All Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Practice

All Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 9 / 557

The following question has a set of four statements. Each statement can be classified as one of the following:
(i) Facts, which deal with pieces of information that one has heard, seen or read, and which are open to discovery or verification (the answer option indicates such a statement with an F)
(ii) Inferences, which are conclusions drawn about the unknown, on the basis of the known (the answer option indicates such a statement with an I)
(iii) Judgements, which are opinions that imply approval or disapproval of persons, objects, situations and occurrences in the past, the present or the future (the answer option indicates such a statement with a J)
Identify the Fact (F), Judgement (J) and Inference (I) from these sentences.

Statements:

1. The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in the early 21st century has enabled unprecedented precision in targeted gene editing, leading to its widespread adoption in biological research laboratories globally.
2. If germline gene editing technologies become routinely accessible for human reproduction, it is highly probable that socio-economic disparities in access to these expensive interventions will exacerbate existing inequalities, creating a genetically stratified society.
3. Allowing unchecked commercialization of gene-editing therapies without robust ethical oversight constitutes a profound dereliction of societal responsibility towards future generations, given the potential for unintended and irreversible genomic alterations.
4. Numerous national bioethics committees have issued advisory guidelines advocating for strict limitations on germline genetic modification in humans, primarily citing concerns over unforeseen intergenerational effects and issues of informed consent.

Options:
(A) FIJF
(B) FJIF
(C) IFJJ
(D) JIFI
(E) FIFJ

Correct Answer: A

1. Statement 1 Analysis: This is a Fact (F). The statement describes a verifiable historical development (the advent of CRISPR-Cas9 in the early 21st century) and its established capabilities (unprecedented precision) and impact (widespread adoption). These claims can be objectively confirmed through scientific literature and technological timelines.

2. Statement 2 Analysis: This is an Inference (I). The statement presents a conditional scenario ("If germline gene editing technologies become routinely accessible...") and then draws a logical conclusion about a likely future outcome ("it is highly probable that... will exacerbate existing inequalities, creating a genetically stratified society"). The conclusion about a "genetically stratified society" is a projection based on known socio-economic patterns and the potential implications of the technology, not a direct observation or an opinion about whether this *should* happen.

3. Statement 3 Analysis: This is a Judgement (J). The statement uses strong evaluative language such as "constitutes a profound dereliction of societal responsibility." This phrase clearly expresses disapproval and an opinion about what moral or ethical duties are being neglected. It prescribes a standard of conduct and implies that the current or potential situation falls short of that standard.

4. Statement 4 Analysis: This is a Fact (F). The statement reports on verifiable actions taken by specific entities ("Numerous national bioethics committees have issued advisory guidelines") and the reasons they have cited ("primarily citing concerns over unforeseen intergenerational effects and issues of informed consent"). This information can be confirmed by reviewing the published documents and mandates of these committees.

Logical Trap: A common trap lies in Statement 2 and Statement 3. Statement 2, despite painting a potentially negative future, is an Inference because it projects a *probable outcome* based on existing trends and a hypothetical premise, using 'highly probable' as a key indicator. It's not expressing an opinion on whether that outcome is good or bad, but rather predicting its occurrence. Conversely, Statement 3 might be mistaken for an Inference because it mentions the "potential for unintended and irreversible genomic alterations," which are factual risks. However, the core of the statement is the value judgment that allowing unchecked commercialization "constitutes a profound dereliction of societal responsibility," which is a clear expression of disapproval and an ethical opinion, not a prediction of what *will* happen but what *should* not be allowed.

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