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.
❓ 본문에서 설명된 지리학적 사고의 주요 변화는 무엇인가?
A. 환경 결정론에서 가능론으로의 전환
B. 사회에 대한 모든 환경적 영향의 거부
C. 기후를 개발의 유일한 동인으로 강조하는 것
D. 지리에 기반한 식민지 정당화로의 회귀
✅ 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)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first