The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that human activities and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. This theory, popular in the 19th century, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness and innovation, while tropical regions, due to their abundance and heat, led to lethargy and stagnation. However, modern geographers have largely rejected this deterministic view, emphasizing instead the role of human agency, technological adaptation, and cultural values in shaping societies. They point to examples like Singapore, which thrived despite its tropical location, and the Arctic communities that developed complex survival strategies. Thus, while environment imposes constraints, it does not dictate outcomes; rather, it offers a range of possibilities that humans may exploit or overcome depending on their socio-economic systems and knowledge base.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чем заключается основная критика экологического детерминизма современными географами?
A. Оно чрезмерно подчеркивает роль технологий в общественном развитии.
B. Это игнорирует влияние климата на деятельность человека.
C. Оно не учитывает человеческую адаптивность и культурные факторы.
D. Это применимо только к умеренным регионам, а не к тропическим или арктическим зонам.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for human adaptability and cultural factors.
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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