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 on 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 is 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.
5. It is impossible to assess the importance of a machine of this sort, for many international misunderstandings
are caused simply due to our failure to understand each other. Computers will also be used in ordinary public
hospitals. By providing a machine with a patient's systems, a doctor will be able to diagnose the nature of his
illness. Similarly, machines could be used to keep a check on a patient's health record and keep it up to date.
Doctors will, therefore, have immediate access to great many facts which will help them in their work.
1. Answer the following questions briefly:-
a) State main capabilities of computer (any two).
b) What is automation?
c) What benefit can man derive from automation?
d) Why can’t computer replace man?
e) Find the antonym of the word "complicated".
f) Find the verb form of the word “alternative”.
g) Find the synonyms of the following words from the passage:
i. Results
ii. Monotonous