Preparing for Civil Service Examination: Reading Comprehension Practice 2

4. The relationship between transgenic plants and biotechnology is most like the relationship between:
a. a graham cracker crust and apple pie
b. hardwood floors and a shag carpet
c. an airline pilot and a jet plane
d. opiate abuse and addiction
e. sheet music and a grand piano

Correct Answer: d

Answer Explanation:

Transgenic plants are both a product of and an example of biotechnology just as opiate abuse could be the product of addiction and an example of a specific addiction. None of the other relationships between the things listed share the same kind of relationship.

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5. According to the passage, all the following are products of biotechnology EXCEPT:
a. new lines of pharmaceuticals
b. the breeding of transgenic animals
c. the production of alcoholic beverages
d. the development of viral warfare
e. the transferring of DNA between different organisms

Correct Answer: d

Answer Explanation:

The passage references transmitting DNA through viruses, yet never suggests using the viruses in an act of war or as a weapon. All of the rest of the answers are mentioned in the passage as examples of biotechnology.

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6. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?
a. The sweeping changes in the use of biotechnology since 1972 have redefined its necessity to mankind.
b. Although still in its fledgling stages, biotechnology shows promise to help benefit our society one day.
c. As the science of biotechnology continues to broaden and strengthen, the fruits of its applications become more powerful and abundant.
d. The swapping of DNA could sometimes yield beneficial results, but on the whole is too risky to undertake.
e. The development of transgenic plants is paramount to the development of better pharmaceuticals.

Correct Answer: d

Answer Explanation:

The passage explores the uses of biotechnology since inception, which predates its study, up until its present, and how more recent findings continue to broaden the horizon of its advantages. Choice a is certainly a supporting idea of the passage, but would not qualify as the main idea. The answer is not choice b since the benefits of biotechnology are documented throughout the passage. The author clearly supports the continuance of this study, and never mentions risks or concerns, therefore choice d is incorrect. Choice e could also be inferred as true, but is a less significant point of the passage.

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