The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geographical studies. Early proponents argued that human societal development was largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, suggesting that temperate regions fostered advanced civilizations while tropical climates hindered progress. However, this perspective was heavily criticized for its ethnocentric bias and oversimplification of complex human-environment interactions. Modern scholars advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment sets certain constraints, human agency and technological innovation can overcome many natural limitations. This shift reflects a broader trend in academia towards recognizing the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between nature and culture, where neither factor solely dictates outcomes but rather co-evolves in a complex adaptive system.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of early environmental determinism?
A. It ignored technological advancements completely.
B. It was too simplistic and culturally biased.
C. It focused only on tropical climates.
D. It denied any influence of geography on society.
✅ 正确答案
It was too simplistic and culturally biased.
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