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, with their abundant resources and harsh conditions, led to lethargy and stagnation. However, modern scholarship has largely rejected this deterministic view, emphasizing instead the role of human agency, technological adaptation, and cultural exchange. Critics point out that environmental determinism oversimplifies complex socio-economic dynamics and has been used to justify colonialism and racial hierarchies. Contemporary research, such as that by Jared Diamond, acknowledges environmental influences but integrates them with historical contingencies and human choices, suggesting a more nuanced interaction between nature and culture.
❓ 根据文章，环境决定论的一个主要批评是什么？
A. それは、人間の発展における気候の役割を無視している。
B. それは人間の主体性と文化交流を過度に強調している。
C. これは複雑な社会経済的要因を単純化し、政治的目的のために悪用されてきた。
D. これは歴史的証拠ではなく、現代の研究に基づいています。
✅ 正确答案
It simplifies complex socio-economic factors and has been misused for political ends.
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