大学受験対策｜英語 長文読解問題21 難易度：★★☆☆☆

The Industrial Revolution was a period of major change in Europe and the United States, starting in the late 18th century. It had a huge impact on modern life because it transformed how goods were made and how people worked. Before this period, most products were made by hand in small workshops or at home. During the Industrial Revolution, new machines, such as the steam engine, allowed factories to produce goods faster and at lower cost. Many people moved from the countryside to cities to find jobs in these factories, which led to the growth of urban areas.

One important result of this revolution was the shift from an agricultural society to an industrial one. More factories meant more jobs, but working conditions were often difficult. Men, women, and even children worked long hours for little pay. Over time, people began to push for better conditions and fair pay, which gave rise to labor unions and workers’ rights movements. As a result, governments passed laws to protect workers, including limits on working hours and rules about safety standards.

The Industrial Revolution also encouraged new ideas and inventions that shape our lives today. Transportation improved with the invention of steam-powered trains and ships, making travel faster and cheaper. Improved communication tools, like the telegraph, connected people over long distances. These changes created a global economy, which continues to grow. The legacy of the Industrial Revolution is clear in today’s modern world, from mass production to social reforms. We still rely on machines, technology, and manufacturing processes that began during this important period in Western history.

Q1. According to the text, which significant outcome did the Industrial Revolution bring about for workers?

1. They all received very high wages and enjoyed shortened hours each day.
2. Workers left factories immediately because there were no employment opportunities at all.
3. Labor organizations emerged to advocate for fair compensation and safer workplaces.
4. Agricultural workers refused to adapt because they preferred traditional farming methods instead.

Q2. What measure was adopted to support employees during that transformative period?

1. Factory managers permitted families to bring pets inside the workshop for companionship.
2. New laws were enacted to limit daily work hours and improve industrial safety rules.
3. Schools began teaching courses on inventing steam engines and telegraph systems to reduce hazards.
4. Workers embraced specialized tools for domestic tasks and grew household vegetable gardens together.

Q3. Which invention helped people exchange messages quickly over far distances?

1. Steam-driven ships transported travelers to neighboring villages but did not enhance communication speed.
2. Horse-drawn carriages offered comfortable travel options but primarily operated within limited rural districts.
3. The telegraph enabled individuals to send messages across great distances in a shorter time.
4. Handwritten letters delivered by postmen maintained historical traditions of personal correspondence everywhere.