The concept of 'environmental determinism', which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, has been a subject of intense debate among geographers. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness and innovation, while tropical regions were associated with lethargy. However, this perspective has been widely criticized for its ethnocentric bias and oversimplification. Modern scholarship emphasizes the role of human agency, technological adaptation, and cultural factors, suggesting that environmental conditions offer constraints and opportunities rather than fixed outcomes. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences towards recognizing the complex interplay between nature and nurture.
❓ この文章で言及されている環境決定論に対する主な批判は何ですか？
A. それは技術的適応を過度に強調している。
B. それは、気候が人間の行動に与える影響を無視している。
C. 偏っており、環境と社会の関係を過度に単純化している。
D. 文化的要素に焦点を当てすぎている。
✅ 正确答案
It is biased and oversimplifies the relationship between environment and society.
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