The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geography. Early proponents argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this view was criticized for oversimplifying complex cultural interactions and for justifying colonialism. Modern geographers instead favor 'possibilism', which posits that the environment offers a range of possibilities, and human choices, guided by culture and technology, determine outcomes. This shift reflects a broader trend in social sciences towards acknowledging human agency. Recent studies, such as those on urban resilience, show that even in harsh climates, communities adapt innovatively, underscoring that environmental factors are constraints, not dictates.
❓ ¿Cuál es el principal cambio en el pensamiento geográfico descrito en el pasaje?
A. Una transición del determinismo ambiental al posibilismo
B. Un rechazo de todas las influencias ambientales en la sociedad.
C. Un énfasis en el clima como único motor del desarrollo
D. Un regreso a las justificaciones coloniales basadas en la geografía.
✅ 正确答案
A shift from environmental determinism to possibilism
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)
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