The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long influenced geographic thought, positing that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and physical conditions. However, this theory has been heavily criticized for its oversimplification of complex cultural dynamics. Modern scholars argue that while environment can pose constraints, human innovation and technological advancement often mitigate these limitations. For instance, arid regions have developed sophisticated irrigation systems, and cold climates have fostered energy-efficient architecture. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is better understood as a dialectical interaction, where human agency plays a pivotal role in reshaping environmental challenges into opportunities.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of environmental determinism?
A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping societies.
B. It overemphasizes the influence of environment on human culture.
C. It underestimates the importance of technological innovation.
D. It fails to consider historical examples of environmental adaptation.
✅ 正确答案
It overemphasizes the influence of 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