Reading Comprehension

PT131 · S4 · P1 · Q6 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.

6.

The passages share which one of the following as their primary purpose?

  1. to show that the traditional

    Out of Scope

    Common computing tasks are not discussed in the passage.

    3% picked this

  2. Correct

    to argue that a new

    Why this is right

    This is supported in the third and fifth paragraphs.

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

    76% picked this

  3. to convince skeptics of the

    Out of Scope

    Skeptics are not discussed in the passage.

    1% picked this

  4. to demonstrate that a new

    Too Strong

    For some large-scale computing problems a new computing paradigm is superior to the traditional one, but to say it is true for most such problems goes too far.

    18% picked this

  5. to describe complex and as

    Wrong Role

    The purpose is to discuss the solution to the large-scale computing problems, not the problems themselves.

    2% picked this

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