Class 10 English Unit 1 Solution | How Driverless Cars Will Change Our World

How Driverless Cars Will Change Our World

 

By Jenny Cusack 30th November 2021

 It's a late night in the Metro area of Phoenix, Arizona. Under the artificial glare of street

lamps, a car can be seen slowly approaching. Active sensors on the vehicle radiate a low hum. A green and blue 'W' glows from the windscreen, giving off just enough light to see inside – to a completely empty driver seat.

 

The wheel navigates the curb steadily, parking as an arrival notification pings on the phone of the person waiting for it. When they open the door to climb inside, a voice greets them over the vehicle's sound system. "Good evening, this car is all yours – with no one upfront," it says.

 

This is a Waymo One robotaxi, hailed just 10 minutes ago using an app. The open use of this service to the public, slowly expanding across the US, is one of the many developments signalling that driverless technology is truly becoming a part of our lives.

 

The promise of driverless technology has long been enticing. It has the potential to transform our experience of commuting and long journeys, take people out of high-risk working environments and streamline our industries. It's key to helping us build the cities of the future, where our reliance and relationship with cars are redefined – lowering carbon emissions and paving the way for more sustainable ways of living. And it could make our travel safer. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. "We want safer roads and less fatalities. Automation ultimately could provide that," says Camilla Fowler, head of automated transport for the UK's Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).

But in order for driverless technology to become mainstream, much still needs to change. "Driverless vehicles should be a very calm and serene way of getting from A to B. But not every human driver around it will be behaving in that way," says David Hynd, chief scientist for safety and investigations at TRL.

"It's got to be able to cope with human drivers speeding, for instance, or breaking the rules of the road." And that's not the only challenge. There's regulation, rethinking the highway code, public perception, improving the infrastructure of our streets, towns, cities, and the big question of ultimate liability for road accidents. "The whole insurance industry is looking into how they're going to deal with that change from a person being responsible and in charge to the vehicle doing that," says Richard Jinks, vice president of commercial at Oxfordshire-based driverless vehicle software company Oxbotica, which has been testing its technology in cars and delivery vehicles at several locations across the UK and Europe.

 

The ultimate vision experts are working towards is of completely driverless vehicles, both within industry, wider transport networks, and personal-use cars, that can be deployed and used anywhere and everywhere around the world.

 

But with all these hurdles in place, what exactly does the next 10 years have in store for autonomous vehicles?

 

 Two years from now

 

The biggest hurdle for those in the driverless technology industry is how to get the cars to operate safely and effectively in complex and unpredictable human environments.

Cracking this part of the puzzle will be the major focus of the next two years.

 

At the Mcity Test Facility at the University of Michigan, experts are addressing this. The world's first purpose-built testing ground for autonomous vehicles, it's a mini-town of sorts, made up of 16 acres of road and traffic infrastructure. It includes traffic signals and signs, underpasses, building facades, tree cover, home and garage exterior for testing

delivery and ride-hailing, and different terrains such as road, pedestrian walkways, railway tracks, and road-markings which the vehicles must navigate. It's here that experts test scenarios that even the most experienced of drivers may be pressed to handle, from children playing in the street to two cars trying to merge on a junction at the same time.

A.  The following words have two different meanings. Match each word with the meaning used in the context of the text above.

a. glare (चमक)	ii. an intense blinding light
b. curb (फुटपात)	a stone edging to a pavement or raised path
c. hail (पुकार्नु)	i. to call somebody in order to attract their attention
d. commute (बसमा सवारी गर्नु)	ii. to travel regularly between workplace and home
e. serene (शान्त)	i. calm and peaceful
f. liability (जिम्मेदारी)	ii. the state of being legally responsible for something
g. deploy (प्रभावी तरीकाले प्रयोग गर्नु)	ii. to use something effectively
h. autonomous (स्वचालित)	i. a vehicle that has the technology to drive itself
i. perception (प्रत्यक्ष ज्ञान)	ii. the ability to understand the true nature of something

B.  Choose the correct alternatives to complete the sentences below.

a.  One of the features of automated cars is that ……….

i.  they wait for the passengers

ii.  they approach slowly

iii. They have their own voice to welcome people into them.

 

b.  Driverless technology is being widely used particularly in …………..

i. the USA

ii. the UK

iii. the UAE

 

c.  The positive impact of such technology on the environment is …………..

i.  it prevents road accidents.

ii.  it paves the way to sustainable life.

iii.  it reduces carbon production.

 

d.  One of the problems with driverless technology is that.......

i.  it cannot deal with traffic system.

ii.  it cannot deal with human drivers.

iii.  it cannot cope with other cars.

e.  One of the biggest challenges of the automated cars is ………..

i.  its safety from the human environment

ii.  human safety from it

iii.  its durability in the human environment

 

f.  The automated technology developed so far is ……………

i.  English 10 completely trustworthy

ii.  partly trustworthy

iii.  not trustworthy at all

C.  Answer the following questions.

a.  Mention any three features ( विशेषता) of the driverless car.

Driverless cars have active sensors, communication systems, and can drive autonomously.

b.  Describe the benefits of driverless technology.

Driverless technology can make commuting (बसमा यात्रा गर्नु) easier, make workplaces safer, and help protect the environment.

 

c.  What, according to Camilla Fowler, is the special advantage of automated (स्वचालित) vehicles?

According to Camilla Fowler, automated vehicles can make roads safer and reduce the number of accidents.

 

d.  What are the problems with driverless (चालकविहीन) vehicles in David Hynd's views?

David Hynd says driverless vehicles face challenges like dealing with human drivers who break the rules.

 

e. What are scientists doing to make driverless (चालकविहीन)  technology safer?

Scientists are testing driverless technology in special places to make sure it is safe.

f.  Do you think driverless technology is safer than human-controlled (मानव-नियन्त्रित) driving? Why?

Driverless technology has the potential (सम्भावना) to be safer than human driving because it can avoid (रोक्नु) human mistakes and distractions (विकर्षण), but there are still some challenges to overcome.

A.  Think of any three other areas where artificial intelligence (AI) has been used. What are the benefits of using AI in these areas? Share your ideas with the class.

Grammar I

A.  Match the following statements with the correct reported speech and notice how the statements are changed.

a. Khushi said, "I go to school every day by bus."

Khusi said that she went to school every day by bus.

b. Karma said to me, "I am sorry for coming late."

Karma apologised for coming late.

c. Susan says, "I will leave for Bhanu next week."

Susan says that she will leave for Bhanu the following.

d. Tshering said, " I will surely meet you this Saturday."

Tshering promised me to meet that Saturday.

e. "The bus leaves at six," said the agent.

The agent informed us that the bus left at six.

f. "I have already finished my project work," said She.

She said that she had already finished her project work.

g. "I work from home these days,", said Yanjal.

Yanjal said that he worked from home those days.

 B. Complete the following sentences with the correct reporting verbs.

[advised, admitted, warned, offered, thanked, agreed, informed, agreed, apologised, promised]

a. "I broke the mirror." He ………. that he had broken the mirror.

a. "I broke the mirror." He admitted that he had broken the mirror.

b.  "I'd go and see a doctor if I were you," Pemba ……….me to see a doctor.

b.  "I'd go and see a doctor if I were you," Pemba advised me to see a doctor.

c.  "I will send you out if you make a noise again," said the librarian. The librarian ……….me not to make a noise again.

c.  "I will send you out if you make a noise again," said the librarian. The librarian warned me not to make a noise again.

d.  "I can come and help you plant rice," said Raman. Raman ……….to help me plant rice.

d.  "I can come and help you plant rice," said Raman. Raman offered to help me plant rice.

e.  "The classes start from next week," said the assistant. The assistant ……….us that the classes start from the following week.

e.  "The classes start from next week," said the assistant. The assistant informed us that the classes start from the following week.

f.  Sonam said to me, "Thank you so much for your help." Sonam ……….me for my help.

f.  Sonam said to me, "Thank you so much for your help." Sonam thanked me for my help.

g.  "OK, I will return your money by Saturday," said Prakriti. Prakriti ……….to return my money by Saturday.

g.  "OK, I will return your money by Saturday," said Prakriti. Prakriti promised to return my money by Saturday.

h.  "I will really work hard and score good grades," said Anupam. Anupam ……….to work hard and get good grades.

h.  "I will really work hard and score good grades," said Anupam. Anupam agreed to work hard and get good grades.

i.  "I am sorry for coming late," said the speaker. The speaker ……….for coming late.

i.  "I am sorry for coming late," said the speaker. The speaker apologised for coming late.

Writing I

Use of AI in the technology is not only making people's lives easier but bringing new challenges. Write a newspaper article about the challenges brought by the advancement of AI in technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of technology that enables (सक्षम बनाउनु) machines to learn, reason, and make decisions like humans. While it has many benefits, including making our daily lives easier, improving healthcare, and enhancing (सुधार्नु) communication, it also brings new challenges.

One of the significant challenges of AI is the displacement (विस्थापन) of jobs. AI-enabled machines can perform tasks that once required human labor, which could lead to unemployment and economic instability (अस्थिरता).

Privacy and security concerns are also significant challenges of AI. AI-enabled devices can collect vast (विशाल) amounts of data, which can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Additionally, the ability of AI to analyze and predict (भविष्यवाणी human behavior raises concerns about the misuse of personal data and violation (उल्लंघन) of privacy.

Another challenge is ethical (नैतिक concerns surrounding the development and use of AI. Ensuring that AI is used in a way that is ethical and respects human values is crucial (महत्वपूर्ण) for the betterment of society.

The development of autonomous (स्वचालित) weapons powered by AI raises concerns about the future of warfare (युद्ध). We need to ensure (सुनिश्चित गर्नु) that AI is used for the benefit of humanity, not for destructive purposes.

In conclusion, the development and use of AI in technology has brought both benefits and challenges. As AI continues to develop, it is crucial that we find ways to mitigate (कम गर्नु) these challenges and maximize the benefits that this technology can bring to our lives.

Word Meaning of How Driverless Cars Will Change Our World

Metro /ˈmɛtroʊ/

subway, underground

An underground railway system in a city.

glare /ɡlɛr/

brightness, dazzle

Harsh, bright light produced by artificial sources, like street lamps.

radiate /ˈreɪdiːeɪt/

emit, give off

To send out or emit energy, light, or heat.

hum /hʌm/

buzz, drone

A continuous low sound.

windscreen /ˈwɪndskriːn/

windshield, front window

The front window of a vehicle that protects passengers from wind and other elements.

navigates /ˈnævɪɡeɪts/

directs, steers, controls

To guide or control the movement of a vehicle, in this case, the wheel guiding the car.

curb /kɜːrb/

sidewalk edge, boundary

The raised edge between the sidewalk and the road that separates them.

steadily /ˈstɛdɪli/

consistently, evenly

In a consistent and even manner, without sudden changes or fluctuations.

pings /pɪŋz/

alerts, notifies, signals

To make a short, high-pitched sound as a notification or signal, typically heard from a phone or device.

Waymo One /ˈweɪmoʊ wʌn/

-

A specific type of robotaxi service provided by Waymo, a company specializing in autonomous vehicles.

hailed /heɪld/

called, summoned, requested

To call or request the service of a vehicle, in this case, using an app to request a Waymo One robotaxi.

expanding /ɪkˈspændɪŋ/

growing, extending, spreading

Increasing in size, scope, or reach, in this context, the open use of the robotaxi service across the US is expanding.

enticing /ɪnˈtaɪsɪŋ/

alluring, captivating, attractive

Very attractive, interesting, or appealing, in this context, the promise of driverless technology has long been enticing.

potential /pəˈtɛnʃəl/

possibility, capability, capacity

The possibility or ability for something to happen or develop, in this context, driverless technology has the potential to transform.

commuting /kəˈmjuːtɪŋ/

traveling, journeying, commuting

The act of traveling regularly between one's home and workplace or school, typically over a considerable distance.

streamline /ˈstriːmlaɪn/

simplify, optimize, improve

To make a process or system more efficient and effective by removing unnecessary steps or elements.

reliance /rɪˈlaɪəns/

dependence, trust, reliance

The state of depending on or trusting in someone or something, in this context, our reliance on cars is being redefined.

carbon emissions

carbon footprint, greenhouse gas

The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbəl/

eco-friendly, renewable

Capable of being maintained or continued without causing significant harm to the environment, in this context, sustainable ways of living.

estimates /ˈɛstɪməts/

approximations, calculations

Rough calculations or guesses based on available information, in this context, the World Health Organization estimates road traffic crash fatalities.

fatalities /fəˈtælətiz/

deaths, casualties

Deaths or casualties resulting from accidents or disasters.

automation /ˌɔːtoʊˈmeɪʃən/

mechanization, robotics

The use of technology and machines to perform tasks or processes with minimal human intervention.

mainstream /ˈmeɪnstriːm/

popular, widespread

Accepted, recognized, or adopted by the majority or general population, in this context, driverless technology becoming mainstream.

serene /səˈriːn/

calm, peaceful, tranquil

Calm, peaceful, or undisturbed, in this context, driverless vehicles should provide a serene way of transportation.

unpredictable /ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl/

uncertain, erratic, unstable

Not able to be predicted or known with certainty, in this context, human environments can be complex and unpredictable.

purpose-built /ˈpɜːrpəsˌbɪlt/

specially designed, custom-made

Designed or constructed for a specific purpose, in this context, the Mcity Test Facility is purpose-built for autonomous vehicle testing.

underpasses /ˈʌndərpæsɪz/

tunnels, subways

Passageways or tunnels that go beneath something, such as a road or railway.

building facades /ˈfəˈsɑːdz/

exterior, front, face

The front or exterior appearance of a building.

terrains /təˈreɪnz/

landscapes, surfaces

The physical features and characteristics of an area or piece of land, in this context, different terrains for testing vehicles.

pedestrian /pəˈdɛstriən/

walker, foot traveler

A person who travels on foot, typically a person walking on a sidewalk or crossing a road.

navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/

steer, guide, direct

To find one's way or control the movement of something, in this context, the vehicles must navigate various road scenarios.

junction /ˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

intersection, crossroads

A point where two or more roads or paths meet and cross each other.

Extra Questions to practice How Driverless Cars Will Change Our World

Q: What can be seen inside a driverless car in the Metro area of Phoenix, Arizona? ▼

A: Inside the driverless car, there is a completely (पूर्णरुपले) empty driver seat.

Q: How is driverless technology becoming a part of our lives? ▼

A: Driverless technology is slowly expanding (विस्तार हुँदै) across the US, allowing the public to access (पहुँच) services like Waymo One robotaxis through an app.

Q: What potential (सम्भावित) benefits can driverless technology bring to our lives? ▼

A: Driverless technology has the potential to transform (रूपान्तर) commuting and long journeys, improve road safety, lower carbon emissions (निकाल्नु), and streamline (सरल बनाउनु) industries.

Q: According to Camilla Fowler, what advantage does automated vehicles offer? ▼

A: Camilla Fowler believes that automated vehicles can contribute (योगदान गर्नु0 to safer roads and reduce the number of fatalities (मृत्यु) caused by road traffic crashes.

Q: What are the challenges for driverless technology to become mainstream (मुलधार)? ▼

A: Driverless technology must address challenges such as human drivers not behaving predictably (अनुमानित रूपमा), regulatory issues, public perception, infrastructure improvements, and determining liability (दायित्व) for accidents.

Q: How are scientists working to make driverless technology safer? ▼

A: Scientists are conducting tests and simulations (अनुकरण) at facilities like the Mcity Test Facility to ensure (सुनिश्चित गर्नु) that driverless cars can operate (चल्नु) safely and effectively in complex and unpredictable (अप्रत्याशित)human environments.

Q: What is the ultimate (अन्तिम) vision for driverless vehicles? ▼

A: The ultimate vision is to have completely driverless vehicles deployed (विस्तार गर्नु) and used worldwide, including in industry, transport networks, and personal use.

Q: What is the focus of the next two years in driverless technology? ▼

A: The focus is on solving the challenge of enabling driverless cars to operate safely and effectively in complex human environments.

Q: What is the purpose of the Mcity Test Facility? ▼

A: The Mcity Test Facility serves as a testing ground to simulate (अनुकरण गर्नु) various scenarios (परिदृश्यहरू) and challenges that driverless vehicles may encounter (सामना गर्नु) on the road.

Q: What elements are included in the Mcity Test Facility? ▼

A: The Mcity Test Facility consists of road and traffic infrastructure, including traffic signals, signs, underpasses, building facades (अग्रभाग), and different terrains (क्षेत्र) like pedestrian walkways and railway tracks.

Q: How could driverless technology change our perception (धारणा) of cars and carbon emissions? ▼

A: Driverless technology could redefine (पुनः परिभाषित गर्नु) our relationship with cars, promote shared mobility, and contribute to lower carbon emissions through optimized driving routes.

Q: What potential (सम्भावित) benefits does driverless technology offer in terms of safety? ▼

A: Driverless technology has the potential (सम्भावित) to improve road safety by reducing (घटाउँदै) the number of accidents caused by human error.

Q: What factors need to be considered before driverless technology becomes widespread (व्यापक)? ▼

A: Factors such as regulations, public acceptance (स्वीकार), cybersecurity, liability issues, and infrastructure adaptation (रूपान्तरण) need to be addressed before driverless technology becomes widespread.

Q: How might driverless technology impact industries? ▼

A: Driverless technology has the potential to streamline (सरल बनाउनु) industries by automating transportation and logistics (सञ्चालन) processes.

Q: What is the current state of driverless technology in terms of public access? ▼

A: Driverless technology is slowly being made accessible (सुलभ) to the public, with services like Waymo One robotaxis already available through an app.

Q: How does driverless technology aim to enhance (सुधार्नु) our experience of commuting and long journeys? ▼

A: Driverless technology aims to provide a calm and serene (शान्त) way of traveling from one place to another, reducing stress (तनाव) and allowing passengers to relax or engage (संलग्न) in other activities during the journey.

Q: How could driverless technology contribute to building the cities of the future? ▼

A: Driverless technology can redefine our reliance (निर्भरता) on cars, promote sustainable (दीगो) transportation options, and help create cities with improved infrastructure and reduced congestion (भीड).

Q: What is the potential (सम्भावित) impact of driverless technology on road safety? ▼

A: Driverless technology has the potential (सम्भावित) to significantly reduce the number of accidents caused by human error, making roads safer for everyone.

Q: What are some challenges that need to be overcome for driverless technology to become mainstream? ▼

A: Challenges include ensuring driverless cars can handle (सम्भाल्नु) unpredictable (अप्रत्याशित) human drivers, addressing regulatory (नियामक) and legal issues, and improving public perception and acceptance.

Q: How are experts working to address the challenges of driverless technology in complex human environments? ▼

A: Experts are conducting tests and simulations (अनुकरण) at specialized facilities to create safer and more effective systems for driverless cars to navigate (मार्गनिर्देशन गर्नु) complex human environments.