In the 1800s, the united states was still a very young nation, trying to solidify its identity. the industrial revolution began in great britain, a fast development of society following the introduction of machines. the united states was slower than great britain to fully embrace the changes. yet key technological developments caused a rapid growth in american urban areas. better farming methods and tools in the 1800s increased food production. americans were able to grow enough food for their families as well as to sell. the abundance caused food prices to fall. the expansion of cotton and the growth of textile factories in northern states produce the first wave of american industry. more people turned to work in northern factories as a way to support their families. thousands of immigrants to the united states also settled in or near port cities, looking for work. even today, the need for work is a common reason people move to urban areas. as a result, cities grew in numbers of people and physical space. as more people and businesses moved in, they needed buildings for living and working. they needed ways to move around the city. we call this process urbanization. in 1820, the united states had only a few cities of 10,000 residents or more. about seven percent of u. s. residents lived in urban areas. the number of cities with more than 10,000 people grew quickly over the next 40 years, especially in the northeast and midwest. by 1860, about 20 percent lived in cities. philadelphia and new york city were the most populated cities in 1860 and would soon reach one million residents. the urbanization of the united states quickened due to technology improvements. without innovations in food production, the factories could not have grown so quickly. the trend quickened after 1860 and continued throughout the 21st century as well. by 2007, more americans lived in or near cities than they did in rural areas. which sentence from the introduction paragraph serves as the author's thesis? a. in the 1800s, the united states was still a very young nation, trying to solidify its identity. b. the industrial revolution began in britain, a fast development of society following the introduction of machines. c. the united states was slower than britain to fully embrace the changes. d. yet key technological developments caused a rapid growth in american urban areas.

The correct answer is D. Yet key technological developments caused a rapid growth in American urban areas.  

The article is about how technology impacted America, not about how America was trying to find an identity. (Plus I chose A. the first time and it was wrong, my second time taking the test I chose D and it was correct.)

modern day technological advancements are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life. cell phones, portable internet availability, laptop computers, ipods, mp3 players of every brand, and many other devices, are everywhere. they seem to possess unending possible detriments, but, along with such issues, technology also has positive impacts on today’s youth. in some situations, the internet and ipod prevent sociability, though in others they may be the cause of increased social activity. overall, modern technology has the capability to bring people together as well as enhance the social abilities of the today’s youth; however, if used without discretion, can also create a less interactive generation, frequently depending on technology for contentment.  

the immense capabilities of the internet today are astonishing, and offer many positive opportunities for teens. primarily, the internet makes sharing information fast and simple, despite factors that in other cases would prohibit such simple distribution. according to jean-francois coget in source c, “with the internet, information can be transmitted and received with ease at any time of the day to and from any number of friends.” it is possible to send videos, pictures, papers, projects, and a quantity of other things with the click of a button. the transfer can happen in seconds. the amazing capability of modern day internet simplifies teenage life, by providing a way to convey knowledge. another way in which internet proves positive is by providing a way to keep in touch with friends and family worldwide, or just across town. whether it’s a friend that switched schools and is never around, or a family member in london, the internet makes it possible to email, instant message, and even video chat. such qualities of internet communication bring people together with more frequent contact, boosting sociability and relationships. in addition, the internet also has the capability to, “foster openness, self-confidence, and a greater sense of ease, and comfort in dealing with others” (source c). since it is not obligatory to reveal physical appearance or social status over the internet, it grants an opportunity to be a completely new person, who is entirely open and confident. internet chats, even with mere acquaintances, can supply a chance for socially challenged teens to experience a form of social interaction, in order to create a sense of composure. modern day internet advancements not only offer an easier way to share information, but also contribute to sociability by providing a way to communicate with distant friends and family, as well as giving socially challenged teenagers an opportunity for interaction.

likewise, another modern day technology, the ipod, may also have a positive effect on some teenagers, by presenting a different view of the world as well as uniting individuals through musical taste. in the eyes of kelly doyle-mace, in source d, “music deepens the experience of walking through the world, rather than detracting from it.” there are millions of songs out there, one to match every possible mood. sometimes, turning on just the right song can be motivational and provide a completely new outlook on a certain circumstance. in addition, lyrics are often relatable to personal life and can be significant or simply encouraging. another way in which ipods and personal musical taste is a positive effect on teens is by uniting people of different backgrounds and diversities through their music choice. lisa and johnny rocket, hosts of “ipod dj nights,” describe that one night a month they invite guests to bring their ipods to a london bar. where they can play whatever songs they choose (source d). “even more diverse than the music are the members… the ipod acts to bring people together,” lisa explains (source d). these gatherings prove that as diverse as music can be, it is also unifying. the multitudes of people attending these parties, from every race background and belief, are united through their assorted music taste. ipods have the potential to positively affect today’s youth by matching any and every mood with music, resulting in a deeper walk through life, as well as bringing people together by means of musical interest.

the alternative argument is that the internet can be a significantly negative influence on teenagers, if overused. constant internet use detracts time that could be spent with friends and family. hours wasted away typing useless messages is detrimental to personal relationships with the ones who really matter. it was discovered through a study in pittsburgh that people who use the internet most often are “spending less time talking with their families…keeping up with fewer friends” (source b). it is of no use to spend so much time talking to people over the internet, when one could just as easily walk down the stairs and spend time with family, or go to see friends instead. according to source