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, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions. Modern research suggests that while environmental factors can constrain or enable certain activities, human innovation and technology often mediate these effects. For instance, arid regions may limit agriculture, but irrigation systems can transform them into productive farmland. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is dynamic, involving bidirectional influences rather than one-way causation. This nuanced perspective emphasizes the role of human agency in adapting to and modifying natural settings, challenging the passive view of societies as mere products of their environment.
❓ この文章で環境決定論について提示されている主な論点は何ですか？
A. A) 環境要因は人間の発達の唯一の決定要因である。
B. B) 環境は人間社会に影響を与えない。
C. C) 人間社会は環境によって受動的に形作られる。
D. D) 環境は社会に影響を与えるが、人間の革新はこの影響を変えることができる。
✅ 正确答案
D) The environment influences society, but human innovation can modify this effect.
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)
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