我們用以下的雙篇文章題組來說明：
Questions 1-5 refer to the following notice and e-mail.
Notice to all building staff
Next Tuesday, May 15, the elevators will be repaired. This means that they will be out of service between the hours of 9:00 and 5:00. During this time you will have to use the stairs. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Please don't hesitate to contact the Building Cleaning and Maintenance Office if you have any questions.
Jason Podryhula
Manager, Building Cleaning and Maintenance Staff
To: Lilya Yemchuk
From: Shirley Smith
Subject: Tuesday meeting
Lilya,
I assume you saw the notice about the repairs next Tuesday. This poses a problem for our lunch meeting. How can we get all that food up to the fifth floor conference room without an elevator? I think we'd do better to change the date. Please call the head of the cleaning and maintenance staff to see if the conference room is available for the next day. If he gives the OK, then go ahead and call the restaurant to change the day of our lunch order. Ask for Mr. Cho. He took our order last time. You and I also need to get together to go over the Jones proposal before the lunch meeting. Let's meet first thing Tuesday. I plan to be here early enough to take the elevator up to the office. No stairs for me! I'll see you then.
Shirley
1. What will happen next Tuesday?
(A) The elevators will be repaired.
(B) The building will be cleaned.
(C) The stairs will be painted.
(D) The restaurant will be closed.
2. Why does Ms. Smith want to change the date of the meeting?
(A) The conference room will not be available on Tuesday.
(B) She doesn't want to carry food up the stairs.
(C) Ms. Yemchuk can't attend on Tuesday.
(D) The conference room won't be clean.
3. What day does Ms. Smith want to have the meeting?
(A) Monday
(B) Wednesday
(C) Thursday
(D) Friday
4. Who gives permission to use the conference room?
(A) Ms. Smith
(B) Ms. Yemchuk
(C) Mr. Podryhula
(D) Mr. Cho
5. What time does Ms. Smith plan to arrive on Tuesday?
(A) Before 9:00
(B) At 9:00
(C) At 5:00
(D) After 5:00
Step 1: 略讀文章，判斷文章之間的「關係」
根據ETS的說明，多益閱讀「多篇文章」題型的主要目的是測驗考生是否理解內容關連性。因此我們建議考生應先花一點時間，快速閱讀各篇文章的前幾行。當我們掌握各篇文章的大意與文章間的關係後，我們稍後在閱讀題目時，才能有效率地判斷哪篇文章包含哪個問題的答案，而不陷入「亂讀、亂找」的窘境。
題組的第一篇文章是一則佈告。第一句提到 Next Tuesday, May 15, the elevators will be repaired. (電梯下禮拜二將維修) 我們只需讀懂這句，就可以馬上了解這篇佈告的目的。利用我們的背景知識，我們可以預測佈告接下來會請人員使用樓梯，或許也會提到電梯需要維修的原因，不過在這個階段，我們僅需判斷文章的目的，不需讀完整篇佈告。
我們也可以利用相同的方式閱讀第二篇文章 − 一封電子郵件。一看到郵件的主旨Tuesday meeting，我們馬上可以回想起禮拜二電梯要進行維修，因此判斷寄信人會提到電梯維修，或許也會提到電梯維修對會議的影響。因此當郵件的前兩句話提到 I assume you saw the notice about the repairs next Tuesday. This poses a problem for our lunch meeting.的時候，我們可以立刻理解寄信人的意思 – 電梯維修對他們的會議會造成問題。我們可以預測寄信人接下來會提到如何處理問題。
利用以上的方法，我們可以在極短的時間之內，快速掌握兩篇文章的大意，以及它們之間的關係。同時，稍後閱讀文章時，我們可以更有效率地詮釋文章的內容，甚至忽略我們雖然不懂，但是與文章目的比較不相關的文句，而不會遺失於茫茫的字海。
Step 2: 閱讀題目，預測哪篇文章包含答案
先閱讀題目，可以幫助我們確認稍後閱讀時，我們需要尋找的資訊，讓我們的閱讀更有目的性。坊間許多備考教材，或者網路教學影片，都把這個步驟當作解題的第一步。雖然在細讀文章前先閱讀題目，是一個合理的策略，但是在尚未略讀文章，了解大意或目地之前，馬上就閱讀題目的話，考生將難以判斷題目與文章之間的關係。許多考生甚至讀過問題之後，馬上忘記問題的內容，導致閱讀文章時，仍然需要不斷回頭看題目。這樣其實是沒有效率的閱讀方式，因為文章讀到一半回頭讀問題，再回去讀文章的話，許多考生經常忘記剛剛讀過的文句內容。這種現象尤其容易發生在那些對文句意義本來就似懂非懂的考生身上。即使對於英文還不錯的考生來說，文章與題目之間來回閱讀，也容易讓閱讀的流暢性被打斷，導致閱讀的速度減慢。因此，我們建議先略讀文章，再閱讀題目。
先略讀文章，後閱讀題目還有另一個好處－我們可以判斷哪篇文章包含哪個問題的答案。這也可以讓我們之後的閱讀更有效率。以上面的題組來說，第一題問What will happen next Tuesday?。由於我們剛剛已經略讀過兩篇文章，而且佈告的第一句就提到電梯下禮拜二將維修，所以我們馬上就可以選答案(A)。第二、三、五題都提到Ms. Smith，而且Ms. Smith是電子郵件的寄信人，所以我們可以判斷這些題目的答案在電子郵件當中。至於第四題 Who gives permission to use the conference room?，由於我們尚無資訊幫我們做判斷或預測，所以我們的策略是先記得問題，然後閱讀時再留意哪篇文章提到相關的資訊。
我們到目前花了許多篇幅解釋先略讀文章，再閱讀問題的步驟與必要性。也許有些考生覺得按照這樣的方法，在開始讀文章之前就已經花費了許多時間。然而，如果考生親自體驗的話，其實可以發現上述的兩個步驟加起來其實很快。而且一旦了解文章大意，又記住題目的話，閱讀文章時就不用來回看題目，讓閱讀的速度更快、更流暢。這不是一舉數得嗎？在多益閱讀考試的過程中，提升閱讀速度及流暢度，對答題速度也有很大的幫助喔。
Step 3: 閱讀文章，回答問題，並且留意「資訊整合題」
一旦我們做好準備，接下來就是耐著性子，開始閱讀文章。閱讀時，我們建議考生避免在心中把英文翻譯成中文。這不僅浪費時間，而且沒有需要。既然我們已經讀過題目，知道我們需要尋找甚麼資訊，那麼我們只需快速地讀過文句，然後在跟題目相關的句子上速度放慢，確認答案即可。
以上面的題組來說，第二題Why does Ms. Smith want to change the date of the meeting?，Ms. Smith在電子郵件提到How can we get all that food up to the fifth floor conference room without an elevator? I think we'd do better to change the date.，所以答案為(B) She doesn't want to carry food up the stairs.。
至於第三題What day does Ms. Smith want to have the meeting?，Ms. Smith提到Please call the head of the cleaning and maintenance staff to see if the conference room is available for the next day.。既然電梯是禮拜二維修，禮拜二的隔天就是禮拜三，所以答案為(B)。
至於第四題Who gives permission to use the conference room?，Ms. Smith提到Please call the head of the cleaning and maintenance staff to see if the conference room is available for the next day. If he gives the OK, then go ahead and call the restaurant to change the day of our lunch order.，也就是說清理維護部門的主管也同時管理會議室。佈告中有註明清理維護部門的主管是 Jason Podryhula，因此答案為(C)。
第五題What time does Ms. Smith plan to arrive on Tuesday?，Ms. Smith提到You and I also need to get together to go over the Jones proposal before the lunch meeting. Let's meet first thing Tuesday. I plan to be here early enough to take the elevator up to the office. No stairs for me!。既然禮拜二電梯要維修，然後Ms. Smith又想搭電梯的話，我們需要尋找禮拜二電梯維修的時間。佈告中提到This means that they [the elevators] will be out of service between the hours of 9:00 and 5:00.，因此Ms. Smith九點前就要到公司，所以答案選(A)。
上一段在解釋第四、第五題的答案時，考生可以發現，要回答這兩個問題，我們需要閱讀過兩篇文章，並且整合兩篇文章中的相關資訊。所以第四、第五題是多篇文章題組裡特有的「資訊整合題」。一個多篇文章題組，可能包含一至三題的資訊整合題。通常資訊整合題不會真的很難回答，不過學員仍需要留意兩篇文章間文句的相互關係。
藉由以上的解釋，希望考生掌握多篇文章的閱讀方式與解題步驟。接下來讓我們示範「三篇文章」的題組。
多益閱讀「三篇文章」題型解題範例
讓我們看以下的題組：
Questions 6-10 refer to the following advertisement, Web page and e-mail.
Waverley Heights two-story side-by-side duplex unit for rent!
- Friendly and peaceful neighborhood
- 3 bedrooms w/ carpet and 2 full bathrooms
- Newly refinished hardwood flooring in large living room
- All appliances included (fridge, stove, washer, dryer)
- Utilities paid
- Spacious garage w/ paved driveway
- Close to schools, public transit & easy access to highways
- $1,400/month (negotiable).
Visit our website www.mathisbros.com to view pictures.
Or call Mathis Brothers Properties at 1-800-452-0905 today to arrange a viewing.
Mathis Brothers Properties
Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 48 hours. Most responses will be answered within one day.
Email Address：jack.fordham@gmail.com
First Name：Jack
Last Name：Fordham
What can we help you with
Hi, I'm interested in the 3-bedroom home at Waverley Heights. My wife and I really like how the house looks. Could you tell me how long it takes to walk to the nearest bus stop? I'm looking for a place within 10 minutes walking distance to public transit. Also, the home is out of our rent budget by $200. We're definitely looking for a long-term lease, so would it be possible to grant us a discount on the rent? Lastly, do you require a security deposit for the house? Thank you. I look forward to your speedy response.
To: jack.fordham@gmail.com
From: a.dun@mathisbros.com
Subject: The Waverley Heights property
Dear Mr. Fordham,
Thank you for your interest in our listing. We are excited to hear from you. In response to your questions, the house is only two blocks away from major bus routes, less than a 10-minute walk. A deposit of half the rent is required. We would love to further discuss the rent with you in person. Please feel free to contact us anytime and we'll be happy to set up a viewing appointment with you.
Yours Sincerely,
Aeron Duncan
Senior Agent, Mathis Brothers Properties
6. What is the main purpose of Mr. Fordham's message?
(A) To negotiate the rental rate
(B) To inquire about an open house
(C) To ask about fare information
(D) To request the profile of an agent
7. How much is Mr. Fordham's rental budget?
(A) $800
(B) $1,000
(C) $1,200
(D) $1,400
8. In the Web page, the underlined word "lease" is closest in meaning to
(A) approval
(B) warranty
(C) contract
(D) transaction
9. What is indicated about the home?
(A) It is a spacious three-story home.
(B) It requires a security deposit of $700.
(C) It is close to a subway station.
(D) It is located on the outskirts of the city.
10. What does Mr. Duncan offer to do?
(A) Get financing for the property
(B) Give a neighborhood tour
(C) Reserve accommodation
(D) Arrange a property viewing
首先利用略讀的方法，我們知道第一篇文章是一則房屋出租廣告。第二篇文章則是一個想租這間房子的人(Mr. Fordham)，在房仲公司網頁留言，詢問這間房屋的資訊。第三篇文章則是房仲(Mr. Duncan)回覆Mr. Fordham的電子郵件。
接下來，我們閱讀五個題目，並且判斷哪篇文章能夠回答哪個問題。第六題What is the main purpose of Mr. Fordham's message?，問Mr. Fordham留言的目的，所以我們需要讀第二篇。第七題How much is Mr. Fordham's rental budget?，問Mr. Fordham的租屋預算，所以我們也至少要讀第二篇。第八題問第二篇文章中lease的意思，所以答案當然在第二篇。第九題What is indicated about the home?，問關於這間房子，何者為真？既然這三篇文章都與房子有關，所以我們只能先記得題目，閱讀時再留意相關資訊。至於第十題What does Mr. Duncan offer to do?，問Mr. Duncan主動提供甚麼事，所以我們需要讀第三篇。
閱讀題目之後，我們就可以開始從第一篇快速閱讀文章。然後在第二篇文章中，Mr. Fordham提到Also, the home is out of our rent budget by $200. We're definitely looking for a long-term lease, so would it be possible to grant us a discount on the rent? 這幾句的整體意義是他希望租金打折，所以第六題的答案是(A) To negotiate the rental rate。
第七題的話，Mr. Fordham提到the home is out of our rent budget by $200，租金的開價超過他的預算200元。第一篇文章中租金的開價是1,400元，所以他的預算是1,200元，因此答案選(C)。第八題的話，lease的意思是「租約」，所以答案是(C) contract。
至於第九題，我們需要讀過三篇文章大部分的資訊，才能逐一判斷選項的真假。在電子郵件中，Mr. Duncan提到A deposit of half the rent is required.。第一篇文章中租金的開價是1,400元。所以押金是700元，答案選(B)。
至於最後一題，Mr. Duncan提到we'll be happy to set up a viewing appointment with you.，所以答案為(D)。
通過以上的範例說明，希望考生可以發現「三篇文章」題組並沒有想像中的難以應付。而且無論是「雙篇文章」或「三篇文章」，單篇文章的篇幅通常都不會很長。因此，如果考生善用本篇學習文章提到的閱讀方法與解題步驟，多篇文章的題組並不難回答。事實上，單篇文章的最後一個題組通常是一篇很長的新聞報導或者信件，難度通常超過多篇文章的題組。所以如果考生實在時間不夠好好做完所有的閱讀題的話，我們建議考生可以先回答多篇文章的題組，可能閱讀速度或答題準確率更高。
多益閱讀解題技巧總結
在本篇文章中，我們示範如何回答改制後多益閱讀第七部分「多篇文章」的題型。希望考生能夠應用在平常的練習與正式的考試中。所以請持續關注我們的學習文章，如果在準備多益的過程中遇到瓶頸，也可以參考巨匠美語多益課程，提供養成班、實戰班、衝刺班等多種方案，可以根據需求選擇最適合的課程，讓我們一起戰勝新多益吧！