Ali Z

LA TROBE INTERNATIONAL

FOUNDATION STUDIES PROGRAM

ACADEMIC STUDY SKILLS 2 EXAMINATION

Sample Paper

1. All questions are to be answered on the paper provided

2. Total time allocation: 15 minutes reading time / 3 hours writing time

3. All sections should be attempted

4. Read suggestions carefully and follow suggested times

Section A. Reading Comprehension. 15 marks (30 minutes)

Section B. Writing

Task 1: Essay. 30 marks (75 minutes)

Task 2: Essay. 30 marks (75 minutes)

Total marks: /75

SECTION A: READING COMPREHENSION

You are advised not to spend more than 30 minutes on this section.

Instructions: All answers must be written on the answer sheet.

IN SEARCH OF THE HOLY GRAIL

It has been called the Holy Grail of modern biology. Costing more than £2 billion, it is the most ambitious scientific project since the Apollo programme that landed a man on the moon. And it will take longer to accomplish than the lunar missions, for it will not be complete until early next century. Even before it is finished, according to those involved, this project should open up new understanding of, and new treatments for, many of the ailments that afflict humanity. As a result of the Human Genome Project, there will be new hope of liberation from the shadows of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and some psychiatric illnesses.

The objective of the Human Genome Project is simple to state, but audacious in scope: to map and analyse every single gene within the double helix of humanity’s DNA. The project will reveal a new human

anatomy – not the bones, muscles and sinews, but the complete genetic blueprint for a human being. Those working on the Human Genome Project claim that the new genetical anatomy will transform medicine and reduce human suffering in the twenty-first century. But others see the future through a darker glass, and fear that the project may open...