Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

The word robot first appeared in a 1921 stage play by Czech writer Karel Capek. In the play, a man makes a machine that can think, which he calls a robot and which ends up killing its owner. In the 1940s, the American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov wrote a series of stories about robots and invented the term robotics, the science of robots. Meanwhile, in the real world, the first robots were developed by an engineer, Joseph F. Engelberger, and an inventor, George C. Devol. Together they started Unimation, a manufacturing company that produces the first real robot in 1961, called the Unimate. Robots of this type were installed at a General Motors automobile plant and proved to be a success. They worked reliably and saved money for General Motors, so other companies were soon acquiring robots as well.

These industrial robots were nothing like the terrifying creatures that can often be seen in science fiction films. In fact, these robots looked and behaved nothing like humans. They were simply pieces of computer-controlled machinery, with metal “arms” or “hands”. Since they were made of metal, they could perform certain jobs that were difficult or dangerous for humans, particularly jobs that involve high heat. And since robots were tireless and never got hungry, sleepy, or distracted, they were useful for tasks that would be tiring or boring for humans. Industrial robots have been improved over the years, and today they are used in many factories around the world. Though the use of robots has meant the loss of some jobs, at the same time other jobs have been created in the design, development, and production of the robots.

Rise of the Robots, Silicon Valley Entrepreneur, Martin Ford, 1988.

What can be said about Karel Capek?

A. He was the first to create the word “robot”

B. He is an American writer

C. He made a robot

D. He made a robot in order to kill a person

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

The word robot first appeared in a 1921 stage play by Czech writer Karel Capek. In the play, a man makes a machine that can think, which he calls a robot and which ends up killing its owner. In the 1940s, the American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov wrote a series of stories about robots and invented the term robotics, the science of robots. Meanwhile, in the real world, the first robots were developed by an engineer, Joseph F. Engelberger, and an inventor, George C. Devol. Together they started Unimation, a manufacturing company that produces the first real robot in 1961, called the Unimate. Robots of this type were installed at a General Motors automobile plant and proved to be a success. They worked reliably and saved money for General Motors, so other companies were soon acquiring robots as well.

These industrial robots were nothing like the terrifying creatures that can often be seen in science fiction films. In fact, these robots looked and behaved nothing like humans. They were simply pieces of computer-controlled machinery, with metal “arms” or “hands”. Since they were made of metal, they could perform certain jobs that were difficult or dangerous for humans, particularly jobs that involve high heat. And since robots were tireless and never got hungry, sleepy, or distracted, they were useful for tasks that would be tiring or boring for humans. Industrial robots have been improved over the years, and today they are used in many factories around the world. Though the use of robots has meant the loss of some jobs, at the same time other jobs have been created in the design, development, and production of the robots.

Rise of the Robots, Silicon Valley Entrepreneur, Martin Ford, 1988.

When did the word “robot” appear?

A. in the 1920s

B. in the 19th century 

C. in the 40s 

D. in the 60s

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

The word robot first appeared in a 1921 stage play by Czech writer Karel Capek. In the play, a man makes a machine that can think, which he calls a robot and which ends up killing its owner. In the 1940s, the American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov wrote a series of stories about robots and invented the term robotics, the science of robots. Meanwhile, in the real world, the first robots were developed by an engineer, Joseph F. Engelberger, and an inventor, George C. Devol. Together they started Unimation, a manufacturing company that produces the first real robot in 1961, called the Unimate. Robots of this type were installed at a General Motors automobile plant and proved to be a success. They worked reliably and saved money for General Motors, so other companies were soon acquiring robots as well.

These industrial robots were nothing like the terrifying creatures that can often be seen in science fiction films. In fact, these robots looked and behaved nothing like humans. They were simply pieces of computer-controlled machinery, with metal “arms” or “hands”. Since they were made of metal, they could perform certain jobs that were difficult or dangerous for humans, particularly jobs that involve high heat. And since robots were tireless and never got hungry, sleepy, or distracted, they were useful for tasks that would be tiring or boring for humans. Industrial robots have been improved over the years, and today they are used in many factories around the world. Though the use of robots has meant the loss of some jobs, at the same time other jobs have been created in the design, development, and production of the robots.

Rise of the Robots, Silicon Valley Entrepreneur, Martin Ford, 1988.

What is Unimation?

A. It’s the name of a robot inventor

B. It’s the name of a robot

C. It’s a robot making program

D. It’s the producer of the first robot

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

The word robot first appeared in a 1921 stage play by Czech writer Karel Capek. In the play, a man makes a machine that can think, which he calls a robot and which ends up killing its owner. In the 1940s, the American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov wrote a series of stories about robots and invented the term robotics, the science of robots. Meanwhile, in the real world, the first robots were developed by an engineer, Joseph F. Engelberger, and an inventor, George C. Devol. Together they started Unimation, a manufacturing company that produces the first real robot in 1961, called the Unimate. Robots of this type were installed at a General Motors automobile plant and proved to be a success. They worked reliably and saved money for General Motors, so other companies were soon acquiring robots as well.

These industrial robots were nothing like the terrifying creatures that can often be seen in science fiction films. In fact, these robots looked and behaved nothing like humans. They were simply pieces of computer-controlled machinery, with metal “arms” or “hands”. Since they were made of metal, they could perform certain jobs that were difficult or dangerous for humans, particularly jobs that involve high heat. And since robots were tireless and never got hungry, sleepy, or distracted, they were useful for tasks that would be tiring or boring for humans. Industrial robots have been improved over the years, and today they are used in many factories around the world. Though the use of robots has meant the loss of some jobs, at the same time other jobs have been created in the design, development, and production of the robots.

Rise of the Robots, Silicon Valley Entrepreneur, Martin Ford, 1988.

What are industrial robots like?

A. They behave like humans

B. They controlled machinery

C. They look like humans

D. They are computer-controlled machines

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, c, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 35 to 42.

  Most of us associate robots with films such as Star Wars, I, Robot or AI, but in reality they have more to do with social issues and politics rather than science fiction. The term robot first made its appearance in a play entitled Rossum s Universal Robots written almost a century ago by a Czechoslovakian playwright by the name of Karel Capek. Capek got the name robot from the Slavic word ‘ robota’ which means forced labour. In his play, he portrays a society where robots, which look human, are mass produced to work in the place of people.

  Capeks story was well received by the critics but never really got credit for being the source of the notion of robots. The play has significant relevance to our society today, as humanoid-type robots are being created to fulfil a wide range of tasks. Robot engineers are not only developing mindless worker drones, but are attempting to create human-like companion robots for people. Consequently, the question of what actually makes us human is the subject of lively debate.

  In the USA, sociable robotics is developing at a relatively rapid rate and a human companion type of robot could soon be a reality. Japanese researchers see a very bright future for these robots who will serve as friends or family to the lonely. Nevertheless, one needs to ask if a human being can have a relationship with a machine in the same way as they do with other people or animals and if so, what effect this could have on our society. The success of robot toys or virtual pets suggests that this type of relationship is possible.

  Research shows that children tend to have similar relationships with humans as with non-humans whereas the same is true for adults only with pets or when the robot is designed to look like a child. This is probably because robots display superficial emotions and cannot as yet replace human touch. But will these machines one day succeed in replacing humans?

  Some paint a very dark picture of a robot society and predict that artificially intelligent machines will take control of the entire planet and dominate the human race. However robot technology is still in its infancy and the idea of them taking over the world is pure fantasy to most of us, including scientists. In fact, most robots can only perform very basic tasks and even the most advanced robot that is capable of expressing over forty different emotions seems to do so in a totally random manner, regardless of what is going on around it.

  In spite of the simplicity of today’s robots, robotic technology is impacting our everyday lives in a dramatic way. Nowadays, our robots are becoming more and more like those portrayed in Capeks work. In a society where human relationships are so often strained, it is no surprise that the possibility for human-robot relationships is increasing.

When most people think of robots, they tend to think of _____________

A. literature

B. social issues

C. politics

D. films

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, c, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 35 to 42.

  Most of us associate robots with films such as Star Wars, I, Robot or AI, but in reality they have more to do with social issues and politics rather than science fiction. The term robot first made its appearance in a play entitled Rossum s Universal Robots written almost a century ago by a Czechoslovakian playwright by the name of Karel Capek. Capek got the name robot from the Slavic word ‘ robota’ which means forced labour. In his play, he portrays a society where robots, which look human, are mass produced to work in the place of people.

  Capeks story was well received by the critics but never really got credit for being the source of the notion of robots. The play has significant relevance to our society today, as humanoid-type robots are being created to fulfil a wide range of tasks. Robot engineers are not only developing mindless worker drones, but are attempting to create human-like companion robots for people. Consequently, the question of what actually makes us human is the subject of lively debate.

  In the USA, sociable robotics is developing at a relatively rapid rate and a human companion type of robot could soon be a reality. Japanese researchers see a very bright future for these robots who will serve as friends or family to the lonely. Nevertheless, one needs to ask if a human being can have a relationship with a machine in the same way as they do with other people or animals and if so, what effect this could have on our society. The success of robot toys or virtual pets suggests that this type of relationship is possible.

  Research shows that children tend to have similar relationships with humans as with non-humans whereas the same is true for adults only with pets or when the robot is designed to look like a child. This is probably because robots display superficial emotions and cannot as yet replace human touch. But will these machines one day succeed in replacing humans?

  Some paint a very dark picture of a robot society and predict that artificially intelligent machines will take control of the entire planet and dominate the human race. However robot technology is still in its infancy and the idea of them taking over the world is pure fantasy to most of us, including scientists. In fact, most robots can only perform very basic tasks and even the most advanced robot that is capable of expressing over forty different emotions seems to do so in a totally random manner, regardless of what is going on around it.

  In spite of the simplicity of today’s robots, robotic technology is impacting our everyday lives in a dramatic way. Nowadays, our robots are becoming more and more like those portrayed in Capeks work. In a society where human relationships are so often strained, it is no surprise that the possibility for human-robot relationships is increasing.

Japanese researchers think that robots could _____________ .

A. be useful to engineers

B. be put to use as servants 

C. be of use to families

D. be of use to people who live alone

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, c, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 35 to 42.

  Most of us associate robots with films such as Star Wars, I, Robot or AI, but in reality they have more to do with social issues and politics rather than science fiction. The term robot first made its appearance in a play entitled Rossum s Universal Robots written almost a century ago by a Czechoslovakian playwright by the name of Karel Capek. Capek got the name robot from the Slavic word ‘ robota’ which means forced labour. In his play, he portrays a society where robots, which look human, are mass produced to work in the place of people.

  Capeks story was well received by the critics but never really got credit for being the source of the notion of robots. The play has significant relevance to our society today, as humanoid-type robots are being created to fulfil a wide range of tasks. Robot engineers are not only developing mindless worker drones, but are attempting to create human-like companion robots for people. Consequently, the question of what actually makes us human is the subject of lively debate.

  In the USA, sociable robotics is developing at a relatively rapid rate and a human companion type of robot could soon be a reality. Japanese researchers see a very bright future for these robots who will serve as friends or family to the lonely. Nevertheless, one needs to ask if a human being can have a relationship with a machine in the same way as they do with other people or animals and if so, what effect this could have on our society. The success of robot toys or virtual pets suggests that this type of relationship is possible.

  Research shows that children tend to have similar relationships with humans as with non-humans whereas the same is true for adults only with pets or when the robot is designed to look like a child. This is probably because robots display superficial emotions and cannot as yet replace human touch. But will these machines one day succeed in replacing humans?

  Some paint a very dark picture of a robot society and predict that artificially intelligent machines will take control of the entire planet and dominate the human race. However robot technology is still in its infancy and the idea of them taking over the world is pure fantasy to most of us, including scientists. In fact, most robots can only perform very basic tasks and even the most advanced robot that is capable of expressing over forty different emotions seems to do so in a totally random manner, regardless of what is going on around it.

  In spite of the simplicity of today’s robots, robotic technology is impacting our everyday lives in a dramatic way. Nowadays, our robots are becoming more and more like those portrayed in Capeks work. In a society where human relationships are so often strained, it is no surprise that the possibility for human-robot relationships is increasing.

In paragraph 2, the phrase ‘was well received by the critics' means _____________ .

A. reviewers thought the story was good.

B. they praised the w riter for his linguistic skills. 

C. the story was sent to a lot of critics. 

D. the author was criticised by other writers.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, c, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 35 to 42.

  Most of us associate robots with films such as Star Wars, I, Robot or AI, but in reality they have more to do with social issues and politics rather than science fiction. The term robot first made its appearance in a play entitled Rossum s Universal Robots written almost a century ago by a Czechoslovakian playwright by the name of Karel Capek. Capek got the name robot from the Slavic word ‘ robota’ which means forced labour. In his play, he portrays a society where robots, which look human, are mass produced to work in the place of people.

  Capeks story was well received by the critics but never really got credit for being the source of the notion of robots. The play has significant relevance to our society today, as humanoid-type robots are being created to fulfil a wide range of tasks. Robot engineers are not only developing mindless worker drones, but are attempting to create human-like companion robots for people. Consequently, the question of what actually makes us human is the subject of lively debate.

  In the USA, sociable robotics is developing at a relatively rapid rate and a human companion type of robot could soon be a reality. Japanese researchers see a very bright future for these robots who will serve as friends or family to the lonely. Nevertheless, one needs to ask if a human being can have a relationship with a machine in the same way as they do with other people or animals and if so, what effect this could have on our society. The success of robot toys or virtual pets suggests that this type of relationship is possible.

  Research shows that children tend to have similar relationships with humans as with non-humans whereas the same is true for adults only with pets or when the robot is designed to look like a child. This is probably because robots display superficial emotions and cannot as yet replace human touch. But will these machines one day succeed in replacing humans?

  Some paint a very dark picture of a robot society and predict that artificially intelligent machines will take control of the entire planet and dominate the human race. However robot technology is still in its infancy and the idea of them taking over the world is pure fantasy to most of us, including scientists. In fact, most robots can only perform very basic tasks and even the most advanced robot that is capable of expressing over forty different emotions seems to do so in a totally random manner, regardless of what is going on around it.

  In spite of the simplicity of today’s robots, robotic technology is impacting our everyday lives in a dramatic way. Nowadays, our robots are becoming more and more like those portrayed in Capeks work. In a society where human relationships are so often strained, it is no surprise that the possibility for human-robot relationships is increasing.

The word “strained” in the last sentence means _____________ .

A. separated

B. impressed

C. extended

D. close

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, c, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 35 to 42.

  Most of us associate robots with films such as Star Wars, I, Robot or AI, but in reality they have more to do with social issues and politics rather than science fiction. The term robot first made its appearance in a play entitled Rossum s Universal Robots written almost a century ago by a Czechoslovakian playwright by the name of Karel Capek. Capek got the name robot from the Slavic word ‘ robota’ which means forced labour. In his play, he portrays a society where robots, which look human, are mass produced to work in the place of people.

  Capeks story was well received by the critics but never really got credit for being the source of the notion of robots. The play has significant relevance to our society today, as humanoid-type robots are being created to fulfil a wide range of tasks. Robot engineers are not only developing mindless worker drones, but are attempting to create human-like companion robots for people. Consequently, the question of what actually makes us human is the subject of lively debate.

  In the USA, sociable robotics is developing at a relatively rapid rate and a human companion type of robot could soon be a reality. Japanese researchers see a very bright future for these robots who will serve as friends or family to the lonely. Nevertheless, one needs to ask if a human being can have a relationship with a machine in the same way as they do with other people or animals and if so, what effect this could have on our society. The success of robot toys or virtual pets suggests that this type of relationship is possible.

  Research shows that children tend to have similar relationships with humans as with non-humans whereas the same is true for adults only with pets or when the robot is designed to look like a child. This is probably because robots display superficial emotions and cannot as yet replace human touch. But will these machines one day succeed in replacing humans?

  Some paint a very dark picture of a robot society and predict that artificially intelligent machines will take control of the entire planet and dominate the human race. However robot technology is still in its infancy and the idea of them taking over the world is pure fantasy to most of us, including scientists. In fact, most robots can only perform very basic tasks and even the most advanced robot that is capable of expressing over forty different emotions seems to do so in a totally random manner, regardless of what is going on around it.

  In spite of the simplicity of today’s robots, robotic technology is impacting our everyday lives in a dramatic way. Nowadays, our robots are becoming more and more like those portrayed in Capeks work. In a society where human relationships are so often strained, it is no surprise that the possibility for human-robot relationships is increasing.

Advanced robots still only _____________ .

A. express emotions randomly 

B. perform basic tasks 

C. express over forty emotions 

D. react to emotions just like humans