CRISPR Gene Editing - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Gaining proficiency in academic reading is essential for success in the TOEFL Reading section, which simulates the demands of English-language academic settings. This section assesses critical skills like identifying main ideas, gathering specific details, inferring meanings, and understanding text organization. Regular practice is crucial for high performance.

Our practice tests are designed to closely replicate the TOEFL's structure and language, helping you approach the exam with confidence. Take the TOEFL Practice Test on the "CRISPR Gene Editing" passage to get familiar with the test format and identify key areas to improve!

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 rise of CRISPR technology has changed the field of genetic engineering, offering new levels of accuracy and efficiency in gene editing. Initially found in the immune systems of bacteria, CRISPR acts as a defense against viral infections. This new tool has been adapted for use in many organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. By allowing scientists to target specific DNA sequences, CRISPR makes it possible to add, remove, or change genetic material with great accuracy. The effects of CRISPR are wide-ranging, leading to advancements in agriculture, potential cures for genetic disorders, and even applications in environmental conservation, making it a key tool in modern biotechnology.

The way CRISPR gene editing works involves two main parts: the guide RNA (gRNA) and the Cas9 enzyme. The gRNA is carefully designed to match a specific DNA sequence in the target genome, while the Cas9 enzyme acts like molecular scissors, cutting the DNA at the chosen spot. Once the DNA is cut, the cell's natural repair processes kick in, which can lead to inserting new genetic material or deleting existing sequences. For example, researchers have successfully used CRISPR to create genetically modified crops that resist pests and diseases, improving food security and long-lasting agricultural practices. Such advancements are especially important given the growing global population and the urgent need for sustainable farming practices.

Even though CRISPR has great potential, its use raises important ethical and safety concerns that need careful thought. One major issue is the risk of off-target effects, where unintended parts of the genome might be changed, leading to unexpected results. This concern is especially significant in human applications, where hereditary editing could create changes that affect future generations. Also, the idea of "designer babies," where genetic traits are chosen for looks or performance, has sparked intense ethical discussions. Critics argue that such practices could worsen social inequalities and lead to a new form of genetic selection, while supporters believe that responsible use of CRISPR could reduce suffering from genetic diseases, improving public health overall.

The rules surrounding CRISPR are still developing, with different countries taking different approaches to its regulation. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set guidelines for using gene editing in clinical trials, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has placed restrictions on hereditary editing. In contrast, countries like China have taken a more lenient approach, raising concerns about the possibility of unethical experimentation. The lack of a unified global framework brings up urgent questions about responsibility and supervision, especially when CRISPR technology is used on human subjects. This regulatory gap highlights the need for international cooperation to create complete guidelines that ensure ethical practices in gene editing.

In addition to its uses in medicine and agriculture, CRISPR has also been used in environmental conservation efforts. For instance, scientists are looking at using CRISPR to tackle invasive species that threaten native ecosystems. By targeting specific genes that help these invasive organisms survive or reproduce, researchers hope to reduce their populations. However, this approach comes with challenges, as the long-term ecological effects of such actions are still uncertain. The potential for unintended consequences requires thorough research and risk assessment before widespread use. Past examples, like the introduction of non-native species that harmed local ecosystems, show the importance of being cautious in ecological interventions.

In summary, CRISPR gene editing is a major advancement in biotechnology, with the potential to change fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. However, the ethical, regulatory, and ecological implications of its use must be carefully considered. As research continues to develop, its essential for scientists, ethicists, and policymakers to keep talking to establish responsible guidelines for using CRISPR technology. The future of gene editing is full of promise, but it also requires a careful approach to ensure that its benefits are realized without compromising ethical standards or ecological health. As we enter this new era in genetic engineering, many questions remain, inviting further exploration into the responsible use of CRISPR technology in shaping the future of life itself.

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

Paragraph 1

The rise of CRISPR technology has changed the field of genetic engineering, offering new levels of accuracy and efficiency in gene editing. Initially found in the immune systems of bacteria, CRISPR acts as a defence against viral infections. This new tool has been adapted for use in many organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. By allowing scientists to target specific DNA sequences, CRISPR makes it possible to add, remove, or change genetic material with great accuracy. The effects of CRISPR are wide-ranging, leading to advancements in agriculture, potential cures for genetic disorders, and even applications in environmental conservation, making it a key tool in modern biotechnology.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what is one of the primary benefits of CRISPR technology?
   1. It is only applicable to plants.
   2. It allows for random changes in genetic material.
   3. It offers new levels of accuracy and efficiency in gene editing.
   4. It has no impact on agriculture.

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following as applications of CRISPR EXCEPT:
   1. Advancements in agriculture
   2. Potential cures for genetic disorders
   3. Enhancements in human physical abilities
   4. Applications in environmental conservation

Paragraph 2

The way CRISPR gene editing works involves two main parts: the guide RNA (gRNA) and the Cas9 enzyme. The gRNA is carefully designed to match a specific DNA sequence in the target genome, while the Cas9 enzyme acts like molecular scissors, cutting the DNA at the chosen spot. Once the DNA is cut, the cell's natural repair processes kick in, which can lead to inserting new genetic material or deleting existing sequences. For example, researchers have successfully used CRISPR to create genetically modified crops that resist pests and diseases, improving food security and long-lasting agricultural practices. Such advancements are especially important given the growing global population and the urgent need for sustainable farming practices.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the role of the Cas9 enzyme in CRISPR technology?
   1. It is responsible for designing the gRNA.
   2. It cuts the DNA at a specific location to facilitate gene editing.
   3. It prevents any changes to the DNA.
   4. It is only used in human gene editing.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author provide the example of genetically modified crops in paragraph 2?
   1. To illustrate the complexity of CRISPR technology
   2. To highlight the practical applications of CRISPR in agriculture
   3. To discuss the ethical implications of gene editing
   4. To explain the history of genetic engineering

Paragraph 3

Even though CRISPR has great potential, its use raises important ethical and safety concerns that need careful thought. One major issue is the risk of off-target effects, where unintended parts of the genome might be changed, leading to unexpected results. This concern is especially significant in human applications, where hereditary editing could create changes that affect future generations. Also, the idea of "designer babies," where genetic traits are chosen for looks or performance, has sparked intense ethical discussions. Critics argue that such practices could worsen social inequalities and lead to a new form of genetic selection, while supporters believe that responsible use of CRISPR could reduce suffering from genetic diseases, improving public health overall.

Vocabulary Question

1. The term "off-target effects" in paragraph 3 is best understood to mean:
   1. Effects that occur only in laboratory settings
   2. Changes to unintended parts of the genome
   3. Positive outcomes of gene editing
   4. Effects that are easily controlled

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 3? 
   

"One major issue is the risk of off-target effects, where unintended parts of the genome might be changed, leading to unexpected results."

1. 1. Off-target effects can lead to unexpected changes in the genome.
   2. Off-target effects are always predictable in gene editing.
   3. The genome is never affected by off-target effects.
   4. Off-target effects are beneficial in gene editing.

Paragraph 4

The rules surrounding CRISPR are still developing, with different countries taking different approaches to its regulation. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set guidelines for using gene editing in clinical trials, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has placed restrictions on hereditary editing. In contrast, countries like China have taken a more lenient approach, raising concerns about the possibility of unethical experimentation. The lack of a unified global framework brings up urgent questions about responsibility and supervision, especially when CRISPR technology is used on human subjects. This regulatory gap highlights the need for international cooperation to create complete guidelines that ensure ethical practices in gene editing.

Purpose of the Passage Question 

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   1. To discuss the history of CRISPR technology
   2. To highlight the differences in regulatory approaches to CRISPR
   3. To explain the scientific principles behind CRISPR
   4. To argue against the use of CRISPR in human applications

Paragraph 5

In addition to its uses in medicine and agriculture, CRISPR has also been used in environmental conservation efforts. For instance, scientists are looking at using CRISPR to tackle invasive species that threaten native ecosystems. By targeting specific genes that help these invasive organisms survive or reproduce, researchers hope to reduce their populations. However, this approach comes with challenges, as the long-term ecological effects of such actions are still uncertain. The potential for unintended consequences requires thorough research and risk assessment before widespread use. Past examples, like the introduction of non-native species that harmed local ecosystems, show the importance of being cautious in ecological interventions.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 5, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added.

"Such interventions must be approached with caution to avoid ecological imbalances." 

Where would the sentence best fit?

In addition to its uses in medicine and agriculture, CRISPR has also been used in environmental conservation efforts. (A) For instance, scientists are looking at using CRISPR to tackle invasive species that threaten native ecosystems. (B) By targeting specific genes that help these invasive organisms survive or reproduce, researchers hope to reduce their populations. (C) However, this approach comes with challenges, as the long-term ecological effects of such actions are still uncertain. (D) The potential for unintended consequences requires thorough research and risk assessment before widespread use.

1. 1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D

Paragraph 6

In summary, CRISPR gene editing is a major advancement in biotechnology, with the potential to change fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. However, the ethical, regulatory, and ecological implications of its use must be carefully considered. As research continues to develop, its essential for scientists, ethicists, and policymakers to keep talking to establish responsible guidelines for using CRISPR technology. The future of gene editing is full of promise, but it also requires a careful approach to ensure that its benefits are realised without compromising ethical standards or ecological health. As we enter this new era in genetic engineering, many questions remain, inviting further exploration into the responsible use of CRISPR technology in shaping the future of life itself.

Prose Summary Question

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.

"CRISPR gene editing represents a significant advancement in biotechnology, with applications in various fields."

1. 1. The technology has the potential to revolutionise medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
   2. Ethical concerns and regulatory challenges must be addressed to ensure responsible use of CRISPR.
   3. The technology is primarily used for creating designer babies.
   4. International cooperation is necessary to establish guidelines for the ethical use of CRISPR.

Before moving forward to check your answers, don't forget to go through the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - CRISPR Gene Editing

1. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that CRISPR technology has changed genetic engineering by providing new levels of accuracy and efficiency in gene editing. This is a primary benefit highlighted in the first paragraph, making option C the correct choice.

2. Answer: C 

Explanation: The passage mentions advancements in agriculture, potential cures for genetic disorders, and applications in environmental conservation as uses of CRISPR. However, it does not mention enhancements in human physical abilities, making option C the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage describes the Cas9 enzyme as acting like molecular scissors that cut DNA at a chosen spot. This cutting action is essential for the gene editing process, allowing for the insertion or deletion of genetic material, which supports option B.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The author provides the example of genetically modified crops to illustrate how CRISPR technology can be applied practically in agriculture, particularly in creating crops that resist pests and diseases. This aligns with option B.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The term "off-target effects" refers to unintended changes in the genome that occur during the gene editing process. This definition aligns with option B, making it the best choice.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This option accurately captures the essence of the original sentence by summarising that off-target effects can result in unexpected changes, which is the main point being conveyed.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: Paragraph 4 discusses how different countries have varying regulations regarding CRISPR technology, making option B the correct choice as it focuses on the regulatory differences.

8. Answer: C

Explanation: The missing sentence about approaching interventions with caution fits best after the mention of challenges in the ecological effects of using CRISPR on invasive species. It reinforces the need for caution before proceeding with such interventions.

9. Answer: Option A, B and D 

Explanation: Option A is correct as it reflects the potential of CRISPR to revolutionise multiple fields. Option B is correct because it addresses the ethical concerns and regulatory challenges mentioned throughout the passage. Option D is also correct as it highlights the need for international cooperation to establish guidelines for ethical use, which is a key point in the passage. Option C is incorrect as the passage does not primarily focus on creating designer babies.

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