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.
❓ ¿Cuál es la principal crítica al determinismo ambiental según el pasaje?
A. Ignora el papel del clima en la formación de las civilizaciones.
B. Sobredimensiona la influencia del entorno en la sociedad humana.
C. No tiene en cuenta los avances tecnológicos de la época moderna.
D. Solo es aplicable a las regiones templadas del mundo.
✅ 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)
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