English Language Questions for CLAT 2026 | QB Set 2

The capabilities that scientists have developed to engineer the genetics of plants and animals could have a profound impact on the control of insects and insect-related diseases. One approach would be to introduce into the pest population individuals that have been genetically altered to carry genes that interfere with reproduction. Researchers are also evaluating the possibility of replacing natural mosquito populations with populations that are unable to support normal parasite development. In addition, work is underway to produce mites and insects that are highly effective enemies of crop pests. For instance, a transgenic version of a mite is helping to control spider mites in almond orchards.

There are, however, associated concerns. One is that arthropods (in contrast to transgenic crops) have the ability to make sudden changes in their diets and even in their genes, coupled with the fact that they can readily move from one area to another. Furthermore, it may be that the foreign gene from the genetically engineered organism can be transferred to other arthropod species. Other researchers are directing their attention to functional analysis of the genes that assure the virulence of various parasites. One of the most vicious malaria parasites, for example, protects itself by manufacturing a protein that expels drugs before they can be fully effective. Having identified and isolated these genes, scientists are attempting to develop a compound that will interfere with the action of the protein. This in turn, should permit engineering the genes within the parasite to either prevent or reverse the resistance of these organisms to various drugs.

In related studies, genetic engineers have achieved impressive successes in designing agricultural plants with improved resistance to insects and viruses. Initially such efforts were directed to improving plant resistance. Today the aim has been expanded to include protecting the harvested crop. In certain crops (cereal grains, beans, peas) weevils and other insects can cause losses during storage equal to those incurred during the growing season.

Questions:

1. According to the passage, why is it insufficient to control plant damage or losses due to pests?
   (a) Plants can resist pests whereas harvested crops cannot.
   (b) Researchers have so far been working on improving plant resistance only.
   (c) Damage to stored crops, by pests, is equally prevalent.
   (d) Plants are resistant to pesticides.
   
2. Which of the following describes the organisation of the passage?
   (a) A hypothesis is made, and the various implications are discussed.
   (b) An observation is made and the different aspects are detailed to support it.
   (c) A specific case is presented, the pros and cons are discussed and a conclusion is arrived at.
   (d) A generalization is made, specific cases are provided to substantiate it.
   
3. ‘Efforts towards producing mites and insects that are highly effective enemies of crop pests’ is a case of
   (a) a poison used as antidote to another poison.
   (b) developing a population of genetically altered species to counter the harmful ones.
   (c) killing damage causing insects by insects of the same breed.
   (d) using chemicals as pesticides to eradicate the entire population of mites and insects.
   
4. The use of transgenic versions is likely to be ineffective in arthropods because of all of the following abilities of arthropods, EXCEPT:
   (a) their migration.
   (b) transformation of genes.
   (c) ability to transfer genetically engineered foreign genes to others.
   (d) resistance to insects and viruses.
   
5. Select the word which is most nearly the SAME in MEANING to the word VIRULENCE, as used in the passage.
   (a) malignancy
   (b) forbearance
   (c) courtesy
   (d) solitude
   

Answers

Answer: (c)

• Explanation: The passage explains that while plants have been engineered for resistance during the growing season, insects can also cause significant damage post-harvest. Thus, just improving plant resistance is insufficient.
• Option (c): Correct – damage to stored crops is equally prevalent.
• Option (a), (b), (d): Incorrect – they either miss the point or misrepresent the passage.

Answer: (b)

• Explanation: The passage starts with an observation (the role of genetic engineering in pest and disease control) and then goes on to detail different methods and concerns.
• Option (b): Correct – best describes this structure.
• Other options are unsuitable either because no theory is proposed (a), no specific case is presented (c), and it is not a generalisation followed by specific cases (d).

Answer: (b)

• Explanation: The line refers to genetically modified organisms being used to counter harmful pests – effectively “fighting fire with fire.”
• Option (b): Correct – this best fits the context.
• Options (a), (c), (d): Incorrect – do not reflect what the passage says or oversimplify.

Answer: (d)

• Explanation: The passage states that arthropods can migrate, change genes, and transfer genes to others. However, resistance to insects and viruses is not mentioned as a reason why transgenic approaches may fail.
• Option (d): Correct – this is the exception.

Answer: (a)

• Explanation: In the passage, “virulence” refers to the harmfulness or severity of parasites.
• Option (a) “malignancy”: Correct – it means harmfulness, matching the context.
• Options (b) “forbearance”, (c) “courtesy”, (d) “solitude”: Incorrect – they do not align with the meaning of “virulence” in this context.