80. Reading Skills Comprehension: Modern Technology

Modern Technology

Read the passages given below and answer the questions that follow them:

1. One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man’s daily life as a telephone or a calculator.

2. Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called ‘automation’. In the future automation may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.

3. Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could ‘think’. There is no possibility that human beings will be `controlled by machines’. Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving their performance, they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or ‘rule the world’ by making decisions of their own.

4. Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.

Word-Meaning: Sphere—area, Heading—go ahead, Leisure—free time, spare time, Bound to—compelled. Consequence—the result, Alternative—option

Attempt any eight of the following questions on the basis of the passage you have read.

1. What is the greatest advancement in modem technology?

2. What complicated works are computers capable of doing?

3. Write one use of computers.

4. Explain automation.

5. Why can’t computers lead independent lives or rule the world?

6. How would computers as translating machines help people?

7. What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in future?

8. How can computers help people going on holidays?

9. Find a word in paragraph I that means ‘area’.

Answers

1. The invention of computers is one of the greatest advances in modem technology.

2. Computers can solve the most complex mathematical problem or put thousands of unrelated facts in order.

3. Computers give us information about the weather condition.

4. The process of using machines for our work is called automation. For instance, we use computers to solve difficult mathematical problems, get information about weather condition, etc.

5. Computers cannot lead independent lives because they cannot work without the instructions of human beings.

6. Computers as translating machines would help those people who want to communicate with other language using people, and they would help to understand the publications printed in a foreign language.

7. Sir Leon predicted that in future such small computers would be developed that people would be able to carry them in their pocket and would use anywhere for any purposes.

8. People going on holidays can use a computer to get information about the weather condition. They can use them to know which route has traffic jams, etc.

9. Sphere