The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, dominated geographic thought in the early twentieth century. However, this perspective has been heavily criticized for its oversimplification and potential to justify colonialism. Contemporary scholars advocate for 'possibilism,' arguing that while the environment imposes constraints, human innovation and cultural choices play a pivotal role in overcoming these limitations. For instance, the Netherlands, despite its low-lying geography, has thrived through advanced water management technologies. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing human agency and complex interactions between nature and society.
❓ 현대 학자들이 환경 결정론을 거부하는 주요 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A. 그것은 기술 혁신과 인간의 선택의 역할을 무시한다.
B. B. 네덜란드를 사례 연구로 너무 집중하고 있다.
C. C. 그것은 사회들 간의 문화적 차이를 지나치게 강조한다.
D. D. 그것은 지리적 사고에 있어 어떤 역사적 근거도 결여되어 있다.
✅ 正确答案
A. It ignores the role of technological innovation and human choice.
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