Michael: Although it is often compared to the invention of automobile,

Michael: Although it is often compared to the invention of automobile, the development of Internet has not had as significant an impact on American society as has that of the automobile. Despite the mania for technology stocks in the 1990's, no internet oriented business has been able to generate profits comparable to those of the major automobile manufacturers.

Amella: It is true that internet companies have not been as profitable as have automobile companies. However, A high frequency of use can indicate the impact of an innovation on a society. Most Americans spend nearly as much time communicating with friends and finding information on Internet as they do travelling in their cars. Thus, the Internet can be said to have had a significant impact on American society.

The bolded phrases perform which of the following roles in the dialogue above?

A) The first phrase presents a conclusion and the second states a general principle underlying that conclusion.
B) The first phrase presents a conclusion, and the second provides specific evidence that undermines that conclusion.
C) The first phrase presents a general principle, and the second provides an example of a specific instance of the principle.
D) The first phrase states a position, and the second suggests an alternative measure for judging the point at issue.
E) The first phrase shows a contrast between two innovations and the second provides an example of similarity between them.