The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in geological and environmental circles, yet its formal recognition as a new geological epoch remains contentious. Proponents argue that human activities, such as nuclear testing and plastic pollution, have left indelible markers in the stratigraphic record, justifying a distinct epoch following the Holocene. However, critics contend that the Anthropocene lacks a clear and globally synchronous start date, a prerequisite for formal geological time units. They suggest that human impacts are diachronous, occurring at different times across the globe, which complicates the definition of a single boundary. This debate underscores a fundamental tension between geological rigor and the need to communicate planetary-scale human influence effectively.
❓ 批評家たちが人新世を地質時代として正式に定めることに反対する主な理由は何ですか？
A. A) 人間の活動は、永続的な地質学的痕跡を残していない。
B. B) 提案された開始日は、地域間でグローバルに一貫していません。
C. C) この概念は核実験に焦点を当てすぎており、他の影響を無視している。
D. D) 完新世は、明確な境界を定めるにはあまりにも最近の時代である。
✅ 正确答案
B) The proposed start date is not globally consistent across regions.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first