The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are primarily shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, has been largely discredited in modern geography. Critics argue that it oversimplifies the complex interplay between nature and culture, ignoring the capacity of human societies to adapt and innovate. However, a nuanced perspective acknowledges that environmental factors can act as significant constraints or opportunities, influencing but not dictating the trajectory of civilizations. For instance, while river valleys often facilitated early agricultural settlements, the subsequent rise of complex societies depended on a myriad of social, political, and technological factors. Thus, contemporary scholarship tends to favor a model of 'possibilism,' where the environment sets certain limits, but human agency ultimately determines the outcome.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main problem with the traditional view of environmental determinism?
A. It overemphasizes the role of human innovation in societal development.
B. It fails to recognize that environmental factors have no influence on human societies.
C. It disregards the ability of societies to adapt and the complexity of cultural-environmental interactions.
D. It only applies to river valley civilizations and not to other geographical settings.
✅ 正确答案
It disregards the ability of societies to adapt and the complexity of cultural-environmental interactions.
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