The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems. Unlike previous epochs, which were marked by natural phenomena such as glacial cycles or asteroid impacts, the Anthropocene is characterized by anthropogenic markers including plastic pollution, nuclear fallout from atomic tests, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. However, the official recognition of this epoch remains contentious. Critics argue that human activities have not yet produced a stratigraphic signature distinct enough to warrant a formal boundary, as these markers are still accumulating and may not be preserved in the geological record over millennia. Proponents counter that the scale and rapidity of change, such as the near-instantaneous global distribution of microplastics, are unprecedented and merit a distinct classification.
❓ 일부 과학자들이 인류세를 새로운 지질 시대(지질학적 세대)로 공식 인정하는 것에 반대하는 주요 이유는 무엇인가?
A. 인간 활동은 어떠한 중대한 환경 변화도 초래하지 않았다.
B. B) 제안된 지표들은 장기적인 지질 기록에 나타나기에는 충분히 내구성이 없을 수 있다.
C. C) 인류세는 이미 널리 받아들여지고 있으며 더 이상 논쟁의 대상이 아니다.
D. D) 빙하기 주기와 같은 자연 현상이 인간의 영향보다 더 중요하다.
✅ 正确答案
B) The proposed markers may not be durable enough to appear in the long-term geological record.
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