Connecting Ideas in Industrial Revolution Discussion
Listen to the following discussion between a historian and a student about the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society.
Historian: The Industrial Revolution was a pivotal moment in history. It shifted society from agrarian economies to industrialized ones, resulting in urbanization and changes in labor practices.
Student: How did it affect the workforce?
Historian: Well, it created a demand for skilled labor, but it also led to the rise of factory work, which often exploited laborers. Furthermore, child labor was rampant in factories, causing social movements to emerge.
Student: Were there any positive outcomes of these changes?
Historian: Indeed! While the conditions could be harsh, the revolution ultimately spurred innovations in technology and production methods, which improved efficiencies. It also led to improved living standards over time, as economies grew.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.