The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a contentious issue in geography. This theory posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by the physical environment, such as climate and topography. While early proponents like Ellsworth Huntington argued that temperate climates fostered advanced civilizations, critics contend that such views oversimplify complex human-environment interactions and often carry ethnocentric biases. Modern scholarship, however, has shifted toward 'possibilism', which acknowledges environmental constraints but emphasizes human agency and technological innovation in overcoming them. This nuanced perspective recognizes that while the environment sets certain limits, it does not dictate the course of cultural evolution. Understanding this debate is crucial for contemporary discussions on climate change, as it informs how we perceive the relationship between environmental pressures and societal resilience.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main difference between environmental determinism and possibilism?
A. Possibilism ignores environmental factors entirely, while determinism emphasizes them.
B. Determinism views environment as a decisive force, while possibilism highlights human capacity to adapt.
C. Possibilism is a modern theory that only applies to climate change research.
D. Determinism was proposed by Ellsworth Huntington, whereas possibilism was proposed by later scholars.
✅ 正确答案
Determinism views environment as a decisive force, while possibilism highlights human capacity to adapt.
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