The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has sparked considerable debate among geologists, who question whether human activity has fundamentally altered the Earth's geological record. Proponents argue that markers such as plastic pollution, nuclear fallout, and elevated carbon dioxide levels constitute a distinct stratigraphic signature. However, critics contend that these changes, while significant, do not yet meet the formal criteria for a new epoch, which typically requires a global and synchronous signal preserved in rock layers. This disagreement highlights a broader tension between scientific classification and the urgency of environmental advocacy, as the term's popular usage often outpaces its technical validation.
❓ 일부 지질학자들이 인류세를 새로운 시대로 공식화하는 것에 반대하는 주된 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A. 인간의 영향은 아직 지질층에서 뚜렷하게 나타나지 않는다.
B. B. 제안된 지표들은 전 지구적으로 동시적이며 지속적인 신호를 결여하고 있다.
C. C. 환경 옹호 단체들이 그 결정에 너무 강하게 영향을 미쳤다.
D. D. 이산화탄소 수치가 충분히 크게 상승하지 않았다.
✅ 正确答案
B. The proposed markers lack a globally synchronous and enduring signal.
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