The concept of sustainable development has evolved significantly since its popularization in the 1987 Brundtland Report. Initially focused on environmental protection, it now encompasses economic viability and social equity. However, critics argue that the term has become so broad as to lose its analytical precision, often used to legitimize conflicting agendas. For instance, some corporations employ 'greenwashing' to present environmentally harmful practices as sustainable, while governments may prioritize economic growth over ecological limits. This ambiguity underscores the need for more rigorous frameworks that integrate measurable ecological indicators with socioeconomic factors, ensuring that sustainability is not merely a rhetorical device but a practical guide for policy-making.
❓ この文章によると、持続可能な開発の概念に対する主な批判は何ですか？
A. A. 経済成長に重点を置きすぎて、環境を犠牲にしている。
B. B. それはあまりにも曖昧になり、しばしば相反する行動を正当化するために誤用されている。
C. C. それは、企業が環境悪化において果たす役割を無視している。
D. D. 国連のような国際機関からの支援が不足している。
✅ 正确答案
B. It has become too vague and is often misused to justify opposing actions.
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