The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geographical studies. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are predominantly shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered innovation, while tropical regions lagged due to environmental harshness. However, modern scholars criticize this view as overly simplistic and potentially biased, noting that human agency, technological advancement, and cultural exchange can overcome environmental constraints. For instance, the rise of Singapore as a global financial hub despite its tropical location contradicts deterministic predictions. Thus, while environment plays a role, its influence is mediated by complex socio-economic factors, making deterministic explanations inadequate.
❓ What is the main criticism of environmental determinism mentioned in the passage?
A. A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping societies.
B. B. It overemphasizes human agency and technology.
C. C. It fails to account for human adaptability and socio-economic factors.
D. D. It only applies to temperate regions.
✅ 正确答案
C. It fails to account for human adaptability and socio-economic factors.
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