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.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 환경 결정론과 가능론 사이의 주요 차이점은 무엇인가?
A. 결정론은 인간의 주체성을 무시하는 반면, 가능론은 그것을 강조한다.
B. 결정론은 기후에 초점을 맞추는 반면, 가능론은 기술에 초점을 맞춘다.
C. 결정론은 시대에 뒤떨어졌으며, 오늘날에는 가능론이 보편적으로 받아들여지고 있다.
D. 결정론은 극지방에 적용되며, 가능론은 사막에 적용된다.
✅ 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