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.
❓ Согласно тексту, в чем заключается основное различие между ранним экологическим детерминизмом и современной наукой?
A. Современная наука полностью отвергает какое-либо влияние географии на человеческие общества.
B. Современная наука рассматривает географию как открывающую возможности, а не предопределённые результаты.
C. Ранний детерминизм подчеркивал роль человеческой активности, а не факторов окружающей среды.
D. Современная наука игнорирует роль технологий и ресурсов.
✅ 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