雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. In the 19th century, the introduction of the postage stamp revolutionized communication. Before stamps, the recipient often paid for the mail, which was expensive and inconvenient. The first adhesive stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in Britain in 1840. It featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and cost one penny, making it affordable for ordinary people. This innovation led to a dramatic increase in mail volume. Interestingly, the design was so effective that it remained in use for over 40 years, though it was printed in black, which caused postal workers to struggle with cancelling it clearly. Therefore, later stamps were printed in other colors.