Reading Comprehension

PT131 · S4 · P1 · Q5 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.

5.

Passage B relates to passage A in which one of the following ways?

  1. The argument in passage B

    Contradiction

    Passage B argues for a computing solution very similar to the one described in passage A.

    2% picked this

  2. The explanation offered in passage

    Contradiction

    The argument in passage B does suggest the plan put forward in passage A is likely to succeed (sixth paragraph).

    2% picked this

  3. Correct

    The ideas advanced in passage

    Why this is right

    The solution proposed in passage A is connected desktop machines working simultaneously on the problem (third paragraph), while passage B suggests that problems that are naturally parallel are best solved using a computer model that resembles the inherently parallel problem (sixth paragraph).

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

    87% picked this

  4. The example given in passage

    Unsupported Relationship

    The example given in passage B may be an example that is best studied with brute force, but does not illustrate the need for brute force since it does not suggest the vast number of calculations that would be required to model the behavior.

    7% picked this

  5. The discussion in passage B

    Contradiction

    The discussion in passage B supports the assumptions of individual computers in passage A that they are inadequate on their own to run calculation-intensive simulations (fourth paragraph).

    3% picked this

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