The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that human activities and societal development are predominantly shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. This theory, popular in the 19th century, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness and innovation, while tropical regions were associated with lethargy. However, modern scholars critique this perspective as overly simplistic and potentially biased, noting that it ignores the profound impact of technological advancement and cultural exchange. Contemporary research emphasizes a more nuanced interaction, where humans both adapt to and modify their environments, leading to diverse outcomes irrespective of latitude. For instance, the economic success of Singapore, a tropical nation, contradicts traditional deterministic predictions, highlighting the role of policy and globalization.
❓ ¿Cuál es la principal crítica al determinismo ambiental mencionada en el pasaje?
A. Sobrepone el papel de la tecnología en el desarrollo social.
B. No tiene en cuenta la influencia del clima en el comportamiento humano.
C. Pasa por alto la compleja interacción entre los seres humanos y el medio ambiente, incluyendo la tecnología y la cultura.
D. Asume incorrectamente que las regiones tropicales son inherentemente más productivas.
✅ 正确答案
It overlooks the complex interplay between humans and environment, including technology and culture.
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)
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