The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in geological and environmental circles, proposing that human activity has become a dominant force shaping the Earth's systems. Unlike previous geological epochs, which were defined by natural phenomena such as ice ages or asteroid impacts, the Anthropocene is characterized by markers like plastic pollution, nuclear fallout, and a dramatic spike in carbon dioxide levels. However, the formal recognition of this epoch remains contentious. Some scientists argue that the changes are too recent and not yet fully stratified in the geological record, while others contend that the scale and irreversibility of human impact warrant a distinct epoch. This debate underscores a deeper question: whether human influence has truly pushed the planet into a new geological reality, or whether we are merely witnessing an accelerated phase of a longer natural cycle.
❓ 文章によると、アントロポセン（人新世）の正式な認定をめぐる論争の主な理由は何ですか？
A. A. 人新世の指標、例えばプラスチック汚染は、普遍的に重要と認められているわけではない。
B. B. 人為的な変化が地質層に十分に最近のものであり、明確に記録されているかどうかについて、一部の専門家は疑問を抱いている。
C. C. 人新世の概念は、氷河期のような自然の地質時代の考え方と矛盾する。
D. D. 人間の活動が地球規模で二酸化炭素濃度を変化させたという証拠は存在しない。
✅ 正确答案
B. Some experts doubt that human-induced changes are sufficiently recent and clearly recorded in geological layers.
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