The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's systems. Proponents argue that markers such as plastic pollution, radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests, and elevated carbon dioxide levels are distinct enough to warrant a formal boundary in the stratigraphic record. However, critics contend that human-induced changes are diachronous, occurring at different times across the globe, which undermines the utility of a single, globally synchronous marker. This debate highlights a fundamental tension in geology between the need for precise chronological definitions and the recognition of complex, spatially variable environmental processes.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 비판자들이 인류세를 공식적인 지질 시대(epoch)로 정의하는 것에 반대하는 주요 이유는 무엇인가?
A. 인간의 영향은 지속적인 지질학적 흔적을 남길 만큼 충분히 크지 않습니다.
B. 제안된 마커들, 예를 들어 플라스틱 오염 같은 경우는 너무 최근의 것이어서 연구하기에 적합하지 않다.
C. 인간에 의한 변화는 전 세계적으로 동시에 발생하지 않아, 글로벌 경계 설정을 복잡하게 만들었다.
D. 인류세(Anthropocene)라는 개념은 층서학 연구와 거의 관련이 없다.
✅ 正确答案
Human-induced changes did not occur simultaneously worldwide, complicating a global boundary.
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