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.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чём заключается основной недостаток раннего экологического детерминизма?
A. Оно игнорировало роль климата в формировании обществ.
B. Оно не учитывало человеческую адаптивность и культурную сложность.
C. Оно чрезмерно подчёркивало технологические инновации.
D. Он сосредоточился только на засушливых регионах.
✅ 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