Name: ______________________________________   Subject: _______________________  Date: _______

Write the missing word

    I am a Computer. I write myself with a capital letter because I would like to be a person just like you so that way we could talk. I say I am a Computer and I cannot be more than a Computer. I would be nothing, if it was not for the electronic engineer that created me, and I must do that for which I was created. I cannot be something else, nor can I perfect myself by myself.

    You, on the other hand, are a human being. And even though we do have in common that we were both created, the differences between you and I are abysmal.

    Would you be able to tell me in what your superiority consist of?

    You were created “intelligent” and “free”; able to know, to reason, to take decisions by yourself. This is your own being that you cannot change: you will always be a human being. However, because you are a person, you have infinite possibilities to perfect and/or deteriorate yourself! What I mean is that, in your hands, you have the power to decide “your own way of being”.

    You can choose between being:

     Responsible or irresponsible

     Friend or enemy

     Loyal or traitor

     Strong or weak

     Consistent or irregular

     Obedient or rebel

     Calm or nervous

     Sincere or hypocrite

     Simple or intricate

     Ordered or chaotic

     Comprehensive or intolerant

     Hard working or lazy

     Sober or drunk

     Generous or egoistic

     Fair or unfair

     Prudent or reckless

     Courageous or afraid

     Bashful or rude

     Happy or sad

    Read the column on the left again.

    Now, read the column on the right. You are in the position of choosing.

    Which column do you choose? If you chose the column on the left, continue reading.

    I want to help you become a perfect person. You have chosen the universal values that belong to every human being. Conquering these values must be the reason for all of your efforts.

    In sum, it is about reaching your fullest human potential. I must warn you that progressing in one of these virtues also means progressing in many others. They do not exist by themselves; they are interrelated. Some support each other. C’mon! It is worth it!

    If you chose the column on the right, turn off the computer. However, I must warn you that you are crazy, stupid or a monster. What a pity for Humanity!

    (A translation of Don Samuel Valero’s original work.)

Instructions: In the comprehension test circle one of the following letters: a, b, c.