The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate in geography. Early proponents argued that human behavior and societal development were largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural dynamics and for its potential to justify colonialism. Modern scholars instead advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment offers a range of possibilities, human agency and technological innovation play a decisive role in shaping outcomes. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the interplay between natural constraints and human creativity, emphasizing that societies are not passive recipients of environmental forces but active agents in their own development.
❓ 本文によると、環境決定論と可能主義の間の重要な違いは何ですか？
A. A. 決定論は気候を無視するが、可能論はそれに焦点を当てる。
B. B. 決定論は人間の主体性を強調する一方、可能論は環境による制御を強調する。
C. C. 決定論は環境を決定的なものと見なす一方、可能論は人間の選択と革新を強調する。
D. D. 決定論は現代の理論であり、一方で可能論は時代遅れである。
✅ 正确答案
C. Determinism sees environment as decisive, while possibilism highlights human choice and innovation.
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