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 and topographical conditions. However, this perspective lost favor in the mid-20th century due to its simplistic assumptions and potential for justifying colonialism. Contemporary scholars instead emphasize 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment imposes constraints, human agency and technological innovation play a decisive role in overcoming them. Recent research on climate adaptation, for instance, demonstrates that communities with strong institutional frameworks can thrive even in harsh environments, suggesting that cultural and political factors mediate environmental impacts. Thus, the relationship between nature and society is not unidirectional but dialectical, with each influencing the other in complex ways.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main shift in geographical thinking regarding environment and society?
A. A. From environmental determinism to possibilism, acknowledging human agency.
B. B. From possibilism to environmental determinism, emphasizing climate's role.
C. C. From a dialectical view to a unidirectional causal relationship.
D. D. From ignoring environmental factors to fully accepting climatic determinism.
✅ 正确答案
A. From environmental determinism to possibilism, acknowledging 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)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first