The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human behavior and societal development were largely shaped by climatic conditions and geographical features. However, this perspective was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and for justifying colonial expansion. Contemporary research instead emphasizes 'possibilism,' which suggests that while the environment imposes certain constraints, human agency and technological innovation can overcome many of these limitations. For instance, arid regions have been transformed through advanced irrigation, and cold climates have been made habitable through modern heating systems. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is now viewed as reciprocal, with humans both adapting to and modifying their surroundings, rather than being passive recipients of natural forces.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el principal cambio en el pensamiento geográfico respecto al medio ambiente y la sociedad humana?
A. A. Del determinismo ambiental al posibilismo, destacando la agencia humana.
B. B. Del posibilismo al determinismo ambiental, enfatizando las restricciones naturales.
C. C. De una relación recíproca a una influencia ambiental unilateral.
D. D. De la innovación tecnológica a la adaptación pasiva al clima.
✅ 正确答案
A. From environmental determinism to possibilism, highlighting human agency.
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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