29

A 1. How much do you know about genetics? Write T (True) or F (False) for each statement.

...... 1. You get 90% of your DNA from your mother and 10% from your father.

...... 2. One of the best sources of DNA for analysisis a sample of hair.

...... 3. A DNA molecule contains enough genetic information to fill a 300-page book.

...... 4. Your genetic profile is the detailed analysis of your DNA.

...... 5. Eye color is not a hereditary characteristic.

...... 6. Tests to screen babies for genetic defectsbefore birth are rarely used today.

...... 7. A gene pool is the total set of genes in aspecies or population.

...... 8. The human body is made up of exactly one million cells.

...... 9. There are four types of tissue: skin, muscle, nerve, and tendon.

2. Genetics is the study of how traits are passed down from one generation to another. What traits do you think you have inherited from your parents? Height? Hair color? Ability in math? A sense of humor?

B Answer the following questions.

1. Is a fluid substance solid or liquid?

2. If DNA in bones remains intact over many years, is it damaged or undamaged?

3. Does a surrogate mother carry her own or another woman’s baby during pregnancy?

4. Will an imminent event happen very soon or much later?

5. If something is implanted, is it placed in or removed from the body?

6. If there is a proliferation of juvenile crimes, is there a decrease or increase?

7. If a baby is born with a genetic defect, is the problem inherited or does it develop at birth?

8. If a woman suffers from infertility, can she become pregnant naturally or not?

C Match the words in color in the following sentences to their meanings below.

1. Freedom of speech and religion are examples of civil liberties.

2. The prime suspect is male and blond, and he has a scar on his left cheek.

3. Having stolen 17 cars already, the boy is clearly a habitual offender.

4. The perpetrator of these robberies has been arrested.

5. This new law will infringe on our freedom of speech.

6. The boy was acquitted of the shoplifting charge, much to his parents’ relief.

7. An innocent man was wrongly convicted of robbery and spent five years in jail.

8. Evidence provided by forensic science helped to identify the murderer.

9. The police eliminated him as a suspect because he hadan alibi.

10. Peter is an advocate of civil liberties and has campaigned for freedom of speech.

...... a. someone who has committed many crimes

...... b. the use of laboratory tests to solve crimes

...... c. found innocent

...... d. criminal responsible for

...... e. found guilty

...... f. supporter

...... g. decided he was not responsible for a crime

...... h. certain legal rights and freedoms

...... i. restrict

...... j. the person believed to be guilty of a crime

D Use the words in color to complete the sentences.

1. specimens / specifications

a. The new Encyclopedia of Life will describe the exact ................................. of every species.

b. Forensic scientists collect ................................. of skin or hair at a crime scene.

2. database / template

a. You will find all the information you need in the new ................................. .

b. A ................................. is something that is used as a pattern or example for something else.

GENETICS

BEFORE YOU READ

the DNA double

helix

F

T

T

T

FF

T

F

T

38647109152

specificationsspecimens

databasetemplate

see Teacher’s Notes

Unit 3

3130

A FROZEN NOAH’S ARK? The biblical story of Noah’s Ark tells of a large

sailing vessel built to save the world’s species from a massive flood. Today too, thousands of mammal and bird species face imminent extinction due to human proliferation, urban expansion, and the rampant destruction of ecosystems. In response to this crisis, a project called The Frozen Ark is underway, with the aim of deep-freezing the DNA of all endangered animals. DNA is a template containing the complete specifications of an organism and is thus a treasure trove of knowledge about the organism and the species as a whole.

Until the Frozen Ark’s creation, a major problem facing zoologists was that when a species became extinct, the knowledge of its genetic code was lost. However, specimens of skin tissue, embryos, sperm, and eggs are now being collected from animals on the most-endangered list, meaning important information about each animal’s biology, behavior, ecology, and evolution can now be preserved. At low temperatures, DNA can remain intact indefinitely; once frozen, molecules and cells can be safeguarded for centuries to come. Scientists can therefore continue studying a species, even after extinction.

Furthermore, as a species declines, the fewer specimens there are. Consequently, the gene pool becomes more limited, which has an adverse effect on its genetic diversity. Freezing cells may enable biologists to reverse the dangerous loss of genetic variation that causes infertility and early death in such species. In addition, the cells of certain animals are proving effective in the treatment of some diseases. Should these animals die out, the benefits provided by their cells can be maintained. And when extinction does occur, if an animal’s reproductive cells have been stored, it could theoretically be recreated by implanting the cells in a surrogate mother of a different species. One day, albeit not in the foreseeable future, it may even be possible to reconstruct an extinct animal from its DNA alone.

However, time is of the essence. Of the approximately 16,000 animal species facing extinction within the next 50 years, samples from only a small proportion have been collected to date.

1. Why does the author call DNA a treasure trove, near the end of the first paragraph?

a. It can be preserved for a long period of time. b. It provides a vast amount of valuable data. c. The process of deep-freezing DNA is very costly. d. It is far more complex than previously thought.

2. What is one benefit of creating the Frozen Ark? a. It is large enough to hold the DNA of most

endangered species. b. Genetic data about long-extinct species can be

retrieved. c. Research into animals that die out can continue. d. It can preserve mainly reproductive cells and

molecules.

3. According to the text, if a species declines in number, … a. its ability to reproduce becomes limited. b. most of the genetic information about it is lost. c. its cells become less effective in treating disease. d. it is more difficult to collect DNA samples from it.

4. What does the author say about the cells in the Frozen Ark?

a. Only a small proportion of them are from species facing extinction.

b. The variety of cells being stored should be as broad as possible.

c. They are proving useful in finding cures for certain animal diseases.

d. They may eventually be used to artificially reproduce an extinct species.

5. What conclusion does the author reach about theFrozen Ark?

a. Its success depends on how fast the project can be accomplished.

b. It can prevent the extinction of only a few species. c. Collection of samples should have begun 50

years ago. d. It will take half a century to complete the

collection process.

DNA PROFILINGForensic science plays a major role in criminal

investigation thanks to a technique for identifying DNA known as DNA profiling. This procedure identifies distinctive patterns of DNA in an individual. A DNA profile is the detailed analysis of the genetic material found in minuscule samples of body tissue or fluid, and DNA profiles from crime scenes are kept on record in a national database. Initially, a sample can be obtained from biological evidence, such as bloodstains or strands of hair found at the scene of the crime. Then, should a sample be required from a suspect, police usually ask for saliva. Following analysis, if a DNA sample matches an existing profile in the database, it can confirm the identity of the perpetrator, since the likelihood of one profile matching two unrelated individuals is one in a billion. However, if no exact match emerges, but a profile on the database is similar to one found at a crime scene, it could belong to a close relative of the offender. Criminals have been tracked down via blood relations whose profiles closely resemble their own.

DNA profiling was developed in the 1980s by geneticist Alec Jeffreys, who had intended it as a means of screening people for hereditary diseases and genetic defects. Realizing the crime-solving potential of DNA profiling, the police requested his help in a murder case. Not only did it identify the perpetrator, it also eliminated a man as the prime suspect who might otherwise have been wrongly convicted. Soon after, DNA profiling was being used by police everywhere, and now many countries maintain national DNA databases. The largest, funded by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), contains profiles of over six million habitual offenders. To date it has assisted in more than 70,000 investigations.

The concept of a DNA database is not without its critics, however. Some governments retain DNA samples taken from people who were arrested but subsequently acquitted or released without charge. Civil rights advocates argue that this infringes on civil liberties and that only the profiles of convicted criminals should be kept on record.

1. What does the author say about DNA profiling? a. It can produce the same profile for people who are

closely related. b. It was first used as an investigative tool in the US. c. It is a highly accurate means of proving a criminal’s

identity. d. It is used primarily to eliminate innocent suspects.

2. Why does the author mention bloodstains and strands of hair? As examples of …

a. forms that body fluid and tissue can take. b. samples taken from suspects by the police. c. two distinctive kinds of DNA patterns. d. typical sources of genetic material.

3. Why was DNA profiling first developed? a. to test for genetically related medical conditions b. to help cure genetic diseases and defects c. to help the police identify a murderer d. to free a wrongly convicted murderer

4. What aspect of DNA profiling has caused concern? a. If a suspect is found innocent, their profile

is destroyed. b. The profiles of proven criminals are not always

retained. c. Governments can’t agree on whose profiles

should be kept. d. The profiles of innocent people remain on some

databases.

5. What is the main purpose of the passage? a. to explain why DNA profiling is a controversial

technique b. to illustrate the application of genetics in

solving crimes c. to compare DNA profiling with traditional

methods of investigation d. to demonstrate the influence of genes on criminal

behavior

Read the texts and answer the questions.

READING deep-freeze container for DNA

1

25

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

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3

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See Teacher’s Notes, page A15.

See Teacher’s Notes, page 15.

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Unit 3

33

A Match each phrase from the texts to its meaning.

Text 1 1. plays a major role in (line 1)

2. kept on record (lines 7-8)

3. closely resemble (lines 20-21)

4. is not without its critics (lines 36-37)

Text 2 5. face … extinction (line 4)

6. is underway (line 7)

7. are proving effective (lines 31-32)

8. is of the essence (line 41)

B Replace the words in bold in the text below with the words that have a similar meaning.

bloodstains • confirmed • crime scenes • maintained • material • obtain perpetrator • procedure • released • retained • strands • tracked down

D Word-building: Adjective suffixes (-ive, -al, -ic, -able, -ary) and prefixes (in-, un-)

1. Complete each sentence with an adjective formed from the word in color and the correct suffix.

1. If someone has a genetic defect, one or more of their genes is .................................... .

2. Citrus fruit like the lemon, which contains a lot of acid, tastes .................................... .

3. There’s a great deal of controversy surrounding this proposal; it’s a .................................... issue.

4. These findings can be explained by evolution – by what is known as .................................... theory.

5. You can dispose of these plates once they’ve been used; they’re .................................... .

6. There are three dimensions to this image; it’s three- .................................... .

7. I’m expected to negotiate the pay I’ll receive; the salary is .................................... .

8. She supplements her salary by giving piano lessons; she earns a .................................... income.

9. He didn’t specify exactly what I should do; his instructions weren’t very .................................... .

10. The structure of the house was affected by the earthquake; there was .................................... damage.

11. Expenses will be kept to a minimum; any costs involved will be .................................... .

2. Complete each sentence with an adjective formed from the word in color and one of the suffixes above. Add a prefix to make the meaning negative.

1. The drugs had no effect on her headache; they were totally .................................... .

2. Some have questioned the ethics of gene therapy; they fear it is .................................... .

3. The patient has not responded to treatment; he has been .................................... .

4. It was a goal impossible to attain; it was an .................................... goal.

5. Nothing could be concluded from the study; the research was .................................... .

6. The size of the universe is hard to conceive; it’s almost .................................... .

defective

ineffective

F Collocations

1. Cross out the noun in each group that does NOT form acollocation with the word in color.

1. genetic variation / make-up / disorder / decoration /predisposition / diversity

2. blood relation / vessel / spring / transfusion / pressure /supply

3. criminal investigation / accomplishment / charges /record / offense / justice

4. close relative / range / call / collaboration / contact /influence

E Time-related expressions Circle the correct words.

1. The most extensive climate study to / this / in date has measuredrates of global warming.

2. The leaning tower of Pisa has been declared safe for centuriescoming / that come / to come.

3. The situation is unlikely to change in the foreseeable / foreseeing the / foreseen future.

4. Plants of this kind, more / quite / very often than not, survive the winter months.

5. The sophisticated culture of the ancient Cretans was out / ahead / beyond of its time.

6. The landscape had changed dramatically with the passage / variation / changing of time.

7. Temperatures tend to be warm in this region every / most / all year round.

8. Students were tested several times over the average / course / part of a semester.

9. Scientists believe it’s only a matter of time before / the matter of time then / a matter of time if another serious hurricane hits the area.

JILL THE RIPPER?One of the most famous unsolved murder cases involved Jack the Ripper,

the London serial killer who brutally murdered several women in 1888.

According to forensic scientist Dr. Ian Findlay, the Ripper may not have been

a Jack at all, but a Jill.

Dr. Findlay managed to (1) get evidence from the Ripper case, which

had been (2) kept by the police at Scotland Yard. It had been very carefully

(3) preserved for over a century. This evidence consisted of letters possibly

written by the Ripper to the police, and some (4) spots of blood which may

be connected to the (5) locations of the crimes. Conventional DNA-profiling

techniques require around 200 cells of genetic (6) matter in order to identify

a (7) person guilty of a crime. However, Dr. Findlay has developed a new

profiling (8) method that can extract DNA from just a few cells or even

(9) individual pieces of hair up to 160 years old.

Having focused on the saliva on the stamps and the glue on the envelopes, Dr.

Findlay managed to produce a partial profile. Although the identity of the Ripper

cannot be (10) firmly established, the results suggest the Ripper could have been

a woman. In 1888, police (11) searched for and found several male suspects,

all of whom were subsequently (12) set free without being charged. But later

investigations pointed to Mary Pearcey, who was convicted and hanged for two

brutal murders in 1890. Could Jack the Ripper actually have been Jill the Ripper?

C Circle the correct words.

1. The port area is being developed because it has great commercial concept / potential.

2. Seeds of the world’s food crops are safeguarded / reconstructed in a seed bank in Norway.

3. The destruction of ecosystems is unrelated / rampant in the Amazon rainforest.

4. Wearing a helmet reduces the expansion / likelihood of serious head injury in an accident.

5. A massive / miniscule earthquake has caused widespread damage in China.

6. The number of birds in this area has declined / emerged in the last four years.

7. Certain dry foods, such as rice and pasta, can be stored subsequently / indefinitely.

8. This research into hereditary diseases is assisted / funded partly by donations.

VOCABULARY

Expressions related to time are often tested in the grammar and cloze sections of the exam. Learn them as whole phrases.

TIP

...... a. are likely to die out

...... b. are turning out to be beneficial

...... c. stored

...... d. is currently in progress

...... e. is of the greatest importance

...... f. be very similar to

...... g. is an important part of

...... h. is opposed by some people

2. Complete the collocations with nouns from Exercise F1.

1. Someone with a genetic ...................... to a disease has a higher chance of getting it because of their genetic ...................... .

2. A blood clot can block a blood ...................... like an artery and cut off the blood ...................... to the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.

3. If someone is arrested for committing a criminal ...................... , criminal ...................... will be filed against them in a court of law.

4. The man was shot at close ...................... . He survived thanks to emergency surgery, but it was a close ................ .

Mary Pearcey

5

7268314

acidiccontroversial

evolutionarydisposable

dimensionalnegotiable

supplementary

specificstructural

minimal

unethicalunresponsive

unattainableinconclusive

inconceivable

predisposition

make-upvessel

supply

offense charges

rangecall

obtainretained

maintained

crime scenes

perpetratorprocedure

strands

material

confirmedtracked downreleased

bloodstains

34

Unit 3

35

In the past, studies of human genetics (1) conducted

by scientists as part of expensive research programs.

(2) , only a few people had their complete genetic

code revealed, and this was mainly thanks to (3) from

governments for medical research. But with the rapid

(4) of new technologies, the cost of genetic analysis is

(5) . As a result, a new industry is (6) , one where

commercial companies offer the public a personal DNA test

for a fee. Commercial DNA tests can indicate a person’s

inherited traits, such as having a good memory, as well as

their (7) to a wide range of conditions, from baldness to

obesity.

Anyone wishing to undergo such a test must provide

genetic (8) for analysis, usually in the form of a saliva

(9) . The DNA test results indicate health risks an

individual (10) face; therefore, they can play a

(11) role in preventative medicine. For example, if

someone discovers their chances of getting cancer are

high, they can be (12) regularly for the disease. And if

doctors have access to a patient’s genetic (13) , they can

recommend specific changes in lifestyle, such as eating

certain foods to improve their future health.

Commercial DNA testing is not without (14) critics.

Because such testing is (15) of its time, some doctors

are concerned that the complex data it provides (16) be

misunderstood by ordinary people. Other concerns have

been raised over data protection. In this respect, commercial

DNA testing has proven (17) . How easy will it be for

insurance companies and employers to (18) a person’s test

results? Would they refuse to employ people or give them

health insurance on the basis of such results? While these

concerns are valid, most experts believe it is only a (19) of

time before knowledge of one’s own DNA becomes easily

(20) .

1. a. had c. being b. were d. only

2. a. Nevertheless c. Therefore b. Although d. Because

3. a. funding c. contribution b. donation d. collaboration

4. a. proceedings c. proliferation b. reconstruction d. investigation

5. a. depleting c. reducing b. declining d. eliminating

6. a. underway c. constructed b. proposed d. emerging

7. a. likelihood c. possibility b. potential d. predisposition

8. a. make-up c. material b. essence d. molecules

9. a. strand c. sample b. stain d. tissue

10. a. does c. may b. is d. to

11. a. peak c. massive b. major d. maximum

12. a. immunized c. screened b. maintained d. matched

13. a. defects c. template b. specimens d. profile

14. a. its c. those b. many d. the

15. a. before c. beyond b. ahead d. advance

16. a. should c. could b. able to d. has to

17. a. unethical c. defective b. inconclusive d. controversial

18. a. attain c. obtain b. maintain d. preserve

19. a. course c. degree b. matter d. passing

20. a. available c. contemporary b. imminent d. familiar

GRAMMAR Review of the Passive; Modals (all forms)

EXAM

QUE

STIO

NS

CLOZE

Read the passage about commercial DNA testing. Then select the word or phrase that fills the blank in both meaning and grammar.

Do You Have the Generosity Gene?According to research, some of us (1) .......................................... (may program) genetically to be particularly

generous. In an online study, 203 people (2) .......................................... (give) a task after a sample of their

DNA (3) .......................................... (take). In this task, they could choose to keep or give away money.

The DNA samples (4) .......................................... (analyze) and interestingly, it (5) .......................................... (find)

that people who had certain variants of a gene called AVPR1a gave on average almost 50% more money than

those without the genetic variant. Evidence that (6) .......................................... (provide) by this study indicates

that generosity is an inherited trait. The gene AVPR1a plays a major role in allowing a hormone

called vasopressin to act on brain cells. Recently, vasopressin (7) .......................................... (strongly link) to

social bonding. Therefore, it (8) .......................................... (can argue) that generosity is a survival strategy.

This (9) .......................................... (base on) the idea that if you do a person a favor, it is likely

(10) .......................................... (to return). Thus, carrying genes that promote generosity and social bonding

makes evolutionary sense.

A Passive Complete the text with the correct passive form of the verbs in brackets.

B Modals Circle the correct answers.

1. You may not / needn’t / wouldn’t clear the table.I will do it.

2. Peter ought not to / should not / couldn’t have gone home because his car is still outside.

3. Can you / Were you able to / Would you get all the ingredients you needed?

4. It’s almost midnight and the phone’s ringing. Who will / can / must it be?

5. Have you seen Sheila’s new sports car? It has to / should / must have cost a fortune!

6. We will have taken / could take / could have taken the bus but Tim wanted to drive.

7. I didn’t have to / had to not / mustn’t work last Friday. I was given the day off.

8. When she wants to, Sarah might / could / can be very helpful.

C Complete the following mini-dialogues with suitable modal expressions from the Useful Phrases box.

1. “Oh no! Bob has cancelled the meeting again.” ...................................................................................

2. “Letting kids use the Internet freely is crazy, in my opinion.” ...................................................................................

3. “When is the next train due?” ...................................................................................

4. “The company has agreed to refund my travel expenses.” ...................................................................................

5. “I suppose your children help with the housework.” ...................................................................................

6. “I brought you a small gift for your birthday.” ...................................................................................

7. “That bus is never going to come! Let’s walk!” ...................................................................................

USEFUL PHRASES

These phrases, containing modals, are commonly used in conversation. You may encounter them in Parts 1 and 2 of the Listening Test. Explain their meanings. That’ll be the day! I might have known. It shouldn’t be long now. I couldn’t agree more.I should hope so! Yes, we might as well. Oh, you shouldn’t have!

Thanks to (+ noun / pronoun) is used to say something or someone was helpful, useful, or responsible for something happening. Contrary to is used to show that an idea, opinion, or action is completely different from something else.

USEFUL WORDS

What future lies in your genes?

See the Grammar Appendix, page 139.

This science program ...... at teenagers as well as adults. a. is aiming b. is aimed c. aimed d. aims

Can a program aim itself? Should active or passive be used?

We ought to ...... this sample to the lab weeks ago. a. send b. had sent c. have sent d. sent

What form of the verb can follow ought to? What time is referred to?no passivebare infinitive

may be programmedwere given

were analyzed

had been taken / was taken

has been provided / is provided

has been strongly linkedcould be argued

is based onto be returned

was found

I might have known.

I couldn’t agree more.

It shouldn’t be long now.

I should hope so!

That’ll be the day!

Oh, you shouldn’t have!

Yes, we might as well.

See Question 3.

See Teacher’s Notes, page A16.

past

36

Unit 3

37

A The task

LISTENING Part 3: Short Segments from a Radio Program SPEAKING Stage 3: Consensus Reaching

C Part 3 sometimes focuses on a research study. The questions usually focus on aspects such as:

a. the purpose of the study b. one or two findings of the study c. an implication of the study When speakers move from one aspect of the study to

another, they often use certain phrases.Which aspects (a-c) of a study might the following phrases introduce?

Recent research sheds new light on … We set out to find / examine … The aim of the study was to …

The results of the study relate to … This has important implications for …

Our findings indicate / suggest that … What this research shows / suggests is … This study / theory explains …

D 1. Read the following questions and try to predict the topic. Which aspect of the study does each question focus on?

1. What did the original research on fear of spiders indicate? a. We fear things that we find ugly. b. We copy the behavior of others. c. We believe they are harmful.

2. What did the study actually measure? a. the length of time that infants looked at different

pictures b. differences in the way infants responded to flowers

and spiders c. signs of fear and disgust in infants in response to

spider images

3. What was the main finding of the study? a. Phobias are mostly genetic in origin. b. We have a built-in response to spiders. c. Fear of spiders is nonexistent in infants.

4. Why might arachnophobia be more common in women? a. They were more likely to see dangerous spiders. b. They were less likely to survive a spider’s bite. c. They have always been more instinctively cautious.

5. What could further research in this area clarify? a. why people inherit some phobias but not others b. why fear of spiders does not decrease with age c. why people’s fears vary throughout their lifetimes

2. Now listen to a segment from a radio program and answer the questions in Exercise D1. As you listen, pay attention to the phrases that introduce aspects of the study and remember to take brief notes.

In Part 3 of the Listening Test, you hear three short segments from radio programs on different topics. You hear each segment only once. Each segment is followed by five multiple choice questions. Reading the questions and the answers helps you predict the topic of the segment and some of the information you will hear.

EXAM

QUE

STIO

NS

USEFUL LANGUAGE

PRESENTING COUNTERARGUMENTSYou may be right, but let’s not forget that …One problem with that option is …I agree that’s the downside, but …

REACHING A CONSENSUSYou’re right. I hadn’t thought about that. That’s a good point. / You’ve got a point there.Yes, that’s definitely an advantage.

SUMMARIZING YOUR DECISIONSo which one do we feel is best: … or … ?So have we decided that … ?

In Stage 3, the candidates compare and contrast the options they chose in Stage 2 from their own information sheets. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both options, offering counter arguments to support their opinions. Then they agree on one option.

Read the task and information sheets below. These information sheets give details of the two options the candidates chose in Stage 2.

You are class representatives and you have been asked to select the best science trip for your class.

Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Proposed Science Trip for High School Class

Field Trip to a Forest• One day and one night• Sleep in log cabins• Study native plant / animal species• Visit animal sanctuary• Set up habitat conservation project• $40 per student• Basic facilities only – students must cook for themselves

A Read the questions. What is the overall topic of the radio program? What else can you guess about the topic?

1. What was the purpose of the study? a. to examine reasons for the increase in gang violence b. to investigate biological explanations for gang

behavior c. to compare violence among male and female gang

members

2. What did this study show about gang violence? a. It is due to a high level of certain chemicals. b. It will become widespread in the US. c. It may be caused by hereditary factors.

3. What is the significance of a low-activity MAOA gene? a. It can predict the gangs’ most violent members. b. It can identify the numbers in future gangs. c. It can indicate the moods of gang members.

4. Why are males more prone to gang violence? a. Males are naturally more aggressive. b. Males lack a second copy of the gene. c. Females have high-activity MAOA genes.

5. What is one implication of this study? a. Sociological factors do not explain gang violence. b. Police should focus on male gang members. c. Medication may help to control aggression.

lt is easy to forget the information you hear, so as you listen, take notes. There isn’t time to write full words or sentences, so use abbreviations where you can. Here are some examples, but you can write your own.

= increase = male = aim soc = social = decrease = female = cause prob = problem

TIP

B Now listen to a segment from a radio program and answer the questions in Exercise A. Take brief notes as you listen.

B Comparing, contrasting and presenting counterarguments Don’t simply reject your partner’s point of view. Respond

to your partner’s comments.1. Read the following exchanges and underline expressions that show how candidates related to their partner’s comments.

2. Now listen to two candidates discussing the trips and answer the questions.

1. Which expressions do the candidates use? Check (✓) the phrases in the Useful Language box.

2. Did the candidates summarize the points for each option?

3. Did the candidates discuss each option carefully and develop the discussion?

C Reaching a consensusYou are not expected to persuade your partner that your option is the better one. You are supposed to reach an agreement.

1. In pairs, practice Stage 3. Use the information sheets in Exercise A. Come to a consensus and decide on the best option. The Useful Language box can help you.

2. Now listen to the end of the candidates’ discussion. Was their final choice the same as yours?

“I think most students would enjoy a trip to a forest, don’t you? It’s a complete break from routine.”

You’ve got a point there, but a day trip to a space center is also a break and we’d be seeing things like a simulated launch.

I see what you mean. You’re right. It’ll be something completely different from anything we’ve ever experienced. But on the other hand, it’s only a day trip. And sleeping in a log cabin will be fun, don’t you think?

Candidate 2 Information Sheet

Proposed Science Trip for High School Class

Visit to the Space Center• Day trip• Guided tour of space center• View replica of International Space Station• Question and answer session with astronaut• Realistic simulation of shuttle launch• $20 per student• 2½ hour bus ride

......

......

......

a

c

b

no

yes

✓✓

✓✓

genesand gang violence / men are more violent than women

Is fear of

b –

c – implications

spiders inherited?

procedure

b – findings

findings

background

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Unit 3

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Some child psychologists believe that the environment in which a child grows up plays a determining role in the development of their talents and abilities. Do you think talents and abilities are learned? Which of your talents and abilities do you believe are a product of the environment in which you were raised? Discuss, mentioning personal examples.

B Analyzing a model Read the model essay and answer the questions in the plan below.

A Analyzing the task Read the task and underline what you have to discuss and what kind of examples you should give.

WRITING

Paragraph 1 (Introduction) Restate the topic in your own words, offering general comments. Indicate that it is a complex issue with no clear-cut answer.

1. How does the writer introduce the topic?

2. How does the writer indicate that there is no clear-cut answer?

3. What two aspects of the issue is he going to discuss?

Paragraph 2 Give your first personal example and use it to discuss one aspect of the topic (aptitude for sport).

4. Does the writer believe that his aptitude for sports was learned or not?

5. How does the writer broaden the discussion to explain why his experience is relevant?

Paragraph 3 Give your second personal example and use it to discuss another aspect of the topic (musical ability).

6. What details does the writer give about his experience of being taught music?

7. Does the writer believe his musical ability was learned or not?

Paragraph 4 (Conclusion) State your opinion, acknowledging that it is a complex issue.

8. What answer does the writer give to the question posed?

C Opening paragraphsIn your introduction you should indicate that the issue you will be exploring is complex.

Complete the expressions in the sentences below with the following words.

answer • debate • explanation • issue • question • say

1. It is difficult to ...................... whether abilities can be learned or whether they are innate.

2. There is no simple ...................... for why some people are more ambitious than others.

3. There is no clear-cut answer to the ...................... of whether heredity determines our personality.

4. To what extent parents can influence their children’s personality is a difficult question to ...................... .

5. The question of whether nature or nurture plays a greater role is open to ...................... .

6. The ...................... of how personality develops as we mature is a complex one.

D Using the passiveThe passive voice is often used in essays to make the register more formal and to vary sentence structure.

1. Find six examples of the passive in the model essay on page 38.2. Rewrite the following sentences using the passive.

1. These experiences have affected me greatly. I ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

2. My parents brought me up to tell the truth at all times. I ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

3. Many people believe that we inherit our personality. It is generally .......................................................................................................................................................................

4. You can overcome shyness. Shyness ................................................................................................................................................................................

5. I must have inherited my self-confidence from my mother. My self-confidence ..............................................................................................................................................................

6. Nobody ever taught me how to paint, but I found it easy to learn. Despite never .......................................................................................................................................................................

E Analyzing your task Read the task and say what you have to discuss and what examples you should give.

Some scientists believe that genes determine character traits such as shyness or generosity. Do you think this is true? Which elements of your personality do you believe you have inherited? Discuss, mentioning specific examples.

F Brainstorming ideas Complete the chart. Then compare notes with your partner.

a character trait of yours Who do you take after in this?

an incident that illustrates this trait

What makes you believe this trait is / is not inherited?

Childhood is often referred to as our formative years, suggesting that who we become is determined by our early experiences. Many parents enroll their children in music, sports or foreign language lessons from an early age in the belief that they will later excel in these areas. However, it is difficult to say how much these abilities can be learned and how much they depend on innate talent.

In my case, my aptitude for sport may be a result of taking part in various sports from a young age. My parents took me to swimming lessons when I was just four years old and I soon became a confident swimmer, winning medals in competitions. I now play water polo for a local team, but without this early training I doubt I would have reached such a high standard. If a child has innate talent, it will not become evident without the proper encouragement and training, except perhaps in the case of a child prodigy. Even highly talented people have to work hard and learn skills in order to achieve anything.

Another activity that I was encouraged to pursue was music. Classical music was often played at home and I took piano lessons for nearly two years. Despite the best efforts of my teacher and perseverance on my part, I never really mastered the instrument or managed to make sense of musical theory. My teacher eventually concluded that I did not have a musical ear and I happily gave up lessons. This experience leads me to conclude that abilities cannot be taught if you do not have the potential, no matter how much effort is put into developing them.

All in all, I believe that success in most activities is a product of both the environment a child grows up in and his or her innate talents. Only when young children are given the opportunity to explore and develop their abilities can they develop their talents to their full potential.

no, he says he had no innate ability, so he couldn’t learn

learned - without this early training, I doubt I would have reached …

Childhood is often referred to as our formative years, suggesting …it is difficult to say

how much abilities can be learned / how much depends on innate talent

talented people have to work hard

worked hard but not successful

success is a product of environment and innate talent

sayexplanation

question

debateissue

answer

have been greatly affected by these experiences.

was brought up to tell the truth at all times.

believed that we inherit our personality / personality is inherited.

can be overcome.

must have been inherited from my mother.

having been taught how to paint, I found it easy to learn.

personal examples

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G Getting more ideas Read the following texts and answer the questions with your partner. Then add any new ideas to your notes in Exercise F.

AParenting is said to be the toughest job, for which we receive the least training. But good parenting can successfully shape your children’s behavior. Here are my Ten Golden Rules:

1. Don’t blame your children for making mistakes. Why make them feel ashamed and guilty for being themselves?

2. Don’t be unfair by showing favoritism. The siblings will develop a strong sense of injustice.

3. Don’t constantly find fault with your children. They’ll resent you for it later.

4. Don’t let your children belittle each other. They’ll grow into insecure, self-conscious adults.

5. Never allow your children to hit one another. They can argue all they want, but never with their fists.

6. Teach your children how to be good friends. Maintaining friendships is a life skill.

7. Be tolerant of your children’s moods and they’ll learn to have patience with yours.

8. Praise your children’s efforts and encourage them so they can appreciate the efforts of others.

9. Accept your children for who they are. In this way, they’ll learn to like themselves.

10. Love your children and teach them how to give and receive love in return.

Helen Mason, child psychologist and parenting coach

H Planning and writing your essay Read your notes again and choose two character traits to discuss. Then complete the plan and write your essay in 250-300 words. The Useful Language box can help you.

Paragraph 1 (Introduction) Restate the topic and make general comments about it. Indicate that it is a complex issue with no clear-cut answer.

................................................................................................

Paragraph 2 Give your first personal example and use it to discuss one aspect of the topic.

................................................................................................

Paragraph 3 Give your second personal example and use it to discuss another aspect of the topic.

................................................................................................

Paragraph 4 (Conclusion) State your opinion, acknowledging that it is a complex issue.

................................................................................................

USEFUL LANGUAGE

INDICATING COMPLEXITYIt is difficult to say whether …There is no simple explanation for …There is no clear-cut answer to the question of …… is a difficult question to answer.The question of … is open to debate.The issue of … is a complex one.

In the ECPE examination, credit is given to essays that acknowledge the complexity of the topic. Avoid writing an answer that is too straightforward or simplistic.

TIP

1. When you were young, were you treated in any of the ways mentioned in the Rules? What effect has this had on you?

2. What impact might constant blame, feelings of guilt, or criticism have on a child?

3. According to the child psychologist, how does being encouraged and praised affect a child?

4. Does the psychologist suggest that personality is determined by our genetic makeup or by our upbringing?

5. What comparison does this professor make?

6. What does her research show about nature vs. nurture?

The empirical evidence we have studied suggests that genetics plays a more significant role than upbringing in determining a range of personality traits. We studied children unrelated biologically who were raised together from birth or early infancy. Our research indicates that they have less in common than biological siblings born several years apart.

Patricia Harris,professor of psychology

B

make them ashamed, lead children to resent parents

child will appreciate efforts of others

upbringing

genetics versus upbringing

nature is moresignificant than nurture in determining personality