Part 1: Calculator

考官可能问的问题:

1. Do you often use a calculator?
2. What was your first calculator?
3. Do you think it's important for students to learn to use a calculator?
4. What kinds of calculators do you know about?
5. Would you like to receive a calculator as a gift?

核心思路与高分技巧

回答 Part 1 的关键是：简洁、清晰、有个人观点、使用多样的词汇和句式，不要只回答 "Yes" 或 "No"，要展开一两句,并给出原因或例子。

Do you often use a calculator?

• 低分回答: "Yes, I use it often. It's useful." (过于简单,缺乏细节)
• 高分思路:
  • 直接回答: "Actually, not as much as I used to."
  • 解释原因: "These days, my phone has a built-in calculator app, so it's always within arm's reach."
  • 具体场景: "I probably use it most when I'm doing my budget for the month or splitting a dinner bill with friends."
  • 转折/对比: "But for simple math, like adding up a few numbers, I tend to just do it in my head to keep my mental math skills sharp."

What was your first calculator?

• 低分回答: "It was a small, black one." (描述太笼统)
• 高分思路:
  • 回忆细节: "My first one was a real classic! It was a simple, rectangular, solar-powered calculator with a green digital display."
  • 赋予情感: "I remember feeling so grown-up having it, especially for primary school math homework. It felt like a serious tool."
  • 功能描述: "It only did the basics—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—but at the time, it was all I needed."

Do you think it's important for students to learn to use a calculator?

• 低分回答: "Yes, it's important. It helps them calculate." (观点重复,没有深度)
• 高分思路:
  • 给出平衡观点: "I think it's a double-edged sword."
  • 论述好处: "On one hand, calculators are essential for tackling complex problems in subjects like physics or advanced mathematics, where manual calculation would be too time-consuming and prone to error."
  • 论述坏处/补充观点: "On the other hand, I believe students must first master mental arithmetic and manual calculation. It builds a fundamental number sense that's crucial for understanding mathematical concepts, rather than just getting an answer."
  • "So, I'd say they should learn to use one, but only after they've grasped the basics."

What kinds of calculators do you know about?

• 低分回答: "There are simple ones and scientific ones." (分类太简单)
• 高分思路:
  • 分类举例: "Well, off the top of my head, I can think of a few types. There are the basic ones we all use for simple arithmetic."
  • 进阶类型: "Then there are scientific calculators, which are a must-have for any high school or university student studying STEM subjects. They can handle trigonometry and logarithms."
  • 专业/特殊类型: "And I've also heard of graphing calculators, which are like mini-computers, and even specialized ones used in finance or for specific engineering tasks."

Would you like to receive a calculator as a gift?

• 低分回答: "No, I don't think so. It's boring." (过于直接,略显无礼)
• 高分思路:
  • 委婉拒绝并解释: "Hmm, that's an interesting question. To be honest, it's not something that would immediately spring to mind as an exciting gift."
  • 说明原因: "I suppose it's because calculators are such a practical, everyday item. I'd probably just buy one if I needed it."
  • 特殊情况: "However, if it were a high-end, vintage model or a beautifully designed one, I might appreciate it more as a unique gadget or a collector's item rather than just a tool."

高分词汇与短语

• Nouns (名词):

  • arithmetic (算术)
  • computation (计算)
  • budget (预算)
  • bill (账单)
  • app (应用程序)
  • tool (工具)
  • gadget (小玩意儿, 科技产品)
  • STEM (科学, 技术, 工程, 数学)
  • logarithm (对数)
  • trigonometry (三角学)
  • display (显示屏)
  • model (型号)

• Verbs (动词):

  
  （图片来源网络，侵删）
  • calculate (计算)
  • figure out (算出, 想出)
  • split (分摊)
  • tackle (处理, 应对)
  • master (掌握)
  • rely on (依赖)
  • appreciate (欣赏)

• Adjectives (形容词):

  • practical (实用的)
  • essential (必不可少的)
  • complex (复杂的)
  • time-consuming (耗时的)
  • fundamental (基础的)
  • built-in (内置的)
  • solar-powered (太阳能的)
  • vintage (复古的)
  • high-end (高端的)

• Phrases (短语):

  • mental math skills (心算能力)
  • within arm's reach (触手可及)
  • a double-edged sword (一把双刃剑)
  • grasp the basics (掌握基础)
  • off the top of my head (凭记忆, 不假思索地)
  • spring to mind (立刻想到)

回答范例

Examiner: Do you often use a calculator?

You: "Not as frequently as I used to, to be honest. My smartphone has a calculator app that I use for everyday things like splitting a dinner bill with friends or doing a quick budget check. But for simpler calculations, I still prefer to use my head to keep my mental math skills sharp."

Examiner: What was your first calculator?

You: "It was a pretty basic one, actually. I remember it was a small, solar-powered calculator with a green digital display. I got it as a prize in a math competition in primary school, and I felt incredibly proud of it at the time. It was my first 'grown-up' tool."

Examiner: Do you think it's important for students to learn to use a calculator?

You: "I believe it's important, but with a caveat. I think students should first have a solid grasp of manual calculation and mental arithmetic. That builds a fundamental understanding of numbers. Once they have that foundation, learning to use a calculator is essential for tackling more complex problems efficiently in higher-level math and science subjects. So, it's about using it as a tool, not a crutch."

Examiner: What kinds of calculators do you know about?

You: "Well, the most common ones are the simple, four-function calculators for basic arithmetic. Then there are scientific calculators, which are vital for high school students, especially for subjects like physics. I'm also aware of graphing calculators, which are more advanced and can plot graphs, and even specialized financial calculators used by professionals."

Examiner: Would you like to receive a calculator as a gift?

You: "Hmm, it's not something that would top my wishlist, I have to say. I tend to see calculators as purely practical items that I'd buy myself when needed. However, I might make an exception if it were a unique, vintage model or a very high-end, modern one that was more of a stylish gadget than a simple tool. In that case, it could be quite a thoughtful gift."

希望这些思路和范例能帮助你更好地准备这个话题！祝你考试顺利！