The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. This theory, popular in the 19th century, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness and innovation, while tropical regions were associated with lethargy. However, modern scholarship has largely discredited this view, citing counterexamples such as the advanced civilizations of the Maya in tropical Mesoamerica. Critics also emphasize that environmental factors interact with cultural, historical, and technological variables, making simple causal links untenable. Instead, contemporary geography favors 'possibilism', which acknowledges environmental constraints but highlights human agency in adapting to and modifying the environment. This shift reflects a broader academic trend toward nuanced, multi-causal explanations.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es una razón principal por la que los académicos modernos han rechazado el determinismo ambiental?
A. Ignora el papel del clima en la configuración de las sociedades humanas.
B. No logra tener en cuenta la creatividad humana y las variaciones culturales.
C. Sobrepone énfasis en los avances tecnológicos en las regiones tropicales.
D. Se basaba únicamente en evidencia de regiones templadas.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for human creativity and cultural variations.
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)
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