The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems. Unlike previous epochs, which were delineated by natural climatic shifts or biological events, the Anthropocene is characterized by markers such as plastic pollution, nuclear fallout, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. However, scholars debate whether the epoch's onset should be dated to the Industrial Revolution, the mid-20th century 'Great Acceleration', or earlier agricultural practices. This debate highlights a fundamental question: can a human-dominated era be objectively measured within the deep time scale of geology? Some argue that the term overemphasizes human agency, potentially obscuring the complex, non-linear interactions between human societies and environmental systems.
❓ According to the passage, what is a central issue in the debate over the Anthropocene?
A. Whether human impact is significant enough to alter geological formations.
B. The difficulty of assigning a precise start date due to varying human activities.
C. The lack of physical markers to distinguish the Anthropocene from earlier epochs.
D. The risk that the term ignores the role of natural climate change.
✅ 正确答案
The difficulty of assigning a precise start date due to varying human 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