The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that climate and terrain directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions. Modern research suggests a more nuanced relationship, where environmental factors influence but do not dictate outcomes. For instance, while arid regions may limit agricultural productivity, technological innovations such as irrigation can mitigate these constraints. Thus, human agency and adaptation play crucial roles in mediating environmental impacts. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing the interplay between natural conditions and human choices, rather than attributing causality solely to physical geography.
❓ 文章によると、初期の環境決定論の主な弱点は何か。
A. それは、気候が社会を形成する役割を無視していた。
B. それは人間の適応性と文化的複雑さを考慮に入れていなかった。
C. それは技術革新を過度に強調していた。
D. それは乾燥地域のみに焦点を当てていた。
✅ 正确答案
It failed to account for human adaptability and cultural complexity.
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