The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that climate and terrain directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions. Contemporary researchers emphasize 'possibilism', which suggests that while the environment offers constraints and opportunities, human agency and technological innovation play a pivotal role in overcoming natural limitations. A recent study by Dr. Elena Vasquez examined agricultural practices in arid regions, demonstrating that communities with access to advanced irrigation techniques thrived despite harsh conditions, whereas those relying solely on traditional methods struggled. This finding supports the notion that environmental factors are not destiny but rather one variable in a multifaceted equation of human progress.
❓ パッセージで言及されているバスケス博士の研究の主な結論は何ですか？
A. 環境決定論は社会の成功を正確に予測する。
B. 技術革新は環境制約を緩和することができる。
C. 乾燥地域は本質的に農業に適していない。
D. 伝統的な農業方法は、現代の技術よりも優れている。
✅ 正确答案
Technological innovation can mitigate environmental constraints.
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