Exercise of Reading Comprehension

Choose the best answer to complete the sentences.

Passage 1
Programming languages are sophisticated systems of instructions designed for computers to
1
execute specific tasks. These languages serve as a bridge between human thought and
machine execution, allowing programmers to communicate with computers in a structured
and understandable manner. A programming language typically consists of a set of rules and
syntax that programmers use to create software, applications, and other computer-based
solutions.
One of the fundamental aspects of programming languages is their ability to facilitate the
2 creation of algorithms and logical structures. They provide a way for developers to express
complex computations, data manipulations, and control flow in a manner that can be
comprehended by both humans and computers. Programming languages vary widely in
their syntax, design philosophy, and application domains, catering to diverse needs and
preferences.
High-level programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C++, abstract away many low-
3 level details of the computer's hardware, making it easier for programmers to focus on
problem-solving rather than intricate machine-specific instructions. These languages are
characterized by their readability, maintainability, and often come with extensive standard
libraries that simplify common tasks.
Low-level languages, like Assembly or machine code, are closer to the computer's
4 architecture and provide more direct control over hardware resources. While they offer
greater efficiency, they are more challenging to learn and use due to their proximity to the
machine's intricacies.
The evolution of programming languages has led to the development of specialized
5 languages for specific purposes. Web development, for instance, often involves languages
like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while data science and artificial intelligence frequently utilize
languages such as R and Python.
Furthermore, there are declarative languages that focus on specifying what needs to be
6 accomplished rather than how to achieve it, such as SQL for database queries and Prolog for
artificial intelligence applications.
In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in domain-specific languages tailored for
7 particular industries or problem domains. These languages aim to streamline development
by providing abstractions and features specifically crafted for the challenges within those
domains.
The choice of a programming language depends on various factors, including the nature of
8 the task, developer preference, performance requirements, and the existing ecosystem.
Ultimately, programming languages play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of software
development, enabling innovation and driving advancements in technology.
1. What is the primary purpose of programming languages?

a) To create complex algorithms

b) To communicate with machines in a structured manner

c) To abstract away high-level details

d) To design hardware architecture

2. Which programming paradigm is characterized by specifying what needs to be accomplished

rather than how to achieve it?

a) Procedural programming

b) Object-oriented programming

c) Declarative programming

d) Functional programming

3. Which type of programming languages is closer to the computer's hardware and provides more
direct control over resources?

a) High-level languages

b) Declarative languages

c) Low-level languages

d) Scripting languages

4. What distinguishes high-level programming languages like Python and Java?

a) Closer proximity to machine code

b) Extensive use of assembly language

c) Abstraction of low-level details

d) Limited standard libraries

5. In which domain are languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript commonly used?

a) Artificial Intelligence

b) Database management

c) Web development
 d) System-level programming

Passage 2
Programming languages are indispensable tools in the realm of computer science and
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software development, serving as the foundation for creating diverse applications and
systems. These languages enable developers to instruct computers in a way that is both
understandable and executable, providing a means for translating human-designed
algorithms into machine-readable code.
One crucial aspect of programming languages is their role in web development. HTML
2 (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript are fundamental
languages for building and designing interactive and visually appealing websites. HTML
structures the content, CSS handles the presentation and styling, while JavaScript adds
dynamic behavior to web pages. Together, these languages empower developers to create a
seamless and engaging user experience on the internet.
In the domain of data science, programming languages like Python and R have become
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instrumental. Python's simplicity and readability, coupled with its extensive libraries, make it
a preferred choice for tasks ranging from data analysis to machine learning. R, on the other
hand, is renowned for its statistical computing capabilities, making it a go-to language for
researchers and statisticians in the field.
Embedded systems programming involves languages like C and C++, which provide low-level
4 access to hardware resources. These languages are crucial in developing software for
devices like microcontrollers and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, where efficiency and
direct hardware interaction are paramount.
Mobile app development relies heavily on languages such as Swift for iOS and Kotlin or Java
5 for Android. These languages enable developers to create feature-rich and platform-specific
applications that run seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.
Blockchain technology, gaining prominence in recent years, utilizes languages like Solidity
6 for writing smart contracts. These contracts, executed on blockchain platforms like
Ethereum, automate and enforce predefined rules in a transparent and decentralized
manner.
The choice of a programming language often depends on the specific requirements of a
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project, the developer's familiarity, and the ecosystem surrounding a particular language. As
technology continues to advance, new programming languages may emerge, each designed
to address the evolving needs of the ever-expanding field of software development.

1. Which programming languages are fundamental for building and designing websites, handling
content structure, presentation, and dynamic behavior?

a) Python, R, JavaScript
 b) HTML, CSS, Python

c) Java, C++, Swift

d) CSS, R, JavaScript

2. What is the primary role of languages like C and C++ in the context of embedded systems
programming?

a) Creating dynamic web pages

b) Building mobile applications

c) Providing low-level access to hardware resources

d) Writing smart contracts for blockchain

3. Which programming language is renowned for its statistical computing capabilities and is
commonly used in data science?

a) Python

b) Java

c) R

d) Swift

4. In mobile app development, which language is specifically used for iOS applications?

a) Java

b) Kotlin

c) Swift

d) HTML

5. What is the purpose of Solidity in the context of blockchain technology?

a) Designing user interfaces

b) Writing smart contracts

c) Analyzing data

d) Building embedded systems