The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Proponents argue that the physical environment, particularly climate and terrain, directly shapes human societies, influencing everything from agricultural practices to cultural values. However, critics contend that this perspective oversimplifies the complex interplay between humans and their surroundings, ignoring technological innovation and social agency. Recent research suggests a more nuanced view: while environmental factors can constrain or facilitate certain developments, they do not predetermine outcomes. For instance, societies in similar climatic zones have evolved vastly different political systems, indicating that human choices and historical contingencies play a crucial role. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is better understood as a dynamic, reciprocal process rather than a one-way causal chain.
❓ 본문에 따르면, 환경 결정론에 대한 주요 비판은 무엇인가?
A. 그것은 사회 발전에서 기술의 역할을 지나치게 강조한다.
B. 그것은 기후가 농업에 미치는 영향을 설명하지 못한다.
C. 인간-환경 상호작용의 복잡성과 인간의 행위성을 무시한다.
D. 그것은 유사한 기후의 모든 사회가 동일하게 발전한다고 가정한다.
✅ 正确答案
It ignores the complexity of human-environment interactions and human agency.
IELTS Reading Tips
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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)
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