Reading Comprehension - Robots

READING COMPREHENSION

Robots

The phone rang in the Chief Controller’s office “The Inspection Committee is waiting, sir,” he was told. “We’ll begin as soon as you join us.”

“I’ll be right along,” the Chief replied. He was a tired old man.

“I hear we’ve done it at last,” remarked one of them.

“Let’s decide afterwards,” replied the Chief cautiously.

Inside the inspection Chamber each one went to his own special section. The Chief gave a signal, the robots were brought in and the tests began. Work continued throughout the day without a break. It was five o’clock when the Committee reassembled.

“Well, gentlemen,” said the Chief, “may I have your verdicts?”

“We can’t hope for anything better than this,” said the Head of Design Section. “You couldn’t tell they weren’t human!”

“Agreed,” said the Chief Medical Adviser. “No defects at all.”

“Psychology Section?”

“Perfect specimens, sir,” said the Head of Psychology Section. “They react like humans.”

“Well, gentlemen”, summed up the Chief Controller when they had all finished, “it looks as if we’ve produced the perfect robot at last! I’d like to sign a production order straight away. How many shall we order?” The number finally agreed was ten thousand.

“After all these years of failure, I can’t tell you how relieved I am,” the Chief observed. ”It’s going to make a lot of difference to our lives, having these robots!”

Down in Transit Section the robots sat quietly talking. “Did you hear what they called us?” said one of them. “Perfect.”

“And you know what that means! They’re not going to break us up this time. They’ll produce us in thousands!”

The robots smiled at the thought. “I think,” said the other one, “our moment has come!” And long into the night they discussed their plans for the future of the world.

Chose the most appropriate option.