The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geographical scholarship. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography fundamentally shape human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective was heavily criticized in the mid-20th century for its simplistic assumptions and potential to justify colonialism. Contemporary geographers instead favor 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment imposes constraints, human agency and technological innovation can overcome many natural limitations. For instance, the Netherlands has successfully reclaimed land from the sea, demonstrating human adaptability. Yet, recent climate change research has revived interest in environmental influences, not as deterministic forces, but as significant variables that interact with social, economic, and political factors. This nuanced view acknowledges that environmental stressors, such as rising sea levels, can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, but outcomes depend on a society's capacity to respond. Thus, the relationship between environment and society is neither purely deterministic nor wholly independent, but a complex interplay of multiple forces.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, sự chuyển biến chính trong tư duy địa lý về mối quan hệ giữa môi trường và xã hội là gì?
A. Từ thuyết quyết định môi trường đến thuyết khả năng, với sự hồi sinh gần đây của các quan điểm quyết định luận.
B. 从可能论到环境决定论，拒绝人类能动性。
C. Từ trọng tâm về khí hậu chuyển sang trọng tâm về địa hình.
D. Từ việc bỏ qua các yếu tố môi trường đến việc xem chúng là yếu tố quyết định duy nhất cho kết quả xã hội.
✅ 正确答案
From environmental determinism to possibilism, with a recent revival of deterministic views.
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