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.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, chỉ trích chính đối với thuyết quyết định môi trường là gì?
A. Nó bỏ qua vai trò của khí hậu trong việc định hình các nền văn minh.
B. Nó quá nhấn mạnh ảnh hưởng của môi trường đối với xã hội loài người.
C. Nó không xem xét đến những tiến bộ công nghệ trong thời hiện đại.
D. Chỉ áp dụng cho các vùng ôn đới trên thế giới.
✅ 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