Gateway: Use Of English And Reading Quiz!
Ready for a quiz about technology and science fiction? Read the passage and then answer questions like does Gemma believe that significant progress in this field will occur during her lifetime, why has the desire to transport come out, have scientists started investigating the possibilities of transporting people, and how computer games have evolved. You must drop everything and take this great quiz.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What’s top of your technology wish list and why? A Gemma It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m sure the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a film called The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development for our society. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when? B Quentin Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!
- 2.
Most of us take it for granted that we will be able to (1) ……………………… to the Internet on a daily basis, but for millions of people (2) ……………………… live in the developing world, this is still a dream. The lowest levels of access to the Internet are in sub-Saharan Africa, but there are many other places that are still unable to take advantage of its social and economic benefits. The main problems are cost and a lack of infrastructure. In some countries, old regulations, monopolies and political issues are contributing to the slow development of the Internet. And yet in places (3) ……………………… the Internet has been allowed to take hold, there have been significant benefits in terms of online government, health, education and commerce. Conventional wired internet is expensive but (4) ……………………… technology offers a promising solution. For a start, it’s practical. In some areas with environmental obstacles, such as rainforests or glaciers, it’s impossible to lay cables. It’s also tamper-proof, (5) ……………………… is important in poor countries where copper or wire is a valuable commodity. When access is made possible, the most popular use of the Internet is to communicate using voice or e-mail and families that have been scattered by the need to find work can see each other via (6) ……………………… . Cost is a major barrier in poor countries, but many innovative projects are helping to set (7) ……………………… computers and internet connections around the globe. Shared access can help to bring down prices, but power supply can be an issue in remote areas. How do you plug your computer in if there’s no electricity? The answer is pedal power. No need to remember (8) ……………………… recharge your laptop – just get on your bike! Countries where people have a low level of literacy and skills may need more persuasion to use the Internet. They will not be interested in websites whose content is irrelevant or in a language they can’t understand. But all the evidence shows that access to the Internet speeds up evelopment in poorer countries and is an investment worth making.
- 3.
Complete the text with one word in each gap. Most of us take it for granted that we will be able to (1) ……………………… to the Internet on a daily basis, but
Explanation
The text is discussing the assumption that most people have about being able to "connect" to the Internet on a daily basis.Rate this question:
- 4.
... basis, but for millions of people (2) ……………………… live in the developing world, this is still a dream.
Explanation
The word "who" is the correct answer because it is used to refer to the millions of people mentioned in the sentence. It is a pronoun that is used to introduce a relative clause and is used to refer to people or animals. In this sentence, "who" is used to specify the group of people living in the developing world.Rate this question:
- 5.
And yet in places (3) ……………………… the Internet has been allowed to take hold, there have been significant benefits in terms of online government, health, education and commerce.
Explanation
The word "where" is the correct answer because it is the missing word in the given sentence. The sentence is discussing the benefits of the Internet in certain places, and the word "where" is needed to indicate those specific locations.Rate this question:
- 6.
Conventional wired internet is expensive but (4) ……………………… technology offers a promising solution.
Explanation
Conventional wired internet is expensive, but wireless technology offers a promising solution. Wireless internet eliminates the need for physical cables and infrastructure, reducing the costs associated with installation and maintenance. It also provides greater flexibility and convenience, allowing users to connect to the internet from any location within range of a wireless network. With advancements in wireless technology, the speed and reliability of wireless internet have improved significantly, making it a cost-effective and viable alternative to wired internet.Rate this question:
- 7.
It’s also tamper-proof, (5) ……………………… is important in poor countries where copper or wire is a valuable commodity.
Explanation
The word "which" is the correct answer because it refers back to the previous statement about the item being tamper-proof. The sentence suggests that the tamper-proof feature is important in poor countries where copper or wire is valuable, implying that the item being referred to is likely made of copper or wire. Therefore, "which" is used to connect the two ideas and clarify the context.Rate this question:
- 8.
When access is made possible, the most popular use of the Internet is to communicate using voice or e-mail, and families that have been scattered by the need to find work can see each other via (6) ………………………
Explanation
The correct answer is "webcam" because it is mentioned in the question that families who have been scattered can see each other via something. A webcam is a device that allows people to see each other through video communication over the internet, which aligns with the context given in the question.Rate this question:
- 9.
Cost is a major barrier in poor countries, but many innovative projects are helping to set (7) ……………………… computers and internet connections around the globe.
Explanation
The word "up" in this context suggests that the innovative projects are helping to increase the availability and accessibility of computers and internet connections in poor countries. It implies that these projects are overcoming the barrier of cost and making progress in bridging the digital divide.Rate this question:
- 10.
No need to remember (8) ……………………… recharge your laptop – just get on your bike!
Explanation
The word "to" in this context is used as a preposition to indicate purpose or intention. It suggests that instead of needing to remember to recharge your laptop, you can simply get on your bike. The sentence implies that riding a bike can generate enough energy to power a laptop, eliminating the need for recharging.Rate this question:
- 11.
Are these statements True (T), False (F) or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)? Gemma believes that significant scientific progress in this field will happen in her lifetime.
- A.
T
- B.
F
- C.
NM
Correct Answer
A. TExplanation
The given statement suggests that Gemma believes that significant scientific progress in this field will occur during her lifetime. This indicates that Gemma is optimistic about the advancements and breakthroughs that will take place in this particular area of science within her lifespan.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The desire to be able to ‘transport’ has come about because of recent science fiction films and stories.
- A.
T
- B.
F
- C.
NM
Correct Answer
B. FExplanation
The statement suggests that the desire to be able to 'transport' has not come about because of recent science fiction films and stories. This implies that the desire to be able to transport existed before these films and stories were created. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Scientists have started investigating the possibilities of ‘transporting’ people.
- A.
T
- B.
F
- C.
NM
Correct Answer
C. NM -
- 14.
Some interesting new inventions may already be in development.
- A.
T
- B.
F
- C.
NM
Correct Answer
A. TExplanation
The correct answer is "T" which stands for True. This means that there is a possibility that some interesting new inventions are already in development. The statement implies that there are ongoing efforts to create innovative inventions, suggesting that progress is being made in the field of technology and innovation.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Researchers are trying to reproduce the recreation activities seen on a popular TV programme.
- A.
T
- B.
F
- C.
NM
Correct Answer
C. NM -
- 16.
A commercial version of the ‘Holodeck’ is too far-fetched to ever happen.
- A.
T
- B.
F
- C.
NM
Correct Answer
B. FExplanation
The statement "A commercial version of the 'Holodeck' is too far-fetched to ever happen" is false. This means that it is possible for a commercial version of the 'Holodeck' to be developed in the future. The 'Holodeck' is a fictional technology from the television series Star Trek that creates immersive virtual reality environments. While the exact technology of the 'Holodeck' may not exist currently, there have been significant advancements in virtual reality technology in recent years. Therefore, it is plausible that a commercial version of the 'Holodeck' could be developed in the future.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Read the article again. Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings. There is one extra ending. Magicians use all their powers of deception in an attempt ...
- A.
Is at an early stage of development.
- B.
Tricking us that they can already do this.
- C.
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
- D.
Within the means of the wealthy.
- E.
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
- F.
Significant lifestyle changes.
- G.
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
G. To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.Explanation
Magicians use all their powers of deception in an attempt to persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.Rate this question:
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- 18.
This form of transportation would result in ...
- A.
Is at an early stage of development.
- B.
Tricking us that they can already do this.
- C.
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
- D.
Within the means of the wealthy.
- E.
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
- F.
Significant lifestyle changes.
- G.
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
F. Significant lifestyle changes.Explanation
The correct answer is "significant lifestyle changes." This answer aligns with the statement "This form of transportation would result in..." and implies that the transportation method being discussed would require individuals to make substantial changes to their way of life.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Domestic robots are currently only ...
- A.
Is at an early stage of development.
- B.
Tricking us that they can already do this.
- C.
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
- D.
Within the means of the wealthy.
- E.
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
- F.
Significant lifestyle changes.
- G.
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
D. Within the means of the wealthy.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that domestic robots are currently only affordable for the wealthy. This implies that the technology and development of domestic robots have not yet reached a stage where they are accessible to the general public or the average household.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The potential evolution of computer games ...
- A.
Is at an early stage of development.
- B.
Tricking us that they can already do this.
- C.
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
- D.
Within the means of the wealthy.
- E.
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
- F.
Significant lifestyle changes.
- G.
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
C. Is what fascinates the second blogger.Explanation
The given correct answer is "is what fascinates the second blogger." This implies that the potential evolution of computer games is the subject of fascination for the second blogger. The other options do not provide any information about the blogger's perspective or interest.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The technology has previously existed ...
- A.
Is at an early stage of development.
- B.
Tricking us that they can already do this.
- C.
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
- D.
Within the means of the wealthy.
- E.
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
- F.
Significant lifestyle changes.
- G.
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
E. In imagined form in a popular TV series.Explanation
The correct answer is "in imagined form in a popular TV series." This answer suggests that the technology being referred to is not yet a reality, but rather exists only in the fictional world of a popular TV series. This implies that the technology is not currently available or feasible in the real world.Rate this question:
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- 22.
At present, interactive hologram technology ...
- A.
Is at an early stage of development.
- B.
Tricking us that they can already do this.
- C.
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
- D.
Within the means of the wealthy.
- E.
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
- F.
Significant lifestyle changes.
- G.
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
A. Is at an early stage of development.Explanation
The given answer "is at an early stage of development" suggests that interactive hologram technology is currently in the early stages of its development. This means that it is not yet fully developed or widely available.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 25, 2018Quiz Created by
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