Ada and The Thinking Machine

What is Ada Lovelace known for, according to “Ada and the Thinking Machines”?

• her unique and imaginative poetry

• her ability to weave complicated patterns

• her efforts to improve England’s education system

• her vision and explanations of the power of computers

Based on “Ada and the Thinking Machines,” choose the word that best describes Ada’s

mother.

• strict

• artistic

• careless

• easygoing

Who was Ada’s father, according to “Ada and the Thinking Machines”?

• A. a well-known doctor

• B. a professor of science

• C. a genius mathematician

• D. a famous poet and writer

According to “Ada and the Thinking Machines,” what was Ada kept from studying as a child?

• A. Math

• B. Logic

• C. Poetry

• D. Languages

What invention made by Charles Babbage did Ada write about, according to “Ada and the

Thinking Machines”?

• A. a new type of loom

• B. an advanced algebra equation

• C. a machine that could solve math problems

• D. a set of mechanical wings that could allow humans to fly

What does the following passage from “Ada and the Thinking Machines” most clearly tell the reader about

the young Ada?

One day Puff the cat dragged in a bird he had killed. The 12-year-old Ada carefully studied its wing. For the

next year, she did experiments and research on bird anatomy. She became obsessed with finding a way for

humans to fly, even designing wings for herself of paper and wire.

• A. She sometimes focused on impossible tasks.

• B. She loved science and was highly motivated to learn.

• C. She had a hard time focusing her attention on just one thing.

• D. She tried hard to please her mother with her interest in science.

Why might the author have chosen to include this passage in “Ada and the Thinking Machines”?

One day Puff the cat dragged in a bird he had killed. The 12-year-old Ada carefully studied its wing. For the

next year, she did experiments and research on bird anatomy. She became obsessed with finding a way for

humans to fly, even designing wings for herself of paper and wire.

• A. to show how unrealistic Ada’s goals sometimes were

• B. to show how Ada would jump around from interest to interest

• C. to show how Ada’s goals were left unrealized throughout her life

• D. to show how Ada’s early curiosity led to her becoming an important scientific thinker

If George is a visionary painter, which of the following must be true?

• A. He has painted from a young age.

• B. He is inspired by artistic styles of the past.

• C. He has paintings in museums around the world.

• D. He creates artistic styles that have never existed before

Which of the following best illustrates the meaning of exception?

• A. Maia and Samantha enjoy playing soccer, and both have joined the school team.

• B. Ravi likes Aidan better than he likes Manuel, but he likes Tony better than he likes Aidan.

• C. Most of the contestants paced nervously before they went onstage, but Raina waited calmly.

• D. Most of the workers stay late when needed, and yesterday Ron worked until midnight to meet the

  deadline.

6. If Sydney has a reputation for rebelliousness, what is she known for?

• A. Being athletic

• B. Obeying her parents

• C. Not following the rules

• D. Being mean to other kids