8

Set 2: Central Ideas

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

The following text discusses the invention of the printing press. Before the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, books were hand-copied, making them rare and expensive. Gutenberg's machine allowed for the mass production of books, drastically reducing their cost. This innovation triggered an explosion of literacy and learning, as knowledge became accessible to a much larger segment of the population.

According to the text, what was a major effect of the printing press?

A. It made books more artistic but less readable✓ Correct
B. It increased the cost of books due to machinery
C. It made knowledge accessible to more people
D. It reduced the number of writers in Europe

Detailed Explanation

Choice C is correct. The text states the printing press caused an 'explosion of literacy' and made 'knowledge... accessible to a much larger segment of the population.'

Key Evidence:

• "knowledge became accessible to a much larger segment"

• "drastically reducing their cost"

Why others are wrong: A (Not mentioned), B (Opposite (reduced cost)), D (Not mentioned).

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