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 have left indelible marks on the stratigraphic record, such as radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests and microplastics in sedimentary layers. Conversely, skeptics contend that the proposed markers are not globally synchronous or sufficiently distinct from the Holocene, which began approximately 11,700 years ago. Moreover, the temporal scale of human impact, while profound, may be too brief to constitute a durable geological boundary. This debate underscores a fundamental tension between scientific classification and the broader narrative of human influence on Earth systems, raising questions about how we define and perceive our current geological era.
❓ アントロポセンを新たな地質時代として正式に認定することに関して、意見の相違の主な源泉は何か？
A. 人間の活動がそもそも何らかの環境変化を引き起こしたかどうか
B. 提案されたマーカーが、完新世と比較して地球規模で一貫性があり、十分に明確に区別できるかどうか。
C. 「人新世」という用語を、より正確な名称に置き換えるべきかどうか
D. 地質時代は人間の影響によって定義されるべきか、それとも自然のプロセスによって定義されるべきか。
✅ 正确答案
Whether the proposed markers are globally consistent and distinct enough from the Holocene
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