GRE RC for Practice - 4 | Verbal Reasoning for GRE PDF Download

Passage 1

The advent of CRISPR-Cas9, a groundbreaking genetic editing tool, has spurred both excitement and controversy in the scientific community. This technology allows scientists to precisely alter the DNA of living organisms, with the potential to cure genetic diseases, enhance human traits, and even create designer babies. However, the ethical implications of editing human embryos are profound and contentious. Many fear that this technology could lead to unintended consequences, such as the creation of genetic inequalities, eugenics, or the potential for modifying intelligence, physical appearance, and other heritable traits.
One of the main ethical concerns centers on the lack of consensus on what constitutes a "good" genetic modification. While some argue that it is our moral obligation to eliminate debilitating genetic diseases, others worry that genetic editing could be misused to create so-called "perfect" humans. The line between medical necessity and enhancement is murky, and many experts caution that we could be setting a dangerous precedent if we begin modifying traits that go beyond curing disease.
Governments and regulatory bodies have been slow to create comprehensive frameworks for the responsible use of genetic editing, as the pace of technological advancement far outstrips the ability of policymakers to keep up. Without proper regulation, there is a significant risk of unethical use in both the private and public sectors. As researchers push forward with experimental genetic editing on embryos, the question remains: can we ensure that this technology is used for the greater good, or will it spiral into a dystopian future of genetic inequality?
Q1: According to the passage, which of the following is the most prominent ethical concern regarding genetic editing in human embryos?
(a) The potential for creating genetic inequalities
(b) The difficulty in identifying appropriate genetic modifications
(c) The rapid pace of technological advancements in CRISPR
(d) The possibility of creating "perfect" humans
(e) The slow development of regulatory frameworks for genetic editing
Ans: (a) 

Q2: What is implied about the relationship between genetic editing and the concept of "enhancement"?
(a) There is widespread agreement on the ethical necessity of enhancing human traits.
(b) Genetic enhancement is seen as a dangerous, unnecessary application of CRISPR.
(c) The potential for enhancement is widely supported by researchers.
(d) The line between medical necessity and enhancement is clear and well-defined.
(e) Enhancement of intelligence and physical traits is generally welcomed by society.
Ans: (b)

Q3: According to the passage, why have governments been slow to regulate genetic editing technologies?
(a) Genetic editing is too experimental to warrant regulation.
(b) Politicians do not understand the science behind CRISPR.
(c) The technology is advancing too quickly for lawmakers to keep pace.
(d) There is a widespread reluctance to intervene in scientific progress.
(e) Ethical concerns are not taken seriously in policy discussions.
Ans: (c) 

Q4: The passage suggests that the debate surrounding genetic editing is primarily:
(a) About enhancing human capabilities for societal advancement
(b) Focused on eliminating genetic diseases without altering physical traits
(c) Concerned with the control of genetic editing in private sectors
(d) Centered on moral questions about "designer babies"
(e) Focused on increasing government involvement in genetic research
Ans: (d)

Q5: The passage implies that the use of CRISPR technology without proper regulation could lead to:
(a) Increased global equity and genetic diversity
(b) Unintended harm due to unchecked genetic experimentation
(c) The universal eradication of genetic diseases
(d) Greater collaboration between governments and tech companies
(e) A harmonious global solution to genetic inequalities
Ans: (b)

Passage 2

As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the concept of climate adaptation has gained prominence. Climate adaptation refers to the process of adjusting social, economic, and environmental practices to minimize the harmful effects of climate change. While mitigation efforts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are critical, adaptation strategies are equally important, particularly in regions that are already experiencing the severe consequences of global warming, such as extreme heatwaves, flooding, and droughts.
However, the political economy of climate adaptation is fraught with challenges. Wealthier countries, which are historically responsible for the bulk of carbon emissions, have the resources to implement large-scale adaptation measures, such as building resilient infrastructure and providing disaster relief. In contrast, low-income countries are often left to fend for themselves, unable to invest in the necessary adaptation measures. This disparity creates an unequal global landscape, with wealthy nations effectively "exporting" their carbon footprint and leaving poorer nations to bear the brunt of the climate crisis.
International agreements have attempted to address this imbalance, but progress has been slow. Wealthy nations have pledged financial support for adaptation efforts, but the funds promised have not been sufficient to meet the growing needs of vulnerable communities. Moreover, the political will to implement effective adaptation strategies is often undermined by short-term economic interests, such as maintaining fossil fuel subsidies or prioritizing industrial growth over environmental protection.
Q6: According to the passage, what is one of the primary challenges associated with climate adaptation?
(a) Insufficient political will to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(b) The unequal distribution of resources between wealthy and low-income countries
(c) The global lack of scientific research on climate change
(d) The inability of nations to agree on common climate policies
(e) The focus on mitigation rather than adaptation strategies
Ans: (b)

Q7: What does the passage suggest about the relationship between mitigation and adaptation in climate change policies?
(a) Mitigation is more important than adaptation in addressing climate change.
(b) Adaptation strategies should only be implemented after successful mitigation.
(c) Mitigation and adaptation should work in tandem to address the effects of climate change.
(d) Mitigation is unnecessary if effective adaptation strategies are in place.
(e) Adaptation is more politically feasible than mitigation in the current global context.
Ans: (c) 

Q8: The passage implies that wealthy nations are more equipped to handle climate adaptation because they:
(a) Have a historical responsibility for carbon emissions and possess the resources to fund adaptation
(b) Are less affected by climate change due to their geographical location
(c) Rely on fossil fuels as the backbone of their economies
(d) Have political systems that prioritize environmental protection over industrial growth
(e) Have stronger global influence and can force poorer countries to adapt
Ans: (a)

Q9: According to the passage, why have international agreements on climate adaptation been ineffective?
(a) The funds pledged by wealthy nations are insufficient to meet the needs of vulnerable countries.
(b) Poor nations have failed to implement adaptation strategies on their own.
(c) The global community has failed to reach a consensus on the role of governments in adaptation.
(d) Wealthy nations have prioritized industrial growth over climate concerns.
(e) Governments are more focused on technological solutions than policy changes.
Ans: (a)

Q10: The passage suggests that the short-term economic interests of nations:
(a) Are aligned with long-term environmental goals
(b) Often hinder the implementation of effective climate adaptation strategies
(c) Ensure that the global economy remains stable despite climate change
(d) Are less important than international climate agreements
(e) Promote the global redistribution of adaptation funds
Ans: (b)