7 Practice D Read the text below and then rank the three paraphrases in order of accuracy and clarity (1-3), giving reasons. - THE CAUSES OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Allen (2009) argues that the best explanation for the British location of the Industrial Revolution is found by studying demand factors. By the early eighteenth century high wages and cheap energy were both features of the British economy. Consequently, the mechanisation of industry through such inventions as the steam engine and mechanical spinning was profitable because employers were able to economise on labour by spending on coal. At that time, no other country had this particular combination of expensive labour and abundant fuel. (a) A focus on demand may help to explain the UK origin of the industrial revolution. At that time, workers' pay was high, but energy from coal was inexpensive. This encouraged the development of mechanical inventions based on steam power, which enabled bosses to save money by mechanising production (Allen, 2009). b) The reason why Britain was the birthplace of the industrial revolution can be understood by analysing demand in the early 1700s, according to Allen (2009). He maintains that, uniquely, Britain had the critical combination of cheap energy from coal and high labour costs. This encouraged the adoption of steam power to mechanise production, thus saving on wages and increasing profitability. ) Allen (2009) claims that the clearest explanation for the UK location of the Industrial Revolution is seen by examining demand factors. By the eighteenth century, cheap energy and high wages were both aspects of the British economy. As a result, the mechanisation of industry through inventions such as the steam engine and mechanical spinning was profitable because employers were able to save money on employees by spending on coal. At that time, Britain was the only country with significant deposits of coal.​

Ranking the paraphrases in order of accuracy and clarity:

(c) Allen (2009) claims that the clearest explanation for the UK location of the Industrial Revolution is seen by examining demand factors. By the eighteenth century, cheap energy and high wages were both aspects of the British economy. As a result, the mechanisation of industry through inventions such as the steam engine and mechanical spinning was profitable because employers were able to save money on employees by spending on coal. At that time, Britain was the only country with significant deposits of coal.

(a) A focus on demand may help to explain the UK origin of the industrial revolution. At that time, workers' pay was high, but energy from coal was inexpensive. This encouraged the development of mechanical inventions based on steam power, which enabled bosses to save money by mechanising production (Allen, 2009).

(b) The reason why Britain was the birthplace of the industrial revolution can be understood by analysing demand in the early 1700s, according to Allen (2009). He maintains that, uniquely, Britain had the critical combination of cheap energy from coal and high labour costs. This encouraged the adoption of steam power to mechanise production, thus saving on wages and increasing profitability.

Reasons for ranking:

(c) is ranked first because it accurately presents the key points from the original text in a clear and concise manner. It maintains the focus on demand factors, high wages, and cheap energy, providing a precise explanation of why the Industrial Revolution started in the UK.

(a) is ranked second as it captures the main ideas but is slightly less clear and concise compared to (c). The use of "may help" introduces a level of uncertainty.

(b) is ranked third because it introduces a bit more complexity in the language and structure. While it conveys the main points, it may be slightly less clear for readers unfamiliar with the topic.