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.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, chỉ trích chính đối với thuyết quyết định môi trường là gì?
A. A. Nó bỏ qua vai trò của khí hậu trong việc định hình các xã hội.
B. B. Nó nhấn mạnh quá mức ảnh hưởng của môi trường vật lý đến văn hóa con người.
C. C. Nó không xem xét đến sự khác biệt về địa lý giữa các khu vực khác nhau.
D. D. Nó phụ thuộc quá nhiều vào bằng chứng lịch sử từ đầu thế kỷ 20.
✅ 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