The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that the physical environment, particularly climate and terrain, directly shapes human behavior, cultural development, and societal structures. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered higher levels of civilization, while tropical regions were inherently disadvantaged. However, this perspective has been heavily criticized for its ethnocentric bias and oversimplification of complex human-environment interactions. Modern scholarship, such as the work of Jared Diamond, acknowledges the influence of geography on historical trajectories but emphasizes that human agency, technological innovation, and cultural exchange are equally crucial. Consequently, environmental determinism is now viewed as a reductionist framework, replaced by more nuanced approaches like possibilism, which recognizes that the environment offers a range of possibilities rather than imposing fixed outcomes.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of traditional environmental determinism?
A. A) It overemphasizes the role of human agency in shaping societies.
B. B) It ignores the influence of climate on cultural development.
C. C) It is biased and fails to account for the complexity of human-environment interactions.
D. D) It relies solely on technological innovation to explain historical progress.
✅ 正确答案
C) It is biased and fails to account for the complexity of human-environment interactions.
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