COMPUTERS TODAY
While the basic idea behind a computer goes back to Charles Babbage's 19th century plan for an Analytical Engine, the first real computers were developed during the 1940s. Computers have evolved at an incredible pace since those early years, becoming consistently smaller, faster, more efficient, more reliable, and less expensive. At the same time, people have devised all kinds of interesting and useful ways to put computers to work to solve problems.
Computers today, like their ancestors, are information processing machines designed to transform information from one form to another. When a computer operates, the hardware accepts input data from some outside source, transforms the data by following instructions called software, and produces output that can be read by a human or by another machine.
Computers today come in all shapes and sizes, with specific types being well suited for particular jobs. Mainframe computers and supercomputers provide more power and speed than smaller desktop machines, but they are expensive to purchase and operate. Timesharing makes it possible for many users to work simultaneously at terminals connected to these large computers. At the other end of the spectrum, personal computers, ranging from standard desktop models to tiny-held machines, provide affordable computing for those of us who don't need the power of a mainframe. As PCs become more powerful and mainframes become smaller, the workstations and minicomputers that fall between them are being squeezed from both sides. Microprocessors aren't just used in general-purpose computers; they're embedded in appliances, automobiles, and a rapidly growing list of other products.
Computer technology has changed the world rapidly and irreversibly. It's easy to list dozens of ways that computers make our live easier and more productive. At the same time, computers threaten our privacy, our security, and perhaps our way of life. As we rush into the information age, our future depends on computers and on our ability to understand and use them in productive, positive ways
I- COMPREHENSION: (15 points)
(Base your answers on the text)
A. Answer the following questions: (4 points)
1. In what ways did computers develop?
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2. What is the role of computers nowadays?
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3. What allows users to work at terminals at the same time?
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4. Are computers dangerous? Explain
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B. Are these sentences true or false? Justify (4 points)
1. We owe the invention of the computer to Charles Babbage.
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2. Computers today are suitable for all jobs.
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3. Supercomputers are stronger and faster than desktop machines.
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4. Microprocessors aren’t found today in domestic gadgets, cars…
C. What do the underlined words in the text refer to? (3 points)
1. they .................................................. (paragraph 3)
2. these .................................................. (paragraph 3)
3. them .................................................. (paragraph 3)
D. Find in the text words or expressions that mean the same as: (4 points)
1. unbelievable .................................( paragraph 1)
2. dependable .................................( paragraph 1)
3. find a solution to problem .................................( paragraph 1)
4. move fast .................................( paragraph 4)
II- LANGUAGE (15 points)
A- Rewrite the following sentences with the words given : (5 points)
1. Although Salim succeeded in the exam, he didn’t get any present.
In spite of………………………………………………………………
2. The engineer has designed new houses a and drafts.
New houses plans and drafts……………………………………………………………………….
3. It is unnecessary to wear a pullover; it isn’t cold outside.
You…………………………………………………………………………
4. It is obligatory that drivers stop at red lights.
Drivers…………………………………………………………...…………
5. It is unlikely that the Soufianis stay at home during this weekend.
It is…………………………………………………………………………
B- Give the correct form of the words between brackets: (5 points)
1. “Your essay is full of (accurate)……………………. Sentences. You must rewrite it,” said the teacher to the student.
2. “You have to consult a (dietetics)…………………….…. Before going on a diet,” said the doctor to his patient.
3. The (migration)………………………… of birds (across the continents) is studied by satellites nowadays.
4. Samir is thinking seriously about writing his own …………………..(biography)
5. “This an ……………………….(professional) attitude . He must apologize for it,” said the secretary to the manager.
C- Put in the appropriate article where necessary : (2 points)
1. Moundir: “Oh, what ………….surprise! ………….. goal at the last minute!”
2. Sally : “Ronaldo is such ……………good player. I think he’s ……….best one in the world!”
D. Say the following sentences in another way: (3 points)
1. I’d prefer to spend my holidays in the beach this summer.
I ……………………………………………………………………………
2. You may play with your video games machine once you finish your work.
You…………………………………………………………………………
3. You ought to take care of your baby more often
You…………………………………………………………………………
III- WRITING (10 points)
Some people think that technology is not only complicating man’s life, by dehumanizing people, it will also cause his total destruction in the future.
Write an article to you school magazine and express the bad impact of technology on human daily life. Give any possible suggestions to avoid such a fatal end.
Solution
A. Questions: (4 pts- 1 each
1. Computers have evolved at an incredible pace since those early years, becoming consistently smaller, faster, more efficient, more reliable, and less expensive.
2. to transform information from one form to another
3. Timesharing
4. Yes, because they threaten our privacy, our security, and perhaps our way of life.
B. True or false statements + appropriate justification (4 pts- 1 each)
1. True. (the basic idea behind a computer goes back to Charles Babbage's 19th century plan for an Analytical Engine)
2. False. (Computers today come in all shapes and sizes, with specific types being well suited for particular jobs.)
3. True.( Supercomputers provide more power and speed than smaller desktop machines)
4. False (Microprocessors aren't just used in general-purpose computers; they're embedded in appliances, automobiles, and a rapidly growing list of other products.)
C. The underlined words or expressions: (3 pts- 1 each)
1. Mainframe computers and supercomputers
2. Mainframe computers and supercomputers
3. PCs and Mainframes.
D. Synonyms: (4 pts- 1 each)
1. incredible
2. reliable
3. solve
4. rush
II- LANGUAGE (15 points)
A. Sentence rewriting (5 pts- 1 each)
1. In spite of Salim’s success in the exam, he didn’t get any present.
2. New houses plans and drafts have been designed (by the engineer)
3. You needn’t wear a pullover; it isn’t cold outside.
4. Drivers must stop at red lights.
5. It is improbable that the Soufianis’ stay at home during this weekend.
B. prefixes: (5 pts- 1 each)
1. inaccurate
2. dietitian / dietician
3. transmigration
4. autobiography
5. unprofessional
C. Articles (2 pts- 0.5 each)
1. a / the
2. a / the
D. Functions: (3 pts- 1 each)
1. I’d rather spend my holidays in the beach this summer.
2. You can play with your video games machine once you finish your work.
3. You should take care of your baby more often.
III- WRITING (10 points)
1. Mechanics: spelling, punctuation, capitalization
2. appropriate use of grammar and vocabulary
3. content: coherence, relevance to the task, length
