The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that the physical environment, particularly climate and geography, directly shapes human cultural and societal development. While this theory gained prominence in the early 20th century, it has been largely criticized for oversimplifying the complex interplay between humans and their surroundings. Contemporary scholars argue that human agency, technological innovation, and historical contingencies play equally significant roles. For instance, societies in similar climatic zones often exhibit vastly different political systems and economic structures, undermining a purely deterministic view. Instead, a 'possibilist' approach is favored, which suggests that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human choices determine which of these are realized. This nuanced perspective acknowledges environmental constraints without denying human creativity and adaptability.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of environmental determinism?
A. A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping societies.
B. B. It overemphasizes the influence of the physical environment on human culture.
C. C. It fails to consider geographical variations across different regions.
D. D. It relies too heavily on historical evidence from the early 20th century.
✅ 正确答案
B. It overemphasizes the influence of the physical environment on human culture.
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