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.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 환경 결정론이 거부된 주요 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A) 그것은 오래된 지리 데이터에 기반한 것이었다.
B. B) 그것은 인간의 창의성과 문화적 유연성을 설명하지 못했다.
C. C) 그것은 기술적 진보를 지나치게 강조했다.
D. D) 기후 변화의 역할을 고려하지 않았다.
✅ 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