Read the following passage about the evolution of robotics and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answe...

Read the following passage about the evolution of robotics and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Man or Machine

        The evolution of robotics has seen remarkable advancements, exemplified by Honda's ASIMO, a humanoid robot showcased at the Museum of Science in 2003. This four-foot-tall robot, resembling a child in an astronaut suit, captivated audiences with its human-like movements, despite being remotely controlled.

        While ASIMO demonstrated impressive engineering, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has focused on creating robots capable of human-like interaction. Kismet, with its expressive facial features, elicits emotional responses from human observers, showcasing the potential for robots to engage in social interactions. Cog, another MIT project, aimed to develop intelligence through environmental interaction, testing theories of embodiment and developmental robotics.

        Scientists differentiate between robots like ASIMO, which are largely pre-programmed, and those like Cog and Kismet, which can learn and adapt. MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Media Lab continue to push the boundaries, creating robots capable of autonomous interaction and learning.

        These developments hold immense potential. Humanoid robots could revolutionize various sectors, from assisting the elderly to performing hazardous tasks such as firefighting and space exploration. In Japan, these robots are envisioned as a solution to an aging population, taking on tasks traditionally carried out by humans.

        However, the creation of human-like robots raises profound questions about humanity. It reflects our innovative spirit and desire to control our environment. Yet, it also reveals a potential dehumanization, suggesting that human companionship and interaction can be replicated by machines. This perspective risks reducing human experience to mere surface behaviors, potentially diminishing the value of genuine human connection. The debate continues, exploring the complex relationship between humans and the machines we create.

(Adapted from Road to Ielts- Reading)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage regarding the potential applications of humanoid robots?

        A. Assisting the elderly.                                 B. Performing hazardous tasks like firefighting.

        C. Replacing human companions entirely.                 D. Space exploration.

Question 24: The word "these" refers to ____________.

        A. Human populations.                                 B. Tasks traditionally carried out by humans.

        C. Humanoid robots.                                         D. Solutions to aging populations.

Question 25: The word "demonstrated" in the context of the passage is CLOSEST in meaning to ____________.

        A. hid                         B. showed                         C. built                         D. broke

Question 26: Which word is OPPOSITE in meaning to "potential" as used in the sentence "These developments hold immense potential..."?

        A. possibility                 B. limitation                         C. strength                         D. capability

Question 27: Which of the following BEST paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 5?

A. Human experience is enhanced by the presence of robots, creating genuine connections.

B. The focus on robots might oversimplify human interaction, undermining the importance of real relationships.

C. Robots are capable of replicating all aspects of human behavior, leading to a deeper understanding of human connections.

D. Human beings are more complex than robots and can not be replicated.

Question 28: Which of the following statements about the robots discussed in the passage is NOT TRUE?

A. ASIMO is capable of learning and adapting to its environment independently.

B. Kismet can display a range of human-like facial expressions.

C. Cog was designed to test theories of developmental robotics.

D. Humanoid robots are being considered as a solution for aging populations in Japan.

Question 29: In which paragraph, does the writer mention MIT's focus on creating robots with human-like interaction?

        A. Paragraph 1        B. Paragraph 2                 C. Paragraph 3                        D. Paragraph 4

Question 30: In which paragraph, does the writer primarily focus on the differences between pre-programmed and learning robots?

        A. Paragraph 1        B. Paragraph 2                 C. Paragraph 3                        D. Paragraph 4