Set 4: Command of Evidence
Explanation
PASSAGE
The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440, revolutionized the spread of information. Before printing, books were copied by hand, making them expensive and rare. The press allowed for mass production, contributing to the Renaissance and the Reformation.
How did the printing press affect the availability of books?
Detailed Explanation
This question requires you to identify evidence that supports a claim. Before: 'expensive and rare.' After: 'mass production.' This means books became more accessible. The best evidence directly and explicitly supports the stated claim without requiring assumptions. Match specific textual details or data points to the claim being made. The correct answer provides clear, direct support. Strong evidence directly addresses the claim without requiring additional interpretation. When evaluating options, look for quotes or data that explicitly support the statement. Weak evidence may be tangentially related but doesn't provide direct proof.
Key Evidence:
• "mass production"
Why others are wrong: B (This option is incorrect.), C (More books would increase the need for literacy.), D (Not stated; it 'contributed to the Renaissance and Reformation.').