The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists and environmental scientists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems. Unlike previous epochs, which were delineated by natural climatic shifts or biological events, the Anthropocene is characterized by markers such as nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. However, the formal recognition of this epoch remains contentious. Critics argue that human influence, while profound, is not yet comparable in duration to the vast timescales of geological time, and that the term oversimplifies the complex interplay between natural and anthropogenic forces. Proponents counter that the scale and permanence of human modifications, from altered sediment flows to mass species extinction, warrant a distinct classification. This debate underscores a deeper question: should geological nomenclature reflect not only physical evidence but also societal responsibility?
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es una razón principal por la que los críticos se oponen al reconocimiento formal del Antropoceno?
A. El impacto humano es demasiado reciente y breve para ajustarse a las escalas de tiempo geológicas.
B. El término ignora el papel de los cambios climáticos naturales.
C. No hay suficiente evidencia de cambio ambiental inducido por el ser humano.
D. Los marcadores propuestos no están distribuidos globalmente.
✅ 正确答案
Human impact is too recent and brief to match geological timescales.
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