ZIP codes were introduced by the U.S. Postal Service on July 1, 1963. The term ZIP, which stands for Zone Improvement Plan, suggests that mail will zip along more efficiently if postal customers use the code. The basic code consists of five digits. In 1983, the ZIP+4 code was introduced to direct mail to a more specific location within a ZIP code. The ZIP+4 code added a hyphen and four digits to the basic code. A student reads the above passage in an encyclopedia and wants to learn more about the U.S. Postal Service. In which of the following magazine articles would the student most likely find relevant information about ZIP codes?

Answer

"Postal Code Zones of the Postal Service"

Rationale

The passage is specifically about ZIP codes, numerical zone/location codes used to route mail. An article titled "Postal Code Zones of the Postal Service" directly matches this topic, since it addresses postal zoning and coding systems, which is exactly what ZIP codes are about. This makes it the most topically relevant source for further research on ZIP codes.

Answer choices

• A. "Postmasters General of the U.S. Postal Service"

• B. "The Pony Express: Postal Service of the American Frontier"

• C. "Postal Code Zones of the Postal Service"

  The passage is specifically about ZIP codes, numerical zone/location codes used to route mail. An article titled "Postal Code Zones of the Postal Service" directly matches this topic, since it addresses postal zoning and coding systems, which is exactly what ZIP codes are about. This makes it the most topically relevant source for further research on ZIP codes.

• D. "Postal Service in the Age of Digital Communication"