The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that the physical environment, particularly climate and topography, fundamentally shapes human societies and their cultural development. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered innovation and civilization, while tropical regions were seen as less conducive to progress. However, modern scholars largely reject this simplistic causal relationship. They contend that human agency, technological advancement, and historical context play equally significant roles. For instance, the rise of Singapore as a global economic hub in a tropical setting challenges deterministic assumptions. Critics also point out that environmental determinism has been used to justify colonialism and racial hierarchies, making it a politically charged framework. Contemporary geography instead embraces 'possibilism,' which suggests that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human choices determine which ones are realized. This shift reflects a broader academic movement toward nuanced, multi-causal explanations of societal development.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main reason modern scholars reject environmental determinism?
A. A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping societies.
B. B. It oversimplifies the relationship between environment and human development.
C. C. It was only popular among early geographers.
D. D. It fails to account for the success of countries like Singapore.
✅ 正确答案
B. It oversimplifies the relationship between environment and human development.
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