Q. 1. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions. (5)
The first computer was built in the early nineteenth century by Charles Babbage. He called it a ‘difference
engine’: It could carry out long calculations and print the results. Later he invented a better machine
called an ‘analytical engine’. The computer that you use has been developed by several scientists
working independently or as a team. It is being improved everyday.
The computer can work out calculations and provide answers to complicated problems in a flash. A man
would take days, or even months, to work the same thing out. But it cannot do things on its own. All the
information it needs to do something is fed into it. This information is called data. Then it must be given
clear and precise instructions about what to do with this data. These instructions have to be in a language
that the computer understands. The information and the instructions make up a computer program. If a
computer gives an incorrect answer, something must be wrong with the programme and not with the
machine.
The computer also has a memory. It can store away information and use it later. It can, therefore, be
compared to the human brain. But it can solve problems much faster and more accurately than the
human brain. It can be made to play games like chess and can translate words from one language to
another. (If you like, it can correct your spelling mistakes in what you write.) But it cannot take decisions
or think up new deas. That is where it cannot compete with the human brain.
Questions
(1) What two things could the first computer developed by Charles Babbage do?
(2) What is a computer program?
(3) In what way is the computer better than a human brain?
(4) Give a word from the passage that means same as ‘correctly’.
(5) Find a word from the passage that means ‘without
Answers
1. The two things that could be done by the first computer developed by Charles Babbage were carrying out long calculations and printing the results.
2. A computer program is a set of information or instructions [collectively known as 'data'] given to a computer in a language that the computer understands to perform certain tasks.
3. A computer is better than a human brain as it is much faster in performing calculations and providing accurate results as well as being able to store information for later purposes. It can be made to play games, translate words from one language to another and even correct wrong spellings.
4. 'accurately'
5. (Correct question: Find a word from the passage that means ‘without anybody's help.)
'independently'
Answer:
1. The two things that could be done
by the first computer developed by
Charles Babbage were carrying out long
calculations and printing the results.
2. A computer program is a set of
computer program is a set ofinformation or instructions [collectively known as 'data'] given to a computer in a language that the computer understands to perform certain tasks.
3. A computer is better than a human
brain as it is much faster in performing
calculations and providing accurate results
as well as being able to store information
for later purposes. It can be made to play
games, translate words from one language
to another and even correct wrong
spellings.
4. 'accurately'
5. (Correct question: Find a word from the
passage that means 'without anybody's
help.)
'independently'