The concept of 'sustainable development' has evolved significantly since its introduction in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially framed as a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, it has since expanded to encompass social equity and intergenerational justice. Critics argue, however, that the term has become so broad as to be practically meaningless, often co-opted by corporations to justify unsustainable practices under the guise of 'green' initiatives. Proponents counter that its flexibility allows for adaptation across diverse cultural and economic contexts, fostering local solutions to global challenges. Recent scholarship emphasizes the need for measurable indicators to move beyond rhetoric, suggesting that without concrete metrics, sustainable development risks remaining an aspirational ideal rather than a practical framework for policy.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чём заключается основная критика термина «устойчивое развитие»?
A. A. Он уделяет слишком много внимания экономическому росту в ущерб окружающей среде.
B. B. Оно стало настолько расплывчатым, что его можно использовать для оправдания вредных действий.
C. C. Это применимо только в западных культурных контекстах.
D. D. Ей не хватает какой-либо поддержки со стороны академических учёных.
✅ 正确答案
B. It has become so vague that it can be used to justify harmful activities.
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