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.
❓ 이 글에서 환경 결정론에 관한 주요 주장은 무엇인가?
A. A. 환경 조건은 사회 발전의 일차적이고 피할 수 없는 결정 요인이다.
B. B. 환경적 요인도 역할을 하지만, 결과를 형성하는 데 있어 인간의 창의성과 적응력이 그에 못지않게 또는 그보다 더 중요하다.
C. C. 환경 결정론은 현대 지리학자들에 의해 보편적으로 받아들여져 왔다.
D. D. 건조 지역은 외부의 지원 없이는 고도 문명을 유지할 수 없다.
✅ 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