GED RLA Pretest

Over the past decade, gene-drive technology—genetic systems engineered to spread specific traits through wild populations—has rapidly transitioned from theoretical speculation to practical experimentation. By biasing inheritance patterns, a gene drive can increase the likelihood that an introduced gene will propagate far beyond what traditional Mendelian genetics would allow.

Proponents argue that this could enable the suppression of invasive species or the reduction of disease-carrying mosquito populations with unprecedented efficiency. Critics, however, warn that once released, gene drives might transcend political borders and ecological boundaries, potentially triggering chain reactions that are difficult to reverse. Some researchers have proposed “reversal drives,” designed to undo unintended genetic releases, but their reliability remains unproven.

As global discussions continue, policymakers face a dilemma: whether potential public-health benefits justify deploying a technology whose ecological consequences may be both transformative and unpredictable.

What is the primary dilemma faced by policymakers as stated in the passage?

Over the past decade, gene-drive technology—genetic systems engineered to spread specific traits through wild populations—has rapidly transitioned from theoretical speculation to practical experimentation. By biasing inheritance patterns, a gene drive can increase the likelihood that an introduced gene will propagate far beyond what traditional Mendelian genetics would allow.

Proponents argue that this could enable the suppression of invasive species or the reduction of disease-carrying mosquito populations with unprecedented efficiency. Critics, however, warn that once released, gene drives might transcend political borders and ecological boundaries, potentially triggering chain reactions that are difficult to reverse. Some researchers have proposed “reversal drives,” designed to undo unintended genetic releases, but their reliability remains unproven.

As global discussions continue, policymakers face a dilemma: whether potential public-health benefits justify deploying a technology whose ecological consequences may be both transformative and unpredictable.

Based on the passage, why are critics concerned about the deployment of gene drives?

1. In the early 20th century, scientists began studying ocean currents to understand how they influence global climate patterns.

2. At the time, most knowledge came from sailors’ observations, which were often inconsistent or incomplete.

3. As research methods improved, scientists discovered that deep ocean currents move far more slowly than surface currents but carry enormous amounts of heat.

4. These deep-water flows create what is now known as the global conveyor belt, a system that circulates water around the planet.

5. Changes in this circulation can affect rainfall, temperature, and even the frequency of storms.

6. Some researchers worry that rising ocean temperatures may weaken key sections of the conveyor belt.

7. If this happens, climate patterns in many regions—particularly Europe—could shift dramatically.

8. Although more data is needed, most experts agree that monitoring ocean currents is essential for predicting long-term climate change.

In line 2, the word “incomplete” most nearly means:

1. In the early 20th century, scientists began studying ocean currents to understand how they influence global climate patterns.

2. At the time, most knowledge came from sailors’ observations, which were often inconsistent or incomplete.

3. As research methods improved, scientists discovered that deep ocean currents move far more slowly than surface currents but carry enormous amounts of heat.

4. These deep-water flows create what is now known as the global conveyor belt, a system that circulates water around the planet.

5. Changes in this circulation can affect rainfall, temperature, and even the frequency of storms.

6. Some researchers worry that rising ocean temperatures may weaken key sections of the conveyor belt.

7. If this happens, climate patterns in many regions—particularly Europe—could shift dramatically.

8. Although more data is needed, most experts agree that monitoring ocean currents is essential for predicting long-term climate change.

What can be inferred from lines 6–7?

1. In the early 20th century, scientists began studying ocean currents to understand how they influence global climate patterns.

2. At the time, most knowledge came from sailors’ observations, which were often inconsistent or incomplete.

3. As research methods improved, scientists discovered that deep ocean currents move far more slowly than surface currents but carry enormous amounts of heat.

4. These deep-water flows create what is now known as the global conveyor belt, a system that circulates water around the planet.

5. Changes in this circulation can affect rainfall, temperature, and even the frequency of storms.

6. Some researchers worry that rising ocean temperatures may weaken key sections of the conveyor belt.

7. If this happens, climate patterns in many regions—particularly Europe—could shift dramatically.

8. Although more data is needed, most experts agree that monitoring ocean currents is essential for predicting long-term climate change.

What is the main focus of the passage?

1. When Johannes Gutenberg introduced the movable-type printing press in the mid-15th century, Europe entered a period of rapid intellectual change.

2. Before this innovation, books had to be copied by hand, making them rare and expensive.

3. With printing, texts could be produced quickly and in large numbers, allowing ideas to spread far beyond local communities.

4. This new accessibility weakened the authority of traditional institutions that had long controlled learning.

5. Scholars and merchants alike gained the ability to publish and exchange knowledge without relying on elite approval.

6. As a result, literacy rates increased, and new scientific and religious debates emerged across the continent.

7. The printing revolution did not eliminate existing power structures, but it shifted cultural influence toward a broader public.

8. Many historians today argue that this shift laid the foundation for major social transformations, including the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution.

Which line provides the strongest evidence that printing weakened established control over knowledge?

1. When Johannes Gutenberg introduced the movable-type printing press in the mid-15th century, Europe entered a period of rapid intellectual change.

2. Before this innovation, books had to be copied by hand, making them rare and expensive.

3. With printing, texts could be produced quickly and in large numbers, allowing ideas to spread far beyond local communities.

4. This new accessibility weakened the authority of traditional institutions that had long controlled learning.

5. Scholars and merchants alike gained the ability to publish and exchange knowledge without relying on elite approval.

6. As a result, literacy rates increased, and new scientific and religious debates emerged across the continent.

7. The printing revolution did not eliminate existing power structures, but it shifted cultural influence toward a broader public.

8. Many historians today argue that this shift laid the foundation for major social transformations, including the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution.

Which inference is best supported by lines 3–6?

1. When Johannes Gutenberg introduced the movable-type printing press in the mid-15th century, Europe entered a period of rapid intellectual change.

2. Before this innovation, books had to be copied by hand, making them rare and expensive.

3. With printing, texts could be produced quickly and in large numbers, allowing ideas to spread far beyond local communities.

4. This new accessibility weakened the authority of traditional institutions that had long controlled learning.

5. Scholars and merchants alike gained the ability to publish and exchange knowledge without relying on elite approval.

6. As a result, literacy rates increased, and new scientific and religious debates emerged across the continent.

7. The printing revolution did not eliminate existing power structures, but it shifted cultural influence toward a broader public.

8. Many historians today argue that this shift laid the foundation for major social transformations, including the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution.

What is the central idea of the passage?

(Excerpt from a business email) (1) We are pleased to announce the launch of our new software update next Monday. (2) The update includes several security patches that fixes known bugs. (3) ________, user interface improvements have been made to enhance navigation. (4) Please ensure your team is aware of these changes.

Select the sentence that uses correct punctuation to combine these ideas: "The project was challenging. The team completed it on time."

(Excerpt from a business email) (1) We are pleased to announce the launch of our new software update next Monday. (2) The update includes several security patches that fixes known bugs. (3) ________, user interface improvements have been made to enhance navigation. (4) Please ensure your team is aware of these changes.

Looking at sentence 2 ("The update includes several security patches that fixes known bugs."), what is the correct edit?

(Excerpt from a business email) (1) We are pleased to announce the launch of our new software update next Monday. (2) The update includes several security patches that fixes known bugs. (3) ________, user interface improvements have been made to enhance navigation. (4) Please ensure your team is aware of these changes.

Which word is the best transition to fill the blank in sentence 3?

(1) The implementation of a four-day workweek is not merely a perk for employees; it is a strategic necessity for modern businesses. (2) Studies indicate that productivity often stagnates after 35 hours of work, leading to "presenteeism," where employees are physically present but mentally exhausted. (3) Opponents argue that reducing hours will decrease total output. (4) However, trials in Iceland and New Zealand have shown that shortened weeks actually boost efficiency and morale, leading to equal or higher output. (5) Therefore, clinging to the traditional five-day model is an outdated practice that ignores data-driven results.

How does the author handle the opposing view (counter-argument)?

(1) The implementation of a four-day workweek is not merely a perk for employees; it is a strategic necessity for modern businesses. (2) Studies indicate that productivity often stagnates after 35 hours of work, leading to "presenteeism," where employees are physically present but mentally exhausted. (3) Opponents argue that reducing hours will decrease total output. (4) However, trials in Iceland and New Zealand have shown that shortened weeks actually boost efficiency and morale, leading to equal or higher output. (5) Therefore, clinging to the traditional five-day model is an outdated practice that ignores data-driven results.

Which evidence does the author use to support the claim that a four-day workweek is beneficial?

(1) Elias stood on the precipice of the old bridge, the letter crumpled in his sweating palm. (2) Below, the river churned, a dark, indifferent beast swallowing the moonlight. (3) He had read the acceptance letter from the art academy in Paris three times, yet the thrill was overshadowed by a heavy anchor in his chest—his father’s failing workshop. (4) Leaving meant chasing a dream he had nurtured since childhood, but staying meant salvaging the family legacy. (5) The wind howled, tugging at his coat as if trying to pull him back toward the town, toward duty. (6) He closed his eyes, visualizing a canvas; for the first time, he couldn't decide what colors to paint.

What is the effect of the phrase "indifferent beast" in sentence 2?

(1) Elias stood on the precipice of the old bridge, the letter crumpled in his sweating palm. (2) Below, the river churned, a dark, indifferent beast swallowing the moonlight. (3) He had read the acceptance letter from the art academy in Paris three times, yet the thrill was overshadowed by a heavy anchor in his chest—his father’s failing workshop. (4) Leaving meant chasing a dream he had nurtured since childhood, but staying meant salvaging the family legacy. (5) The wind howled, tugging at his coat as if trying to pull him back toward the town, toward duty. (6) He closed his eyes, visualizing a canvas; for the first time, he couldn't decide what colors to paint.

What can be inferred about Elias’s conflict?

(1) Urban areas often experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings, a phenomenon known as the "urban heat island" effect. (2) This occurs largely because natural landscapes, such as forests and water bodies, are replaced by heat-absorbing infrastructure like pavement, buildings, and other surfaces. (3) Concrete and asphalt absorb significantly more solar radiation than trees and soil. (4) Furthermore, the geometric structures of tall buildings can trap heat near the ground, preventing it from dissipating into the atmosphere at night. (5) Consequently, city residents face increased energy costs for air conditioning and higher risks of heat-related illnesses.

What is the main idea of this passage?

(1) Urban areas often experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings, a phenomenon known as the "urban heat island" effect. (2) This occurs largely because natural landscapes, such as forests and water bodies, are replaced by heat-absorbing infrastructure like pavement, buildings, and other surfaces. (3) Concrete and asphalt absorb significantly more solar radiation than trees and soil. (4) Furthermore, the geometric structures of tall buildings can trap heat near the ground, preventing it from dissipating into the atmosphere at night. (5) Consequently, city residents face increased energy costs for air conditioning and higher risks of heat-related illnesses.

Based on the passage, why does heat remain in the city at night?