The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, modern scholars reject this simplistic causality, noting that technological innovation and cultural exchange often enable societies to overcome environmental constraints. For instance, the Netherlands, despite its low-lying geography, has thrived through advanced water management systems. Conversely, resource-rich regions like the Congo Basin have faced developmental challenges due to political instability rather than environmental factors. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing human agency and complex socio-economic interactions over unilateral environmental influence.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es la razón principal por la que los académicos modernos rechazan el determinismo ambiental?
A. A. Los factores tecnológicos y culturales pueden mitigar las limitaciones ambientales.
B. B. Los Países Bajos son un contraejemplo de las restricciones geográficas.
C. C. La inestabilidad política es más importante que el medio ambiente en el desarrollo.
D. D. Las regiones ricas en recursos siempre enfrentan desafíos de desarrollo.
✅ 正确答案
A. Technological and cultural factors can mitigate environmental limitations.
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