The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human activities and societal development were largely dictated by climatic conditions and geographical features. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex human-environment interactions and for justifying colonial expansion. Modern scholarship emphasizes a more nuanced approach, recognizing that while the environment sets certain constraints, human agency, technological innovation, and cultural values play pivotal roles in shaping outcomes. For instance, societies in similar climatic zones have developed vastly different economic systems, indicating that environmental factors are not sole determinants. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward acknowledging the interplay of multiple variables rather than relying on single-cause explanations.
❓ Согласно тексту, почему подвергалась критике теория экологического детерминизма?
A. A. Он полностью проигнорировал технологические достижения.
B. B. Оно давало упрощённое объяснение и поддерживало колониальные действия.
C. C. Он сосредоточился только на культурных ценностях, а не на климате.
D. D. Это было основано на устаревших географических данных.
✅ 正确答案
B. It provided a simplistic explanation and supported colonial actions.
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