The concept of 'environmental determinism' posits that the physical environment, rather than social conditions, is the primary force shaping human culture and societal development. This theory, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, argued that climate and geography directly influenced the temperament and technological advancement of a population. However, modern geographers largely reject this deterministic view, noting that human innovation and cultural exchange often overcome environmental constraints. Instead, they advocate for 'possibilism', which suggests that the environment offers a set of possibilities, but human choices and cultural values ultimately determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader academic trend towards recognizing human agency over passive environmental influence.
❓ 본문에 따르면, 현대 지리학자들이 환경 결정론에 대해 제기하는 주요 비판은 무엇인가?
A. 기후가 사회를 형성하는 역할을 무시한다.
B. 그것은 환경이 인간 문화에 미치는 영향을 과도하게 강조한다.
C. 그것은 고대 시대의 기술 발전을 설명하지 못한다.
D. 이는 인간의 선택이 사회 발전과 무관하다는 것을 시사한다.
✅ 正确答案
It overemphasizes the influence of the environment on human culture.
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