---
title: "Notes and summary: modernization and civilization"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_5/communication_english:notes-summary-modernization-civilization"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/notes-summary-modernization-civilization
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Notes and summary: modernization and civilization

Communication English · Chapter 1: Intensive Reading

- Asked in: 2079 Baishakh, 5+5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/notes-summary-modernization-civilization
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-1

## Question

Read the following text carefully; make notes and write summary after a close reading.
Modernization has generally enhanced the material level of civilization throughout the world. [passage of about 300 words on crime, the breakdown of law and order and the possibility of a global dark age] ... On a worldwide basis civilization seems in many respects to be yielding to barbarism, generating the image of an unprecedented phenomenon, a global dark age, possibly descending on humanity.

## Short answer

Modernization has raised material living standards worldwide, but also brought more crime and a breakdown of law and order. In many ways, civilization is yielding to barbarism, threatening an unprecedented global dark age.

## Answer

#### Notes
**Title: Modernization and the threat to civilization**

1. **Benefit**: modernization has raised the material level of civilization worldwide
2. **Dark side** (as described)
   - Rise of crime and violence
   - Breakdown of law and order
   - Moral and social values weakening
3. **Overall judgement**
   - In many respects civilization is yielding to barbarism
   - Suggests an unprecedented possibility: a global dark age descending on humanity

#### Summary
Modernization has improved the material standard of life across the world, but it has also brought a rise in crime and a breakdown of law and order. In many respects civilization seems to be giving way to barbarism, raising the frightening possibility of an unprecedented global dark age.

*(About 50 words. The passage was only partly available, so the details are taken from its opening and closing sentences and its stated theme.)*

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What positive effect of modernization does the passage state?
   A. It has removed crime and violence
   B. It has strengthened moral values
   C. It has raised the material level of civilization worldwide
   D. It has ended barbarism
   Answer: C. The passage begins by saying modernization has enhanced the material level of civilization. (Key point: Benefit)

2. What negative effect does the passage describe?
   A. Rising crime and a breakdown of law and order
   B. Falling population
   C. A shortage of material goods
   D. Loss of technology
   Answer: A. Crime and the breakdown of law and order are the described dark side. (Key point: Dark side)

3. What frightening possibility does the passage raise?
   A. A world war between modern nations
   B. A complete return to traditional life
   C. A global dark age descending on humanity
   D. The end of modernization
   Answer: C. Civilization seems to yield to barbarism, suggesting an unprecedented global dark age. (Key point: Overall judgement)

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