Most people think of computers as very modern inventions, products of our new technological age. But actually, the idea for a computer was invented out over two centuries ago by a man called Charles Babbage.
Babbage was born in 1791 and grew up to be a brilliant mathematician. He drew up plans for several calculating machines which he called "engines". But despite the fact that he started building some of these, he never finished any of them. Over the years people have argued whether his machines would ever work. Recently, however, the Science Museum in London has finished building an engine that depends on one of Babbage's designs.
It has taken six years to complete and more than four thousand parts have been specially made. Whether it works or not, the machine will be on show at a special exhibition in the Science Museum to remind people of Babbage's work.
- Computers are products of the modern age.
- Babbage drew a lot of plans for several machines but never finished them.
- The Science Museum in London finished one of Babbage’s machines.
- Over four thousand parts have been used for the engine.
Read the passage again and choose A, B, C or D.
- People have argued about Babbage’s _______________.
A. math B. engines C. plans for machines D. inventions
- The phrase “drew up” can be best replaced by:
A. prepared B. changed C. prohibited D. exhibited
