Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

One of the greatest advances in modem technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed into service of map. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man’s daily life as a telephone or a calculator. Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has been called ‘automation’. In the future automation may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.

Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could ‘think’. There is no possibility that human beings will be “controlled by machines”. Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or “rule the world” by making decisions of their own. Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.

(a) What is the greatest advancement in modern technology?

(b) What complicated works are computers capable of doing?

(c) Write one use of computers.

(d) Explain automation.

(e) Why can’t computers lead independent lives or rule the world?

(f) How would computers as translating machines help people?

(g) What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in future?

(h) How can computers help people going on holiday?

Read the passage given below.

Does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over-assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.

Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.

Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors—one’s personal planning and support from the external world. People take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. They become unable to foresee future developments. Hence, the great risk’ of failure.

Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong”.

Overconfidence is a flaw characterizing people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.

Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.

There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception, with a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

Answer the following questions:

(a) Why does a person become overconfident?

(b) What does overconfidence generally lead people into?

(c) How can one manage overconfidence?

(d) What kind of person does ‘modesty’ make you?

Read the passage given below.

Does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over-assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.

Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.

Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors—one’s personal planning and support from the external world. People take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. They become unable to foresee future developments. Hence, the great risk’ of failure.

Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong”.

Overconfidence is a flaw characterizing people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.

Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.

There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception, with a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

Find meanings of the words given below with the help of the options that follow:

(a) Misadventure (para 3)

(i) Mishap (ii) Unlucky (iii) Unhappy (iv) Unpleasant

(b) Endangering (para 3)

(i) Reckless (ii) Imperil (iii) Risky (iv) Threatening

(c) Assess (para 5)

(i) Assemble (ii) Acquire(iii) Evaluate(iv)Accept

(d) Objective (para 4)

(i) Obedient (ii) Servile(iii) Honest (iv)Impartial

Our metropolitan cities witness a large number of accidents every day. What do you think is the reason? What can be done to bring down the rate of accidents? Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a national daily expressing your concerns and offering solutions to this problem. You are Arun/Aruna, 112 Model Town, Delhi.

Many children feel tempted to break rules in school. They find pleasure in doing so. Write an article in 100-120 words discussing reasons for it. Suggest measures to make children respect rules. You are Arun/Aruna.