Question

Before the printing press, books could be purchased only in expensive manuscript copies. The printing press produced books that were significantly less expensive than the manuscript editions. The public's demand for printed books in the first years after the invention of the printing press was many times greater than demand had been for manuscript copies. This increase demonstrates that there was a dramatic jump in the number of people who learned how to read in the years after publishers first started producing books on the printing press. Which one of the following statements, if true, casts doubt on the argument? (A) During the first years after the invention of the printing press, letter writing by people who wrote without the assistance of scribes or clerks exhibited a dramatic increase. (B) Books produced on the printing press are often found with written comments in the margins in the handwriting of the people who owned the books. (C) In the first years after the printing press was invented, printed books were purchased primarily by people who had always bought and read expensive manuscripts but could afford a greater number of printed books for the same money. (D) Books that were printed on the printing press in the first years after its invention often circulated among friends in informal reading clubs or libraries. (E) The first printed books published after the invention of the printing press would have been useless to illiterate people, since the books had virtually no illustrations.

Short answer

Option (C) casts doubt by suggesting existing readers bought more books, not new readers.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Argument

The argument proposes that the increased demand for printed books after the invention of the printing press indicates a jump in the number of people who learned to read.

Identify the Assumption

The implicit assumption here is that increased book demand resulted from an increased number of readers rather than other factors, such as existing readers buying more books at a cheaper price.

Find the Statement to Cast Doubt

Look for a statement that undermines the assumption that more people learned to read. Instead, consider factors like economic accessibility or existing literate individuals increasing their book collection.

Analyze Option (C)

Option (C) states that printed books were mostly purchased by those who already bought expensive manuscripts. This suggests that the demand increased because existing readers could buy more books rather than an increase in new readers.

Evaluate Other Options

Check other options for their ability to undermine the link between increased demand and more people learning to read: (A) and (B) don't address the number of new readers; (D) and (E) focus on book usage, not increase in reader numbers.

Key concepts

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the process of carefully and systematically analyzing information before reaching a conclusion. This involves evaluating assumptions, identifying biases, and considering the evidence presented. For example, in the exercise concerning the printing press, a critical thinker needs to question whether the increased demand for books truly reflects an increase in literacy.
By scrutinizing the underlying assumptions, they might realize that the ability to purchase more books could stem from books being more affordable, or it could simply mean existing readers are buying more books.

• Ask questions: Always question the initial assumptions.
• Consider counterarguments: Look at other reasons for the increased book demand.
• Analyze different perspectives: Determine if the change in numbers truly indicates a rise in literacy or other factors.

Developing critical thinking skills is crucial when analyzing arguments and making informed decisions.

Argument Evaluation

Argument evaluation refers to the systematic process of assessing the reasons given in support of or against a conclusion. It entails considering the logical structure and the soundness of the reasoning.
In the reading comprehension exercise we discussed, the argument hinges on the link between the increase in book demand and the rise in literacy. Option (C) challenges this by suggesting that existing readers simply bought more, which weakens the connection between demand and literacy growth.

• Understand the structure: Identify the conclusion and reasons presented.
• Assess assumptions: Check whether they logically lead to the conclusion.
• Seek out weaknesses: Determine if there are holes in the assumptions, like in the exercise where other factors could explain increased demand.

Mastering argument evaluation enables better judgment and a more reasoned approach to problem-solving.

Literacy Development

Literacy development is the enhancement of abilities related to reading, writing, and understanding text. In this context, analyzing how literacy rates might have changed due to the advent of the printing press is essential.
While the argument in the exercise suggests that more books mean more readers, literacy could also be influenced by other educational factors, such as improved access to education and learning materials, not just the availability of books.

• Identify influencing factors: Consider what truly boosts literacy rates, such as education policies or community programs.
• Understand the timeline: Literacy development may not directly parallel the rise in book availability.
• Evaluate data: Investigate historical records or studies for concrete evidence about literacy rates.

Understanding literacy development helps clarify how societal changes can influence the reading abilities of a population.

Historical Context of Reading

Placing reading within its historical context involves examining how societal changes and technological advances have influenced reading practices and literacy over time.
The invention of the printing press was a monumental shift that lowered the cost of books and made them more accessible. The exercise illustrates the argument that more accessible books led to an increase in the reading population, but understanding the broader historical context is crucial.

• Technological advancements: Recognize how inventions like the printing press can alter reading habits.
• Social changes: Consider how literacy was valued within society at the time.
• Economic factors: Books became more affordable, but did this truly correlate with more individuals learning to read?

By examining historical context, we gain insights into how reading has evolved and the various factors that have shaped literacy across different periods.