CRISPR in Agriculture - TOEFL iBT® Reading Test

In the TOEFL Reading section, you may encounter topics like 'CRISPR in Agriculture,' which explores genetic editing and its potential to revolutionize farming. Understanding how CRISPR works and its impact on crop improvement will improve your ability to comprehend scientific texts.

By practicing with passages on this topic, you'll be able to break down complex scientific ideas and improve your skills for answering TOEFL Reading questions.

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.

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

Paragraph 1

The rise of CRISPR technology has changed the field of modifying genes, especially in agriculture. This innovative tool allows for precise changes to the DNA of organisms, helping scientists improve good features in crops and livestock with remarkable accuracy. For this reason, it has gained a lot of attention for its potential to tackle important agricultural challenges, like food security, pest resistance, and climate adaptability, especially in a rapidly changing global environment.

Factual Information Questions 

1. According to paragraph 1, what is one of the main agricultural challenges that CRISPR technology aims to address? 
   1. Soil erosion 
   2. Food security 
   3. Water scarcity 
   4. Labour shortages 

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a benefit of CRISPR technology EXCEPT 
   1. Improved crop yields 
   2. Enhanced pest resistance
   3. Increased climate adaptability
   4. Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides 

Paragraph 2

One of the most promising uses of CRISPR in agriculture is creating crops that are better at resisting pests and diseases. For example, researchers have successfully used CRISPR to develop rice varieties that resist bacterial blight, a serious disease that can cause yield losses of over 50%. By targeting specific genes linked to susceptibility, scientists can strengthen the plant's natural defence methods. This advancement not only reduces the need for chemical pesticides, which can harm the environment, but also encourages environmentally friendly farming practices. Also, developing disease-resistant crops could greatly improve food security in areas heavily impacted by agricultural diseases, helping to stabilise local economies.

Inference Questions 

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the impact of CRISPR on agricultural practices? 
   1. It may lead to increased use of chemical pesticides.
   2. It could promote more sustainable farming methods. 
   3. It will eliminate the need for traditional farming techniques.
   4. It will eliminate the need for traditional farming techniques.

Paragraph 3

In addition to pest resistance, CRISPR technology can also enhance the nutritional value of crops. For instance, scientists have used CRISPR to boost the levels of essential vitamins and minerals in staple crops like wheat and maize. By modifying specific genes involved in creating nutrients, researchers can produce nutrient-rich varieties that offer better health benefits to consumers. This is especially important in developing countries, where poor nutrition is still a major public health issue. Producing nutrient-rich crops could help ease some of the challenges related to food scarcity and improve overall public health, addressing both nutritional deficiencies and farming output.

Vocabulary Questions

1. The word "enhance" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to
   1. diminish
   2. improve 
   3. maintain 
   4. complicate  

Paragraph 4

But using CRISPR in agriculture isn't without its controversies. Critics point out that the long-term results of gene editing on ecosystems and human health are still largely unknown. While CRISPR is often seen as a more precise alternative to traditional genetic modification, concerns remain about unintended results that may come from changing an organism's genetic makeup. For example, introducing CRISPR-edited crops into the environment could disrupt local ecosystems or lead to new pests or diseases. As a result, regulatory frameworks governing the use of CRISPR in agriculture are still evolving, with many countries grappling with how to classify and manage these genetically edited organisms. The lack of agreement on regulatory approaches makes the situation even more complicated, as different countries take different stances on accepting CRISPR technology.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the potential long-term results of gene editing in paragraph 4?
   1. To highlight the benefits of CRISPR technology
   2. To emphasise the need for further research and caution 
   3. To argue against the use of CRISPR in agriculture
   4. To provide examples of successful CRISPR applications

Paragraph 5

Also, ethical issues surrounding CRISPR technology in agriculture have sparked a lot of debate. The possibility of creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) raises questions about who owns genetic resources and what it means for smallholder farmers. Large agribusinesses might take over the market by patenting CRISPR-edited crops, which could push traditional farming practices to the side and increase inequalities in agriculture. Additionally, using CRISPR for more controversial purposes, like gene drives to control pest populations, raises problems about manipulating entire species and the unforeseen results that could follow. These ethical concerns require a careful look at the social implications of using CRISPR technology in agriculture.

Sentence Simplification Questions

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 5? 

   "Large agribusinesses might take over the market by patenting CRISPR-edited crops, which could push traditional farming practices to the side and increase inequalities in agriculture." 

   1. Patenting CRISPR-edited crops could benefit smallholder farmers. 
   2. Traditional farming practices may be threatened by large agribusinesses patenting CRISPR crops. 
   3. CRISPR technology is only beneficial for large agribusinesses. 
   4. Smallholder farmers will dominate the market for CRISPR-edited crops.

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, while CRISPR technology has great potential to transform agriculture by improving crop resilience, nutritional value, and sustainability, it also brings a range of challenges that need to be handled carefully. Finding the right balance between innovation and caution is essential as researchers, policymakers, and society consider the effects of gene editing in agriculture. As the technology continues to develop, ongoing discussions and research will be crucial to ensure that CRISPR is used responsibly and fairly. The potential for CRISPR to solve global agricultural challenges is significant, but it's important to stay alert to the ethical and ecological impacts of its use. Future studies should focus on the long-term effects of CRISPR-edited organisms on ecosystems and human health, as well as the socio-economic implications for farmers and communities around the world.

Prose Summary Questions

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 technology has the potential to revolutionise agriculture, but it also presents significant challenges.

   1. CRISPR can improve crop resilience and nutritional value.
   2. The long-term effects of CRISPR on ecosystems are well understood.
   3. Ethical concerns about CRISPR technology need to be addressed.   
   4. Regulatory frameworks for CRISPR are consistent across all countries. 
   5. Ongoing research is essential to ensure responsible use of CRISPR.

Insert Missing Sentence Question 

1. In paragraph 4, 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. 

   "These concerns highlight the need for comprehensive regulatory measures."  Where would the sentence best fit?  The author discusses the long-term results of gene editing on ecosystems and human health are still largely unknown.

   (A) While CRISPR is often seen as a more precise alternative to traditional genetic modification, concerns remain about unintended results that may come from changing an organism's genetic makeup.(B) For example, introducing CRISPR-edited crops into the environment could disrupt local ecosystems or lead to new pests or diseases.(C) As a result, regulatory frameworks governing the use of CRISPR in agriculture are still evolving, with many countries grappling with how to classify and manage these genetically edited organisms.(D)

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

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?
   1. To summarise the benefits of CRISPR technology 
   2. To highlight the challenges and ethical considerations of CRISPR in agriculture 
   3. To provide examples of successful CRISPR applications 
   4. To argue against the use of CRISPR technology 

Prose Summary Questions

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 technology has the potential to revolutionise agriculture, but it also presents significant challenges.      

   1. The long-term effects of CRISPR on ecosystems are well understood.     
   2. Ethical concerns about CRISPR technology need to be addressed.    
   3. Regulatory frameworks for CRISPR are consistent across all countries.     
   4. Ongoing research is essential to ensure responsible use of CRISPR. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - CRISPR in Agriculture

1. Answer: B
Explanation: Paragraph 1 explicitly mentions that CRISPR technology has gained attention for its potential to tackle important agricultural challenges, including food security. This indicates that improving food security is a primary focus of CRISPR applications in agriculture.

2. Answer: A
Explanation: While paragraph 1 discusses various benefits of CRISPR technology, such as enhanced pest resistance and climate adaptability, it does not specifically mention improved crop yields. This makes option A the correct choice as it is not included in the benefits listed.

3. Answer: B
Explanation:The paragraph highlights that CRISPR can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which is beneficial for the environment. This suggests that CRISPR technology could lead to more sustainable farming practices, making option B the most logical inference.

4. Answer: B
Explanation:The author discusses the unknown long-term effects of gene editing, which highlights the importance of caution and the need for further research. This indicates that the author is advocating for careful consideration of the implications of CRISPR technology.

6. Answer: B
Explanation: This option accurately captures the essence of the original sentence, which discusses the potential negative impact of large agribusinesses on traditional farming due to patenting CRISPR-edited crops.

7. Answer: A,C,E
Explanation: These three choices reflect the main ideas presented in the passage. They highlight the benefits of CRISPR, the ethical concerns it raises, and the necessity for ongoing research, aligning well with the introductory sentence.

8. Answer: C
Explanation: The missing sentence about the need for comprehensive regulatory measures fits best after discussing the potential disruptions caused by CRISPR-edited crops. It logically follows the concerns raised and leads into the discussion about evolving regulatory frameworks.

9. Answer: B
Explanation: Paragraph 6 summarises the potential benefits of CRISPR while also stressing the challenges and ethical issues that need to be addressed. This dual focus on both the potential and the caution required indicates that the main purpose is to highlight these challenges.

10. Answer: A and C
Explanation: These choices encapsulate the key themes of the passage, emphasizing the benefits of CRISPR, the ethical considerations, and the importance of continued research, which are all crucial to understanding the overall message of the text. 

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