Read the following passage about the GENE-EDITED CROPS: EU'S REGULATORY SHIFT and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
The European Union has recently reached an initial agreement to relax regulations governing gene-edited crops, representing the first significant relaxation of biotechnology rules in two decades. This decision opens a can of worms regarding agricultural innovation versus consumer safety concerns. Under this proposed framework, plants modified using new genomic techniques that contain no foreign DNA will undergo less regulatory oversight than traditional genetically modified organisms. [I] These products will appear on supermarket shelves without special GMO-style labels, though seed packaging will maintain tracking information for agricultural purposes.
However, the agreement distinguishes between simple genetic modifications and complex changes. [II] Crops engineered with complicated alterations, such as herbicide resistance or built-in pesticide production, will remain subject to the EU's strict GMO regulations. These types must complete full risk assessments and follow serious controls before receiving market authorization. Meanwhile, organic agriculture will maintain its complete ban against any gene-edited types, preserving traditional farming methods.
Agricultural organizations and biotechnology firms have welcomed this regulatory shift, arguing it will speed up the development of climate-resistant, disease-fighting types. European farmers currently face growing challenges from climate change alongside tightening restrictions on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. [III] However, environmental protection groups and consumer organizations have criticized the decision as dangerous deregulation. They argue that removing routine safety checks and package labels weakens transparency while favoring large biotechnology corporations.
The agreement remains temporary, requiring formal approval from EU member governments and Parliament before use. Both supporters and opponents are preparing for a strong political fight over the final details. This debate reflects broader tensions between technological progress and careful principles in food production, highlighting different views on balancing agricultural innovation with consumer rights and environmental protection across Europe. [IV]
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Question 31: The phrase “a can of worms” in paragraph 1 has the closest meaning to _________.
A. stir up B. clear up C. wrap up D. figure out
Question 32: According to the passage, all of the following are mentioned EXCEPT _________.
A. The position of environmental protection groups regarding the new regulations
B. The requirements for organic farming practices under the agreement
C. The challenges that European farmers are currently facing
D. The exact date when the new regulations will come into effect
Question 33: The word “its” in paragraph 2 refers to _________.
A. The EU's strict GMO regulations
B. Gene-edited types
C. Organic agriculture
D. Traditional farming methods
Question 34: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?
A. Agricultural groups support the changes for climate benefits, with minor transparency concerns from consumers.
B. Agricultural and biotech sectors support the regulations, while environmental and consumer groups oppose them.
C. Farmers and environmentalists agree on climate benefits but disagree on corporate safety control.
D. Biotech firms support reduced oversight, but agricultural organizations criticize insufficient safety requirements.
Question 35: Where in the paragraph does the following sentence best fit?
This approach enables faster approval processes for crops that theoretically could result from conventional breeding.
A. [I]
B. [II]
C. [III]
D. [IV]
Question 36: The word “deregulation” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.
A. innovation B. transparency C. supervision D. authorization
Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
A. The two sides are negotiating compromises to avoid prolonged disputes about specific regulations.
B. Advocates and critics are gathering scientific evidence to support their respective political positions.
C. Proponents and protesters are mobilizing public opinion campaigns regarding the technical implementation procedures.
D. The two opposing groups are getting ready for an intense political battle about specifics.
Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Gene-edited products will require special labels similar to traditional GMO products in supermarkets.
B. Organic farming will continue to prohibit all types of gene-edited crops without exception.
C. Environmental groups support the new regulations for promoting sustainable agricultural innovation across Europe.
D. Complex genetic modifications will receive the same regulatory treatment as simple genetic changes.
Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. The final agreement will definitely pass without significant modifications from the current proposal.
B. All European farmers uniformly support the relaxation of gene-editing regulations for crop development.
C. The EU has historically maintained strict control over genetically modified agricultural products and technologies.
D. Consumer organizations believe that gene-edited crops will improve food transparency and safety standards.
Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?
A. The EU's provisional relaxation of gene-editing regulations creates divisions between agricultural innovation supporters and consumer safety advocates awaiting final approval.
B. European farmers unanimously support new biotechnology regulations that eliminate all restrictions on genetically modified crops for addressing climate change challenges.
C. The EU Parliament has permanently approved comprehensive deregulation allowing all gene-edited crops to enter markets without any safety assessments.
D. Environmental organizations and biotechnology companies have reached consensus on implementing new genetic modification standards for European agricultural products.