The concept of 'environmental determinism' has long been a subject of debate among geographers. Early proponents, such as Ellsworth Huntington, argued that climate and topography directly shape human behavior and societal development. However, this perspective was criticized for oversimplifying the complex interplay between nature and culture. Modern scholarship, by contrast, emphasizes 'possibilism,' which posits that while the environment imposes certain constraints, human agency and technological innovation allow societies to adapt and thrive in diverse conditions. This shift reflects a broader trend in academia toward recognizing the multifaceted relationship between humans and their surroundings, where neither natural forces nor cultural choices act as sole determinants.
❓ 本文によると、環境決定論と可能主義の主な違いは何ですか？
A. A. 環境決定論は気候を無視するが、可能主義はそれに焦点を当てる。
B. B. 環境決定論は環境を主要な形成要因とみなす一方、可能論は人間の適応を許容する。
C. C. 可能論はすべての環境的影響を否定する一方、決定論はそれらを受け入れる。
D. D. 両方の理論は、社会の発展における技術の役割を同様に強調している。
✅ 正确答案
B. Environmental determinism views environment as the primary shaper, while possibilism allows for human adaptation.
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