很多同學常常會害怕句意解析題目，其實句意解析的解題並不難，只要先仔細看完整題目找出主結構，可以輕鬆的掌握句意解析的內容取得分數。
( ) Production output was at a standstill until the new foreman acted as a catalyst to increase productivity.
(A) Product increased in its amount because of the appearance of a new kind.
(B) There was a deduction of production export because a layman held the position.
(C) The production did not increase until a new worker leader pushed forward.
(D) The new foreman, as a former actor, was capable of promoting the production output.
英銘老師：很多同學看到句意解析的題型常常會心生疑懼，其實句意解析的解題並不難，只要參照以下的步驟，就可以輕鬆的掌握句意解析的內容取得分數。
Step 1：瀏覽句意，找出主結構，“Production output was at a standstill” (產量處於停滯狀態)。
補充：
output n. 產量、輸出 v. 輸出 (often)
The new machines will help us triple our output of sofas.
這些新機器將幫助我們的沙發產量增加到三倍。
All our computers have an audio output.
我們所有的電腦都有音訊輸出。
The new printer will output color photos.
新的印表機可輸出彩色照片。
standstill n. 停滯 (always)
The lack of essential materials has brought production to a standstill.
必備材料的缺乏已使得生產停頓。
同義：stop, halt.
Step 2：副詞子句“until the new foreman acted as a catalyst to increase productivity”(直到新的領班充當催化劑來提高生產效率)，修飾主要子句” Production output was at a standstill.”。合併之後→產量處於停滯狀態，直到新的工頭充當催化劑來提高生產效率才有改善。催化劑是比喻促進因素，句子也可解讀為：有了新的工頭來推進生產效率，產量才有改善。
補充：
foreman n. 工頭、陪審團主席 (sometimes)
Leo's father used to be a foreman in the factory.
Leo的父親曾在一家工廠當工頭。
The foreman of the jury announced that Quentin is guilty.
陪審團主席宣佈判Quentin有罪。
act as 充當 (often)
Maybe I can act as a matchmaker for you.
也許我能給你當個媒人。
catalyst n. 催化劑、促進因素 (sometimes)
The catalyst is indispensable in this experiment.
在這實驗中，催化劑是不可缺少的。
productivity n. 生產率(力) (often)
An increase in salaries didn't bring about higher productivity.
薪資的增加並沒有帶來更高的生產力。
(A) 由於新的種類出現，使得產量增加。
補充：
appearance n. 出現、演出、外表、出版 (always)
The appearance of Internet marked the start of the era of information technology.
網路的出現標誌著資訊技術時代的開始。
Cassandra's made a number of television appearances.
Cassandra已在電視上亮相好幾次了。
We should not judge people by their appearance.
我們不應該以貌取人。
The magazine makes its appearance once a month.
這本雜誌每個月出版一次。
(B) 因為一個外行人擔任重要的職位，所以出口產量減少。
補充：
deduction n. 扣除(額)、推論 (always)
We can get a tax deduction for paying interest on mortgage loans.
繳納房貸利息可以抵扣稅款。
Spike's deduction is definitely unreasonable.
Spike的推論無疑是不合理的。
layman n. 外行人 (sometimes)
Nicholas is a layman in football.
Nicholas對美式足球是個外行人。
同義：layperson.
position n. 位置、姿勢(態)、地位、形勢、立場、職位 (always)
Kenneth can tell the time from the position of the sun.
Kenneth可以從太陽的位置知道時刻。
Mr. Moore raised himself to a standing position.
Moore先生站了起來。
Mr. Holland has a high position in this club.
Holland先生在這俱樂部地位很高。
Ethan's company is in a difficult position now.
Ethan的公司現在正處於困難的形勢。
What's your position on this issue?
你對這個議題抱持什麼態度？
Joe is competent enough to fill that position.
Joe完全勝任那個職位。
(C) 直到一個新的工頭推進工作，產量才有增加。
補充：
push forward 推進 (sometimes)
Congressmen are pushing forward these reforms.
國會議員正在推進這些改革。
(D) 以前是個演員的新來工頭，能夠促進產量。
所以答案是(C)。