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. While early proponents, like Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered advanced civilizations, critics contend that this perspective oversimplifies complex human-environment interactions and often carries ethnocentric biases. Modern scholarship emphasizes 'possibilism', which suggests that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human agency, cultural values, and technological innovation play decisive roles in choosing among them. This shift reflects a broader recognition that environmental factors are influential but not deterministic, and that societies actively adapt to and modify their surroundings.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es una crítica clave al determinismo ambiental?
A. A. Ignora el papel del clima en la configuración de las sociedades.
B. B. Sobredimensiona la agencia humana y la innovación tecnológica.
C. C. Simplifica la relación entre el medio ambiente y la sociedad y puede ser etnocéntrica.
D. D. Solo fue apoyado por una minoría de geógrafos.
✅ 正确答案
C. It simplifies the relationship between environment and society and may be ethnocentric.
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