Cloning Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 08, 2025, 11:20

In the IELTS Reading section, you’ll answer 40 questions based on three different passages. These passages test a range of reading skills, including locating information questions, multiple-choice questions, and short answer questions. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the section, so time management is key.
 

Cloning Reading passage explores the science and ethics behind cloning. You’ll read about its development, potential applications, and the ongoing debate surrounding its use in modern society.


Let’s look at the Cloning reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. Cloning Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on Cloning Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Cloning Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Cloning.

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3. Check Out Top 65+ IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. 

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Cloning Reading Answer Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

Cloning Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. The ethics of human cloning has become a great issue over the past few years. The advocates for both sides of the issue have many reasons to clone or not to clone. A recent poll has shown the differences in opinions with half as many women as men approving of the process. Many people find it strange to see such a clear difference between men and women, with twenty-six percent of men favouring cloning.

 

Paragraph B. So, what is cloning? It has been defined as “the production of genetically identical organisms via somatic cell nuclear transfer”. You take an egg and remove its nucleus, which contains the DNA/genes. Then, you take the DNA from an adult cell and insert it into the egg, either by fusing the adult cell with the enucleated egg or by a sophisticated nuclear transfer. You then stimulate the reconstructed egg electrically or chemically and try to make it start to divide and become an embryo. You then use the same process to implant the egg into a surrogate mother that you would use with artificial insemination. What cloning does is it copies the DNA/genes of the person and creates a genetic duplicate. The person will not be a Xerox copy. He or she will grow up in a different environment than the clone, with different experiences and different opportunities. Genetics does not wholly define a person and their personality.

 

Paragraph C. In February 1997, when embryologist Ian Wilmut and his colleagues at Roslin Institute in Scotland could clone a lamb named Dolly, the world was introduced to a new possibility and will never be the same again. Before this, cloning was thought to be impossible, but now there is living proof that the technology and knowledge to clone animals exist. Questions began to arise within governments and scientific organisations, and they began to respond. Are humans next? Is it possible to use this procedure to clone humans also? Would anyone actually try? What can we learn if we clone humans? How will this affect the world? These are only a few of the questions that have surfaced and need answering. A whole new concept in ethics was created when the birth of Dolly was announced.

 

Paragraph D. When the cells used for cloning are stem cells, we are talking about cells that are pluripotential. This means that they have the capacity to develop into any of the numerous differentiated cell types that make up the body. Early embryonic cells are pluripotent, and a limited number of stem cells are also found in adults, in bone marrow for instance. There is an important distinction to be made between therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning. Reproductive cloning would be exactly like Dolly; it would involve the creation of a cloned embryo, which would then be implanted into a womb to develop to term and the birth of a clone. On the other hand, therapeutic cloning involves the use of pluripotent cells to repair damaged tissue, such as those found after strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries.

 

Paragraph E. There is evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic cloning as shown by work involving the introduction of stem cells into the brain of patients suffering from brain diseases when the cells which have been added differentiate to form nerve cells, which can, in turn, then lead to the recovery of the lost function. In the US, fetal human cells have been similarly used though recent reports indicate that the results so far are disappointing. However, apart from the ethical problems associated with the use of fetal cells in this way, there are simply not enough cells available for it to be an effective treatment since it needs the cells from three fetuses to treat one patient.

 

Paragraph F. After Dolly, governments began to take control and make laws before anything drastic could ever happen. Several ethics committees were asked to decide whether scientists should be allowed to try to clone humans. In the United States, the Bioethics Advisory Commission recommended a five-year moratorium on cloning a child through somatic cell nuclear transfer. In the United Kingdom, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Human Genetics Advisory Commission have approved human cloning for therapeutic purposes, but not to clone children. Many organisations have come out and stated their opinions also. Amongst all these ethical defining, many governments are ignoring many people. People are speaking out about what they want to be done.

 

Paragraph G. Historically, we find that many a great medical breakthrough, now rightly seen as a blessing, was in its own time condemned by bio-conservative moralists. Such was the case with anaesthesia during surgery and childbirth. People argued that it was unnatural and that it would weaken our moral fibre. Such was also the case with heart transplantations and with in vitro fertilisation. It was said children created by IVF would be dehumanised and would suffer grave psychological harm. Today, of course, anaesthesia is taken for granted; heart transplantation is seen as one of medicine’s glories, and the public approval rate of IVF is up from 15% in the early seventies to over 70% today.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Cloning reading answer passage.

2.

Cloning Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find Cloning Reading answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below.

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • Cloning Reading Answer Passage has 7 paragraphs A-G.
  • Which paragraphs offer information on the following ideas?
    • Note: One paragraph is used more than once, and two are not used at all.

 

1. Different types of cloning - ____

2. Protective legislation - ____

3. Similar situations - ____

4. A survey on attitudes towards cloning - ____

5. Scientific reasons why cloning is currently not viable for medical cures - ____

6. Illness examples that cloning could help treat - ____
 

Cloning  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)
 

Type of question: Locating Information

 

In this task, you are required to find specific details, facts, or information within the passage. These questions typically ask you to identify where particular information is located in the text.
 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Understand what specific information you need to find (e.g., a word, phrase, or detail).
  • Quickly skim through the relevant paragraph or section to locate keywords related to the question.
  • Ensure the answer fits grammatically and contextually into the sentence or passage.
  • Check for synonyms or keywords to locate the information
  • Finalise your answers.

 

1. Paragraph D

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “There is an important distinction to be made between therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning. Reproductive cloning would be exactly like Dolly; it would involve the creation of a cloned embryo, which would then be implanted into a womb to develop to term and the birth of a clone. On the other hand, therapeutic cloning involves the use of pluripotent cells to repair damaged tissue, such as those found after strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries.”

 

Explanation: This line highlights the clear distinction between therapeutic and reproductive cloning, explaining that one is used for medical treatments while the other involves creating a living clone. This makes paragraph D the correct choice.

 

2. Paragraph F

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “After Dolly, governments began to take control and make laws before anything drastic could ever happen. Several ethics committees were asked to decide whether scientists should be allowed to try to clone humans.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that in response to Dolly's cloning, various governments began creating laws and setting ethical boundaries. It confirms that protective legislation is the main focus of paragraph F.

 

3. Paragraph G

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: “Such was the case with anaesthesia during surgery and childbirth. People argued that it was unnatural and that it would weaken our moral fibre. Such was also the case with heart transplantations and within vitro fertilisation.”

 

Explanation: This line draws comparisons between past medical advancements and the current debate over cloning. It shows that similar resistance was faced before, making paragraph G the correct answer.

 

4. Paragraph A

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “A recent poll has shown the differences in opinions with half as many women as men approving of the process. Many people find it strange to see such a clear difference between men and women, with twenty-six per cent of men favouring cloning.”

 

Explanation: This line directly refers to a poll showing public opinions on cloning, especially highlighting the gender gap. This confirms that paragraph A discusses people's attitudes through survey results.

 

5. Paragraph E

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “However, apart from the ethical problems associated with the use of fetal cells in this way, there are simply not enough cells available for it to be an effective treatment since it needs the cells from three fetuses to treat one patient.”

 

Explanation: This line explains that therapeutic cloning is currently limited due to insufficient cell availability, which makes it an impractical medical solution. Hence, paragraph E best supports the idea.

 

6. Paragraph D

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “On the other hand, therapeutic cloning involves the use of pluripotent cells to repair damaged tissue, such as those found after strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries.”

 

Explanation: This line lists specific illnesses that could benefit from therapeutic cloning, such as Parkinson’s and spinal injuries. This confirms paragraph D as the one discussing medical applications.

 

Also Read: 350+ English Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Questions and Answers 7-10
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.
  • Write your answers in boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet.

 

7. Which bar chart most accurately describes attitudes indicated in the text towards cloning by men and women?

A. Over 80% against men, under 80% against women

B. Under 80% against men, over 80% against women

C. Under 60% against men, under 80% against women

D. Under 80% against men, over 40% against women
 

8. Which of the following is a feature of cloning used for possible medical treatment?

A. A genetic duplicate is born through the use of a surrogate mother.

B. The creation and implantation of an embryo.

C. Implantation of differentiated pluripotent cells.

D. Genetic mutation of pluripotent cells.
 

9. Which of the following is NOT a feature of cloning?

A. Reproduction of a genetic copy of the subject cloned.

B. Reproduction of exact personality characteristics of the subject cloned.

C. Reproduction of the pluripotential stem cells of the subject cloned.

D. Reproduction of the DNA of the subject cloned.
 

10. Which of the following is NOT an example from the text of previous medical technologies that were initially mistrusted by people?

A. Test tube babies.

B. Anesthesia.

C. Antiseptics.

D. Heart replacements.
 

Cloning  Reading Answers With Explanations (7-10)
 

Type of question: Multiple choice questions

 

In this question type, you are asked to answer the question followed by several options, typically lettered A, B, C, or D. The task is to select the correct answer from the given choices based on the information provided in the reading passage.

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Read the question carefully and understand what it asks.
  • Pay attention to the keywords in the question.
  • Skim the passage quickly to locate relevant information.
  • Eliminate the clearly incorrect options.
  • Select the answer that best fits the information in the passage.

 

7. B - Under 80% against men, over 80% against women

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “Many people find it strange to see such a clear difference between men and women, with twenty-six percent of men favouring cloning.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that only 26% of men favour cloning, which means under 80% of men are against it. Since even fewer women support cloning, it suggests that over 80% of women are against it. This contrast makes option B the most accurate representation of the data.

 

8. C - Implantation of differentiated pluripotent cells

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “On the other hand, therapeutic cloning involves the use of pluripotent cells to repair damaged tissue, such as those found after strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries.”

 

Explanation: This line highlights that therapeutic cloning uses pluripotent cells to heal or replace damaged tissues in the body. It focuses on treatment, not reproduction, making the implantation of differentiated pluripotent cells a key feature of medical cloning.

 

9. B - Reproduction of exact personality characteristics of the subject cloned

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “Reproductive cloning would be exactly like Dolly; it would involve the creation of a cloned embryo which would then be implanted into a womb to develop to term and the birth of a clone.”

 

Explanation: This sentence explains that cloning reproduces DNA but not the exact personality of the original. Since a clone's personality is shaped by its environment and life experiences, the reproduction of exact personality traits is not a feature of cloning.

 

10. C - Antiseptics

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: “Such was the case with anaesthesia during surgery and childbirth. Such was also the case with heart transplantations and within Vitro fertilisation."

 

Explanation: The paragraph lists anaesthesia, heart transplants, and IVF as medical breakthroughs once mistrusted by society. Antiseptics, however, are not mentioned at all, making them the only option not supported by the text as a previously mistrusted technology.

 

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the Dictation Words for IELTS!

Questions and Answers 11-13
  • Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from Reading Passage, answer the following questions.

 

11. In what part of an egg is found the DNA used for cloning?

12. In what country has medical treatment through cloning been shown to be of limited value?

13. According to the text, what body wants to wait before cloning a human?
 

Cloning Reading Answers With Explanations (11-13)
 

Type of question: Short answer 

 

In this task, you will be given a set of questions with missing information, typically sentences with blank spaces. You must complete each statement with one word or phrase (as instructed). 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the questions first to understand what information you need to look for in the passage.
  • Skim the passage and look for keywords. 
  • You may have to look for synonyms or paraphrases to locate the answer. 
  • Verify your answers and finalise them.

 

11. (The) nucleus

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “You take an egg and remove its nucleus, which contains the DNA/genes. Then you take the DNA from an adult cell and insert it into the egg, either by fusing the adult cell with the enucleated egg or by a sophisticated nuclear transfer.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the DNA required for cloning is found specifically in the nucleus of the egg. It explains the process of removing the nucleus to extract the DNA, which makes "nucleus" the correct answer.

 

12. The US

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “In the US, fetal human cells have been similarly used, though recent reports indicate that the results so far are disappointing.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that attempts to use cloning for medical treatment in the US have not been very successful. The disappointing results highlight that cloning has shown limited value in “the US”, making it the correct answer.

 

13. Bioethics Advisory Commission

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “In the United States, the Bioethics Advisory Commission recommended a five-year moratorium on cloning a child through somatic cell nuclear transfer.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that the “Bioethics Advisory Commission” advised a delay in cloning humans. It shows the body’s cautious approach by recommending a moratorium, which confirms the correct answer.
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Below are some top 65+ free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. We have provided sample passages for each test type for your reference.
 

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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in the Cloning reading passage?

Ans. In Cloning reading passages, you’ll often come across keywords such as DNA, genes, cells, replication, genetic engineering, and identical organisms. Names of scientists, specific cloning methods (like somatic cell nuclear transfer), and dates are also common. These keywords are crucial as they help you locate specific information and match it with the questions effectively.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the Cloning reading passage?

Ans. Start by quickly reading all the headings to get an idea of what themes are covered. Then, read each paragraph to understand its main idea, not just specific details. Look at topic sentences, repeated concepts, or contrasts within the paragraph. Choose the heading that summarises the overall purpose of the paragraph, rather than matching words or phrases directly.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of the Cloning reading passage?

Ans. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with complex scientific vocabulary and ideas. These passages often contain technical terms and require a strong grasp of sentence structures and logical flow. Sometimes, the writer’s opinion or contrasting views are subtly presented, which can make it difficult to answer questions like True/False/Not Given or Matching Information.

Q. Are Cloning passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. Cloning passages are typically found in the IELTS Academic Reading test. Academic texts focus on science, research, and higher education topics, making cloning—a subject related to biotechnology—a suitable theme for this version. Such texts require analytical reading and the ability to interpret detailed information.

Q. What is the IELTS Reading test format?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions divided across three passages. Each passage gets progressively harder. The test includes various question types such as multiple choice, matching headings, sentence completion, True/False/Not Given, and short-answer questions. You must answer all questions based on the reading passages provided, without any external knowledge.

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes, and this time includes both reading the passages and answering the questions. You won’t get extra time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet, so time management is key.

Q. Are the reading passages the same for the Academic and General Training versions?

Ans. No, they are not the same. The Academic version includes longer and more complex texts based on academic subjects. The General Training version contains simpler, more practical texts taken from advertisements, notices, newspapers, or instruction manuals. The question types are similar, but the level of difficulty is higher in the Academic version.

Q. How are the IELTS Reading scores calculated?

Ans. IELTS Reading scores are based on the number of correct answers out of 40. Each correct answer gives you one mark. These raw scores are then converted to band scores ranging from 1 to 9. The conversion may differ slightly between the Academic and General versions depending on the difficulty level.

Q. Can I write my answers in pen or pencil?

Ans. You must use a pencil to write your answers on the IELTS Reading answer sheet. Using a pen is not allowed. If you use a pen, your responses may not be read by the scanning machine, and you could lose marks.

Q. What happens if I leave a question unanswered?

Ans. If you leave a question unanswered, you will receive no marks for it. However, there is no negative marking in IELTS, so it's always better to make an educated guess than leave it blank. You might get it right by chance.

Q. How should I practice to improve my Reading score?

Ans. To improve your reading score, practice with authentic IELTS reading materials regularly. Focus on skimming and scanning techniques, build a strong vocabulary, and understand the different question types. Time yourself while practising to get used to exam conditions, and review your mistakes to avoid repeating them.