The following text discusses early computing.
The ENIAC computer, completed in 1945, was revolutionary but impractical by modern standards. It weighed 30 tons, filled a large room, and consumed enough electricity to power a small neighborhood. Despite these limitations, ENIAC performed calculations thousands of times faster than human mathematicians. Its success proved that electronic computing was the future of information processing.
What is the primary purpose of the text?
To argue that modern computers are superior to early ones
To describe an early computer's characteristics and significance
To provide instructions for building electronic computers
To compare ENIAC to other early computational devices
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text describes ENIAC's characteristics (weight, size, power use) and its significance (proving electronic computing's future).
- Evidence: The text lists specs: "weighed 30 tons," "filled a large room." It notes significance: "proved that electronic computing was the future."
- Reasoning: The passage provides a descriptive profile of the machine and its historical role.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to describe characteristics and significance.
💡 Strategy: Identify the descriptive details and the final judgment on its importance.
Choice A is incorrect because superiority isn't argued directly. Choice C is incorrect because no building instructions are given. Choice D is incorrect because other devices aren't compared.