The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been debated in geographical studies. Early proponents argued that human societal development was largely shaped by climatic and topographical conditions, suggesting that temperate regions fostered more advanced civilizations. However, this perspective was criticized for its reductionist approach, ignoring the complex interplay of cultural, historical, and economic factors. Contemporary scholars advocate for 'possibilism', which posits that while the environment imposes certain constraints, human agency and technological innovation can overcome many natural limitations. This shift reflects a broader understanding that human-environment interactions are bidirectional and dynamic, with human activities also significantly altering natural systems, as seen in climate change and deforestation. Therefore, modern geographic thought emphasizes a nuanced analysis that considers both environmental influences and human choices in shaping societal outcomes.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 초기 환경 결정론의 주요 한계는 무엇인가?
A. 그것은 인간 발전에 있어 기술의 역할을 지나치게 강조했다.
B. 그것은 사회에 영향을 미치는 역동적이고 복잡한 요소들을 설명하지 못했다.
C. 그것은 기후가 인간 활동에 미치는 영향을 무시했다.
D. 문화적 요인보다는 환경적 요인에 너무 초점을 맞췄다.
✅ 正确答案
It failed to account for the dynamic and complex factors influencing societies.
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