practice test 10-q1
Genetically Modified Food
The reading posits that genetically modified food crops can offer several benefits, and provides three reasons of support. However, the professor states that the issue is not as clear as the author explains. He concedes that there might be some benefits, but there are major drawbacks, too. So, he refutes each of author's reasons.
First, the article avers that the researchers can produce better crops when they genetically modify them. The lecture opposes this point by stating that the modification might not necessarily improve the crops. The professor explains that it takes hundreds of years regardless of selective breeding to achieve a good breed in nature and researchers cannot just change some genes and belive that the result is going to be an improvement.
Second, the reading asserts that the genetically modified food is safe. The professor contends that this is still a question. He explains that the companies that modify food do not publish the results of their research because they are afraid that the competitor companies copy their work. As a result, the science community does not have the ability to review those articles. And, that is why the safety of these types of food is still questionable.
Third, the article claims that the genetically modified food will alleviate the food shortage. The lecturer refutes this claim by mentioning that this is not going to do much in developing countries. Even though it might increase the yield, the famine will still exist. This is because the problem in the developing countries is mainly due to bad infrastructure in distribution of food. Also, these countries rely on the revenue generated from the crop produced. And, having high selling but unstable crops will affect them negatively.
- Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. 70
- Some students prefer classes with open discussions between the professor and students and almost no lectures. Other students prefer classes with lectures and almost no discussions. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your ans 80
- Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. 80
- Because the world is changing so quickly, people now are less happy or less satisfied with their lives than people were in the past. 70
- Question: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer. 70
Attribute Value Ideal
Score: 26 in 30
Category: Very Good Excellent
No. of Grammatical Errors: 0 2
No. of Spelling Errors: 0 2
No. of Sentences: 18 12
No. of Words: 286 250
No. of Characters: 1439 1200
No. of Different Words: 157 150
Fourth Root of Number of Words: 4.112 4.2
Average Word Length: 5.031 4.6
Word Length SD: 2.57 2.4
No. of Words greater than 5 chars: 102 80
No. of Words greater than 6 chars: 80 60
No. of Words greater than 7 chars: 53 40
No. of Words greater than 8 chars: 31 20
Use of Passive Voice (%): 0 0
Avg. Sentence Length: 15.889 21.0
Sentence Length SD: 6.863 7.5
Use of Discourse Markers (%): 0.667 0.12
Sentence-Text Coherence: 0.293 0.35
Sentence-Para Coherence: 0.488 0.50
Sentence-Sentence Coherence: 0.083 0.07
Number of Paragraphs: 4 4