Reading Comprehension

PT131 · S4 · P1 · Q7 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.

7.

In calling a population of ants "an intelligence, a kind of live computer" (last sentence of the second paragraph of passage B) the author of passage B most likely means that

  1. Correct

    the behavior of the colony

    Why this is right

    The second paragraph of passage B is an example of a highly complex system described in the first paragraph (fourth paragraph).

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

    87% picked this

  2. the paradigm shift taking place

    Wrong Role

    The referenced lines describe the phenomenon (problem in nature), not the means of researching that phenomenon (parallel computing).

    2% picked this

  3. computers are agglomerations of elements

    Unsupported Relationship

    The fifth paragraph provides a description of ants, while this is a description of computers.

    7% picked this

  4. computer simulations can simulate the

    Too Strong

    “Great accuracy” is stronger than the author commits to in the passage.

    2% picked this

  5. the simple rules that govern

    Wrong Role

    It’s the complex picture that emerges (fifth paragraph) that provides the need to solve the problem with parallel computing rather than sequential computing.

    3% picked this

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