READ THE TEXT AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT FOLLOW:

BRAVE NEW WORLD

Imagine never having to brush your teeth again, or owning the perfect pet. That’s what some scientists are
hoping to be able to promise soon.
Scientists are working to create genetically modified bacteria that will attack the bacteria in the mouth
that cause tooth decay. Just one application of this future product to your teeth may guarantee a lifetime of
protection. If it is successful, the new technology could have other uses as well. For instance, it could be
used to kill the bacteria that make gym shoes smelly, or to create bandages that produce natural chemicals
to help heal wounds on the skin. Genetically modified bacteria could even kill the bacteria that cause
minor infections, helping to prevent more serious problems.
In the future, it may also be possible to alter pets genetically in order to make them more desirable to
humans. One company is trying to create a new type of cat that doesn’t cause an allergic reaction in
humans. Other types of pets we might see in the future include animals that don’t shed their fur, dogs that
aren’t aggressive and animals that resist fleas and other insects. There is also the hope of genetically
modifying guide dogs for the blind so that they will live twice as long as a normal dog, since the training
of guide dogs is long and expensive.
However, some people are concerned by these new developments. Whenever people make changes in
nature, there may be unexpected consequences that are not entirely positive. For instance, in the case of
non-allergic cats, a certain protein is removed from the cat so people won’t be allergic to it. But no one
knows exactly what that protein does and how important it is to the cat’s body. And if insects such as
ticks and fleas can no longer attack pets, who will they attack instead – people?
While new technology sounds amazing and has got many possible benefits, there are serious issues to
consider before we decide to bring it into our lives.

1. Choose the best answer.

1. There may soon be cats that 2. Some people want to develop guide dogs that
a. are less aggressive. a. live longer.
b. have got thicker fur. b. have got a better sense of direction.
c. don’t cause an allergic reaction. c. are twice as large as normal dogs.
3. The new bacteria may
a. cause minor infections.
b. stop minor infections.
c. cause serious problems.

2. Find words or expressions in the text that mean:

1. cure …………………….. 4. completely ……………………..
2. change …………………….. 5. taken out ……………………..
3. worried ……………………..

3. Answer the questions.

1. What will the genetically modified bacteria do in a person’s mouth?

………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. How could the new bacteria affect gym shoes?

………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Complete the sentences:
1. Scientists want to genetically change pets so that humans will

……………………………………………………………………………………….

2. The new type of dog won’t be………………………………or have ………………

……………………………………………………………………………………….

3. Scientists will be able to make a non-allergic cat by

…………………………………………………………………………………….. .
4. An example of a dangerous consequence of the new technology is that fleas will
……………………………………………………………………………………… .

Answers:

1. Choose the best answer.

1. There may soon be cats that
c. don’t cause an allergic reaction.
2. Some people want to develop guide dogs that
a. live longer.
3. The new bacteria may
c. cause serious problems.

2. Find words or expressions in the text that mean:

1. cure: heal 4. completely: entirely
2. change: alter 5. taken out: removed
3. worried: concerned

3. Answer the questions.

1. What will the genetically modified bacteria do in a person’s mouth? They will attack the
bacteria which cause tooth decay.

2. How could the new bacteria affect gym shoes? They could kill the bacteria which make
them smelly.

4. Complete the sentences:

1. Scientists want to genetically change pets so that humans will find them more desirable.

2. The new type of dog won’t be aggressive or have fleas or other insects.

3. Scientists will be able to make a non-allergic cat by removing acertain protein from it.

4. An example of a dangerous consequence of the new technology is that fleas will have to
change their target and they might end up attacking humans.