The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geographical scholarship. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography fundamentally shape human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective was heavily criticized in the mid-20th century for its oversimplification and potential to justify colonialism. Modern geographers now favor 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment imposes constraints, human agency and technological innovation can overcome many limitations. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward acknowledging the complex interplay between nature and culture, rather than relying on unidirectional causality. Recent studies, for instance, demonstrate that communities in arid regions have developed sophisticated water management systems, challenging the notion that harsh climates inevitably lead to societal stagnation.
❓ Какова основная причина, по которой экологический детерминизм утратил популярность среди географов?
A. A. Это было слишком сложно для применения в практических исследованиях.
B. B. Он игнорировал роль человеческого творчества и использовался для поддержки неэтичных политических программ.
C. C. Это противоречило всем современным географическим данным.
D. D. Он был сосредоточен исключительно на системах управления водными ресурсами.
✅ 正确答案
B. It ignored the role of human creativity and was used to support unethical political agendas.
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