The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that human behavior and societal development were largely shaped by climatic conditions and physical geography. However, this perspective was criticized for oversimplifying complex human-environment interactions and for justifying colonial narratives. Modern scholarship, such as the work of Jared Diamond, revisits this idea with nuance, suggesting that geographic factors can influence the availability of resources and the spread of technologies, yet emphasizing that these factors are not deterministic. Instead, contemporary researchers advocate for a 'possibilist' approach, where the environment offers a set of possibilities and constraints, but human agency and cultural choices play a crucial role in shaping outcomes. This shift reflects a broader trend toward recognizing the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between societies and their environments.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main difference between early environmental determinism and modern scholarship?
A. Modern scholarship completely rejects any influence of geography on human societies.
B. Modern scholarship views geography as offering possibilities rather than fixed outcomes.
C. Early determinism emphasized human agency over environmental factors.
D. Modern scholarship ignores the role of technology and resources.
✅ 正确答案
Modern scholarship views geography as offering possibilities rather than fixed outcomes.
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