The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in geological and environmental discourse, proposing that human activity has become a dominant force shaping Earth's systems. While the term was popularized by atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000, its formal recognition as a geological epoch remains contentious. Proponents argue that markers such as plastic pollution, nuclear fallout, and elevated carbon dioxide levels provide clear stratigraphic evidence. Conversely, skeptics contend that these signals are too diachronous, appearing at different times across the globe, to define a synchronous boundary comparable to previous epochs. Furthermore, the Anthropocene Working Group's recent vote against formalizing the epoch highlights the scientific community's reluctance to alter the established geological timescale without unambiguous criteria. This debate underscores a broader tension between the need for precise scientific classification and the urgency of communicating humanity's profound environmental impact.
❓ Какова основная причина, по которой скептики выступают против формализации антропоцена как геологической эпохи?
A. A. Доказательства воздействия человека недостаточно заметны в геологических записях.
B. B. Антропогенные маркеры не синхронизированы в глобальном масштабе, что затрудняет установление единой границы.
C. C. Термин «антропоцен» не был широко принят общественностью.
D. Д. Пауль Крутцен не обладал достаточной научной репутацией.
✅ 正确答案
B. Human-induced markers are not synchronized globally, making a uniform boundary difficult.
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