The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that human activities and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. While this theory gained prominence in the early 20th century, it has been widely criticized for oversimplifying the complex interplay between nature and culture. Contemporary scholars argue that technological advancements and globalization have diminished the direct influence of environment, yet recent studies on climate change suggest that environmental factors still impose significant constraints, particularly on vulnerable communities. This has led to a nuanced perspective known as 'possibilism', which acknowledges environmental limits while emphasizing human agency in adapting to and modifying those conditions. The debate remains central to understanding sustainable development in an era of rapid environmental change.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of environmental determinism?
A. It overemphasizes the role of technology in societal development.
B. It fails to recognize the complexity of nature-culture interactions.
C. It ignores the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
D. It supports unsustainable development practices.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to recognize the complexity of nature-culture interactions.
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