The concept of 'environmental determinism,' which posits that human behavior and societal development are largely shaped by climatic and geographical conditions, dominated geographic thought in the early twentieth century. However, this perspective has been heavily criticized for its oversimplification of complex human-environment interactions. Critics argue that it ignores the role of human agency, technological innovation, and cultural adaptation. Modern scholarship instead favors 'possibilism,' which suggests that the environment offers a set of constraints and opportunities, but human choices ultimately determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the reciprocal relationship between humans and their surroundings, where societies not only respond to environmental pressures but also actively modify them. Consequently, contemporary research emphasizes case-specific analyses over broad deterministic laws.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main reason for the rejection of environmental determinism?
A. A) It was based on outdated geographical data.
B. B) It failed to account for human creativity and cultural flexibility.
C. C) It overemphasized technological advancements.
D. D) It did not consider the role of climate change.
✅ 正确答案
B) It failed to account for human creativity and cultural flexibility.
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