The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness, while tropical regions supposedly encouraged lethargy. However, modern scholars criticize this view as reductionist and often biased, pointing to counterexamples like the advanced civilizations of the Maya or the Indus Valley in tropical and subtropical zones. Instead, contemporary research emphasizes 'possibilism', which suggests that the environment offers a set of constraints and opportunities, but human agency, culture, and technology determine the outcomes. This shift reflects a broader move toward understanding complex human-environment interactions without simplistic causal links.
❓ 본문에 따르면, 환경 결정론에 대한 주요 비판은 무엇인가?
A. 그것은 인간 기술의 역할을 지나치게 강조한다.
B. 그것은 기후가 농업에 미치는 영향을 무시한다.
C. 그것은 환경과 사회 사이의 관계를 단순화한다.
D. 그것은 지리적 차이를 설명하지 못한다.
✅ 正确答案
It simplifies the 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