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 like Ellsworth Huntington argued that temperate climates fostered higher levels of civilization, critics contend that such theories often ignore the complex interplay of cultural, historical, and economic factors. Modern research suggests that environmental conditions can influence but not determine societal outcomes. For instance, the rise of advanced irrigation systems in arid regions demonstrates human ingenuity in overcoming environmental constraints. Thus, while geography may set certain parameters, it is human adaptation and innovation that ultimately drive progress, rendering rigid determinism an oversimplified framework.
❓ この文章の環境決定論に関する主な主張は何ですか？
A. A. 環境条件は、社会発展の主要かつ不可避な決定要因である。
B. B. 環境要因も影響を及ぼすが、結果を形作る上で人間の創造性と適応力は同等かそれ以上に重要である。
C. C. 環境決定論は、現代の地理学者によって普遍的に受け入れられている。
D. D. 乾燥地域は、外部からの支援なしには高度な文明を支えることはできない。
✅ 正确答案
B. Environmental factors play a role, but human creativity and adaptation are equally or more important in shaping outcomes.
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