9

Set 3: Inferences (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

Gutenberg's printing press is often credited with sparking the Protestant Reformation by enabling the rapid spread of Luther's ideas. However, printing also spread Catholic responses, scientific texts, sensationalist pamphlets, and misinformation. The technology itself was neutral—its impacts depended on who used it and how.

What does the passage suggest about the effects of new communication technologies?

A. New technologies always lead to religious reform.
B. Technologies are tools whose societal effects depend on their application.✓ Correct
C. The printing press only spread accurate information.
D. Gutenberg invented the Protestant Reformation.

Detailed Explanation

'Technology itself was neutral—impacts depended on who used it and how' = application determines effects.

Key Evidence:

• "technology itself was neutral"

• "impacts depended on who used it"

Why others are wrong: A (It spread many things, not just reformation.), C ('Misinformation' was also spread.), D (He invented the press, not the Reformation.).

← PreviousNext →