The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a contentious issue in geography. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shaped human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural and economic factors. Modern geographers instead favor 'possibilism', which posits that the environment offers a range of possibilities, but human agency and technology determine which are utilized. This shift reflects a broader trend towards interdisciplinary approaches, acknowledging that human societies are not passive recipients of environmental forces but active agents in their own evolution. Despite this, some recent studies in climate science have revived aspects of determinism, suggesting that severe environmental constraints can limit development in vulnerable regions, though such arguments are carefully framed to avoid past ethnocentric biases.
❓ What is the main shift in geographical thinking described in the passage?
A. A. From environmental determinism to possibilism, with some modern nuances.
B. B. From possibilism to a complete rejection of environmental influences.
C. C. From interdisciplinary approaches to a focus solely on climate science.
D. D. From human agency to passive acceptance of environmental forces.
✅ 正确答案
A. From environmental determinism to possibilism, with some modern nuances.
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)
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