In his 1987 economic historical study The Industrial Revolution and Its Consequences, historian David Landes explores Britain's economic transformatio...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In his 1987 economic historical study The Industrial Revolution and Its Consequences, historian David Landes explores Britain's economic transformation during the 19th century. Throughout his analysis, Landes portrays market mechanisms as intentional catalysts of societal transformation, stating, ______
Which quote from 'The Industrial Revolution and Its Consequences' best supports this interpretation?
'Steam-powered machinery transformed textile production across the industrial centers of Manchester and Liverpool.'
'Investment capital actively pursued fresh markets for expansion, reconstructing whole societies to meet its particular requirements and objectives.'
'Industrial development progressed along foreseeable trajectories, much like water naturally forming new pathways through landscape.'
'Despite experiencing periodic expansions and contractions, the market system retained its core characteristics without fundamental alteration.'
FIB = False
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In his 1987 economic historical study 'The Industrial Revolution and Its Consequences,' historian David Landes explores Britain's economic transformation during the 19th century.' |
|
| 'Throughout his analysis, Landes portrays market mechanisms as intentional catalysts of societal transformation' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Landes views market forces not as natural phenomena but as purposeful agents that actively reshape entire societies.
Argument Flow: We're introduced to Landes' historical study of Britain's industrial transformation, then given his key perspective that market mechanisms act with intention to drive broad social change.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which quote from Landes' book best supports the specific interpretation about market mechanisms being 'intentional catalysts of societal transformation'
What type of answer do we need? Evidence that shows market mechanisms acting with purpose to create broad social change
Any limiting keywords? 'best supports this interpretation' - we need the quote that most directly demonstrates markets as intentional agents of social transformation
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should show market mechanisms taking active, purposeful action
- The right answer should demonstrate these mechanisms causing broad social change
- The right answer should use language suggesting intention rather than natural processes
- The right answer should focus on markets as actors that reshape society
'Steam-powered machinery transformed textile production across the industrial centers of Manchester and Liverpool.'
✗ Incorrect - describes technological change transforming production, not market mechanisms acting intentionally
'Investment capital actively pursued fresh markets for expansion, reconstructing whole societies to meet its particular requirements and objectives.'
✓ Correct - shows 'investment capital' actively pursuing markets and 'reconstructing whole societies' with clear intentional language
'Industrial development progressed along foreseeable trajectories, much like water naturally forming new pathways through landscape.'
✗ Incorrect - describes development as following 'natural' pathways, contradicting the 'intentional' aspect
'Despite experiencing periodic expansions and contractions, the market system retained its core characteristics without fundamental alteration.'
✗ Incorrect - focuses on market stability rather than transformation