IELTS Reading Practice Test With Explanation

IELTS Reading Practice Test With Explanation

IELTS Reading Practice Test With Explanation – Learn the Logic Behind Every Answer

The IELTS Reading Practice Test With Explanation helps learners understand how correct answers are derived in each passage. It breaks down question types, provides reasoning, and clarifies tricky vocabulary. This detailed approach makes it easier to identify keywords and improve overall comprehension skills.

Master IELTS Reading Passage Questions and Answers

Through step-by-step analysis, each question is explained with reference to the passage. This format allows you to recognize patterns and strengthen your problem-solving strategy. With time, you’ll gain confidence in handling IELTS Reading Passage Questions and Answers across all difficulty levels. The explanations are designed to mimic real IELTS tasks for authentic preparation.

Improve Your Band Score with Guided Practice

By reviewing each explanation carefully, you not only memorize answers but also grasp reasoning skills that the IELTS test demands. Moreover, continuous practice will enhance your reading accuracy, vocabulary, and critical thinking. This is an excellent resource for both Academic and General Training candidates aiming for higher band scores.

IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test (Passage 2)

Topic: The Science Behind Human Gene Editing (Questions 14-26)

Passage Text: The Science Behind Human Gene Editing

Gene editing refers to the deliberate modification of an organism’s DNA to alter specific traits. The most revolutionary development in this field is **CRISPR-Cas9**, a tool that allows scientists to “cut and paste” genetic material with **unprecedented precision**. The potential benefits are enormous: curing genetic diseases, improving agricultural resilience, and even preventing hereditary disorders before birth.

The CRISPR process works by using a **guide RNA** molecule to target a specific DNA sequence. The **Cas9 enzyme** then makes a precise cut at that location, after which cellular mechanisms repair the DNA — sometimes incorporating new genetic information in the process. This simplicity has made CRISPR the **most widely adopted** gene-editing technique in laboratories worldwide.

Yet, with great power comes ethical complexity. Editing human embryos raises moral questions about “**designer babies**” and the manipulation of human evolution. Many bioethicists argue that germline editing — changes passed down to **future generations** — could have unforeseen effects on human diversity and natural selection. Others, however, emphasize its potential to eliminate devastating diseases such as cystic fibrosis or **muscular dystrophy**.

Internationally, regulations vary. Some countries, like the **UK**, permit limited embryo research under strict conditions, while others completely ban human germline modification. The scientific community continues to **debate** how far human intervention should go and who should decide the boundaries of such transformative technology.

Questions 14–18: Multiple Choice

14. What is the main advantage of CRISPR-Cas9 technology?
Explanation: The passage states it allows genetic material modification with “unprecedented precision.”
15. What guides the Cas9 enzyme to the correct part of the DNA?
Explanation: The process works by using a “guide RNA molecule to target a specific DNA sequence.”
16. What concern is mentioned regarding human embryo editing?
Explanation: Bioethicists worry germline editing (passed down) “could have unforeseen effects on human diversity.”
17. Which disease is mentioned as potentially curable through gene editing?
Explanation: The passage lists “cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy” as diseases potentially eliminated.
18. Which country allows limited embryo research under conditions?
Explanation: The text states, “Some countries, like the UK, permit limited embryo research under strict conditions.”

Questions 19–22: Sentence Completion (Short Answer)

Complete the sentences below. Use **NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS** from the passage for each answer.

19. CRISPR is the ………. gene-editing method today.
Correct Answer: most widely adopted
Explanation: The passage states CRISPR is the “most widely adopted gene-editing technique.”
20. Germline editing can influence ………
Correct Answer: future generations
Explanation: Germline editing is described as “changes passed down to future generations.”
21. All countries share …………. on gene editing.
Correct Answer: different regulations / vary
Explanation: The passage says, “Internationally, regulations vary,” and contrasts the UK and other countries.
22. Scientists continue to ……….. about the boundaries of gene editing.
Correct Answer: debate / continue to debate
Explanation: The text says, “The scientific community continues to debate how far human intervention should go.”

Questions 23–26: Summary Completion (Short Answer)

Complete the summary below. Use **NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS** from the passage for each answer.

23. CRISPR-Cas9 operates by using a …….. to locate a DNA sequence.
Correct Answer: guide RNA
Explanation: The process works by using a “guide RNA molecule to target a specific DNA sequence.”
24. The ………. then makes a cut in the DNA strand.
Correct Answer: enzyme / Cas9 enzyme
Explanation: The “Cas9 enzyme then makes a precise cut at that location.”
25. Although this technique can insert or remove ……….. material, it raises serious debates.
Correct Answer: genetic / new genetic
Explanation: Gene editing is the deliberate modification of an organism’s DNA to alter specific traits/incorporating “new genetic information.”
26. The fear is that it might lead to ……….. babies.
Correct Answer: designer
Explanation: The passage mentions “moral questions about “designer babies.”

Quiz Results

Review your answers and the correct solutions below.

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