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.
❓ 본문에서 환경 결정론에 대해 제시된 주요 주장은 무엇인가?
A. A) 환경 요인이 인간 발달의 유일한 결정 요인이다.
B. B) 환경은 인간 사회에 아무런 영향을 미치지 않는다.
C. C) 인간 사회는 환경에 의해 수동적으로 형성된다.
D. D) 환경은 사회에 영향을 미치지만, 인간의 혁신은 이러한 영향을 수정할 수 있다.
✅ 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)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first