The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in geological and environmental circles, referring to the current epoch in which human activity has become the dominant influence on climate and the environment. While the term was popularized by atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000, its formal recognition as a geological epoch remains contentious. Proponents argue that unmistakable markers, such as radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests and ubiquitous microplastics, justify a distinct boundary. Critics, however, contend that these signals are too diffuse and temporally inconsistent to meet the rigorous criteria of the geologic time scale. Moreover, the debate extends beyond stratigraphy to philosophical questions about humanity's role in shaping Earth's future, highlighting a profound shift in how we perceive our species' impact.
❓ Какова основная причина, по которой некоторые эксперты выступают против формализации антропоцена как геологической эпохи?
A. A. Потому что воздействие человека ещё не видно в геологических записях.
B. B. Потому что предлагаемые маркеры слишком разрозненны и меняются со временем.
C. C. Потому что Пол Крутцен не обладал достаточным научным авторитетом, чтобы предложить это.
D. D. Потому что этот термин слишком сосредоточен на философии, а не на науке.
✅ 正确答案
B. Because the proposed markers are too scattered and vary over time.
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