The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in geological and environmental circles, referring to the current geological 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 contested. Proponents argue that markers such as radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels provide clear stratigraphic evidence of human impact. Critics, however, contend that the Anthropocene lacks a distinct and globally synchronous boundary layer, a requirement for formal geological time units. This debate underscores a deeper tension between the descriptive power of the term in capturing planetary change and its technical inadequacy within strict geological classification.
❓ 비평가들이 인류세를 지질학적 시대로 공식 인정하는 것에 반대하는 주요 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A. 그 용어는 지질학자가 만든 것이 아니다.
B. B. 인간이 환경에 미치는 영향에 대한 증거가 불충분하다.
C. C. 명확하고 전 세계적으로 일관된 층서학적 지표가 부족하다.
D. D. 그 개념은 미디어에서 너무 대중화되어 진지하게 받아들여지기 어렵다.
✅ 正确答案
C. It lacks a clear and globally consistent stratigraphic marker.
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