The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that human activities and societal development are predominantly shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. This theory, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, argued that temperate climates fostered industriousness and technological innovation, while tropical regions, due to their heat and humidity, were associated with lethargy and limited progress. However, modern geographical scholarship has largely rejected this deterministic view, emphasizing instead the role of human agency, cultural values, and historical contingencies. Critics point to examples such as the advanced civilizations of the Maya and Inca in tropical and mountainous environments, which flourished despite adverse conditions. Contemporary research advocates for a more nuanced 'possibilism' framework, wherein the environment offers a set of constraints and opportunities, but human choices and cultural adaptations ultimately determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader academic trend toward recognizing complexity and rejecting simplistic causal explanations in social science.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main reason modern scholars reject environmental determinism?
A. A. It overemphasizes the role of human agency in shaping societies.
B. B. It fails to account for examples of advanced civilizations in challenging environments.
C. C. It ignores the influence of climate on agricultural productivity.
D. D. It was based on outdated data from the 19th century only.
✅ 正确答案
B. It fails to account for examples of advanced civilizations in challenging environments.
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