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.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чем заключается основное различие между экологическим детерминизмом и поссибилизмом?
A. Детерминизм игнорирует человеческую деятельность, в то время как поссибилизм подчёркивает её.
B. Детерминизм акцентирует внимание на климате, тогда как поссибилизм — на технологиях.
C. Детерминизм устарел, в то время как поссибилизм сегодня общепризнан.
D. Детерминизм применим к полярным регионам, тогда как поссибилизм применим к пустыням.
✅ 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