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.
❓ Điều gì là sự thay đổi chính trong tư duy địa lý được mô tả trong đoạn văn?
A. Sự chuyển dịch từ thuyết quyết định môi trường sang thuyết khả năng
B. Bác bỏ mọi ảnh hưởng của môi trường đối với xã hội
C. Nhấn mạnh khí hậu như là yếu tố duy nhất thúc đẩy sự phát triển
D. Sự trở lại với những biện minh thuộc địa dựa trên địa lý
✅ 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