- English Language Test for International Students Reading Science-Based Texts Questions and Answers Flashcards

A science text states: 'Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent.' What is the main purpose of mitosis?

Answer: To produce identical copies for growth and repair

Mitosis produces identical copies of cells for growth, repair, and maintenance.

Students planted seeds in three pots — sunlight, shade, and darkness — and measured growth. What is the independent variable?

Answer: The amount of light each pot receives

The independent variable is what the experimenter deliberately changes — in this case, the light conditions.

A text reads: 'Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections but cannot treat viral infections such as the common cold.' What can you conclude?

Answer: Doctors should not prescribe antibiotics for viral illnesses

Since antibiotics only work against bacteria, prescribing them for viral infections would be ineffective.

A text explains: 'Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.' Which example best demonstrates this?

Answer: A rocket launching as gases are pushed downward

A rocket pushes gases downward (action), and the gases push the rocket upward (equal and opposite reaction).

A passage states: 'DNA contains the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism.' What is DNA's main function described here?

Answer: To store and transmit genetic instructions

DNA's primary function is storing genetic information — the biological blueprint for an organism.

A text reads: 'The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Below 7 is acidic, above 7 is basic, and exactly 7 is neutral.' What pH is neutral?

Answer: 7

The passage directly states that a pH of exactly 7 is neutral.