IN SEARCH OF THE HOLY GRAIL - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 02 Academic Reading Test 4 · Part 3 · Questions 27–40
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27 - 40 which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
IN SEARCH OF THE HOLY GRAIL
It has been called the Holy Grail of modern biology. Costing more than £2 billion, it is the most ambitious scientific project since the Apollo programme that landed a man on the moon. And it will take longer to accomplish than the lunar missions, for it will not be complete until early next century. Even before it is finished, according to those involved, this project should open up new understanding of, and new treatments for, many of the ailments that afflict humanity. As a result of the Human Genome Project, there will be new hope of liberation from the shadows of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and some psychiatric illnesses.
The objective of the Human Genome Project is simple to state, but audacious in scope: to map and analyse every single gene within the double helix of humanity's DNA1. The project will reveal a new human anatomy - not the bones, muscles and sinews, but the complete genetic blueprint for a human being. Those working on the Human Genome Project claim that the new genetical anatomy will transform medicine and reduce human suffering in the twenty-first century. But others see the future through a darker glass, and fear that the project may open the door to a world peopled by Frankenstein's monsters and disfigured by a new eugenics2.
The genetic inheritance a baby receives from its parents at the moment of conception fixes much of its later development, determining characteristics as varied as whether it will have blue eyes or suffer from a life-threatening illness such as cystic fibrosis. The human genome is the compendium of all these inherited genetic instructions. Written out along the double helix of DNA are the chemical letters of the genetic text. It is an extremely long text, for the human genome contains more than 3 billions letters. On the printed page it would fill about 7,000 volumes. Yet, within little more than a decade, the position of every letter and its relation to its neighbours will have been tracked down, analysed and recorded.
Considering how many letters there are in the human genome, nature is an excellent proof-reader. But sometimes there are mistakes. An error in a single 'word' - a gene - can give rise to the crippling condition of cystic fibrosis, the commonest genetic disorder among Caucasians. Errors in the genetic recipe for haemoglobin, the protein that gives blood its characteristic red colour and which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, give rise to the most common single-gene disorder in the world: thalassaemia. More than 4,000 such single-gene defects are known to afflict humanity. The majority of them are fatal; the majority of the victims are children.
None of the single-gene disorders is a disease in the conventional sense, for which it would be possible to administer a curative drug: the defect is pre-programmed into every cell of the sufferer's body. But there is hope of progress. In 1986, American researchers identified the genetic defect underlying one type of muscular dystrophy. In 1989, a team of American and Canadian biologists announced that they had found the site of the gene which, when defective, gives rise to cystic fibrosis. Indeed, not only had they located the gene, they had analysed the sequence of letters within it and had identified the mistake responsible for the condition. At the least, these scientific advances may offer a way of screening parents who might be at risk of transmitting a single-gene defect to any children that they conceive. Foetuses can be tested while in the womb, and if found free of the genetic defect, the parents will be relieved of worry and stress, knowing that they will be delivered of a baby free from the disorder.
In the mid-1980s, the idea gained currency within the scientific world that the techniques which were successfully deciphering disorder-related genes could be applied to a larger project: if science can learn the genetic spelling of cystic fibrosis, why not attempt to find out how to spell 'human'? Momentum quickly built up behind the Human Genome Project and its objective of 'sequencing' the entire genome - writing out all the letters in their correct order.
But the consequences of the Human Genome Project go far beyond a narrow focus on disease. Some of its supporters have made claims of great extravagance - that the Project will bring us to understand, at the most fundamental level, what it is to be human. Yet many people are concerned that such an emphasis on humanity's genetic constitution may distort our sense of values, and lead us to forget that human life is more than just the expression of a genetic program written in the chemistry of DNA.
If properly applied, the new knowledge generated by the Human Genome Project may free humanity from the terrible scourge of diverse diseases. But if the new knowledge is not used wisely, it also holds the threat of creating new forms of discrimination and new methods of oppression. Many characteristics, such as height and intelligence, result not from the action of genes alone, but from subtle interactions between genes and the environment. What would be the implications if humanity were to understand, with precision, the genetic constitution which, given the same environment, will predispose one person towards a higher intelligence than another individual whose genes were differently shuffled?
Once before in this century, the relentless curiosity of scientific researchers brought to light forces of nature in the power of the atom, the mastery of which has shaped the destiny of nations and overshadowed all our lives. The Human Genome Project holds the promise that, ultimately, we may be able to alter our genetic inheritance if we so choose. But there is the central moral problem: how can we ensure that when we choose, we choose correctly? That such a potential is a promise and not a threat? We need only look at the past to understand the danger.
Glossary
1 DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid, molecules responsible for the transference of genetic characteristics.
2 eugenics The science of improving the qualities of the human race, especially the careful selection of parents.
Questions
Questions 27–32 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below with words taken from Reading Passage 3.
Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER for each answer.
- The passage compares the Project in scale to the 27.
- The possible completion date of the Project is 28.
- To write out the human genome on paper would require 29 books.
- A genetic problem cannot be treated with drugs because strictly speaking it is not a 30.
- Research into genetic defects had its first success in the discovery of the cause of one form of 31.
- The second success of research into genetic defects was to find the cause of 32.
Questions 33–40 Matching Features
Classify the following statements as representing
A. the writer's fears about the Human Genome Project
B. other people's fears about the Project reported by the writer
C. the writer's reporting of facts about the Project
D. the writer's reporting of the long-term hopes for the Project
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q27 | Apollo space programme / Apollo programme / Apollo space program / Apollo program | Costing more than £2 billion, it is the most ambitious scientific project since the Apollo programme that landed a man on the moon | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that this new biology project is the largest and most daring scientific effort since the space program that took humans to the moon. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the famous series of space missions that sent humans to the moon. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the first paragraph where the author describes the Human Genome Project as being the most 'ambitious' scientific work since the moon missions. The word 'ambitious' relates to the 'scale' or size and importance of the work. Therefore, the passage compares the project's size and difficulty to the Apollo space missions. |
| Q28 | early next century / next century | And it will take longer to accomplish than the lunar missions, for it will not be complete until early next century | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage points out that the work is a long-term goal and clarifies that the completion will happen at the start of the next hundred-year period. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the Human Genome Project is expected to be finished in the beginning part of the period between the years 2001 and 2100. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the first paragraph, which discusses the timeline and scale of the project. The text explains that this scientific work is very big and will take more time than the missions to the moon. It specifically states that the project's finish date is set for the start of the next century. Using the word 'early' indicates it will happen soon after the century begins. |
| Q29 | 7 000 / 7,000 / 7000 | On the printed page it would fill about 7,000 volumes | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if you printed all the information in human DNA onto paper, you would have enough pages to fill seven thousand books. Answer Explanation: The answer is the number of books needed to print the complete genetic code of a human being. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 7,000 because the passage explains that the human genome contains more than 3 billion letters. To show how vast this information is, it says that these letters would fill about 7,000 volumes if they were printed on paper. In this context, 'volumes' is a synonym for 'books'. |
| Q30 | disease | None of the single-gene disorders is a disease in the conventional sense, for which it would be possible to administer a curative drug: the defect is pre-programmed into every cell of the sufferer's body | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that these genetic issues are not like normal sicknesses where you can take a pill to feel better. This is because the problem is already written into every tiny part of the person's body. Answer Explanation: The answer means that common medicines cannot fix a genetic problem because it is not the same as a normal sickness or illness. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'disease' because the text explains that genetic disorders are different from normal sicknesses. In the 'conventional sense' (the way people usually think about it), a disease is something you can treat with a drug. However, genetic problems are built into every cell of a person's body from birth, so they cannot be wiped away with standard medicine. |
| Q31 | muscular dystrophy | In 1986, American researchers identified the genetic defect underlying one type of muscular dystrophy | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that in the year 1986, scientists in America found the specific genetic problem that causes one version of this muscle disease. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to an illness that causes muscles to become weak and get worse over time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is muscular dystrophy because the passage lists the discovery of its genetic cause as the first major breakthrough in 1986. The text presents this as the first specific example of progress after stating that there is 'hope of progress' in treating genetic defects. This event happened before the second success mentioned (the discovery regarding cystic fibrosis in 1989). |
| Q32 | cystic fibrosis | In 1986, American researchers identified the genetic defect underlying one type of muscular dystrophy. In 1989, a team of American and Canadian biologists announced that they had found the site of the gene which, when defective, gives rise to cystic fibrosis | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage tells us about two scientific breakthroughs. In 1986, scientists found the cause of muscular dystrophy, and then in 1989, scientists found the specific gene that causes cystic fibrosis. Answer Explanation: The answer is cystic fibrosis, which is a serious medical condition that children can get from their parents through their genes. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is cystic fibrosis because the text lists scientific discoveries in order of when they happened. The first discovery mentioned was in 1986 regarding muscular dystrophy. The second major achievement, or success, occurred in 1989 when researchers found the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. |
| Q33 | D | Even before it is finished, according to those involved, this project should open up new understanding of, and new treatments for, many of the ailments that afflict humanity | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that even while the project is still being worked on, those involved expect it to help people understand and find new ways to treat many common and serious sicknesses. Answer Explanation: The answer 'D' means that the writer is describing the positive things that scientists and supporters believe the Human Genome Project will achieve in the future. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'D' because the passage describes the project's potential to help us understand various serious illnesses. The text mentions that doctors and scientists believe the project 'should open up new understanding' and provide 'new hope' for treating diseases like cancer and heart disease. Since the project is described as taking a long time to finish and the benefits are expected in the future, these are considered 'long-term hopes' rather than currently proven facts or fears. The phrase 'ailments that afflict humanity' refers to these major diseases. |
| Q34 | C | Yet, within little more than a decade, the position of every letter and its relation to its neighbours will have been tracked down, analysed and recorded | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that soon, every single piece of the human genetic code will be found, studied, and kept in a record. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the statement describes the actual scientific goals and plans of the Human Genome Project as reported by the author. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the author explains the main goal of the project as a fact. The project aims to find, look at, and write down every part of human DNA. This is a description of the project's work, rather than a feeling such as fear or a specific medical hope for the future. |
| Q35 | B | But others see the future through a darker glass, and fear that the project may open the door to a world peopled by Frankenstein's monsters and disfigured by a new eugenics | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that some people (referred to as 'others') look at the future of this project with worry. They are afraid ('fear') that it might lead to a world filled with scary, man-made creatures, similar to 'Frankenstein's monsters.' Answer Explanation: The answer means that the writer is telling us about the worries and scary thoughts that other people have regarding the project. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the passage says that 'others'—meaning people who are not the scientists or the writer—are worried about the future. It specifically mentions their concern that the project could lead to a world full of 'Frankenstein's monsters,' which is another way of saying 'genetic monsters.' By using the word 'others,' the writer is reporting the fears held by different groups of people rather than stating his own personal fear. |
| Q36 | C | Yet, within little more than a decade, the position of every letter and its relation to its neighbours will have been tracked down, analysed and recorded | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that in about ten years, the exact location of every part of the human genetic code and how each part connects to the ones next to it will be found, studied, and saved. Answer Explanation: The answer C means that the author is stating a factual goal or plan of the Human Genome Project. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the passage describes the specific scientific objective of the Human Genome Project as a factual plan. The author explains that scientists aim to find the exact placement and connection of every piece of genetic information. This is presented as a part of the project's work rather than a fear or a separate hope for the future. Synonyms or related ideas in the text include 'position' for 'order' and 'relation to its neighbours' for 'inter-relation'. |
| Q37 | D | Foetuses can be tested while in the womb, and if found free of the genetic defect, the parents will be relieved of worry and stress, knowing that they will be delivered of a baby free from the disorder | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that babies can be tested before they are born. If the test shows the baby does not have a genetic problem, the parents will feel happy and calm because they know their child will be born healthy. Answer Explanation: The answer means that this statement is one of the good things that the writer says people hope the Human Genome Project will achieve in the future. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the text explains how scientific progress can help parents. By checking babies before they are born, doctors can see if they have genetic problems. If the baby is healthy, parents will stop feeling scared or stressed. This is described as a positive potential result or a 'hope' of the project's work. Keywords like 'relieved of worry' and 'free from the disorder' show that this is a desired future outcome. |
| Q38 | B | Yet many people are concerned that such an emphasis on humanity's genetic constitution may distort our sense of values, and lead us to forget that human life is more than just the expression of a genetic program written in the chemistry of DNA | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that many individuals are worried that focusing too much on our DNA (genetic constitution) might change how we value people. They are afraid we might forget that being human is about more than just the instructions found in our physical genes (the genetic program). Answer Explanation: The answer means that the idea of defining humans only by their physical data (their genes) is a worry that many people have, and the writer is reporting this concern. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the passage mentions that 'many people are concerned' about how focusing so much on genetics might change our view of what it means to be human. These people worry that we might start to see human life as nothing more than a 'genetic program' or physical data. The writer is not saying this is their own fear, but rather reporting the fears of others using words like 'concerned' and 'many people.' |
| Q39 | A | But if the new knowledge is not used wisely, it also holds the threat of creating new forms of discrimination and new methods of oppression | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that if humans do not use the new information from the project in a careful way, it could be dangerous and lead to people being treated badly or controlled by others. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the person who wrote this text is worried that the project might lead to people being treated unfairly in ways we haven't seen before. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the writer highlights a specific danger or 'threat' associated with the project. While the writer mentions some 'others' who fear 'Frankenstein's monsters,' the worry about 'new forms of discrimination' is presented as the writer's own warning about what might happen if the project's knowledge is used poorly. Keywords like 'threat' and 'discrimination' signal that this is a negative possibility or fear that the author is considering. |
| Q40 | A | Once before in this century, the relentless curiosity of scientific researchers brought to light forces of nature in the power of the atom, the mastery of which has shaped the destiny of nations and overshadowed all our lives. The Human Genome Project holds the promise that, ultimately, we may be able to alter our genetic inheritance if we so choose. But there is the central moral problem: how can we ensure that when we choose, we choose correctly? That such a potential is a promise and not a threat? We need only look at the past to understand the danger | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that science previously discovered the power of the atom, which had a dark and scary impact on the world. It suggests that while we might be able to change our genes in the future, it is hard to know if we will make the right decisions. It finishes by saying we should look at history to see why this new project is risky. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the person who wrote the text is worried that humans might not use the information from the Human Genome Project in a good or safe way, based on bad things that happened in the past. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the writer uses the example of atomic energy in the 20th century to show how scientific discoveries can become dangerous or harmful. The writer expresses a personal concern (a 'fear') by asking how we can be sure we will make the right moral choices with genetic knowledge, concluding that 'the past' shows us where the 'danger' lies. This reflection is presented as the writer's own viewpoint rather than a report of what others think. |