According to Rostow's stages of economic growth, what does the 'Take Off' stage in an economy signify about its pattern of development?

Introduction / Context:
Walt W Rostow proposed a theory of economic growth that describes development in terms of five stages, ranging from a traditional society to an age of high mass consumption. One of the most important stages in this model is the take off stage, which represents a turning point in an economy's history. This question tests whether the learner understands what take off means in this context and how it differs from stagnation or collapse.

Given Data / Assumptions:
We are dealing with Rostow's stages of growth.The specific stage mentioned is the take off stage.We must select the statement that best describes this stage.The options mention removal of controls, stagnation, steady growth, and collapse.

Concept / Approach:
In Rostow's theory, an economy moves through five stages: traditional society, preconditions for take off, take off, drive to maturity, and age of high mass consumption. The take off stage is critical because it marks the transition from slow or limited growth to sustained and rapid growth. During take off, investment rates rise, new industries expand, and growth becomes self sustaining. It does not mean the economy is stagnant or collapsing, and it is not defined by the complete removal of government controls. The essence of take off is the beginning of steady, self sustained growth.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the sequence of stages in Rostow's model and note that take off is the third stage.Step 2: Understand that before take off, the economy is in a precondition stage where important changes occur but growth is still limited.Step 3: Recognise that take off is the turning point at which growth accelerates, investment increases, and industrialisation gathers momentum.Step 4: Compare this understanding with the options. The description that steady growth begins matches the idea of self sustained growth taking hold.Step 5: Conclude that the take off stage means steady and self sustained growth begins, not stagnation or collapse.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard development economics textbooks explain that in the take off stage, economic growth becomes the normal condition rather than an occasional event. Investment rates, often measured as a percentage of national income, rise beyond a critical level, and new leading sectors drive structural change. This explanation fits the idea that steady growth begins. There is no reference in Rostow's model to the abolition of all controls or imminent collapse at this stage, which confirms that the correct interpretation is the start of sustained growth.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
All government controls are removed: Rostow's theory focuses on growth patterns, not on specific policy tools like controls or deregulation, so this is not the defining feature of take off.The economy is stagnant and not growing: This contradicts the very idea of take off, which is about moving away from stagnation.The economy is about to collapse: Take off is associated with acceleration and rising incomes, not with collapse.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the names of stages and think that take off might refer to a final stage of high income, while it actually represents the turning point from limited growth to sustained development. Others misinterpret the term in political terms, assuming it means liberalisation or removal of controls. To avoid such errors, it is important to focus on Rostow's emphasis on investment, structural change, and self sustained growth when interpreting the take off stage.

Final Answer:
In Rostow's model, the take off stage means that steady and self sustained growth begins in the economy.