The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, has been a subject of intense debate among geographers. While early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness and innovation, critics contend that this perspective oversimplifies complex human-environment interactions and has been used to justify colonial and racist ideologies. Modern scholarship, however, emphasizes 'possibilism,' suggesting that the environment offers a range of opportunities, but human agency, culture, and technology ultimately determine the choices made. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing the interplay of multiple factors, rather than relying on single-variable explanations.
❓ Согласно тексту, какой из следующих вариантов лучше всего обобщает основную критику экологического детерминизма?
A. Оно игнорирует роль климата в формировании человеческих обществ.
B. Оно чрезмерно подчеркивает роль человеческого фактора и технологических инноваций.
C. Это сводит сложные взаимоотношения человека и окружающей среды к единственной причине.
D. Оно было разработано исключительно колониальными державами для оправдания своих действий.
✅ 正确答案
It reduces complex human-environment relationships to a single cause.
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