The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shaped human civilization, suggesting that temperate zones fostered advanced societies while tropical regions hindered development. However, this theory fell out of favor in the mid-20th century, criticized for its oversimplification and implicit racial biases. Contemporary scholars instead advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that environmental conditions offer a range of possibilities, but human agency and cultural innovation ultimately determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the complex interplay between nature and culture, acknowledging that while environment influences, it does not dictate, human destiny.
❓ 文章によると、環境決定論が否定される主な理由は何ですか？
A. A) それは不十分な地理的データに基づいていた。
B. B) それは人間の創造性と文化的多様性を考慮に入れていなかった。
C. C) 熱帯気候に焦点を当てすぎていた。
D. D) それは可能論の理論と矛盾していた。
✅ 正确答案
B) It failed to account for human creativity and cultural diversity.
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