The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate in geography. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural and economic factors. Modern scholars advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human agency ultimately determines the outcome. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward acknowledging human adaptability and technological innovation, even in harsh environments like deserts or polar regions. Yet, recent studies on climate change impacts suggest that environmental constraints, particularly in vulnerable regions, can still limit developmental choices, reigniting interest in a nuanced form of determinism that incorporates both environmental limits and human resilience.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main difference between environmental determinism and possibilism?
A. Determinism ignores human agency, while possibilism emphasizes it.
B. Determinism focuses on climate, while possibilism focuses on technology.
C. Determinism is outdated, while possibilism is universally accepted today.
D. Determinism applies to polar regions, while possibilism applies to deserts.
✅ 正确答案
Determinism ignores human agency, while possibilism emphasizes it.
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