The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists and environmental scientists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by human impact on Earth's systems. Unlike previous epochs, which are demarcated by natural events such as ice ages or asteroid impacts, the Anthropocene is characterized by anthropogenic markers, including radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. However, the formal recognition of this epoch remains contentious. Critics argue that human activity is too varied and temporally uneven to constitute a single, coherent geological boundary. Proponents counter that the scale and irreversibility of human-induced changes, such as biodiversity loss and climate alteration, justify a distinct epoch. This debate underscores a broader tension between scientific classification and societal responsibility, as acknowledging the Anthropocene implies a call for urgent action to mitigate human impacts.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 인류세의 공식적 인정을 둘러싼 논란의 주요 원인은 무엇인가?
A. 제안된 지표들, 예를 들어 플라스틱 오염 같은 경우, 지질학적 기록에서 감지할 수 없습니다.
B. B) 인간 활동은 유형과 시기가 너무 다양하여 일관된 지질학적 경계를 형성할 수 없다.
C. C) 지질학자들은 증거 부족으로 인해 인류세의 시작 시점에 대해 합의하지 못하고 있다.
D. D) 이 개념은 지구의 역사를 형성해 온 빙하기와 같은 자연적 사건들을 무시한다.
✅ 正确答案
B) Human activities vary too much in type and timing to form a consistent geological boundary.
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