这类题目的形式一般为：The word (or phrase) X in the passage refers to

1． 就近指代

所谓就近指代，就是被指代对象通常在指代词前不远处，如本句或上一句中。有时也出现在更前面的一句中。例如，

Large wind farms might also interfere with the flight patterns of migratory birds in certain areas, and they have killed large birds of prey (especially hawks, falcons, and eagles) that prefer to hunt along the same ridge lines that are ideal for wind turbines. The killing of birds of prey by wind turbines has pitted environmentalists who champion wildlife protection against environmentalists who promote renewable wind energy. Researchers are evaluating how serious this problem is and hope to find ways to eliminate or sharply reduce this problem.

根据就近原则，前一句中的主语the killing of birds of prey by wind turbines可以初步确定为答案。将其代入原文，符合语义和逻辑

2． 数格一致

被指代对象通常与指代词在数（如单数或复数）和格（主格或宾格）两方面相同。如单数代词one指代单数名词，复数代词they指代复数名词。

The fins are stiff, smooth, and narrow, qualities that also help cut drag. When not in use, the fins are tucked into special grooves or depressions so that they lie flush with the body and do not break up its smooth contours.

The word they in the passage refers to ......

在这一例子中，从句so that they…中的代词主语they指代主句的名词主语the fins

并列动词中的指代

如果一个句中有两个并列的动词，第二个动词的代词宾语经常指代前一个动词后的名词宾语。例如，

Artists are recognizing the distinction between public and private spaces, and taking that into account when executing their public commissions.

The word “that” in line 27 refers to

(A) contemporary art

(B) opportunity

(C) audience

(D) distinction

句中有两个并列的动词recognizing和 taking (into account)，其中recognizing的宾语是distinction，而taking 的宾语是that。根据上述技巧，that指代distinction。因此，（D）为正确答案。

3． 平行结构中的指代

平行结构主要包括some/most/many/such/each…, others…; not only…but also…; the former…the latter等。在这种结构中，平行结构两个部分的两个代词经常指代同一对象：前一句中的名词主语。例如，

In Southwest France in the 1940s, playing children discovered Lascaux Grotto, a series of narrow cave chambers that contain huge prehistoric paintings of animals. Many of these beasts are as large as 16 feet (almost 5 meters). Some follow each other in solemn parades, but others swirl about, sideways and upside down.
The word others in the passage refers to

chambers

paintings

beasts

parades

原文包含平行结构some…others，它们都指代前一句中的名词主语beasts，因此第三个选项为正确答案。

4． 所有格的指代

所有格代词经常指代其前面与其最接近的名词。例如，

Folk-made objects give way to their popular equivalent, usually because the popular item is more quickly or cheaply produced, is easier or time saving to use, or lends more prestige to the owner.

The word “their” in line 1 refers to

(A) folk

(B) nations

(C) countries

(D) objects

根据所有格指代的解题技巧，their指代前面位置最近的名词objects，因此（D）为正确答案。