The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate in geography. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by the physical environment, such as climate and terrain. Proponents argue that tropical climates, with their abundant resources and lack of seasonal variation, may have hindered technological innovation due to the absence of pressure to adapt. Conversely, temperate zones, characterized by distinct seasons, are believed to have fostered more dynamic societies by necessitating planning and resource management. However, critics contend that this perspective oversimplifies complex human-environment interactions, ignoring cultural, historical, and economic factors. They point to the rapid industrialization of tropical nations like Singapore as evidence against strict determinism. The debate highlights the delicate balance between environmental influence and human agency, reminding us that geography is not destiny but rather one variable among many.
❓ What is the main criticism of environmental determinism mentioned in the passage?
A. It ignores the role of human creativity and cultural factors.
B. It overemphasizes the impact of climate on technology.
C. It fails to account for the success of temperate countries.
D. It relies too heavily on historical examples.
✅ 正确答案
It ignores the role of human creativity and cultural factors.
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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