The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by the physical environment, such as climate and topography. While early proponents like Ellsworth Huntington argued that temperate climates fostered higher levels of civilization, critics contend that this perspective oversimplifies complex human-environment interactions and can lead to deterministic, even racist, conclusions. Modern geography, by contrast, emphasizes 'possibilism', which acknowledges that the environment offers a range of possibilities for human action, but the choices made are influenced by cultural, technological, and social factors. This shift reflects a broader move toward understanding human agency and resilience in the face of environmental constraints, rather than viewing humans as passive recipients of environmental forces.
❓ What is the main criticism of environmental determinism according to the passage?
A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping civilizations.
B. It overemphasizes the influence of the environment on human society.
C. It fails to consider technological advancements in modern times.
D. It is only applicable to temperate regions of the world.
✅ 正确答案
It overemphasizes the influence of the environment on human society.
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