Imagine a world where books had to be copied by hand. How many people do you think could afford to read?
Read and Understand
Before the printing press, books were copied by hand, a slow process that took months. Only the very rich could afford them. In 1440, a German craftsman named Johannes Gutenberg invented movable type, a system that allowed pages to be printed quickly and cheaply.
Within 50 years, millions of books were circulating across Europe. Ideas spread faster than ever before. People began to read the Bible in their own language rather than Latin. Scientists shared their discoveries widely. Artists and philosophers found new audiences.
The printing press did not just change how books were made. It changed what people believed, how they learned, and who held power. Many historians consider it the most important invention of the last thousand years.
Comprehension Quiz
Test your understanding of the passage. Click to choose your answers and see your score at the end.
Writing Challenge
Your turn: How has the internet changed the way we share information today? Think about speed, access, and who can publish ideas. Write 80 to 100 words.
When you are done, paste your writing into the free Word Counter to check your word count and reading time.
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