The Long Road to Artificial Intelligence
Read The Long Road to Artificial Intelligence and check the IELTS Reading answers. In 1950, the computing pioneer Alan Turing published a paper in the journal Mind entitled 'Computing Machinery and Intelligence'. It was the first serious, scholarly treatment of the concept of Artificial Intelligenc…
Passage preview
In 1950, the computing pioneer Alan Turing published a paper in the journal Mind entitled 'Computing Machinery and Intelligence'. It was the first serious, scholarly treatment of the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Turing predicted that by the year 2000 the majority of people would be able to speak of machines thinking without expecting to be contradicted, envisaging a world very different from the one he lived in.
Vocabulary from this passage
12 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- artifact noun
An object made by a human being, typically one of cultural or historical interest or a technical byproduct
The museum displays a variety of ancient artifacts, including pottery and tools from the Bronze Age.
- attain verb
To succeed in achieving a goal or reaching a specific state, usually after significant effort
The company hopes to attain a market-leading position through continuous innovation and strategic global partnerships.
- embodiment noun
A tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling; the physical manifestation of a concept
The new architecture is seen as the perfect embodiment of the city's commitment to sustainable living.
- envisage verb
To form a mental picture of something not yet existing; to contemplate as a future possibility
Urban planners envisage a city where green spaces and public transport are prioritized over private vehicles.
- generalist noun
A person or entity competent in many several different fields or activities rather than specialized
In a rapidly changing job market, being a generalist can sometimes offer more flexibility than narrow specialization.
- innate adjective
Existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth
Some experts believe that musical talent is an innate quality that cannot be fully acquired through practice.
- instructive adjective
Providing useful information or knowledge; serving to inform or enlighten the observer
The case study proved highly instructive for the medical students, illustrating rare symptoms of the disease.
- intellectual prowess noun
Superior mental ability or skill in a particular field, especially in problem-solving or critical thinking
The young scientist's intellectual prowess was evident in her groundbreaking research on quantum physics.
- methodological adjective
Relating to the system of methods, principles, and rules used in a particular area of study
The researchers faced methodological challenges when trying to collect accurate data from such a remote population.
- perpetuate verb
To cause a situation, belief, or state of being to continue indefinitely, often an undesirable one
Failure to address systemic issues can perpetuate cycles of poverty in marginalized communities for generations.
- recourse noun
A source of help in a difficult situation; the legal right to demand compensation or help
If the mediation fails, the company may have no other recourse than to file a formal lawsuit.
- sensorimotor adjective
Relating to the coordination of sensory input and motor output within the nervous system
Early childhood development focuses heavily on sensorimotor activities to improve coordination and spatial awareness.
Answers with explanations
- 27. D
The correct option is D. Kasparov found previous programs to be 'predictable and mechanical', but playing Deep Blue felt like an **alien intelligence**, meaning it was **fundamentally different** from the other chess programs he had previously encountered.
- 28. C
The correct option is C. The writer contrasts physical machines (cars, cranes) with Deep Blue to highlight that **intellectual prowess** sets humans apart. Because chess is a 'supremely intellectual pursuit,' a machine mastering it is vastly **more significant than other machine achievements**.
- 29. A
The correct option is A. The writer uses the office worker to show that simple everyday routines, like making lunch or driving, are actually a 'busy patchwork' requiring the exercise of **multiple sensorimotor skills**, illustrating a **complex combination of skills**.
- 30. C
The correct option is C. The writer argues that while machines have achieved great success in **specialist domains** (like chess), the field has failed to create general purpose, **adaptive intelligence**. Thus, machines are better at specialization than adaptation.
- 31. E
The summary needs a word for what the brain evolved to provide. The text states the brain evolved to 'prevent any harm from coming to that body'. Preventing harm is synonymous with providing **protection** (Option E).
- 32. G
The summary requires a term for what the senses provide information about. The text says senses allow reactions to the 'state of the environment'. Environment directly corresponds to **surroundings** (Option G).
- 33. J
The summary requires a word describing how the body physically reacts. The text states that muscles enable it to 'move'. This directly matches the noun **movement** (Option J).
- 34. I
The summary describes a link between action and another concept. The text says the brain shapes actions 'according to what it perceives'. The act of perceiving correlates to **perception** (Option I).
- 35. D
The summary refers to things distinguishing humans from animals. The passage lists human 'capacities' (language, reason, creativity). These capacities are traits or **qualities** (Option D) that define human intelligence.
- 36. C
The summary states these qualities have their '...' in the brain-body link. The text says they all 'rest on a sensorimotor foundation'. A foundation represents a structural **basis** (Option C).
- 37. NO
The statement claims AGI *must* have metabolism and reproduction. The author explicitly states that the endeavor to create AGI **might succeed without** these biological essentials, directly contradicting the statement. Answer: NO.
- 38. YES
The statement suggests intelligence may depend on interacting with a complex environment. The text supports this by saying that the need to engage with a **dynamic, physical environment** full of varied objects is at the **root of intelligence**. Answer: YES.
- 39. NOT GIVEN
The text explains that multi-specialist robots will 'get stuck' when facing problems outside their expertise. However, it does not suggest that it is **dangerous to rely** on them, nor does it mention them developing **unfixable faults**. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 40. NOT GIVEN
The passage discusses true general intelligence in a robot requiring adaptation **without recourse to training** by a third party. However, it does not offer the writer's view on whether training by experts is **essential** for humans acquiring skills in general. Answer: NOT GIVEN.