Magy's English Edu. Club
Cambridge 13 Academic Reading Test Three Passage Three
Plant 'thermometer' triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 3?
Choose TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
27. The Cambridge scientists’ discovery of the ‘thermometer molecule’ caused surprise among other scientists.
The answer is NOT GIVEN.
In paragraph one, an international team of scientists led by the University of Cambridge has discovered that the ‘thermometer’ molecule in plants enables them to develop according to seasonal temperatures – used by changes.
28. The target for agricultural production by 2050 could be missed.
The answer is TRUE.
In paragraph five, it is estimated that agricultural yields will need to double by 2050, but climate change is a major threat to achieving this.
29. Wheat and rice suffer from a rise in temperatures.
The answer is TRUE.
In paragraph five, key crops such as wheat and rice are sensitive to high temperatures.
30. It may be possible to develop crops that require less water.
The answer is NOT GIVEN.
In paragraph five, discovering the molecules that allow plants to sense temperature has the potential to accelerate the breeding of crops resilient to thermal stress and climate change
31. Plants grow faster in sunlight than in shade.
The answer is FALSE.
In paragraph six, during the day, sunlight activates the molecules, slowing down growth.
32. Phytochromes change their state at the same speed day and night.
The answer is FALSE.
In paragraph seven, at night, however, it’s a different story. Instead of a rapid deactivation following sundown, the molecules gradually change from their active to inactive state.
Which section contains the following information.
Write the correct letter, A–H.
33. mention of specialists who can make use of research findings
The answer is H.
In paragraph eleven, recent advances in plant genetics now mean that scientists are able to rapidly identify the genes controlling these processes in crop plants, and even alter their activity using precise molecular “scalpels”, adds Wigge.
34. a reference to a potential benefit of the research findings
The answer is D.
In paragraph five, with weather and temperatures set to become ever more unpredictable due to climate change, researchers say the discovery that this light-sensing molecule also functions as the internal thermometer in plant cells could help us breed tougher crops.
35. scientific support for a traditional saying
The answer is G.
In paragraph nine, in fact, the discovery of the dual role of phytochrome provides the science behind a well-known rhyme long used to predict the coming season: oak before ash we’ll have a splash, ash before oak we’re in for a soak.
36. a reference to people traditionally making plans based on plant behavior.
The answer is C.
In paragraph four, farmers and gardeners have known for hundreds of years how responsive plants are to temperature: warm winters cause many trees and flowers to bud early, something humans have long used to predict weather and harvest times for the coming year.
37. a reference to where the research has been reported
The answer is A.
In paragraph one, an international team of scientists led by the University of Cambridge has discovered that the ‘thermometer’ molecule in plants enables them to develop according to seasonal temperature changes.
Complete the sentences.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
38. Daffodils are likely to flower early in response to ….. weather.
The answer is WARM.
In paragraph nine, other species, such as daffodils, have considerable temperature sensitivity, and can flower months in advance during a warm winter.
39. If ash trees come into leaf before oak trees, the weather in …. will probably be wet.
The answer is SUMMER.
In paragraph ten, as the British know only too well, a colder summer is likely to be a rain-soaked one.
40. The research was carried out using a particular species of ….
The answer is MUSTARD PLANT(S) / MUSTARD.
In paragraph eleven, the work was done in a model system, using a mustard plant called Arabidopsis, but Wiggs says the phytochrome genes necessary for temperature sensing are found in crop plants as well.