在雅思写作中,词汇的多样性和准确性是评分的重要标准之一,许多考生习惯使用常见的连接词,如while,却忽略了更正式、更学术化的替代词——whilst,这个词在英式英语中更为常见,能有效提升文章的正式度和语言丰富性,本文将深入探讨whilst的正确用法、适用场景,以及如何在雅思写作中巧妙运用,帮助考生在词汇项(Lexical Resource)和连贯性(Coherence & Cohesion)上获得更高分数。
whilst与while的区别
虽然whilst和while在大多数情况下可以互换,但两者在正式程度和地域使用习惯上存在差异:
- Whilst:更正式,常见于英式英语,在学术写作和正式文体中使用频率更高。
- While:更通用,适用于美式英语和日常交流,但在正式写作中略显口语化。
✅ Whilst climate change poses a significant threat, governments must take immediate action.(正式)
✅ While climate change is a serious issue, some people still ignore it.(通用)
在雅思写作中,尤其是学术类(Academic)考试,使用whilst能展现更强的语言掌控能力,符合高分作文的要求。
whilst的语法功能及正确用法
whilst主要有两种语法功能:
(1) 表示对比
类似于whereas或although,用于连接两个对比的句子。
✅ Whilst technology has improved communication, it has also reduced face-to-face interaction.
(科技改善了沟通,但也减少了面对面交流。)
✅ Many people prefer public transport, whilst others argue that private cars offer more convenience.
(许多人喜欢公共交通,而另一些人认为私家车更方便。)
(2) 表示时间关系
类似于while,表示两个动作同时发生。
✅ Whilst studying abroad, students can gain valuable cultural experiences.
(在国外学习期间,学生可以获得宝贵的文化体验。)
✅ The economy grew rapidly whilst unemployment rates remained high.
(经济快速增长,而失业率仍然居高不下。)
常见错误避免
- 错误:Whilst the government invests in education, but many schools still lack resources.
(❌ but与whilst重复,应删除其中一个。) - 正确:Whilst the government invests in education, many schools still lack resources.
如何在雅思写作中灵活运用whilst
(1) 替换常见连接词,提升词汇多样性
许多考生习惯使用while或whereas,适当替换为whilst可以增加语言变化。
- 原句:While some argue that nuclear energy is dangerous, others believe it is efficient.
- 优化:Whilst some argue that nuclear energy is dangerous, others believe it is efficient.
(2) 增强句子逻辑,提高连贯性
在讨论对立观点时,whilst能清晰表达对比关系,使文章逻辑更紧密。
✅ Whilst urbanisation brings economic growth, it also leads to environmental degradation.
(城市化带来经济增长,但也导致环境恶化。)
(3) 适用于不同题型
无论是Opinion Essay、Discussion Essay还是Advantage-Disadvantage Essay,whilst都能帮助考生更精准地表达对比或让步关系。
例题(Discussion Essay):
Some people think that space exploration is a waste of money, whilst others believe it is essential for human progress. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
高分示范段落:
Whilst critics argue that space exploration drains financial resources, proponents maintain that it drives technological innovation. For instance, NASA’s research has led to advancements in medical imaging and satellite communication. Whilst the costs are substantial, the long-term benefits may justify the investment.
高分句型示例
为了帮助考生更好地掌握whilst的使用,以下提供几个高分句型模板:
-
Whilst it is true that…, …
- Whilst it is true that fossil fuels are still widely used, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly viable.
-
Whilst some people believe…, others argue…
- Whilst some people believe that stricter laws reduce crime, others argue that education is more effective.
-
Whilst X has its advantages, Y also plays a crucial role.
- Whilst technology has its advantages, traditional teaching methods also play a crucial role in education.
练习建议
- 改写练习:找几篇自己的作文,将while替换为whilst,观察语言风格的变化。
- 对比分析:阅读高分范文,注意作者如何使用whilst增强逻辑性。
- 模拟写作:在练习Discussion或Advantage-Disadvantage题型时,刻意使用whilst构建对比关系。
在雅思写作中,词汇的选择直接影响分数。whilst虽然不是必须使用的词汇,但恰当运用能提升文章的学术性和语言多样性,考生应在理解其正确用法的基础上,灵活融入自己的写作中,避免生搬硬套,通过持续练习和精细化调整,词汇项的分数自然水涨船高。