The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, modern scholars criticize this view for oversimplifying the complex interplay between nature and culture. Instead, they propose 'possibilism', which suggests that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human agency ultimately determines which paths are taken. This shift reflects a broader recognition that human societies are not passive recipients of environmental forces, but active agents in shaping their own destinies, even within natural constraints.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es la principal crítica al determinismo ambiental?
A. Ignora el papel del clima en el desarrollo humano.
B. Sobrepone la influencia de la cultura humana sobre la naturaleza.
C. No logra dar cuenta de la compleja relación entre el medio ambiente y la sociedad.
D. Rechaza la idea de que la naturaleza imponga cualquier restricción a la actividad humana.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for the complex relationship between environment and society.
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