ToEFL reading Scientific Research

With reference to paragraph 1, which of the following pieces of research would be NOT be relevant to this article?

Science plays a crucial role in identifying problems related to how natural systems function and deteriorate, particularly when they are affected by an external factor.

• the effect of climate change on weather patterns in Africa

• whether or not low level radiation increases the risk of cancer

• how acid rain impacts species within a lake ecosystem

• a comparison of the species present in two areas of woodland

What is the purpose of the example of ozone data given in paragraph 2?

The findings were at first greeted by the scientific community with scepticism, as the British Antarctic Survey was not yet an established scientific community.

Moreover, it was generally believed that satellites would have picked up such ozone losses if they were indeed occurring.

• to show that NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center used unreliable methods of gathering scientific data

• to show how data gathering methods and the status of scientists may affect the way data is regarded

• to prove that it is wrong to dismiss evidence which comes from a non-established source

• to show how NASA and the British Antarctic Survey disagreed over the correct way to gather ozone data.

Where in paragraph 2 does this sentence best fit?

This was because of the way their computers had been programmed to discard any readings which appeared anomalous.

• (1) The findings were at first greeted by the scientific community with scepticism, as the British Antarctic Survey was not yet an established scientific community.

• (2) Moreover, it was generally believed that satellites would have picked up such ozone losses if they were indeed occurring.

• (3) It was not until the methodology of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center was reviewed that it became apparent that data had been overlooked.

• (4) at the end of the paragraph

Paragraph 3 gives an example of a dispute over…

"...controversy between scientists may arise where data analysis appears to support one policy over another."

"... who argued that the figures had failed to take some significant factors into account, leading to overestimated emission values."

• which country was most responsible for producing greenhouse gases

• the pollution caused by multinational companies in India.

• how statistics were interpreted and presented.

• erroneous data which resulted from a poorly-funded experiment.

Which sentence best sums up the ideas in paragraph 4?

• Scientists are aware that their work cannot present incontrovertible facts.

• If scientists were more consistent, they could create more reliable evidence.

• Variations in how research is conducted often affect its validity.

• Scientists spend more time documenting problems than conducting research.

In paragraph 5, [this] refers to…

Consequently, scientists tend to believe they are not in a position to bear universal truths but to reveal tendencies.

However, [this] is countered by two factors.

• the scientific method and its inherent problems.

• the belief that scientists cannot reveal universal truths.

• the variation in scientific results under different circumstances.

• the list of factors which influence scientific research.

What is meant by this sentence in Paragraph 5?

‘Further, policy makers uphold this understanding by requesting scientific certainties in order to legitimise their policy decisions.’

• Politicians when seeking evidence for policy-making, do not understand the fact that scientists are unable to act as ‘bearers of truth’.

• Politicians consider the scientific research that supports their policies as more legitimate than other research.

• Scientific institutions encourage politicians to use them for policy-making in order to improve their status.

• Politicians, when seeking evidence for policy-making, encourage the belief that scientists can produce incontestable facts.

Why are ‘transboundary issues such as water provision and pollution’ referred to in paragraph 5?

"they select that information which is necessary to fulfil their goals, information termed as ‘half-knowledge’. Attempts to underplay transboundary issues such as water provision and pollution are cases in point. "

• to illustrate situations in which politicians pretend that certain data does not exist

• to illustrate situations in which incorrect information is given by scientific institutions keen to maintain their status.

• to illustrate situations in which politicians are selectiive with regards to what data they gather

• to illustrate situations in which policy makers request scientists to present them with scientific certainties, even though none exist.

What can be inferred about the Chipko movement?

"... the example of the Chipko movement in India clearly demonstrates ...

that the way a resource is valued varies widely among different communities."

• It was an example of how people in low-income countries have little interest in environmental protection.

• It was an example of how different people within a community valued a resource differently.

• It was an example of how people in a low-income community showed interest in protecting the environment.

• It was an example of how people in a low-income community valued quantity over quality.

Which of the following arguments is NOT presented in paragraph 7?

• An issue only get political or media attention if someone with a high profile is supporting it.

• Politicians are only interested in environmental issues if it benefits them.

• Issues don’t get public attention unless a particular person advocates it strongly.

• Issues may be overlooked if there are other significant events happening at the time.