Practice Test: Reading Comprehension - 18 | English Language for JAMB PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

One of the key inventions that fueled the Industrial Revolution was the steam engine. Developed by James Watt, the steam engine revolutionized transportation and powered the machinery used in factories. With the steam engine, factories could be located near sources of fuel and water, leading to the concentration of industries in urban areas. This, in turn, led to the growth of cities and the migration of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of employment.

The Industrial Revolution also brought about significant changes in working conditions. Factory work was characterized by long hours, low wages, and unsafe environments. Workers, including men, women, and children, toiled in crowded factories, facing hazards such as poor ventilation and dangerous machinery. The emergence of labor unions and the labor movement was a response to these working conditions, as workers sought to improve their rights and conditions.

Moreover, the Industrial Revolution transformed the global economy. The production of goods increased dramatically, and new industries emerged, such as textiles, iron, and coal mining. The development of transportation networks, including canals, railways, and steamships, facilitated the movement of goods and expanded trade on a global scale.