The concept of 'environmental determinism' once dominated geographic thought, positing that human behavior and societal development were largely dictated by climatic and topographical conditions. However, this theory has been largely discredited in modern academia for its oversimplification of complex cultural interactions. Contemporary research emphasizes 'possibilism', which argues that while the environment sets certain constraints, it does not determine human choices. Instead, human ingenuity, technological advancement, and cultural values play pivotal roles in shaping societies. For instance, the Netherlands, despite its low-lying geography and vulnerability to flooding, has thrived through sophisticated water management systems, demonstrating that human innovation can overcome environmental challenges. This shift in perspective underscores the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment, where neither element is wholly passive or dominant.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чём заключается основная критика экологического детерминизма?
A. Это игнорирует роль климата в развитии человечества.
B. Он не учитывает человеческую деятельность и культурные факторы.
C. Оно чрезмерно акцентирует внимание на технологических достижениях.
D. Это касается только Нидерландов.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for human agency and cultural factors.
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