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 penny post in Britain revolutionized communication. Before that, postage was paid by the recipient, which was often expensive and unpredictable. The reform, led by Rowland Hill in 1840, introduced a uniform rate of one penny for any letter under half an ounce, regardless of distance. This made sending letters affordable for ordinary people. Interestingly, the first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, was also issued that year. It featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and was printed in black, hence its name. The stamp was so successful that it led to a massive increase in mail volume, and soon other countries adopted similar systems.