TOEFL Reading

❓ Question According to the passage, which of the following is a key reason why some scientists oppose formalizing the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch?

A. The proposed start date is not supported by any physical evidence in rock layers.
B. Human impacts on Earth's systems began earlier than the mid-20th century, making a single start point problematic.
C. The Great Acceleration was primarily a cultural phenomenon, not a geological one.
D. Radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests are too rare to serve as a reliable marker.

✅ Correct Answer

Human impacts on Earth's systems began earlier than the mid-20th century, making a single start point problematic.

TOEFL Reading Tips

Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Infer vocabulary meaning from context, not just memory
Base inferences on the passage; avoid over-extrapolation
Manage time: about 18 minutes per passage

📖 Reading Passage

✅ Correct Answer

TOEFL Reading Tips