IELTS Reading Test 2 With Answers

Paragraph A: Unlike classical computers, which process information in binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use quantum bits, or **qubits**. A qubit’s power stems from two fundamental quantum mechanical phenomena: **superposition** and **entanglement**. Superposition allows a qubit to exist in a state that is both 0 and 1 simultaneously, unlike a classical bit which must be definitively one or the other. Entanglement is a profound connection between qubits; the state of one qubit becomes intrinsically linked to the state of another, regardless of the physical distance separating them. This means that manipulating one entangled qubit will instantly affect its partner.

Paragraph B: These properties grant quantum computers immense potential for solving specific problems that are intractable for even the most powerful supercomputers of today. For instance, in **cryptography**, quantum computers could break many of the current **encryption** protocols that secure global digital communications. Conversely, they could also create theoretically unbreakable quantum encryption methods. In **pharmaceuticals**, quantum simulations could model molecular interactions at an atomic level, drastically accelerating the discovery of new **drugs** and materials. **Logistics** and **financial modelling** are other areas that could be revolutionised by quantum algorithms capable of evaluating countless possibilities in parallel.

Paragraph C: However, the path to practical, widespread quantum computing is fraught with challenges. Qubits are notoriously fragile and prone to **decoherence**, where they lose their quantum state due to minuscule environmental disturbances like temperature fluctuations or electromagnetic waves. Maintaining qubit stability requires extremely sophisticated and expensive cooling systems, often operating near absolute zero. Furthermore, developing the software and algorithms to harness this new paradigm of computing is a monumental task. Currently, we are in the so-called ‘Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum’ (NISQ) era, where quantum computers have a limited number of qubits and are **error-prone**. Significant breakthroughs in **error correction** and qubit scalability are required before quantum computers can fulfil their long-term promise.