The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human behavior and societal development were largely shaped by climatic conditions and geographical features. However, this perspective faced criticism for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and ignoring the role of human agency. Recent research emphasizes a more nuanced view, suggesting that while environment can influence certain aspects of life, technological innovation and social structures often mediate these effects. For instance, societies in similar climates have developed vastly different economic systems, indicating that environmental factors are not deterministic but rather one of many variables in human progress.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el principal defecto del determinismo ambiental temprano?
A. Sobrepuso el papel de la tecnología.
B. Ignoró la influencia del clima en la sociedad.
C. No logró tener en cuenta la agencia humana y la complejidad cultural.
D. Solo se aplicaba a ciertas regiones geográficas.
✅ 正确答案
It failed to account for human agency and cultural complexity.
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