The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are predominantly shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness, while tropical regions supposedly led to lethargy. However, modern scholars reject this simplistic causality, pointing to counterexamples like the advanced civilizations of the Maya in tropical lowlands. Instead, they advocate for 'possibilism', which acknowledges that environment offers a set of constraints and opportunities, but human agency and cultural innovation play decisive roles in shaping outcomes. This shift reflects a broader academic trend toward recognizing the complex interplay between nature and culture, rejecting deterministic frameworks in favor of nuanced, multi-causal analyses.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of environmental determinism by modern scholars?
A. It overestimates the role of human innovation in societal progress.
B. It fails to account for cases where advanced societies thrived in challenging climates.
C. It ignores the influence of tropical climates on human behavior entirely.
D. It suggests that all civilizations develop equally regardless of geography.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for cases where advanced societies thrived in challenging climates.
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