The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by human impact on Earth's systems. Unlike earlier epochs, which were characterized by natural climatic shifts or biological events, the Anthropocene is marked by pervasive changes such as nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and accelerated species extinction. However, scholars debate its starting point: some argue for the Industrial Revolution, while others point to the mid-20th century 'Great Acceleration.' This ambiguity raises questions about how we define geological time and whether human activity can be compared to natural forces in scale and permanence.
❓ 文章によると、人新世をめぐる学者間の議論の中心的な論点は何ですか？
A. A. 人類の影響が新たな時代を定義するほど重大であるかどうか。
B. B. 人新世が始まった正確な時期。
C. C. 地質記録における核降下物の役割。
D. D. 種の絶滅が人間の活動によって加速されているかどうか。
✅ 正确答案
B. The exact time when the Anthropocene began.
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