ACT (Enhanced)ReadingEasy
Read the following excerpt from a historical text: "The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg in the mid-15th century revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge. Prior to this, books were painstakingly copied by hand, a process that was slow, expensive, and prone to error. The press allowed for mass production of texts, drastically reducing their cost and increasing their availability, thereby fueling the Renaissance and the Reformation." Based on the excerpt, what was the primary impact of the printing press on society?
- AIt led to the immediate establishment of public libraries.
- BIt significantly accelerated the spread of information and ideas.
- CIt made book copying a highly specialized and lucrative profession.
- DIt exclusively benefited religious institutions by producing more Bibles.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. It significantly accelerated the spread of information and ideas.
The excerpt explicitly states that the printing press 'revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge' and 'allowed for mass production of texts, drastically reducing their cost and increasing their availability, thereby fueling the Renaissance and the Reformation.' This directly indicates an acceleration in the spread of information and ideas.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While public libraries eventually emerged, the excerpt does not state this was an immediate or primary impact.
- C. The text states it made hand-copying obsolete, thus reducing the need for that profession, not making it more lucrative.
- D. While it benefited religious institutions, the text also mentions fueling the 'Renaissance,' indicating broader societal impact beyond just religion.
Primary Impact
The most significant or direct effect of an event, action, or innovation on a given subject.
- Focuses on the main consequence.
- Often directly stated or strongly implied in the text.
- Distinguish from secondary or minor effects.
Memory trick: Impact's Core: Find the main door.