RRB NTPC SAMPLE PAPER - GENERAL ENGLISH - 05

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.

Recent advances in science and technology have made it possible for geneticists to find out abnormalities in the unborn foetus and take remedial action to rectify some defects which would otherwise prove to be fatal to the child. Though genetic engineering is still at its infancy, scientists can now predict with greater accuracy a genetic disorder. It is not yet an exact science since they are not in a position to predict when exactly a genetic disorder will set in. While they have not yet been able to change the genetic order of the gene in germs, they are optimistic and are holding out that in the near future they might be successful in achieving this feat. They have, however, acquired the ability in manipulating tissue cells. However, genetic misinformation can sometimes be damaging for it may adversely affect people psychologically. Genetic information may lead to a tendency to brand some people as inferiors. Genetic information can therefore be abused and its application in deciding the sex of the foetus and its subsequent abortion is now hotly debated on ethical lines. But on this issue geneticists cannot be squarely blamed though this charge has often been levelled at them. It is mainly a societal problem. At present genetic engineering is a costly process of detecting disorders but scientists hope to reduce the costs when technology becomes more advanced. This is why much progress in this area has been possible in scientifically advanced and rich countries like the USA, UK and Japan. It remains to be seen if in the future this science will lead to the development of a race of supermen or will be able to obliterate disease from this world.

1. Which of the following, according of genetics in becoming an exact science?

(A) Technicians will not be able to determine the time when genetic disorder will set in
(B) Technicians have not been able to manipulate germ cells.

(a) A only
(b) B only
(c) Both A and B
(d) Either A or B

2. Which of the following is the same in meaning as the word ‘squarely’ as used in the passage?

(a) rigidly
(b) firmly
(c) directly
(d) at right angle

3. Which of the following is not true, according to the passage?

(a) Society is not affected by the research in genetic engineering.
(b) Genetic engineers are not able to say some things with certainty.
(c) If genetic information is not properly handled, it will create problems.
(d) Manipulation of genes is presently done only in tissue cell.

4. According to the author, the present state of knowledge about heredity has made geneticists.

(a) introspective
(b) accusative
(c) arrogant
(d) optimistic

5. What is the tone of the author in the last sentence of the passage?

(a) resignation
(b) cautious
(c) relief
(d) concern

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Answer:

1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (b)