The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in geological and environmental circles, referring to the current epoch in which human activities have become the dominant influence on the Earth's climate and ecosystems. While the term remains unofficial in the geological timescale, its proponents argue that markers such as nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels provide clear stratigraphic evidence of a distinct human-driven era. Critics, however, contend that the Anthropocene lacks a precise starting point and that its boundaries are too diffuse to qualify as a formal geological period. Despite this debate, the term serves a crucial rhetorical purpose: it underscores the unprecedented scale and irreversibility of human impact, urging a re-evaluation of humanity's role as a geological agent rather than merely a biological one.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el valor principal del término 'Antropoceno'?
A. Ha sido oficialmente aceptado como una nueva época geológica.
B. Subraya la naturaleza sin precedentes e irreversible de la influencia humana en el planeta.
C. Proporciona un marcador estratigráfico preciso para futuros geólogos.
D. Resuelve el debate sobre cuándo comenzó el impacto humano.
✅ 正确答案
It highlights the unprecedented and irreversible nature of human influence on the planet.
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