The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in recent decades, positing that human activities have become the dominant force shaping Earth's geology and ecosystems. While the term was popularized by atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000, its formal recognition as a geological epoch remains debated among scientists. Proponents argue that markers such as nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels provide clear stratigraphic evidence of a distinct human-driven era. However, skeptics contend that these signals are too variable and recent to meet the strict criteria for a geological time unit, which typically spans thousands or millions of years. This debate underscores a deeper tension between scientific classification and the urgency of addressing human impact on the planet.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 일부 과학자들이 인류세를 지질학적 시대로 공식 인정하는 것에 반대하는 주된 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A. 인간의 활동은 환경에 어떠한 영구적인 변화도 초래하지 않았다.
B. B. 인간의 영향에 대한 증거는 너무 일관성이 없고 단기적이어서 지질학적 기준에 부합하지 않는다.
C. C. 해당 용어는 충분한 동료 검토 없이 한 명의 과학자에 의해 대중화되었다.
D. D. 핵 낙진과 플라스틱 오염은 지질학적 기록에서 감지할 수 없다.
✅ 正确答案
B. The evidence of human impact is too inconsistent and short-term to fit geological standards.
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