The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that human activities and societal development are largely shaped by the physical environment, such as climate and terrain. While early proponents argued that tropical climates hindered economic progress due to heat-induced lethargy, critics in the twentieth century condemned this view as overly simplistic and potentially racist. Modern scholarship instead favors 'possibilism', which acknowledges environmental constraints but emphasizes human agency and technological innovation in overcoming these limitations. For instance, the Netherlands has thrived despite its flood-prone geography through advanced water management systems. Thus, while the environment sets certain parameters, it does not dictate the trajectory of human societies.
❓ ¿Cuál es el argumento principal del pasaje?
A. A. El determinismo ambiental explica con precisión el desarrollo de las sociedades.
B. B. El entorno influye pero no determina únicamente el progreso humano.
C. C. Los climas tropicales son inherentemente perjudiciales para el crecimiento económico.
D. D. La innovación tecnológica elimina todas las restricciones ambientales.
✅ 正确答案
B. The environment influences but does not solely determine human progress.
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