Задание
Прочитай текст и выполни задания 12–18. В каждом задании запиши в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному варианту ответа.
The serial killer gene: myth or truth?
In episode 21 of the third season of the American teen drama show Riverdale, protagonist Betty Cooper learns that she possesses the Serial Killer Gene, which, according to her sister Polly, is perhaps the reason why she smashed the skull of their childhood cat, and also why she dons her "Dark Betty" personality. Polly also tells her that the gene has loomed over the family for generations. As a scientist and a diligent fact-checker, I googled the gene that caused so much massacre in the show — and was disappointed to learn that there is no such thing as the Serial Killer Gene. It was not all misrepresented science, however. The gene Polly Cooper was referring to is commonly called the Warrior gene, and among scientists, the MAO-A gene.
Research has shown that individuals with the low enzymatic activity of MAOA (due to a mutation in the gene) tend to develop antisocial behaviour. When coupled with high amounts of provocation, this behaviour can reveal itself as aggression. It can also include sleep disorders, lower than average IQ and frequent mood swings. Violent behaviour as a result of one or more of these symptoms is common.
This doesn't necessarily mean that anyone who carries the mutated MAOA gene will resort to murder when irritated. Aggression, like all other social behaviours, is a complex concept, and more often than not, there are other factors that influence destructive tendencies, including external stimulation (such as maltreatment as a child) and underlying neurological issues. The MAOA gene variant, if present, tends to mostly amplify violent activities, caused by other persistent social issues or traumatic experiences. Whether this faulty genetic composition should be used, or rather misused, to justify murderous crimes is a matter of debate.
This is highlighted by the criminal case surrounding Bradley Waldroup, who, in 2006 attacked his wife and her friend, killing the latter. Although there was evidence of Waldruop's actions being intentional and premeditated, and he admitted responsibility, when the defence showed that he possessed a particularly unusual variant of the MAOA gene, the jury was swayed, and Waldroup was given a reduced sentence of 32 years in prison. Jurors later stated that they had factored Waldroup's abusive childhood into their decision, but the neuroscientific evidence definitely played a major role. However, Waldroup had still committed homicide, and it was not in self-defence. Should he have received the sentence he did?
Theoretically, the quarrel between Waldroup and his wife and her friend could have been avoided, because aggression, genetic or not, can be controlled. Those with a predilection for violence and anger can be taught to manage their emotions, and those in close proximity to angry people can be trained in the identification of violent behaviour, and communication and de-escalation methods.
The reality, however, is more nuanced than that, and the above scenario is a difficult puzzle to solve. Not only is the science behind the MAOA gene relatively new and untested, but in court, scientific evidence is presented in conjunction with other arguments, and it is difficult to understand which bit of the evidence is particularly decisive.
In conclusion, although there might be aggressive people in the world who possess a mutated MAOA variant, there are many more who don't and yet, are inclined to anger and violence. The "Warrior Gene" is just one of many explanations for why someone might have murderous tendencies. Moreover, there are some people who, despite being carriers of the MAOA mutation, do not resort to aggression. And if you have watched enough documentaries, you will already know that a lot of serial killers are made rather than born.
12.What do we know about the author from the 1st paragraph?
1) The author's favourite character in Riverdale is Betty Cooper.
2) The author prefers to check intriguing information.
3) The author dislikes the show Riverdale because of facts that are difficult to believe.
4) Polly Cooper is the author's sister.
13.People who have the mutated MAOA gene can be aggressive because…
1) the gene makes them behave that way.
2) these people are usually not very smart.
3) the gene causes symptoms that can lead to aggression.
4) it reveals their true nature.
14.Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the 3rd paragraph as the reason why people with the mutated MAOA gene can behave aggressively?
1) A large amount of work.
2) Systematic humiliation by the father.
3) Insults by the older brother.
4) An abusive childhood.
15.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
1) Bradley Waldroup had a mutation in the MAOA gene.
2) While defending himself, Bradley Waldroup killed a person.
3) The jury didn't know much about Bradley Waldroup's childhood.
4) Bradley Waldroup accidentally killed a person.
16.The word "predilection" ("...with a predilection for violence and anger...") in the 5th paragraph is synonymous to…
1) prophecy.
2) bias.
3) disliking.
4) tendency.
17.Which fact was crucial when the court passed a sentence on Bradley Waldroup?
1) Information that he had the MAOA gene.
2) His difficult childhood.
3) All facts mattered and the jury couldn't pick the most important one.
4) The testimonies against him.
18. In the last paragraph, the author believes that…
1) murderers become murderers over the course of their lives.
2) everyone has murderous tendencies, but some people cannot restrain them.
3) people who have the MAOA gene will definitely become murderers.
4) the "Warrior Gene" is a myth.