The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human behavior and societal development were largely shaped by climatic conditions and geographical features. However, this perspective was criticized for oversimplifying complex human-environment interactions and for justifying colonialism. Modern scholarship, such as the work of Jared Diamond, has revived interest in the role of geography, but with more nuanced approaches. Diamond suggests that environmental factors, such as the availability of domesticable plants and animals, influenced the pace of technological innovation and societal complexity. Yet he emphasizes that these factors do not dictate outcomes; rather, they create opportunities and constraints that interact with cultural and historical contingencies. Thus, contemporary environmental determinism is less about causation and more about understanding the probabilistic influences of the physical environment on human societies.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, học thuật hiện đại khác với thuyết quyết định môi trường ban đầu như thế nào?
A. Nó hoàn toàn bác bỏ mọi ảnh hưởng của địa lý đối với các xã hội loài người.
B. Nó xem các yếu tố môi trường là nguyên nhân quyết định đối với các kết quả xã hội.
C. Nó coi các yếu tố môi trường là những ảnh hưởng mang tính xác suất chứ không phải là những yếu tố quyết định tuyệt đối.
D. Nó chỉ tập trung vào các yếu tố văn hóa trong khi bỏ qua các yếu tố địa lý.
✅ 正确答案
It considers environmental factors as probabilistic influences rather than absolute determinants.
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