The concept of 'environmental determinism' once dominated geographical thought, positing that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and topographical conditions. However, this theory has been widely criticized for its oversimplification and potential to justify colonialism. Modern scholarship instead emphasizes 'possibilism', which argues that while the environment sets certain constraints, human agency and technological innovation play a decisive role in overcoming these limits. For instance, the Netherlands has transformed its low-lying terrain through advanced water management systems, demonstrating that human ingenuity can modify environmental influences. Nevertheless, critics of possibilism contend that it underestimates the vulnerability of societies to extreme natural events, such as tsunamis or prolonged droughts, which can overwhelm even the most adaptive communities. Thus, contemporary geography adopts a nuanced perspective, recognizing the interplay between environmental forces and human choices without privileging either.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main criticism of 'possibilism'?
A. It ignores the role of climate in shaping societies.
B. It overestimates human ability to cope with severe natural disasters.
C. It supports colonial justifications for territorial expansion.
D. It fails to acknowledge technological advancements.
✅ 正确答案
It overestimates human ability to cope with severe natural disasters.
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