Question

what best summarizes the central idea of the passage from \how the internet and other technologies came about\

technological advancement is a side effect of military efforts to win wars.
technological advancement is a side effect of academic competition between countries.
technological advancement is a side effect of economic competition between countries.
technological advancement is a side effect of profit-driven corporations.

Explanation:

Analyze the question and options

Using the Rhetorical Analysis of Technology Texts and Text Summarization knowledge points, we evaluate the central thesis of the text "How the Internet and Other Technologies Came About." The passage details how major technological breakthroughs, such as the Internet (originally ARPANET), radar, and GPS, were initiated and funded by military research and development programs (like DARPA) to gain strategic advantages during wartime and the Cold War.

Evaluate the choices

• Option 1: "Technological advancement is a side effect of military efforts to win wars." This aligns with the historical reality that defense spending and military research projects directly catalyzed major consumer technologies.
• Option 2: "Technological advancement is a side effect of academic competition between countries." While universities participated, the primary driver and funding source was military, not purely academic rivalry.
• Option 3: "Technological advancement is a side effect of economic competition between countries." Economic competition is a factor, but the specific text focuses on defense-driven initiatives.
• Option 4: "Technological advancement is a side effect of profit-driven corporations." Many of these foundational technologies were developed before commercialization, funded by government defense budgets rather than private corporate profits.

Therefore, Option 1 is the most accurate summary of the central idea.

Answer:

• (A) Technological advancement is a side effect of military efforts to win wars. (Correct answer)
• (B) Technological advancement is a side effect of academic competition between countries.
• (C) Technological advancement is a side effect of economic competition between countries.
• (D) Technological advancement is a side effect of profit-driven corporations.