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Man Or Machine Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 15, 2024, 10:26

In the IELTS Reading section, your ability to understand complex concepts is tested through three passages, each accompanied by questions in formats like multiple choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. Lasting 60 minutes, this segment challenges you to grasp key information, identify main ideas, and infer meaning effectively.

 

To excel in the IELTS Reading section, employ effective strategies such as skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details. Regular practice with sample questions and exposure to diverse question types will refine your skills for test day.

 

 

Prepare for an enlightening exploration of "Man or Machine: Reading Answers," which delves into the ongoing debate over the roles and capabilities of humans versus machines. Explore the various ways in which machines have integrated into our daily lives, enhancing productivity and efficiency while raising questions about the future of human labour and creativity.

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1. Man Or Machine Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam. 


 

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2. Man Or Machine Reading Answers & Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Man Or Machine Reading Answers

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1.

Man Or Machine Reading Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

 

 

Man Or Machine Reading Passage 

 

 

Paragraph A 

 

Honda's ASIMO, called "the world's most advanced human-looking robot," was on display at the Museum of Science in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in July 2003. (the Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility). Honda's creation is now touring North America, entertaining crowds everywhere it goes. After 17 years of development, ASIMO measures four feet in height, weighs around 115 pounds, and resembles a youngster in an astronaut's outfit. Though it is difficult to recognize ASIMO's face from a distance, it features a grin and two huge 'eyes' that hide cameras. The robot cannot function independently; its activities are "remotely directed" by scientists through the computer in its bag. However, witnessing AIMIO play at a performance in Massachusetts, it appeared preternaturally human. As ASIMO moved forward and backward, side to side, and up and down, the crowd applauded. Following the event, several individuals expressed their desire for robots to play a larger part in everyday life, with one even describing the robot as "another human."



 

Paragraph B

 

While the Japanese have made significant progress in handling some of the technical issues associated with human dynamics and bipedal motions, scientists at MIT's previous Artificial Intelligence (AI) lab (recently renamed the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, CSAIL) have been developing robots that can behave and communicate with humans for the last ten years. Kismet, one of MIT's robots, includes an anthropomorphic head with two eyes (complete with eyelids), ears, a mouth, and brows. It demonstrates numerous facial emotions, including pleased, sad, afraid, and disgusted. Human interlocutors can interpret some of the robot's facial emotions and often adjust their conduct towards the machine as a consequence–for example, by playing with it when it appears sad. Kismet is currently at the MIT Art Gallery, but the concepts discovered here are being explored in future robots.

 

 

Paragraph C

 

Another ground-breaking endeavor from MIT's previous AI lab is called “Cog” (short for “cognition”). Cog features a head, eyes, two arms, hands, and a torso, and its dimensions were derived from a researcher's body in the lab. Cog's work has been used to test notions of embodiment and developmental robotics, namely getting a robot to gain intelligence by reacting to its surroundings via sensors and learning through these sorts of interactions.

 

 

Paragraph D

 

MIT has made significant progress in developing engaging, human-like robots. Some scholars assert that despite ASIMO's impressive technical accomplishments, it is not an intelligent machine since it cannot engage meaningfully and independently with the unpredictable elements of its environment and learn from its mistakes. Robots like Cog and Kismet, as well as new robots at MIT's CSAIL and media lab, are starting to achieve this.

 

 

Paragraph E

 

These innovations are intriguing. It is an incredible accomplishment to create a machine that can walk, make gestures, and learn from its surroundings. And keep an eye on this space: these accomplishments are sure to be quickly surpassed. Autonomous robots might have a wide range of applications in society, freeing humans from routine duties. In Japan, for instance, the goal is to develop robots that can do jobs comparable to those of a typical person, as well as function in more complex scenarios such as firemen, astronauts, or medical assistance to the elderly in the workplace and at home–in part to counteract the impacts of an aging population.

 

 

Paragraph F

 

Such robots reveal a lot about how we see mankind, and they bring out the best and worst in us. On the one hand, these advancements demonstrate human creativity—our capacity to create, explore, and increase our influence over the environment. On the other hand, the desire to construct a humanoid robot is motivated by inhuman notions, such as the belief that human friendship can be replaced by machines, that people lose their humanity when interacting with technology, or that we are nothing more than surface and ceremonial behaviors, which can be mimicked with metal and electrical circuits.

2.

Man Or Machine Reading Answers & Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Man Or Machine 

Questions and Answers 1-6

  • Reading passage 1 has six paragraphs, A-F.
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct letters, A-F, in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
  • NB  You may use any letter more than once.

 

 

1. Using robots in various ways.
2. A robot with proportions that are identical to those of an adult.
3. The capacity of robots to replicate humans and take their positions.
4. A comparison of ASIMO for Honda and other robots. 
5. Advantages and disadvantages of robotics.
6. A robot with eyebrows.

 

 

Man Or Machine Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)

 

 

Question Type:  Matching Information

 

Matching Information questions in the IELTS Reading test require you to find specific details within a passage and match them to the appropriate paragraph. These questions test your ability to locate and understand specific information quickly. You will be given a list of statements and asked to identify the paragraph (labeled A, B, C, etc.) in which each piece of information is found.


 

How to best answer the question:

 

  • Quickly skim through the passage to get a general idea of the content and structure. 
  • Read the statements carefully. Underline or highlight key terms or phrases that will help you identify the relevant information in the passage.
  • Go through each paragraph systematically and match it with the statement that best fits the content. 

 


 

1. E


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph E

Autonomous robots might have a wide range of applications in society, freeing humans from routine duties.


 

Explanation

 

This paragraph discusses various applications of robots in society, including their potential roles as firemen, astronauts, and medical assistants, highlighting the versatility and utility of robots in different fields.


 

2. C


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph C 

Cog features a head, eyes, two arms, hands, and a torso, and its dimensions were derived from a researcher's body in the lab.


 

Explanation

 

This line specifies that Cog's dimensions were based on an adult human's body, indicating that its proportions match those of an adult, making it a relevant example of a robot with adult-like proportions.


 

3. F

 


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph F

the belief that human friendship can be replaced by machines...


 

Explanation

 

This paragraph addresses the idea that robots could replicate human interactions and potentially take on roles typically held by humans, reflecting societal concerns about the replacement of human roles with robotic counterparts.


 

4. D


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph

despite ASIMO's impressive technical accomplishments, it is not an intelligent machine...


 

Explanation

 

This paragraph compares ASIMO's capabilities with other robots developed at MIT, highlighting differences in their functionalities and the progress made by MIT in creating more interactive and intelligent robots.


 

5. F


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph F 

these advancements demonstrate human creativity... the desire to construct a humanoid robot is motivated by inhuman notions...

 

 

Explanation

 

 This paragraph discusses both the positive aspects (human creativity) and negative aspects (inhuman notions) of developing humanoid robots, providing a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of robotics.


 

6. B


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph B 

Kismet, one of MIT's robots, includes an anthropomorphic head with... brows.


 

 

Explanation

 

This line describes Kismet, a robot developed at MIT, which has eyebrows along with other facial features, making it an example of a robot with expressive facial components.


 

 

Read more about Dictation Words for IELTS: Practice and Preparation!

Questions and Answers 7-11

  • Complete the following summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage 1
  • Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the Reading Passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet.

 

 

 In 2003, Massachusetts displayed a robot named ASIMO, which was invented by Honda, after a period of 7……………………… in the making. The operating information is stored in the computer in its 8……………………… so that scientists can control ASIMO’s movement. While Japan is making great progress, MIT is developing robots that are human-like and can 9 ... ...………………………. Humans. What is special about Kismet is that it has different 10………………………. which can be read by human interlocutors. 11……………………… is another robot from MIT.

 

 

Man Or Machine Reading Answers with Explanations (7-11)

 

 

Type of Question: Summary Completion

 

Summary completion questions provide a summary of part of the reading passage with several blanks. Your task is to fill in these blanks with appropriate words or phrases from the passage. The summary may cover a whole passage or a part of it, focusing on key points and main ideas.


 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • Quickly skim the passage to get an idea of its main ideas and structure.
  • Focus on keywords in the summary and look for them or their synonyms in the passage.
  • Carefully read the instructions to know the word limit and any specific guidelines.
  • Identify the part of the passage related to the summary. This often involves scanning for keywords or phrases.
  • Ensure the words you choose fit grammatically and contextually within the summary.
  • After filling in the blanks, review the summary to ensure it makes sense and adheres to the word limit.




 

7. 17 Years


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph A 

After 17 years of development


 

Explanation

 

This line directly mentions that ASIMO was developed over a period of 17 years, providing a clear and precise duration of its development process.


 

8. Back Pack


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph A 

its activities are 'remotely directed' by scientists through the computer in its bag.


 

Explanation

 

This line indicates that the computer which controls ASIMO is stored in its bag, which can be interpreted as a backpack. This is critical for understanding how the robot operates.


 

9. Interact with


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  B 

scientists at MIT's previous Artificial Intelligence (AI) lab... have been developing robots that can behave and communicate with humans


 

 

Explanation

 

This line discusses the development of robots at MIT that are capable of interacting and communicating with humans, highlighting their human-like capabilities.


 

10. Facial Expression


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  B 

It demonstrates numerous facial emotions, including pleased, sad, afraid, and disgusted.


 

Explanation

 

This line specifies the range of facial expressions that Kismet, a robot developed at MIT, can exhibit. These expressions can be recognized and interpreted by humans, making it a key feature of the robot.


 

11. Cog/cognition


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph C 

Another ground-breaking endeavor from MIT's previous AI lab is called 'Cog' (short for 'cognition').


 

 

Explanation


This line introduces Cog, another robot developed by MIT. It provides the name of the robot and mentions that its design and functionality are related to cognitive processes, which is essential for understanding its purpose and capabilities.

 


 

Read more about A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life!

Questions and Answers 12-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage
In boxes 12–13 on your answer sheet, write

  • TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
  • FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

 

 

12. In Japan, the main aim of developing robots was to make them function in complex scenarios like firemen, and astronauts.
13. Humanoid robot systems are inspired by seeing human notions.

 

 

Man Or Machine Reading Answers with Explanations (12-13)

 

 

Question Type:  True/False/Not Given

 

In this task, you are presented with a statement, and your task is to determine if it agrees with the information in the passage (True), contradicts the information in the passage (False), or if there is insufficient information in the passage to decide (not given).

 


 

How to best answer the question:

 

  • Read the statement carefully to ensure you understand exactly what it is saying. 
  • Pay attention to details such as dates, numbers, and specific information.
  • Scan the passage to find the section where the relevant information is likely to be located. 
  • Focus on finding evidence that either supports or contradicts the statement.
  • True: If the statement agrees with the information in the passage.
  • False: If the statement contradicts the information in the passage.
  • Not Given: If there is no information in the passage that confirms or contradicts the statement.


 

 

12. True


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph E 

In Japan, for instance, the goal is to develop robots that can do jobs comparable to those of a typical person, as well as function in more complex scenarios such as firemen, astronauts, or medical assistance to the elderly in the workplace and at home–in part to counteract the impacts of an aging population. 


 

 

Explanation

 

This line explicitly states that one of the aims in Japan is to develop robots that can function in complex scenarios such as firemen and astronauts. This directly supports the statement, making it true.


 

13. False


 

Reference:

 

Paragraph F 

On the other hand, the desire to construct a humanoid robot is motivated by inhuman notions, such as the belief that human friendship can be replaced by machines, that people lose their humanity when interacting with technology, or that we are nothing more than surface and ceremonial behaviours, which can be mimicked with metal and electrical circuits.

 


 

Explanation

 

This line indicates that the construction of humanoid robots is driven by inhuman notions, not by seeing human notions. It highlights the negative motivations behind creating humanoid robots, contradicting the statement thus making it false.


 

 

Read More:

 

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FAQs

Q. How can I improve my IELTS Reading score?

Ans. Improve your reading skills by practising regularly with sample passages and questions. Focus on skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific information. Time management is crucial, so practice completing each section within the allotted time.


 

Q. What types of texts are included in the IELTS Reading section?

Ans. The Academic version includes texts from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, focusing on topics of general interest suitable for university-level study. The General Training version features extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, and company handbooks.

Q. What strategies can I use for difficult questions in the IELTS Reading section?

Ans. For difficult questions, first, try to locate the relevant section in the passage. Use a process of elimination to narrow down your choices. If you're still unsure, make an educated guess and move on to save time for other questions.