The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. This theory posits that the physical environment, particularly climate and terrain, directly shapes human societies and their cultural development. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington in the early 20th century, argued that temperate climates fostered higher levels of civilization, while tropical regions were inherently disadvantaged. However, modern scholarship largely rejects this deterministic view, emphasizing instead the role of human agency, technological innovation, and historical contingency. Critics point out that environmental factors are only one of many influences, and that societies have demonstrated remarkable adaptability in diverse ecological contexts. Contemporary research thus favors a more nuanced 'possibilism' approach, which acknowledges environmental constraints while highlighting the creative capacity of human cultures to overcome them.
❓ Sự thay đổi chính trong tư duy địa lý được mô tả trong đoạn văn là gì?
A. A. Một sự chuyển từ việc nhấn mạnh các ràng buộc môi trường sang hoàn toàn phớt lờ chúng
B. B. Sự chuyển dịch từ việc chấp nhận thuyết quyết định môi trường sang ưu tiên một quan điểm linh hoạt hơn
C. C. Sự chuyển đổi từ việc ủng hộ đổi mới công nghệ sang phản đối nó
D. D. Sự chuyển đổi từ nghiên cứu khí hậu sang nghiên cứu lịch sử văn hóa
✅ 正确答案
B. A shift from accepting environmental determinism to favoring a more flexible perspective
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