Passage (History)

In the fifteenth century, the invention of the printing press with movable type transformed how knowledge spread. Before it, books were copied by hand, which made them costly and rare. Printing reduced their cost, increased literacy, and allowed new ideas to reach many people quickly. Historians often link this change to the growth of public debate in Europe.

Question

According to the passage, which was an effect of the printing press?

Options

• (A) Books became rarer.
• (B) Copying by hand increased.
• (C) Literacy declined.
• (D) Ideas could reach many people more quickly.

Answer

(D) Ideas could reach many people more quickly.

Solution

1. The passage lists the effects of printing: lower cost, higher literacy, and quicker spread of ideas.
2. Options A, B, and C are the opposite of what the passage says.
3. Only option D matches the stated effects.