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.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, một chỉ trích lớn đối với thuyết quyết định môi trường là gì?
A. Nó quá nhấn mạnh vai trò của công nghệ con người.
B. Nó bỏ qua ảnh hưởng của khí hậu đối với nông nghiệp.
C. Nó đơn giản hóa mối quan hệ giữa môi trường và xã hội.
D. Nó không tính đến sự khác biệt về mặt địa lý.
✅ 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