The Industrial Change - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL Reading test, you'll encounter passages that examine important transformations in history. 'The Industrial Change' covers the key shifts brought on by industrialization and its social and economic impacts. By working through this passage, you’ll practice breaking down complex ideas and tracking major changes that shaped societies.

Reading passages like this one helps you gain skills to analyze cause-effect relationships and assess historical developments, key skills for the TOEFL Reading section.

Reading Instructions:

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question.
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1

The Industrial Change started in Britain during the late 18th century and marked a major change in human history. It changed how things were made and how societies were structured. From around 1760 to 1840, this period saw a shift from farming economic systems to industrial ones, with factories, machines, and cities growing rapidly. This revolution wasnt just about new technology. It brought about deep social, economic, and cultural changes that reshaped societies worldwide. For example, the introduction of steam power changed transportation and making things, allowing for higher levels of production and efficiency while creating a new social order.

Factual Information Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, what was one significant change brought about by the Industrial Change? 
   
   1. The introduction of steam power 
   2. The decline of farming systems 
   3. The rise of cities 
   4. All of the above 

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a characteristic of the Industrial Change EXCEPT: 
   
   1. The shift from farming to industrial economies 
   2. The introduction of steam power 
   3. The establishment of rural communities 
   4. The growth of factories and cities 

Paragraph 2

Many factors helped the Industrial Change happen, with natural resources being the most important. Britains large coal deposits provided the energy needed to power steam engines and support growing industries. At the same time, the iron industry made big progress, especially with new ideas like the Bessemer process, which allowed for mass production of steel. This new material was essential for building machines, railways, and structures, supporting the rapid growth of industrial activities. Because of this, the combination of coal and iron laid the foundation for a strong industrial economy, putting Britain at the forefront of global industrialisation.

Inference Questions

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the role of natural resources in the Industrial Change? 
   
   1. They were secondary to technological advancements. 
   2. They were crucial for the development of industries. 
   3. They had little impact on Britain's economy. 
   4. They were only important for transportation. 

Vocabulary Questions

1. The term "Bessemer process" in paragraph 2 refers to: 
   
   1. A method for producing coal 
   2. A technique for mass-producing steel 
   3. An early steam engine design 
   4. A type of factory machinery 

Paragraph 3

 However, the Industrial Change came with its own set of challenges and criticisms. The quick growth of cities led to overcrowding, and living conditions were often terrible. Workers had to deal with long hours, low pay, and unsafe conditions in factories, which led to the rise of labour movements fighting for workers' rights. Also, the environmental effects of industrialisation became clear, with pollution from factories and the loss of natural resources raising concerns about environmental health. Critics pointed out that the constant drive for profit often harmed human welfare and the environment, sparking discussions about the need for ethical considerations in industrial practices.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the rise of labour movements in paragraph 3? 
   
   1. To highlight the success of industrialisation 
   2. To illustrate the negative consequences of rapid industrial growth 
   3. To show the benefits of factory work 
   4. To discuss the role of government in industrialisation 

Paragraph 4

 In addition to economic and social effects, the Industrial Change also had significant cultural impacts. The rise of factories changed traditional family relationships, as many families moved to cities to find work. Children often worked in factories and missed out on education and childhood, leading to social reform movements focused on improving working conditions and access to schooling. This period also saw the rise of new ideas like socialism and capitalism, which aimed to address the inequalities made worse by industrialisation. These ideas would shape political discussions and influence social policies for years to come, showing the difficult relationship between economic systems and social justice.

Sentence Simplification Questions

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 4? 

   "The rise of factories changed traditional family relationships, as many families moved to cities to find work." 

   1. Factories caused families to relocate to urban areas. 
   2. Families were unaffected by the rise of factories. 
   3. Urbanisation had no impact on family dynamics. 
   4. Factories improved family relationships. 

Paragraph 5

The global impact of the Industrial Change is immense. While it began in Britain, the innovations and ideas from this time quickly spread to other parts of Europe, North America, and eventually the world. Countries like Germany and the United States adopted and modified British technologies, leading to their own industrial revolutions. This spread of industrialisation helped create global trade networks and connected economies. However, it also led to empire-building, as industrialised nations looked for new markets and resources to support their growing economic systems, often at the expense of colonised nations. The effects of this expansion are still felt today, as the influences of colonialism and industrial taking advantage of continue to shape global relations.

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 5? 
   
   1. To discuss the technological advancements of the Industrial Change 
   2. To explain the global spread of industrialisation and its consequences 
   3. To highlight the benefits of colonialism 
   4. To describe the economic systems of different countries 

Paragraph 6

 In conclusion, the Industrial Change was a complex event that transformed societies in many ways. Its legacy is clear in todays economic structures, social relationships, and cultural norms. While it brought significant advancements in technology and productivity, it also raised important questions about balancing progress with social responsibility. As modern societies deal with the effects of industrialisation, like environmental damage and social inequality, the lessons from this crucial period remain relevant. The Industrial Change reminds us of the difficulties that come with progress and the need for sustainable practices that consider both human and environmental well-being. Ongoing debates about the ethical implications of industrial practices encourage further exploration of how societies can tackle the challenges of modernisation while ensuring fair and sustainable futures.

Prose Summary Questions

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points. 

   The Industrial Change was a transformative period that affected societies in various ways. 

   Answer Choices 

   1. It marked a shift from agricultural to industrial economies. 
   2. It led to the rise of new political ideologies like socialism and capitalism. 
   3. It resulted in significant environmental and social challenges. 
   4. It was solely beneficial for economic growth. 
   5. E Its legacy continues to influence modern societies. 

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 3, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 

   "These issues prompted calls for reforms and better regulations." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

   The quick growth of cities led to overcrowding, and living conditions were often terrible. Workers had to deal with long hours, low pay, and unsafe conditions in factories, which led to the rise of labour movements fighting for workers' rights. (A) Also, the environmental effects of industrialisation became clear, with pollution from factories and the loss of natural resources raising concerns about environmental health. (B) Critics pointed out that the constant drive for profit often harmed human welfare and the environment, sparking discussions about the need for ethical considerations in industrial practices. (C) (D) 

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points. 

   The Industrial Change was a complex event that transformed societies in many ways. 

   Answer Choices 

   1. Its legacy is clear in todays economic structures, social relationships, and cultural norms. 
   2. The Industrial Change was solely beneficial for economic growth. 
   3. It raised important questions about balancing progress with social responsibility. 
   4. Ongoing debates about the ethical implications of industrial practices encourage further exploration of how societies can tackle the challenges of modernisation. 
   5. The Industrial Change had no lasting impact on global relations.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - The Industrial Change

1. Answer: D

Explanation: Paragraph 1 discusses multiple significant changes brought about by the Industrial Change, including the introduction of steam power, the decline of farming systems, and the rise of cities. Each of these changes contributed to the transformation of societies during this period, making option D the most comprehensive answer.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage highlights the shift from farming to industrial economies, the introduction of steam power, and the growth of factories and cities. However, it does not mention the establishment of rural communities, which contrasts with the urbanisation that occurred during the Industrial Change.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph emphasizes the importance of natural resources, particularly coal and iron, in powering steam engines and supporting industrial growth. This indicates that natural resources played a vital role in the development of industries during the Industrial Change.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage specifically mentions the Bessemer process as a new idea that allowed for the mass production of steel, which was essential for building machines and railways. This makes option B the correct choice.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of labour movements highlights the adverse effects of industrialisation, such as long hours, low pay, and unsafe working conditions. This serves to illustrate the negative consequences that arose from the rapid growth of industries and cities.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This sentence succinctly captures the essence of the original text, which discusses how the rise of factories led families to move to cities in search of work. The other options do not accurately reflect the information presented.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: Paragraph 5 discusses how the Industrial Change began in Britain and spread to other countries, leading to global trade networks and empire-building. This indicates that the main purpose is to explain the global impact and consequences of industrialisation.

8. Answer Choices: A, B, C and E

Explanation: These choices reflect the key themes of the passage, including the shift in economies, the rise of new ideologies, the challenges faced, and the lasting legacy of the Industrial Change. Option D is incorrect as it states that the change was solely beneficial, which contradicts the passage's discussion of challenges.

9. Answer: A

Explanation: The missing sentence fits best after the mention of workers dealing with long hours, low pay, and unsafe conditions. It logically follows that these issues prompted calls for reforms and better regulations, linking the rise of labour movements to the need for change.

10. Answer Choices: A, C and D

Explanation: These choices encapsulate the main ideas of the passage, focusing on the legacy, the ethical questions raised, and the ongoing debates about industrial practices. Option B is incorrect as it suggests a solely beneficial perspective, while option E states that the Industrial Change had no lasting impact, which contradicts the passage's assertions.

Engaging with passages like 'The Industrial Change' helps build your analytical and comprehension skills, which are crucial for the TOEFL Reading section. Regular practice with historical topics like this can improve your ability to evaluate and summarize complex information under time constraints.

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