Below are two passages on GM foods which require you to answer multiple choice questions. The questions are given under the passage but there is also a link to the questions at the end of the first paragraph to allow easy access – look for “Q’s”. This is a useful exercise to practise reading and build awareness of vocabulary for this topic.
Genetically modified food is produced from plants which have had their genes tweaked in the lab. Scientists “cut and paste” a gene from another organism into a plant’s DNA to give it a new characteristic. This can be to increase yield or to allow the plant to exist in a more hostile environment than normal. Pro-GM scientists say this means cheaper more plentiful food but opponents argue we do not know the consequences of meddling with nature.
Farmers have modified their crops for thousands of years by crossing similar species. However, modern GM is controversial. Critics say the modified crops could “escape” and cross with wild plants, with unknown consequences. They also argue that more chemicals are used on some GM fields which may have a negative impact on wildlife. And while no study has found GM food to be harmful to humans, opponents say it is too soon to be sure.
A group of biotechnology experts say it is time to loosen Europe’s draconian regulations on genetically modified crops. In a report released today they argue that genetically modified crops have been used safely for decades, so no longer need to be automatically treated as unsafe. They also say that genetically modified crops should be reclaimed from multinational companies and treated as a public good.
Questions 1-5
Choose the best answer A-C.
1. The genetic makeup of GM foods has been………
a) twisted.
b) altered.
c) cut.
2. By genetically engineering plants, they are……………
a) likely to increase in size.
b) able to produce more.
c) not able to exist in difficult conditions.
3. One issue with GM plants is the potential to………
a) breakout causing undetermined consequences.
b) infect wild plants with unknown results.
c) cross pollinate.
4. It is thought, by specialists in biotechnology that policies governing GM crops should be…….
a) tightened.
b) relaxed.
c) reviewed.
5. GM foods ought to be ……….
a) reclaimed for the use of multinational companies.
b) used safely.
c) no longer privatised.
Click below to reveal the answers:
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