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 directly shaped human civilization, suggesting that temperate zones fostered advanced societies while tropical regions hindered development. However, this theory fell out of favor in the mid-20th century, criticized for its oversimplification and implicit racial biases. Contemporary scholars instead advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that environmental conditions offer a range of possibilities, but human agency and cultural innovation ultimately determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the complex interplay between nature and culture, acknowledging that while environment influences, it does not dictate, human destiny.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 환경 결정론이 거부된 주요 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A) 그것은 불충분한 지리적 데이터에 기반한 것이었다.
B. B) 그것은 인간의 창의성과 문화적 다양성을 설명하지 못했다.
C. C) 열대 기후에 너무 초점을 맞추고 있었다.
D. D) 그것은 가능론 이론과 충돌했다.
✅ 正确答案
B) It failed to account for human creativity and cultural diversity.
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