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Paragraph Summary Questions
25: The passage given below is followed by four summaries. Choose the option that best captures the author’s position.
Artificial embryo twinning is a relatively low-tech way to make clones. As the name suggests, this technique mimics the natural process that creates identical twins. In nature, twins form very early in development when the embryo splits in two. Twinning happens in the first days after egg and sperm join, while the embryo is made of just a small number of unspecialized cells. Each half of the embryo continues dividing on its own, ultimately developing into separate, complete individuals. Since they developed from the same fertilized egg, the resulting individuals are genetically identical.
A. Artificial embryo twinning is low-tech and mimetic of the natural development of genetically identical twins from the embryo after fertilization.
B. Artificial embryo twinning is low-tech unlike the natural development of identical twins from the embryo after fertilization.
C. Artificial embryo twinning is just like the natural development of twins, where during fertilization twins are formed.
D. Artificial embryo twinning is low-tech and is close to the natural development of twins where the embryo splits into two identical twins.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
This is not a complex question, however it can be a bit tricky while eliminating and selecting the correct option. In the first sentence itself, the author states that embryo-twinning is a “low-tech” process. Then, he explains how it mimics the natural process of formation of genetically identical twins, which get formed when a single embryo splits into two, and each part continues to grow to become complete individuals.
Option B can be ruled out right away as it is stating the opposite of what the author is conveying in the passage.
Option C is false as it states that twins are formed “during fertilization”. In the passage as well, the author states that “Since they developed from the same fertilized egg..”, which implies that fertilization occurred prior to the formation of the twins.
Options D and A may look similar, however the caveat is that Option D suggests that Artificial Embryo Twinning is “close” to the natural development of twins; and Options A suggests that it “mimics” the natural process (mimetic = to imitate). As the passage directly states that, “this technique mimics the natural process that creates identical twins”, Option A is the correct answer.
Word 1: Technique
Context:
"Artificial embryo twinning is a relatively low-tech way to make clones. As the name suggests, this technique mimics the natural process that creates identical twins." - Scientific Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "technique" refers to a method or way of doing something, especially one that requires special skill or knowledge. In the context of science, technology, or the arts, it often implies a specific process used to achieve a particular result effectively and efficiently.
Meaning: A way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution of an artistic or scientific procedure (noun)
Pronunciation: tek-neek
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From French "technique", from Greek "tekhnē" meaning art, skill, craft.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
The word "technique" is commonly used across disciplines, from sports to science to art. Understanding it helps you appreciate the structured methods behind skilled actions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: method, approach, procedure, process, system
Antonyms: improvisation, guesswork, inexperience
Usage Examples:
- The artist's brush technique gave the painting a lifelike texture.
- The scientist used a novel technique to isolate the DNA sequence.
- Improving your breathing technique can enhance your performance in sports.
- This technique for memorizing vocabulary involves visualization and association.
Cultural Reference:
"Bruce Lee emphasized that technique is more important than strength in martial arts." - Martial Arts Philosophy
Think About It:
How does mastering a technique in any field contribute to innovation and creativity?
Quick Activity:
List three techniques you use regularly—one in academics, one in a hobby, and one in daily life.
Memory Tip:
Think of “technique” as “tech + unique”—a unique way of doing something, especially involving skill or tech.
Real-World Application:
In job interviews, candidates often describe the techniques they use to solve problems or manage time effectively, showcasing their problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.
Word 2: Mimics
Context:
"Artificial embryo twinning is a relatively low-tech way to make clones. As the name suggests, this technique mimics the natural process that creates identical twins." - Scientific Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "mimics" means to imitate or copy the way something behaves, appears, or works. In the given context, the technique is described as mimicking the natural process, meaning it attempts to reproduce or replicate the biological mechanism by which identical twins are naturally formed. This word often suggests a resemblance in action, appearance, or function.
Meaning: To imitate closely, especially with the intent to reproduce or simulate (verb)
Pronunciation: mih-miks
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek "mimos" meaning imitator or actor, which led to Latin "mimicus" and then Old French "mimique".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Mimic" is often used in both scientific and social contexts. It helps describe how things can replicate natural or human behaviors, which is useful when studying biology, AI, or even communication.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: imitate, replicate, copy, simulate, resemble
Antonyms: differ, contrast, originate, innovate
Usage Examples:
- The robot mimics human facial expressions to improve communication.
- She mimics her teacher’s voice perfectly during skits.
- This software mimics the layout of a real operating system for training purposes.
- The artist mimics classical styles in his modern paintings.
Cultural Reference:
"Mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery." - A popular variation of Oscar Wilde’s quote emphasizing how imitation reflects admiration or learning.
Think About It:
Why do humans and even artificial systems rely so heavily on mimicking natural processes?
Quick Activity:
Choose any object around you and describe how you would design a machine that mimics its function or movement.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “mimic” as a “mirror”—both try to reflect or copy what they see.
Real-World Application:
In medicine, synthetic models often mimic the behavior of organs to help train doctors or test new treatments without harming real patients.
Word 3: Unspecialized
Context:
"Twinning happens in the first days after egg and sperm join, while the embryo is made of just a small number of unspecialized cells." - Scientific Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "unspecialized" refers to something that has not yet developed a specific function or role. In the biological context, it describes cells that have not yet transformed into particular types like skin, muscle, or nerve cells. These cells have the potential to become any type of cell, making them crucial during early development stages such as embryogenesis.
Meaning: Not adapted or assigned to a specific function or role (adjective)
Pronunciation: un-speh-shuh-lyzd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Prefix “un-” (not) + “specialized” (from Latin *specialis*, meaning “particular kind”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is often used in biology, but it can also describe anything that hasn't been narrowed down or given a particular purpose—like a generalist career path or a basic tool with multiple uses.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: undifferentiated, general, basic, multipurpose
Antonyms: specialized, specific, defined, differentiated
Usage Examples:
- In the early embryo, unspecialized cells can develop into any tissue type.
- The unspecialized role gave her the chance to explore different departments before choosing one.
- Unspecialized equipment can be adapted for various experiments.
- These unspecialized staff members are trained later based on project needs.
Cultural Reference:
"In stem cell research, scientists work with unspecialized cells that hold the key to regenerative medicine." - Biomedical News
Think About It:
In a fast-changing world, is it better to be specialized in one area or remain unspecialized and adaptable?
Quick Activity:
Write down one field or activity where being unspecialized might be an advantage, and explain why.
Memory Tip:
“Un-” means “not,” so “unspecialized” literally means “not made special” — not assigned a specific task yet.
Real-World Application:
Unspecialized cells, like stem cells, are being researched for their potential to repair or replace damaged tissues in diseases like Parkinson’s and diabetes.
Word 4: Genetically
Context:
"Since they developed from the same fertilized egg, the resulting individuals are genetically identical." - Scientific Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "genetically" refers to anything that relates to genes or heredity. Genes are the units of heredity passed from parents to offspring, and they determine characteristics like eye color, height, and even the risk for certain diseases. When two organisms are genetically identical, it means their DNA — the complete set of genetic instructions — is exactly the same.
Meaning: In a way that relates to genes or heredity (adverb)
Pronunciation: juh-neh-tik-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From “genetic” (from Greek *genetikos* meaning “origin”) + “-ally” (adverbial suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Genetically" is a word you’ll come across often in science, especially biology and medicine. It’s key to understanding concepts like inheritance, cloning, and gene editing. Also remember: it is the adverb form of 'genetic'.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: hereditarily, biologically, by inheritance
Antonyms: environmentally, behaviorally, culturally (in certain contexts)
Usage Examples:
- The twins are genetically identical because they came from the same zygote.
- Some diseases are passed down genetically from one generation to another.
- The scientist modified the plants genetically to resist pests.
- Genetically speaking, humans and chimpanzees share more than 98% of their DNA.
Cultural Reference:
"The debate around genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to shape food and agriculture policies worldwide." - National Geographic
Think About It:
If we can alter organisms genetically, what ethical limits should science observe?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph explaining whether you believe genetically modified foods are safe, and why.
Memory Tip:
“Genetically” starts with “gene” — think of your genes as the tiny instruction manuals inside every cell.
Real-World Application:
Genetically testing embryos during IVF helps doctors screen for inherited diseases and improve health outcomes for future generations.
Word 5: Identical
Context:
"Artificial embryo twinning is low-tech unlike the natural development of identical twins from the embryo after fertilization." - Scientific Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "identical" means exactly the same in every way. In biological contexts, it refers to organisms (like twins) that share 100% of their genetic material. More broadly, it’s used to describe two or more things that are completely alike in appearance, function, or composition.
Meaning: Exactly alike or the same in every way (adjective)
Pronunciation: eye-den-ti-kul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Late Latin *identicus*, meaning “the same,” and Latin *idem* (“the same”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Don’t confuse “identical” with “similar.” Identical means *no difference at all*. It’s an important distinction when comparing things precisely, especially in science or logic-based writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: same, duplicate, indistinguishable, twin, matching
Antonyms: different, distinct, unique, varied
Usage Examples:
- Identical twins share the same genetic material and often look exactly alike.
- The two reports were nearly identical, raising concerns about plagiarism.
- Each chair was identical in shape, size, and color.
- The lab produced identical results across multiple trials, confirming the theory.
Cultural Reference:
"Identical twins are often used in psychological studies to explore the nature vs. nurture debate." - Psychology Today
Think About It:
In a world that celebrates individuality, what does it mean to be "identical" to someone else—biologically or behaviorally?
Quick Activity:
Find two objects around you that are *almost* identical. Write down what’s the same and what’s different.
Memory Tip:
“Identical” comes from “identity”—if two things have the same identity, they are identical!
Real-World Application:
In forensic science, matching identical DNA samples can link suspects to crime scenes with a high level of certainty.
