Read the following passage about New Method to Fight Malaria Using Modified Mosquitoes and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet...

Read the following passage about New Method to Fight Malaria Using Modified Mosquitoes 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 23 to 30.

An important article in Malaria Journal presents new ways to fight malaria using genetically changed mosquitoes. This two-year project involved several research groups, including Target Malaria, Transmission Zero, UCMI, and FNIH. The researchers developed "low-threshold" gene drive systems that can spread useful features through Anopheles mosquito populations. The idea is that modified mosquitoes with special genetic changes would slowly enter wild populations, reducing their ability to spread the disease that affects millions of people every year in Africa.

The planned process follows a clear pathway starting with controlled releases in chosen areas. First, small pilot tests would check basic things like how fast the genetic changes spread before moving to bigger trials. This step-by-step method is similar to successful examples in malaria prevention, especially how insecticide-treated bed nets were developed. These nets were first tested in small experimental huts before being used in whole communities. This careful planning helps ensure both scientific accuracy and public safety during the experiments.

Scientists plan to combine early studies into larger cluster randomised controlled trials that directly measure effects on disease spread. These advanced designs would help researchers collect strong proof about how well the method works while following ethical rules. The plan addresses concerns from regulators by creating clear steps for each stage, from small releases to possible large-scale treatments that could change malaria control in affected areas.

This project represents a major change in mosquito control, bringing hope to places where traditional methods don't work well. By providing clear guidelines for field trials, this collaboration helps the responsible development of genetic technologies. The complete plan helps regulators, researchers, and health officials prepare evidence-based programs that could eventually change malaria prevention methods in affected countries worldwide.

https://targetmalaria.org/tc

Question 23: According to the passage, which of the following is not mentioned about the genetically modified mosquito project?

A. The project involved collaboration between Target Malaria and other research groups.

B. The modified mosquitoes would reduce the ability to spread disease in Africa.

C. The project received funding of 50 million dollars from international health organizations.

D. The research plan includes clear guidelines for field trials and regulatory approval.

Question 24: The word “their” in paragraph 1 refers to _________.

A. wild populations

B. modified mosquitoes

C. genetic changes

D. research groups

Question 25: The word “insecticide-treated” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

A. contaminated                                B. enhanced                                C. reinforced                                D. pesticide-free

Question 26: The word “cluster” in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by _________.

A. scattered                                        B. grouped                                C. isolated                                        D. random

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. This work creates new pest control possibilities for areas with failing standard treatments.

B. This study offers advanced disease prevention solutions for regions lacking effective approaches.

C. This initiative marks a breakthrough in mosquito management for areas where conventional methods fail.

D. This research provides innovative insect control strategies for places with unsuccessful traditional techniques.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. The development approach mirrors the successful testing strategy used for insecticide-treated bed nets in malaria prevention.

B. The genetically modified mosquitoes will rapidly replace entire wild populations across all affected African regions.

C. The two-year research project has already completed large-scale field trials in multiple African communities.

D. The gene drive systems require high-threshold mechanisms to effectively spread through wild mosquito populations.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention what was tested in experimental huts first?

A. Paragraph 1                                B. Paragraph 2                                C. Paragraph 3                                D. Paragraph 4

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention what larger trials would measure effects on?

A. Paragraph 1                                B. Paragraph 2                                C. Paragraph 3                                D. Paragraph 4