Artificial Organs - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

The TOEFL Reading section often includes passages on innovative topics, such as 'Artificial Organs.' Practicing with these texts helps you build comprehension skills to understand advancements in medical technology and their applications.

By engaging with reading passages on 'Artificial Organs,' you'll improve your ability to grasp technical information, identify key points, and interpret complex ideas, all of which are crucial for exam success.

Reading Instructions:

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question.
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference.  

The development of artificial organs is a major step forward in medical science. It is handling the growing need for organ grafts due to the rising number of organ failures Recent estimates show that over 100,000 people in the United States alone are waiting for organ grafts, with many more around the world. Traditional organ transplantation faces many challenges, including a shortage of appropriate donor organs, the risk of rejection, and issues from long-term use of immune suppressing drugs. Because of this, researchers and engineers are focusing on creating artificial organs, which could help solve these problems by providing functional replacements for damaged or failing biological organs. Artificial organs can be broadly divided into two types: mechanical devices, like artificial hearts, and engineered organs, which are made using living cells.

The field of artificial organs includes a variety of devices, from simple artificial limbs to complex engineered organs. The artificial heart is a significant example of this technology. The first successful implantation of a total artificial heart happened in 1982 when Dr. Barney Clark received the Jarvik-7 heart. This device was designed to take over the function of a failing heart, allowing patients to live longer while waiting for an appropriate donor heart. However, despite its success, the Jarvik-7 and similar devices have faced criticism due to issues like blood clots and infections. These problems show the need for continuous
improvement in artificial organ design and the importance of ongoing research into materials that can reduce negative reactions.

Recently, improvements in materials science and biotechnology have led to the creation of more advanced artificial organs. Researchers are exploring the use of biocompatible materials that can mimic the properties of natural tissues, such as hydrogels and synthetic polymers. These materials are designed to lower the risk of rejection and improve inclusion with the body. Also, the rise of 3D printing technology has made it possible to create customized organ scaffolds, which can be filled with the patients own cells to encourage tissue regeneration. This method not only boosts the performance of artificial organs but also lowers the chances of immune response, as the body is less likely to reject its own cells. For instance, researchers have successfully printed structures that look like human organs, such as kidneys and livers, which are currently being tested for function.

Even with these advancements, the field of artificial organs still faces challenges. One significant barrier is the difficulty of replicating the complex functions of natural organs. For instance, the human liver performs over 500 different functions, including cleansing, protein production, and creating chemicals needed for digestion. Making an artificial liver that can carry out these functions is a tough task. Current artificial liver devices, like the Bioartificial Liver Support System, are mainly designed to help patients temporarily while they wait for a graft, rather than serve as permanent replacements. This limitation highlights the ongoing need for research and innovation in the field, as well as the importance of teamwork among engineers, biologists, and medical professionals.

Also, ethical issues surrounding artificial organs are important to consider. The idea of creating organs in the lab raises questions about the effects of this technology on society.For instance, the possibility of organ commercialization, where organs could be bought and sold, creates significant ethical dilemmas. Additionally, using stem cells to create artificial organs has sparked debates about the moral status of these cells and the effects of altering human biology. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to establish ethical guidelines to direct research and application in this area. This includes addressing concerns about access to artificial organs and ensuring that advancements benefit everyone, rather than worsening existing inequalities.

In conclusion, the development of artificial organs holds great promise for the future of medicine, providing solutions to the urgent issue of organ shortages and improving the quality of life for patients with organ failure. While significant progress has been made, challenges still exist in replicating the complex functions of natural organs and addressing the ethical implications of this technology. As research continues, the integration of advanced materials, compatibility with the body, and innovative manufacturing techniques will likely lead to more effective and sustainable artificial organs. Ultimately, the ongoing study of this field not only deepens our understanding of human biology but also opens new paths for medical treatment and patient care, suggesting that further exploration into both the scientific and ethical aspects of artificial organ development is crucial for future progress. 

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1 

The development of artificial organs is a major step forward in medical science. It is handling the growing need for organ grafts due to the rising number of organ failures. Recent estimates show that over 100,000 people in the United States alone are waiting for organ grafts, with many more around the world. Traditional organ transplantation faces many challenges, including a shortage of appropriate donor organs, the risk of rejection, and issues from long-term use of immune-suppressing drugs. Because of this, researchers and engineers are focusing on creating artificial organs, which could help solve these problems by providing functional replacements for damaged or failing biological organs. Artificial organs can be broadly divided into two types: mechanical devices, like artificial hearts, and engineered organs, which are made using living cells.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what are the two types of artificial organs mentioned?
   
   1. Mechanical devices and engineered organs
   2. Natural organs and synthetic organs
   3. Temporary devices and permanent devices
   4. Donor organs and artificial organs

1. The author mentions all of the following challenges faced by traditional organ
   transplantation EXCEPT:
   
   1. Shortage of appropriate donor organs
   2. Risk of rejection
   3. Long-term use of immune-suppressing drugs
   4. High success rates of organ transplants

Paragraph 2 

The field of artificial organs includes a variety of devices, from simple artificial limbs to complex engineered organs. The artificial heart is a significant example of this technology. The first successful implantation of a total artificial heart happened in 1982 when Dr. Barney Clark received the Jarvik-7 heart. This device was designed to take over the function of a failing heart, allowing patients to live longer while waiting for an appropriate donor heart. However, despite its success, the Jarvik-7 and similar devices have faced criticism due to issues like blood clots and infections. These problems show the need for continuous improvement in artificial organ design and the importance of ongoing research into materials that can reduce negative reactions.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the Jarvik-7 heart from paragraph 2?
   
   1. It was the first artificial heart ever created.
   2. It has been widely accepted without any criticism.
   3. It has contributed to the understanding of artificial organ design.
   4. It is no longer used in medical practice.

1.  Why does the author mention the Jarvik-7 heart in paragraph 2?
   
   1. To highlight the historical significance of artificial hearts
   2. To illustrate the challenges faced by artificial organ technology
   3. To compare it with other artificial organs
   4. To discuss the benefits of traditional organ transplantation

Paragraph 3 

Recently, improvements in materials science and biotechnology have led to the creation of more advanced artificial organs. Researchers are exploring the use of biocompatible materials that can mimic the properties of natural tissues, such as hydrogels and synthetic polymers. These materials are designed to lower the risk of rejection and improve inclusion with the body. Also, the rise of 3D printing technology has made it possible to create customised organ scaffolds, which can be filled with the patients own cells to encourage tissue regeneration. This method not only boosts the performance of artificial organs but also lowers the chances of immune response, as the body is less likely to reject its own cells. For instance, researchers have successfully printed structures that look like human organs, such as kidneys and livers, which are currently being tested for function.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word biocompatible in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
   
   1. Harmful to the body
   2. Compatible with living tissue
   3. Easily rejected by the immune system
   4. Synthetic and artificial

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 3? Researchers are exploring the use of biocompatible materials that can mimic the properties of natural tissues, such as hydrogels and synthetic polymers. 
   
   1. Researchers are looking into materials that can imitate natural tissues.
   2. Researchers are developing new types of synthetic materials.
   3. Researchers are focusing on the dangers of synthetic polymers.
   4. Researchers are studying the effects of hydrogels on the body.

Paragraph 4 

Even with these advancements, the field of artificial organs still faces challenges. One significant barrier is the difficulty of replicating the complex functions of natural organs. For instance, the human liver performs over 500 different functions, including cleansing, protein production, and creating chemicals needed for digestion. Making an artificial liver that can carry out these functions is a tough task. Current artificial liver devices, like the Bioartificial Liver Support System, are mainly designed to help patients temporarily while they wait for a graft, rather than serve as permanent replacements. This limitation highlights the ongoing need for research and innovation in the field, as well as the importance of teamwork among engineers, biologists, and medical professionals.

1. What does paragraph 4 imply about the current state of artificial liver devices?
   
   1. They are effective permanent solutions for liver failure.
   2. They are primarily temporary solutions for patients awaiting transplants.
   3. They have been fully developed and are widely used.
   4. They are not necessary due to advancements in other areas.

Paragraph 5 

Also, ethical issues surrounding artificial organs are important to consider. The idea of creating organs in the lab raises questions about the effects of this technology on society. For instance, the possibility of organ commercialization, where organs could be bought and sold, creates significant ethical dilemmas. Additionally, using stem cells to create artificial organs has sparked debates about the moral status of these cells and the effects of altering human biology. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to establish ethical guidelines to direct research and application in this area. This includes addressing concerns about access to artificial organs and ensuring that advancements benefit everyone, rather than worsening existing inequalities.

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 5?
   
   1. To discuss the technological advancements in artificial organs
   2. To highlight the ethical concerns related to artificial organ development
   3. To explain the benefits of using stem cells in medicine
   4. To outline the challenges faced by researchers in the field

Paragraph 6 

In conclusion, the development of artificial organs holds great promise for the future of medicine, providing solutions to the urgent issue of organ shortages and improving the quality of life for patients with organ failure. While significant progress has been made, challenges still exist in replicating the complex functions of natural organs and addressing the ethical implications of this technology. As research continues, the integration of advanced materials, compatibility with the body, and innovative manufacturing techniques will likely lead to more effective and sustainable artificial organs. Ultimately, the ongoing study of this field not only deepens our understanding of human biology but also opens new paths for medical treatment and patient care, suggesting that further exploration into both the scientific and ethical aspects of artificial organ development is crucial for future progress. 

Prose Summary Question

1. The development of artificial organs is a significant advancement in medicine that
   addresses the issue of organ shortages.
   
   1. The creation of artificial organs involves both mechanical devices and engineered
      organs.
   2. Ethical considerations surrounding artificial organ development are crucial for societal
      impact.
   3. Advances in materials science and biotechnology are enhancing the effectiveness of
      artificial organs.
   4. Current artificial liver devices are designed to be permanent solutions for patients with
      liver failure.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In conclusion, the development of artificial organs holds great promise for the future of medicine, providing solutions to the urgent issue of organ shortages and improving the quality of life for patients with organ failure. (A) While significant progress has been made, challenges still exist in replicating the complex functions of natural organs and addressing the ethical implications of this technology. (B) As research continues, the integration of advanced materials, compatibility with the body, and innovative manufacturing techniques will likely lead to more effective and sustainable artificial organs. (C) Ultimately, the ongoing study of this field not only deepens our understanding of human biology but also opens new paths for medical treatment and patient care, suggesting that further exploration into both the scientific and ethical aspects of artificial organ development is crucial for future progress. (D)
   
   
   1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage  - Artificial Organs 

1. Answer: A
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that artificial organs can be broadly divided into two types: mechanical devices, such as artificial hearts, and engineered organs made using living cells. This clear distinction supports option A as the correct answer.

2. Answer: D
Explanation:The passage outlines several challenges, including a shortage of donor organs, the risk of rejection, and issues from long-term use of immune-suppressing drugs. However, it does not mention high success rates; in fact, the context implies that there are significant challenges, making option D the correct choice as it is not mentioned.

3. Answer: C
Explanation: The passage discusses the Jarvik-7 heart's role in allowing patients to live longer while waiting for a donor heart, but it also mentions the criticisms it faced, such as blood clots and infections. This indicates that while it was a significant advancement, it also highlighted areas needing improvement, thus contributing to the understanding of artificial organ design.

4. Answer: B
Explanation: The mention of the Jarvik-7 heart serves to highlight both its historical significance and the challenges it faced, such as complications like blood clots and infections. This illustrates the ongoing need for improvement in artificial organ technology, making option B the most appropriate choice.

5. Answer: B
Explanation: The term biocompatible refers to materials that can coexist with living tissues without causing adverse reactions. The passage discusses biocompatible materials designed to lower rejection risks, which aligns with option B.

6. Answer: A
Explanation: This option succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, which discusses researchers exploring materials that mimic natural tissues. It conveys the main idea without unnecessary detail, making it the best choice.

7. Answer: B
Explanation: The passage states that current artificial liver devices are designed to help patients temporarily while they wait for a graft. This indicates that they are not effective permanent solutions, supporting option B as the correct inference.

8. Answer: B
Explanation: Paragraph 5 discusses various ethical issues surrounding the creation of artificial organs, such as commercialization and the moral status of stem cells. This focus on ethical considerations makes option B the main purpose of the paragraph.

9. Answer: A,B, and C
Explanation: All three options express important ideas from the passage. Option A discusses the types of artificial organs, option B addresses ethical considerations, and option C highlights advancements in materials science, all of which are central themes in the passage.

10. Answer: A
Explanation: The missing sentence fits best after the introductory statement about the promise of artificial organs, as it emphasizes the need for ongoing research to address the challenges mentioned in the subsequent sentences. This placement logically connects the promise of development with the necessity for continued research.

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