The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that the physical environment, particularly climate and topography, directly shapes human behavior and societal development. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness, while tropical regions led to lethargy. However, this perspective was heavily criticized for its ethnocentric bias and oversimplification of complex cultural dynamics. Modern scholarship instead emphasizes 'possibilism', which suggests that the environment offers a range of possibilities, but human agency and cultural choices ultimately determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences towards recognizing the interplay of multiple factors, including historical context, technology, and globalization, in shaping civilizations.
❓ According to the passage, the main criticism of environmental determinism is that it:
A. A. Ignores the role of climate in human development.
B. B. Overemphasizes the influence of the environment while neglecting human and cultural factors.
C. C. Was only supported by geographers from tropical regions.
D. D. Fails to account for technological advancements in modern societies.
✅ 正确答案
B. Overemphasizes the influence of the environment while neglecting human 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