Set 8: Central Ideas
Explanation
PASSAGE
The following text outlines the impact of the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes in Great Britain, continental Europe, and the United States, in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and 1840. This transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes, the increasing use of steam power and water power, the development of machine tools and the rise of the mechanized factory system. It marked a major turning point in history; almost every aspect of daily life was influenced in some way.
Which choice best describes the central shift of the Industrial Revolution mentioned in the text?
Detailed Explanation
Choice A is the best answer. The text explicitly defines the transition as 'going from hand production methods to machines.' It also lists the 'rise of the mechanized factory system.' This is the exact opposite of Choice B and matches Choice A.
Choice B is incorrect because it reverses the direction of the change.
Choice D is incorrect because the text discusses manufacturing, not a shift to hunter-gatherer lifestyles.
Choice C is incorrect because the text mentions the 'increasing use' of steam power, not a decline. Remember that supporting details help prove the central idea but are not the main point themselves. The author's central idea should be broad enough to encompass the entire passage while still being specific enough to be meaningful. Ask yourself what the author most wants you to understand.
Key Evidence:
• "going from hand production methods to machines"
• "rise of the mechanized factory system"
Why others are wrong: B (Contradicts text - reversed), D (Irrelevant - text discusses manufacturing), C (Contradicts text - usage increased).
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