The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has long been a cornerstone of consumer electronics manufacturing, yet its environmental implications are increasingly under scrutiny. This practice, whereby products are deliberately designed with a limited useful life, encourages frequent replacement and drives demand. However, recent studies suggest a paradigm shift towards 'circular economy' models, which prioritize repairability, modularity, and material recovery. Proponents argue that such a transition not only reduces e-waste but also fosters innovation in sustainable design. Critics, however, contend that without robust regulatory frameworks and consumer behavior change, these models may remain niche, failing to achieve the scale necessary to offset the environmental costs of current production cycles. This tension between economic growth and ecological sustainability represents a central challenge for policymakers and industry leaders alike.
❓ According to the passage, what is a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of circular economy models?
A. A) The lack of consumer interest in repairable products
B. B) The absence of strong regulations and changes in consumer habits
C. C) The high cost of material recovery in manufacturing
D. D) The dominance of planned obsolescence in all industries
✅ 正确答案
B) The absence of strong regulations and changes in consumer habits
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