The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography fundamentally shape human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective has been criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and for justifying colonial narratives. Modern scholarship emphasizes 'possibilism', which suggests that while the environment imposes constraints, human agency and technological innovation can overcome many of these limitations. For instance, the Netherlands has successfully managed water resources despite its low-lying geography. Thus, contemporary geography views the environment as a contributing factor rather than an absolute determinant, acknowledging the dynamic interplay between nature and culture.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 환경에 관한 지리학적 사고의 주요 변화는 무엇인가?
A. A) 환경 결정론에서 가능론으로, 인간의 주체성을 강조하며.
B. B) 가능론에서 결정론으로, 환경적 제약을 우선시함.
C. C) 문화지리에서 자연지리로, 지형에 초점을 맞추어.
D. D) 기술적 낙관주의에서 환경적 비관주의로, 인간의 선택을 무시하는 것.
✅ 正确答案
A) From environmental determinism to possibilism, emphasizing human agency.
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