# PTE Reading FIB #9: Debating the Merits of...

Reading: Fill in the Blanks #9 - Level 1 - Feeds Reading

> In the text below some words are missing. Drag word from the box below to the appropriate place in the text. To undo an answer choice, drag the word back to the box below the text.

Genetically modified foods provide no direct benefit to consumers; the food is not ____ better or cheaper. The greater benefit, ____ argue, is that genetic engineering will play a crucial role in feeding the world's ____ population. Opponents disagree, ____ that the world already grows more food per person than ever before - more, even than we can ____.

## Answer

Genetically modified foods provide no direct benefit to consumers; the food is not **noticeably** better or cheaper. The greater benefit, **proponents** argue, is that genetic engineering will play a crucial role in feeding the world's **burgeoning** population. Opponents disagree, **asserting** that the world already grows more food per person than ever before - more, even than we can **consume**.

## Explanation

Blank 2 needs a plural noun for people who "argue" for a "greater benefit." Supporters praise benefits, so "proponents" is right. "Opponents" is the trap, but the next sentence says "Opponents disagree," so they are a different group. Blank 4 needs an -ing verb that introduces a claim, "asserting that." "Promising" would change the claim into a pledge.

## Hints

- Look for words that describe the scale of the population or the actions taken by different groups.
- Check the grammatical role of each blank; for example, identify if the missing word is a verb indicating an action or an adjective describing a noun.

[Practise this question with the exam timer](https://testmigo.com/pte/practice/reading-fill-in-the-blanks/debating-the-merits-of-genetically-modified-food) - [All Reading: Fill in the Blanks questions](https://testmigo.com/pte/practice/reading-fill-in-the-blanks)