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.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es la principal crítica al determinismo ambiental?
A. A. Ignora el papel del clima en la configuración de las sociedades.
B. B. Sobrepone el énfasis en la influencia del entorno físico sobre la cultura humana.
C. C. No tiene en cuenta las variaciones geográficas entre diferentes regiones.
D. D. Se basa demasiado en evidencia histórica de principios del siglo XX.
✅ 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