IELTS Reading #71: Robots and us

11. What point does Richardson make about fear of machines?

A) lt has grown alongside the development of ever more advanced robots. B) It is the result of our inclination to attribute human characteristics to non-human entities. C) It has its origins in basic misunderstandings about how inanimate objects function. D) It demonstrates a key difference between human intelligence and machine intelligence.

12. What potential advance does Rees see as a cause for concern?

A) robots outnumbering people B) robots having abilities which humans do not C) artificial intelligence developing independent thought D) artificial intelligence developing independent thought

13. What does Wolpert emphasise in his response to the question about science fiction?

A) how science fiction influences our attitudes to robots B) how fundamental robots are to the science fiction genre C) how the image of robots in science fiction has changed over time D) how reactions to similar portrayals of robots in science fiction may vary

14. What is Richardson doing in her comment about reality and fantasy?

A) warning people not to confuse one with the other B) outlining ways in which one has impacted on the other C) recommending a change of approach in how people view them D) explaining why scientists have a different perspective on them from other people

1. For our own safety, humans will need to restrict the abilities of robots.	A	B	C
2. The risk of robots harming us is less serious than humans believe it to be.	A	B	C
3. It will take many decades for robot intelligence to be as imaginative as human intelligence.	A	B	C
4. We may have to start considering whether we are treating robots fairly.	A	B	C
5. Robots are probably of more help to us on Earth than in space.	A	B	C
6. The ideas in high-quality science fiction may prove to be just as accurate as those found in the work of mediocre scientists.	A	B	C
7. There are those who look forward to robots developing greater intelligence.	A	B	C

1. For our own safety, humans will need to restrict the abilities of robots.	A	B	C
2. The risk of robots harming us is less serious than humans believe it to be.	A	B	C
3. It will take many decades for robot intelligence to be as imaginative as human intelligence.	A	B	C
4. We may have to start considering whether we are treating robots fairly.	A	B	C
5. Robots are probably of more help to us on Earth than in space.	A	B	C
6. The ideas in high-quality science fiction may prove to be just as accurate as those found in the work of mediocre scientists.	A	B	C
7. There are those who look forward to robots developing greater intelligence.	A	B	C

Questions 1–4: Classification

List of Experts

Questions 8–10: Complete each sentence

Questions 11–14: Multiple Choice

Questions 1–4: Classification

List of Experts

Questions 8–10: Complete each sentence

Questions 11–14: Multiple Choice

8. Richardson and Rees express similar views regarding the ethical aspect of	A	B	C	D	E	F
9. Rees and Wolpert share an opinion about the extent of	A	B	C	D	E	F
10. Wolpert disagrees with Richardson on the question of	A	B	C	D	E	F

IELTS Reading Practice Test: Robots and us

Reading Passage Content Summary

Question Types Included

Test Information

Reading Passage Content

Questions 1–4: Classification

List of Experts

Questions 8–10: Complete each sentence

Questions 11–14: Multiple Choice

Reading Passage Content

Questions 1–4: Classification

List of Experts

Questions 8–10: Complete each sentence

Questions 11–14: Multiple Choice