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. Proponents argue that civilizations in temperate zones have historically advanced more rapidly due to favorable agricultural conditions, while those in extreme climates faced constraints. However, critics contend that this perspective oversimplifies complex human-environment interactions and ignores the role of technological innovation and cultural adaptation. Modern scholarship emphasizes a more nuanced view, suggesting that while environment provides opportunities and limitations, human agency and historical context play equally crucial roles in shaping outcomes. This shift reflects a broader trend in geography towards understanding the reciprocal relationship between nature and society, rather than attributing causality solely to one factor.
❓ 現代の学者たちは、環境決定論についてどのような主な主張をしているのか？
A. A. 彼らは、その理論が歴史的発展を説明するものであるため、全面的に支持している。
B. B. 彼らは、人間社会に対する環境のいかなる影響も拒否する。
C. C. 彼らは、人間の主体性と文脈を含むバランスの取れた見解を提唱している。
D. D. 彼らは、技術だけで社会の進歩が決まると信じている。
✅ 正确答案
C. They advocate for a balanced view that includes human agency and context.
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