The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a contentious issue in geography. Early theorists, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography fundamentally shape human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective was heavily criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and for justifying colonial narratives. Modern scholarship leans towards 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment offers a range of possibilities, human agency and innovation ultimately determine the outcome. Recent studies in climate resilience further suggest that societies with strong institutional frameworks can adapt to environmental stresses, thereby challenging any direct causal link between physical geography and social progress. Thus, the academic discourse has shifted from a deterministic to a more nuanced understanding of human-environment relationships.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 인간-환경 관계에 대한 학문적 사고의 주요 변화는 무엇인가?
A. A. 가능성주의에서 환경 결정론으로
B. B. 환경 결정론에서 가능론으로
C. C. 기후 회복력부터 제도적 프레임워크까지
D. D. 식민지 서사에서 지리적 단순화까지
✅ 正确答案
B. From environmental determinism to possibilism
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