Question

East Asia is the leading industrial region in the world. It has a highly skilled workforce. This is especially true of Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. These countries produce much of the world’s electronics products and textiles.

Japan is the most industrialized nation in East Asia. As you have already learned, Japan has few natural resources. But, it imports raw materials and uses them to manufacture goods. Japan has become the world’s leading producer of motor vehicles and electronic equipment. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is also a leading financial center.

The manufacture of textiles is very important in East Asia. China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea have large textile industries. Together, they produce much of the world’s cotton and silk. India, in South Asia, is also a world leader in cotton textiles.

Both China and Japan have a great deal of heavy industry. China, for example, has an extensive system of steel mills. The country’s vast deposits of coal and iron ore keep these steel mills running. Japan is also a leader in steel production.

South Asia lags far behind East Asia in industrialization. It is less urbanized. Many people cannot read or write. The region has not attracted much investment for development. This is especially true of the Indian Subcontinent. Malaysia, however, has been rapidly developing its industries.

In Real LifeIn the 1990s, many American manufacturers joined together to launch a “Made in America” advertising campaign. Television ads urged Americans to buy only American-made products. Some people decided not to buy Japanese cars, such as Hondas or Toyotas. They wanted to buy American-made cars. However, many Japanese cars are now made in America, by American workers. In 2003 alone, nearly 1.8 million “Japanese” cars were built in plants in the United States.

Practice 10: Industry

Decide if each statement below is true or false.

Japan is the most industrialized nation in East Asia.
True
False
Most East Asian countries have highly skilled workforces.
True
False
Mongolia is world-famous for its textile industry.
True
False
South Asia has more industries than does East Asia.
True
False

Answer 1

Japan is the most industrialized nation in East Asia.
True (The passage states this directly.)

Most East Asian countries have highly skilled workforces.
True (The passage says East Asia has a highly skilled workforce, especially Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan.)

Mongolia is world-famous for its textile industry.
False (The passage names China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and India as major textile producers; Mongolia is not mentioned.)

South Asia has more industries than does East Asia.
False (The passage says South Asia lags far behind East Asia in industrialization.)