The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this view was heavily criticized in the 20th century for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and for its potential to justify colonialism. Modern scholarship instead favors 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment imposes constraints, it does not dictate outcomes; human agency and technological innovation play pivotal roles. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing the interplay between natural conditions and human choices, rather than attributing causality to a single factor.
❓ What is the main reason for the shift from environmental determinism to possibilism?
A. A. The discovery that climate has no effect on human societies.
B. B. The recognition that environmental factors alone cannot explain societal complexity.
C. C. The rejection of all environmental influences on culture.
D. D. The technological advancement that eliminated environmental constraints.
✅ 正确答案
B. The recognition that environmental factors alone cannot explain societal 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