The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, has been largely discredited in modern geography. Critics argue that it oversimplifies complex cultural interactions and ignores human agency. However, recent research in climate science has revived interest in the relationship between environmental stressors and societal resilience. For instance, studies of ancient civilizations suggest that societies with flexible resource management strategies were better able to adapt to prolonged droughts, while rigid hierarchical structures often collapsed. This does not imply causation, but rather highlights how environmental factors can act as catalysts within a broader socio-political context. Thus, contemporary scholarship advocates for a nuanced approach, recognizing the environment as one of many interacting variables, rather than a sole determinant.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main reason why environmental determinism has been criticized?
A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping societies.
B. It fails to account for human choice and cultural complexity.
C. It overemphasizes the flexibility of ancient civilizations.
D. It lacks support from recent climate research.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for human choice and cultural complexity.
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