The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a contentious issue in geography. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shaped human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective was heavily criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and for justifying colonial narratives. Modern scholars advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that the environment offers a range of possibilities, but human agency, technology, and cultural choices ultimately determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing the interplay between natural constraints and human innovation. While environmental factors undeniably influence agricultural yields or settlement patterns, they do not dictate the sophistication of a civilization. Instead, adaptive strategies and historical contingencies often prove more decisive in explaining why societies thrive or decline.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of environmental determinism?
A. A. It overemphasizes the role of technology in societal development.
B. B. It ignores the impact of climate on human activities.
C. C. It simplifies complex cultural interactions and supported colonial narratives.
D. D. It rejects the idea that environment can influence human behavior.
✅ 正确答案
C. It simplifies complex cultural interactions and supported colonial narratives.
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