Development of Video Games Reading Answers

Aug 14, 2024

The discussed topic is an academic reading answers topic. Development of video games Reading Answers has a total of 7 IELTS questions in total. In the questions, you have to make the correct choices out of the given options.

Candidates should read the IELTS Reading passage thoroughly to recognize synonyms, identify keywords, and answer the questions below. IELTS Reading practice papers, which feature topics such as Development of video games Reading Answers. Candidates can use IELTS reading practice questions and answers to enhance their performance in the reading section.

Section 1

DEVELOPMENT OF VIDEO GAMES

A. Video games have been around since the early 1970s. The first commercial arcade video game, Computer Space by Nutting Associates, was introduced in 1971. In 1972, Atari introduced Pong- the first truly successful commercial arcade video game. That same year, Magnavox offered the first video game system. Dubbed the Odyssey, it did not even have a microprocessor! The core of the system was a board with about four-dozen transistors and diodes. The Odyssey was very limited as it could only produce very simple graphics and required that custom plastic overlays be taped over the television screen.

B. In 1975, Atari introduced a home version of its popular arcade game, Pong. The original home version of Pong was sold exclusively through Sears and even carried the Sears logo. Pong was a phenomenal success, opening the door to the future of home video games. The Fairchild Channel F, released in 1976, was the first true removable game system. Introduced in 1977 as the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), the 2600 used removable cartridges, allowing a multitude of games to be played using the same hardware.

C. The software used on these dedicated computer systems has evolved amazingly from the simple rectangular blips used in Pong. Games today feature richly textured, full-colour graphics, awesome sound and complex interaction between player and system. The increased storage capacity of the cartridges and discs allows game developers to include incredibly detailed graphics and CD-quality soundtracks. The PlayStation 3 uses a Cell processor. Developed by Toshiba and IBM specifically for the game system, the concept behind this processor was to create a chip that acted like a biological cell in an organism. It's distributed computing on a single chip.

D. The Xbox 360's processor is a customized Power-PPC-based CPU from IBM. It has three symmetrical cores that run at 3.2 gigahertz (GHz) each. This processor has a lot of horsepower, but it lacks the Cell architecture of the PlayStation 3 design. The PlayStation 3 uses an RSX graphics processing unit (GPU) that runs at 550 MHz. The Xbox 360 has a 500 MHz ATI GPU. The ATI Hollywood 243 MHz card powers the graphics for Nintendo Wii. The PlayStation has the edge on the specs, though some gamers say they feel that the Xbox makes better use of its capabilities than the PlayStation. Meanwhile, Nintendo claims that the company wants to focus more on making games fun and less on beefing up graphics.

E. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 can provide Dolby surround sound for audio. The Nintendo Wii can produce stereo sound and simulate surround sound, but again its specs fall short of the other two. All three systems can connect to the Internet. Microsoft's Xbox Live service is arguably the strongest presence in console Internet gaming. All three companies are also exploring social networking applications through these video game systems The PlayStation 3 is also a Blu-ray DVD player, which might give it the edge over the other two consoles. For people who want a Blu-ray player and a game system, the PlayStation 3 is a tempting choice.

Questions 7-11

The text has five sections, from A-E.

Choose the correct heading for each section

from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, I-V.

LIST OF HEADINGS

I. Processing units

II. Traditional Game Systems

IlI. Audio Systems

IV. Removable Game Systems

V. Gaming Software

7. Section A

Answer: II

Supporting statement: “........Video games have been around since the early 1970s. The first commercial arcade video game, Computer Space by Nutting Associates, was introduced in 1971.........”

Keywords: arcade, video

Keyword Location: para A, Line 1-2

Explanation: This section talks about the early development of video games and traditional game systems like the Odyssey, fitting the heading "Traditional Game Systems."

8. Section B

Answer: IV

Supporting statement: “........The Fairchild Channel F, released in 1976, was the first true removable game system........”

Keywords: removable, game

Keyword Location: para B, Line 4

Explanation: This section discusses the introduction of removable game systems, making the heading "Removable Game Systems" appropriate. Hence IV is the correct answer.

9. Section C

Answer: V

Supporting statement: “........The software used on these dedicated computer systems has evolved amazingly from the simple rectangular blips used in Pong........”

Keywords: used, evolved

Keyword Location: para C, Line 1

Explanation: This section focuses on the evolution of gaming software, fitting the heading "Gaming Software." Hence V is the correct answer.

10. Section D

Answer: I

Supporting statement: “........The Xbox 360's processor is a customized Power- PC based CPU from IBM........”

Keywords: Xbox 360, processor

Keyword Location: para D, Line 1

Explanation: Section D provides details about the processing units used in various gaming consoles, such as the Xbox 360's CPU and the PlayStation 3's processor. This matches the heading "Processing units.

11. Section E

Answer: III

Supporting statement: “.......The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 can provide Dolby surround sound for audio. The Nintendo Wii can produce stereo sound and simulate surround sound, but again its specs fall short of the other two.........”

Keywords: sound, stereo

Keyword Location: para E, Lines 1-3

Explanation: Section E discusses the audio capabilities of the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, fitting the heading "Audio Systems." Hence III is the correct answer.

Questions 12&13

Write the appropriate letter A, B, C or D.

Classify the following TWO statements as referring to the type of system as listed below.

A. PlayStation 3

B. Pong

C. The Odyssey

D. Xbox 360

12. RSX graphics processing unit

Answer: A

Supporting statement: “........The PlayStation 3 uses an RSX graphics processing unit (GPU) that runs at 550 MHz........”

Keywords: unit, PlayStation

Keyword Location: para D, Line 4

Explanation: The passage specifies that the PlayStation 3 uses an RSX graphics processing unit, making option A the correct answer. Hence A is the correct answer.

13. Lacks microprocessor

Answer: C

Supporting statement: “........Dubbed the Odyssey, it did not even have a microprocessor!........”

Keywords: Odyssey, did

Keyword Location: para A, Line 5

Explanation: The passage explicitly mentions that the Odyssey did not have a microprocessor, making option C the correct answer.

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