The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by human impact on Earth's systems. Unlike previous epochs, which were marked by natural phenomena such as glacial retreats or asteroid impacts, the Anthropocene is characterized by anthropogenic changes including elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide, plastic pollution, and nuclear fallout remnants. Proponents argue that these markers are stratigraphically distinct and globally synchronous, warranting formal recognition. However, critics contend that the term overstates human agency, as many environmental changes are unevenly distributed across time and space, and that informal usage in social sciences has diluted its scientific precision. This debate highlights the tension between geological classification and the broader cultural resonance of naming our current era, raising questions about whether scientific frameworks can adequately capture the complexity of human-environment interactions.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 일부 과학자들이 인류세를 지질학적 시대로 공식적으로 인정하는 것에 반대하는 주된 이유는 무엇인가?
A. 인간의 영향은 지질층에서 감지할 수 없다.
B. B) 인류세의 지표는 전 세계적으로 균일하지 않으며, 그 용어가 너무 느슨하게 사용되고 있다.
C. C) 시대는 빙하 후퇴와 같은 자연 현상에 기초하여 명명되어야 한다.
D. D) 이 용어는 과학계 밖에서는 문화적 의미를 지니지 않는다.
✅ 正确答案
B) The markers of the Anthropocene are not globally uniform and the term is used too loosely.
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