The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human activities and societal development were largely shaped by climatic conditions and geographical features. However, this perspective was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural and economic interactions. Contemporary scholars advocate for a more nuanced approach, recognizing that while environment can influence certain practices, human innovation and technological advancement often mitigate these constraints. For instance, arid regions may limit agriculture, but irrigation systems and drought-resistant crops have enabled settlements to thrive. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is not unidirectional but rather characterized by reciprocal adaptation.
❓ What is the main argument of contemporary scholars mentioned in the passage?
A. Environmental factors exclusively determine societal progress.
B. Human innovation can fully overcome environmental limitations.
C. The environment and society influence each other through adaptation.
D. Technological advancement eliminates the need to consider geography.
✅ 正确答案
The environment and society influence each other through adaptation.
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