The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, has been largely discredited in modern geography. Critics argue that it oversimplifies the complex interplay between culture and environment, ignoring human agency and technological innovation. However, a nuanced perspective, termed 'possibilism,' suggests that while the environment sets certain constraints, it does not dictate human choices. Instead, societies adapt and modify their surroundings based on cultural values and technological capabilities. Recent studies in climate resilience highlight that communities with strong social institutions often thrive despite harsh environmental conditions, underscoring the role of adaptive capacity. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is better understood as a dynamic dialogue rather than a one-way causal chain.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, chỉ trích chính đối với thuyết quyết định môi trường là gì?
A. Nó bỏ qua vai trò của khí hậu trong việc định hình các xã hội.
B. Nó quá nhấn mạnh vào đổi mới công nghệ.
C. Nó không tính đến sự chủ động của con người và sự phức tạp về văn hóa.
D. Nó bỏ qua tầm quan trọng của các ràng buộc địa lý.
✅ 正确答案
It fails to account for human agency and cultural complexity.
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