6

Set 1: Command of Evidence

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

Historian A argues that the Industrial Revolution was primarily driven by technological innovation. Historian B argues that it was largely fueled by the availability of cheap energy sources like coal. A new study shows that regions with coal deposits industrialized ten years earlier than those without, even if they had access to the same technology.

Which conclusion does the new study most strongly support?

A. It supports Historian A's argument about technology.
B. It supports Historian B's argument about energy sources.✓ Correct
C. It proves that technology had no role in the Industrial Revolution.
D. It suggests that coal was the only factor in industrialization.

Detailed Explanation

The study isolates the variable of coal (energy). Regions with coal industrialized earlier despite having the same technology. This suggests coal was the critical differentiator, supporting Historian B's focus on cheap energy sources.

Key Evidence:

• "regions with coal deposits industrialized ten years earlier"

• "availability of cheap energy sources like coal"

Why others are wrong: A (The study shows technology alone wasn't the deciding factor for speed.), C (It doesn't say technology had NO role, just that coal drove the timing.), D (The study doesn't claim coal was the *only* factor, just a primary driver of speed.).

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