SAT English Practice Question

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century, which allowed for the mass production of books, was a significant event in the history of communication. Before the printing press, books were hand-copied, a process that was expensive and time-consuming. As a result, only a limited number of people had access to books. The printing press, however, made it possible to produce books more quickly and cheaply, and the spread of literacy increased. Which of the following choices would be the most effective way to combine the underlined sentences?

1. A.The printing press, however, made it possible to produce books more quickly and cheaply, and the spread of literacy increased.
2. B.The printing press, however, made it possible to produce books more quickly and cheaply, thus increasing the spread of literacy.
3. C.The printing press, however, made it possible to produce books more quickly and cheaply, which resulted in an increase in the spread of literacy.
4. D.The printing press, however, made it possible to produce books more quickly and cheaply, therefore increasing the spread of literacy.