necessarily of the frenzy for conspicuous competition.

Finally, what were the consequences of this consumer demand for luxuries? McKendrick claims that it goes a long way toward explaining the coming of the Industrial Revolution. But does it? What for example, does the production of high-quality potterv and leys have to do with the development of iron manufacture or textile mills? It is perfectly possible to have the psychology and reality of consumer society without a heavy industrial sector.

That future exploration of these key questions is undoubtedly necessary should not. however. diminish the force of the conclusion of recent studies: the insatiable demand in eighteenth-century England for frivolous as well as useful goods and services foreshadows our own world.

46. In the first paragraph, the author mentions McKendrick and Plumb most probably in order to____________.

A. contrast their views on the subject of luxury consumerism in eighteenth-century England.

B. indicate the inadequacy of historiographical approaches to eighteenth-century English history.

C. give examples of historians who have helped to establish the fact of growing consumerism in

eighteenth-century England.

D. support the contention that key questions about eighteenth-century consumerism remain to be answered.

47. According to the passage, Thompson attributes to laboring people in eighteenth-century England which of the following attitudes toward capitalist consumerism?

A. Enthusiasm B. Curiosity C. Ambivalence D. Hostility

48. According to the passage, eighteenth-century England and the contemporary world of the passage's readers are _____________.

A. dissimilar in the extent to which luxury consumerism could be said to be widespread among the social

classes

B. dissimilar in the extent to which luxury goods could be said to be a stimulant of industrial

development

C. similar in their strong demand for a variety of goods and services

D. similar in the extent to which a middle class could be identified as imitating the habits of a

wealthier class

49. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would most probably agree with which of the following statements about the relationship between the Industrial Revolution and the demand for luxury goods and services in eighteenth-century England"

A. The growing demand for luxury goods and services was a major factor in the coming of the Industrial Revolution.

B. The Industrial Revolution exploited the already existing demand for luxury goods and services.

C. Although the demand for luxury goods may have helped bring about the Industrial Revolution, the demand

for luxury services did not.

D. There is no reason to believe that the Industrial Revolution was directly driven by a growing demand for

luxury goods and services.

50. What does "it" refer to in the sentence "...it goes a long way toward explaining the coming of the Industrial Revolution." in the lust paragraph bill one?

A. This consumer demand B. The consequences