Reading Comprehension Test

Submitted by Monrada Teewunda (DD) 1002

The First Computer Programmer

Ada Lovelace was the daughter of the poet Lord Byron. She was taught by Mary
Somerville, a well-known researcher and scientific author, who introduced her to Charles
Babbage in June 1833. Babbage was an English mathematician, who first had the idea for a
programmable computer.
Line 5 In 1842 and 1843, Ada translated the work of an Italian mathematician, Luigi
Menabrea, on Babbage's Analytical Engine. Though mechanical, this machine was an
important step in the history of computers; it was the design of a mechanical general-purpose
computer. Babbage worked on it for many years until his death in 1871. However, because of
financial, political, and legal issues, the engine was never built. The design of the machine
Line 10 was very modern; it anticipated the first completed general-purpose computers by about 100
years.
When Ada translated the article, she added a set of notes which specified in complete
detail a method for calculating certain numbers with the Analytical Engine, which have since
been recognized by historians as the world's first computer program. She also saw
Line 15 possibilities in it that Babbage hadn't: she realised that the machine could compose pieces of
music. The computer programming language 'Ada', used in some aviation and military
programs, is named after her.
source : https://www.usingenglish.com/comprehension/30.html

1)The word anticipated in line 10 is closest in meaning to

a. looked forward to
b. looked down on
c. looked out
d. looked after

2) The word aviation in line 16 is closest in meaning to

a. aeronautic
b. nautical
c. pass through
d. travel

3) The word it in line 7 refers to

a. a computer
b. a design
c. a machine
d. an article

4) According to the passage, who was the first one to come up with the idea of programmable
computer?
a. Ada Lovelace
b. Mary Somerville
c. Luigi Menabrea
d. Charles Babbage

5) According to the passage, what is the feature of Babbages machine?

a. for calculating
b. programmable
 c. modern
d. for translating

6) According to the passage, which of the following information is true?

a. Babbage finished the machine before he died.
b. Mary Somerville introduced Ada to Babbage.
c. Luigi Menabrea designed the first computer.
d. Ada wrote aviation and military program.

7) What is the reason for Babbages failure in building this machine?

a. because he discouraged to build a programmable machine.
b. because Ada did not help him.
c. because he died before it was completed.
d. because he had a problem about budget.

8) According to the passage, which of the following is false about Ada Lovelace?
a. Ada Lovelaces teacher is Mary Somerville.
b. Ada Lovelace is daughter of poet.
c. Ada Lovelace design the machine.
d. Ada Lovelace is translator.

9) The third paragraph talks about

a. how does Babbage built the machine.
b. the reason why does Babbage can not built the machine.
c. aviation and military use program named Ada.
d. Ada write a music by using computer.

10) Which of the following information is not mentioned in the passage?

a. The cause of unsuccessful machine that Babbage built.
b. The cause of Babbages death.
c. Ada help Babbage write program.
d. Babbage is the first person, who had the idea for a programmable computer.
 Pyramids
The Great Pyramid at Giza is one of the world's most amazing landmarks. Rising
high above the Sahara Desert in the Giza region of northern Egypt, the Great Pyramid stands
some 450 feet into the burning desert sky and occupies an area of 13 acres. The rough climate
of the Sahara has actually caused the pyramid to shrink 30 feet from its original height. The
pyramid was such an amazing feat of engineering that it remained the tallest structure in the
Line 5
world for over 3800 years! The entire pyramid was originally faced with polished limestone
to make it shine brilliantly in the sun.
Most Egyptologists, scientists who study ancient Egypt, agree that the Great Pyramid
was built around 2560 BC, a little more than 4,500 years ago. It took tens of thousands of
Line 10 workers twenty years to build. The pyramid contains over two million stone blocks. Although
most of the blocks weigh two or three tons, some weigh up to 80 tons!
The Great Pyramid of Giza was ordered built by the Pharaoh Khufu as a magnificent
tomb. His vizier (advisor), Hemon, is credited with being the pyramid's architect. Khufu's
pyramid is actually part of a complex of pyramids that includes the Pyramid of Khafre, the
Line 15 smaller Pyramid of Menkaure, a variety of smaller pyramids and structures, and the Great
Sphinx. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the
World.
source : http://mrnussbaum.com/pyramids_vocabulary/

1)The word shrink in line 4 is closest in meaning to

a. dilate
b. dwindle
c. accrete
d. inflate

2) The word polished in line 6 is closest in meaning to

a. scraped
b. molded
c. scrubbed
d. washed

3) The word it in line 7 refers to

a. the pyramid
b. stone blocks
c. structure
d. limestone

4) How many stone blocks are needed to make the pyramid?

a. 2560
b. 3800
c. 4500
d. two million

5) According to the passage, who is Hemon?

a. Khufus advisor
b. Khufus secretary
c. Khufus worker
d. Khufus designer

6) How long was the Great Pyramid of Giza built?

a. 13 years
b. 20 years
c. 30 years
 d. 80 years

7) Who ordered to build pyramid?

a. Hemon
b. Khafre
c. Menkaure
d. Khufu

8) According to the passage, which is not part of a complex of pyramids?

a. the Pyramid of Khafre
b. the Sphinx
c. the Pyramid of Menkaure
d. the Great Pyramid of Giza

9) The third paragraph talks about

a. the Great Sphinx
b. the Seven Wonders of the World
c. the Great Pyramid of Giza
d. the Pyramid of Khafre

10) Which of the following information is not mentioned in the passage?

a. the life of Khufu
b. how to use limestone to build the pyramid
c. structure of the Great Pyramid of Giza
d. surrounding of the Great Pyramid of Giza