High-Level Programming Languages Must Be Converted To Low-Level Programming Languages GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

High-level programming languages must be converted to low-level programming languages using an interpreter or compiler, depending on the language. Interpreted languages are considered more portable than compiled languages, while compiled languages execute faster than interpreted languages. However, the speed advantage compiled languages have is starting to fade in importance as improving processor speeds make performance differences between interpreted and compiled languages negligible.

High-level programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and Ruby are interpreted. For these languages the interpreter executes the program directly, translating each statement one line at a time into machine code. High-level programming languages like C++, COBOL, and Visual Basic are compiled. For these languages, after the code is written a compiler translates all the code into machine code, and an executable file is created. This executable file is then distributed via the internet, CD-ROMs, or other media and run. Software you install on your computer, like Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, are coded using compiled languages, usually C or C++.

“High-level programming languages must be converted to low-level programming languages”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. The candidates should learn and acquire a concrete idea of English GMAT reading comprehension. The GMAT Reading Comprehension section emerges with six sets of comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions tend to improve the candidates' proficiency to analyze the scope of the passage. It enables the candidate to utilize the knowledge and apply ideas. The candidates must practice the GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions in order to score better in the GMAT section.

Solutions and Explanation

  1. According to the passage, which type of language is your home computer or laptop most likely to use?

(A) An interpreted language.
(B) A native language.
(C) A computer code.
(D) An internet language.
(E) A compiled language.

Answer: (E)
Explanation:
As per the discussion of the passage, the author cites that software used on the home computer or laptop is Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X. This software is mainly coded in compiled languages such as C++ or C. Therefore, option E is the correct option as it justifies the facts given in the passage. The remaining options thereby go out of scope.

  1. Based on the passage, what can we infer about how frequently compiled and interpreted languages will be used five years from now?

(A) Most likely, there will be little change.
(B) Compiled languages will continue to offer benefits in speed.
(C) As the speed advantage that compiled languages have continues to decline, both languages will offer equal incentives to be used.
(D) Interpreted languages are likely to be far more frequently employed.
(E) Another form of language will overtake both interpreted and compiled languages to be the most used language.

Answer: (C)
Explanation:
According to the passage, the speed advantage acquired by the compiled language has started to lose its importance. It can be inferred from the passage that both languages will now gain equal incentives to be utilized for diverse reasons. Therefore, option C is the correct answer since it depicts the appropriate cause described in the passage. The other options thereby get out of scope.

  1. Which of the following statements most accurately captures the central idea of the passage?

(A) Coding for computers is complicated but anyone can learn it.
(B) There are two types of programming languages, and each offers advantages and disadvantages.
(C) You may not even be aware that your home computer is using a programming language right now.
(D) The program C++ is a compiled high-level programming language.
(E) Only professionals should use high-level programming languages which run the risk of destroying your computer.

Answer: (B)
Explanation:
The core concept of the passage illustrates the two types of programming languages and their benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, option B is the correct answer since it satisfies the argument of the passage. The remaining options are incorrect as they do not hold valid information that fulfills the passage motive.

  1. Which of the following most accurately describes the author’s attitude towards high-level programming languages?

(A) Dismissive and uninterested
(B) Inquiring and trying to understand
(C) Factual and helpful
(D) Intrigued and curious
(E) Rote and disinterested

Answer: (C)
Explanation:
According to the passage, the attitude of the author towards high-level programming languages is helpful and factual. The author observed those languages as interpreted since it became easy for the interpreter to conduct the program directly. The interpreter can decode each statement at a time into machine code with the help of these languages. Therefore, option C is the correct answer since it holds the relevant facts as cited in the passage. The other options thereby get eliminated.

  1. According to the passage, how is an executable file built and then distributed?

(A) The computer runs the file and distributes it manually.
(B) A programming language builds the executable file and a CDROM is distributed to all users.
(C) A computer translates the code into an executable file, and then it is distributed via the internet, CD-ROMs, or other media.
(D) It is built by programmers and run by the internet.
(E) A computer programmer translates the file into code, which is then distributed.

Answer: (C)
Explanation:
The passage suggests that after the high-level programming languages are coded, the compiler changes the code into machine code. Thus the executable file is formed. It then gets distributed through internet mediums like CD-ROMs or other media. Option C is therefore the correct answer as it holds the relevant facts cited in the passage. The other options thereby get out of scope.

  1. Which of the following answer choices is a list of high-level programming languages as mentioned in the passage?

(A) C++, C-, Aereus
(B) JavaScript, Python, MacApple
(C) Ruby, Elementary, Javascript
(D) Javascript, Ruby, and C++
(E) There are no high-level programming languages mentioned in the passage.

Answer: (D)
Explanation:
As per the discussion of the passage, the author cited many examples of high-level programming languages. They are Javascript, Ruby, C++ and many others. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it meets the criteria of passage. The rest of the options are incorrect as they hold irrelevant information.

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