The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human behavior and societal development were largely dictated by climatic conditions and geographical features. However, this perspective was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and ignoring human agency. Modern scholarship, while acknowledging the influence of the environment, emphasizes a more nuanced relationship. Researchers now propose that environments offer a range of possibilities, but human innovation and historical contingencies shape outcomes. For instance, similar river valleys in different continents gave rise to distinct civilizations due to varying social structures and technological choices. Thus, the contemporary view rejects a unidirectional causality, advocating instead for a reciprocal model where humans both adapt to and modify their surroundings, leading to a dynamic co-evolution.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main difference between early environmental determinism and the modern perspective?
A. A. Early determinism ignored climate, while modern scholars focus on it.
B. B. Early determinism saw environment as the sole factor, while modern scholars see it as one of many influences.
C. C. Modern scholars reject any environmental impact on human societies.
D. D. Both perspectives equally emphasize human agency in shaping culture.
✅ 正确答案
B. Early determinism saw environment as the sole factor, while modern scholars see it as one of many influences.
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