The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, was influential in 19th-century geography. However, modern scholars have largely rejected this theory, arguing that it oversimplifies the complex interplay between nature and culture. Instead, they advocate for 'possibilism,' which acknowledges that while the environment imposes certain constraints, human agency and technological innovation can overcome many of these limitations. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences toward recognizing the adaptive capacity of human societies. For instance, societies in arid regions have developed sophisticated irrigation systems, demonstrating that environmental challenges can spur ingenuity rather than dictate outcomes. Thus, the environment is not a deterministic force but a dynamic context within which human choices unfold.
❓ ¿Cuál es el argumento principal del pasaje?
A. El determinismo ambiental sigue siendo la teoría dominante en la geografía moderna.
B. B) El entorno determina completamente el desarrollo de la sociedad humana.
C. C) Las sociedades humanas pueden adaptarse a las limitaciones ambientales mediante la innovación.
D. D) El progreso tecnológico es irrelevante para superar las limitaciones ambientales.
✅ 正确答案
C) Human societies can adapt to environmental constraints through innovation.
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