The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human societal development was largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and ignoring human agency. Recent research suggests a more nuanced relationship, where environmental factors can influence but not dictate economic and political trajectories. For instance, while tropical climates may pose agricultural challenges, technological innovation and trade networks have historically mitigated such constraints. Thus, contemporary scholars emphasize a dialectical interaction between nature and culture, rejecting both strict determinism and complete environmental possibilism.
❓ ¿Cuál es el argumento principal de los académicos contemporáneos según el pasaje?
A. A) Los factores ambientales determinan completamente el desarrollo social.
B. B) Las sociedades humanas no se ven afectadas en absoluto por su entorno.
C. C) La relación entre el medio ambiente y la sociedad es compleja e interactiva.
D. D) Los climas tropicales inevitablemente obstaculizan el progreso económico.
✅ 正确答案
C) The relationship between environment and society is complex and interactive.
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