Reading Comprehension

PT131 · S4 · P1 · Q1 Problem Solving with Parallel Computing

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Passage A Recent studies have shown that sophisticated computer models of the oceans and atmosphere are capable of simulating large-scale climate trends with remarkable accuracy.

Main Point (Passage A)

The continuing increase in computing capacity of the average desktop computer means that climate simulations can now be run on privately owned desktop machines connected to one another via the Internet (Third Paragraph of Passage A).

Passage Map (Passage A)

P1 - The use of computer models to predict large-scale climate trends. P2 - The computations are so intense that individual computers are inadequate. P3 - Individual computers can be linked together via the Internet to run simultaneous calculations and conduct complex modeling when the public’s interest has been captured.

Main Point (Passage B)

We are now living through a great paradigm shift in the field of computing, a shift from sequential computing to massive parallel computing (Third Paragraph of Passage B).

Passage Map (Passage B)

P1 - Many problems are naturally parallel. P2 - An example—ants. P3 - Since many problems are naturally parallel, it makes sense to use parallel computing to solve them.

1.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of passage B?

  1. Many difficult problems in computing

    Supporting Evidence

    This is supporting evidence, not the main point (sixth paragraph). Note the word “since,” indicating that this point is evidence.

    7% picked this

  2. Sequential computing is no longer

    Too Narrow / Too Strong

    The main point not only suggests that sequential computing is not the best model for parallel problems, but that parallel computing is the best model. Furthermore, suggesting that sequential computing is not useful is too strong. There could be use cases for which sequential computing is still useful.

    2% picked this

  3. Correct

    There is currently a paradigm

    Why this is right

    This is supported in the fifth paragraph.

    Skill tested: Main Point · how this choice captures the passage's function is the move to repeat next time.

    87% picked this

  4. Complex biological and social systems

    Unsupported Relationship

    The main point is that there is a new approach being used in the field of computing to examine problems like complex biological and social systems. The computational approach is new, not necessarily the fields being investigated.

    2% picked this

  5. Inherently parallel computing problems are

    Out of Scope

    Computers modeled on the human mind are not discussed in the passage.

    2% picked this

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