The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by the physical environment, such as climate and topography. Early proponents, like Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered higher levels of civilization, while tropical regions were seen as less conducive to progress. However, this perspective was heavily criticized for its Eurocentric bias and oversimplification of complex cultural dynamics. Modern scholarship tends to favor 'possibilism,' which acknowledges environmental constraints but emphasizes human agency and technological innovation as key drivers of change. This shift reflects a broader recognition that societies are not passive recipients of environmental forces but active agents in shaping their own destinies.
❓ ¿Cuál es la razón principal del rechazo del determinismo ambiental en la erudición moderna?
A. A) Sobrevaloró el papel de la tecnología en el progreso social.
B. B) Ignoró la influencia del clima en el comportamiento humano.
C. C) Fue criticado por ser eurocéntrico y excesivamente simplista.
D. D) No tuvo en cuenta el impacto de la topografía en la cultura.
✅ 正确答案
C) It was criticized for being Eurocentric and overly simplistic.
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