2. 中间段

中间段是文章的正文，其作用是从不同的层面对文章主题进行具体和详实的解释和论证。

1) 中间段的一般特征

① 篇幅一般比开头段和结尾段长。

② 每段有相应的主题句。

③ 包含定义、解释、描写，说明主题思想的扩展句可以采用实例、数据或个人经历等写作手段。

④ 不同种类的段落采用不同的扩展手段。

2) 中间段的具体特点

① 所涉及内容应该准确、清楚，颇具说服力；

② 段落中一定具备主题句；

③ 段落内容应该保持完整、统一，没有说明不足之处或多余冗长的细节；

④ 内容顺序安排合理，逻辑性较强；

⑤ 段落之间连贯自然；

⑥ 段落中讨论的内容主次分明，材料比例适当；

⑦ 词与句型运用合理并且有变化。

3) 中间段展开的基本方法

① 列举法

例文：

There are a number of ways for us to keep fit. First, no matter how busy we are, we should have exercise every day to strengthen our muscles. Second, it is important to keep good hours. For example, if we are in the habit of going to bed early and getting up early, we can avoid overworking ourselves and get enough sleep. Finally, entertainment is also necessary so that we may have some moments of relaxation. If we follow those instruction. We will certainly be in good health.

② 比较对比法

例文：

The older form of communication is speech. In the beginning of human history, people could only use direct verbal speech to communicate. But it had many shortcomings. For instance, we could not speak to a person far away when we needed. So distance was a problem. And the spoken word could not be kept secret easily. So people wanted to invent a new method of communication. The next big step forward in communication was the invention of writing. Writing is one of human being’s most important inventions. It solved the problem of distance and keeping secrets, but it too had disadvantages. The written word could not be passed on quickly, so people tried to find a new quicker method of communication.

The most recent development had been electronic means of communication, including the wireless telegraph, radio, telephone and television. The invention and use of electronic means has solved all the problems mentioned above. They are the most effective methods of communication. People will certainly try their best to invent even more modem and useful methods.

③ 因果法

例文：

The hamburger is the most popular food item in the United States. Every year Americans consume billions of them. They are sold in expensive restaurants and in humble diners. They are cooked at home on the kitchen stove or over a barbecue grill in the backyard. Why are they so popular?

First, a hamburger is extremely easy to prepare. It is nothing more than a piece of ground beef, cooked for a few minutes. Then it is placed in a sliced bun. Nothing could be simpler. Even an unskilled cook can turn out hundreds of them in an hour. Besides that, the simple hamburger can be varied in many ways. You can melt some cheese on top of the beef to create a cheeseburger. You can also add some grilled bacon for an interesting flavor contrast. In addition, you can garnish the hamburger with other things such as lettuce, tomato, onion, mushrooms, avocado, pickles, hot pepper, ketchup, relish, mayonnaise, mustard or whatever you wish!