The fluoridation controversy
Read The fluoridation controversy and check the IELTS Reading answers. The long-standing debate about whether to fluoridate our drinking water continues Fluoridation is the addition of fluorine to public water supplies with the aim of reducing tooth decay. The fluorine, when mixed with water, becom…
Passage preview
The long-standing debate about whether to fluoridate our drinking water continues Fluoridation is the addition of fluorine to public water supplies with the aim of reducing tooth decay. The fluorine, when mixed with water, becomes fluoride and the desired concentration of fluoride in public water is approximately one part per million, depending on the regional temperature and hence the amount of water people are likely to drink. Many studies, such as those by McClure in 1970 through to Burt in 1983, have shown that when children drink fluoridated water, their average rate of tooth decay seems greatly reduced. A typical figure claimed is 50 percent reduction. This apparently enormous benefit for children's teeth is the major argument in favor of fluoridation.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- assert verb
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
The author asserts that the outcome of experiments requires interpretation.
- compulsory adjective
Required by law or a rule; obligatory
The government debated whether vaccination should be voluntary or compulsory.
- dubious adjective
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect or uncertain
While the benefits are clear, the evidence for potential harm remains dubious.
- exempt adjective
Free from an obligation or liability imposed on others
Scientific knowledge is not exempt from social and sociological inquiry.
- incontrovertible adjective
Not able to be denied or disputed; undeniable
Scientific theories are rarely accepted as incontrovertible statements of fact.
- inevitably adverb
As is certain to happen; unavoidably
Scientific knowledge is inevitably linked to the values of the society that produces it.
- infringement noun
The action of breaking the terms of a law or agreement; a violation of rights
Critics view compulsory medical treatments as an infringement on personal liberty.
- methodological adjective
Relating to the system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity
The review exposed serious methodological shortcomings in the earlier studies.
- proponent noun
A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project
Proponents of the policy argue that it benefits the majority of the population.
- rationality noun
The quality of being based on or in accordance with reason or logic
The debate is not about the rationality of the decision, but about differing values.
Answers with explanations
- 27. A
The text explains that the concentration of fluoride is calculated based on **regional temperature**. This matches Option **A** ('how hot the area is'). The logic is that temperature affects water consumption.
- 28. C
The text explicitly lists an infringement on **individual rights** and **compulsory medication** as a ground for opposition. This matches Option **C**, which states that **obligatory** (compulsory) fluoridation takes away **personal freedom** (individual rights).
- 29. D
The writer cites Kuhn to argue that scientific shifts are not just based on formal rules but include **social factors**. This supports Option **D**, showing that science can be influenced by **non-scientific considerations**.
- 30. A
Sutton's study found **methodological shortcomings** (flaws/errors) in the North American studies. This matches Option **A**, which states there were **failings in the way they were carried out**.
- 31. B
The writer argues that because social values are involved, **scientific experts** should not have the **final word**. This implies they should not be the sole deciders of policy, matching Option **B** ('They should not decide the fluoridation policy').
- 32. NO
The statement claims knowledge and values *should* be kept separate. The writer, presenting the sociological view, argues that **social values** are inevitably **involved** in scientific knowledge, and the traditional distinction **can no longer be justified**. Thus, the claim that they *should* be separate contradicts the writer's presented argument. Answer: NO.
- 33. YES
The statement claims sociologists have **disregarded** (ignored/downplayed) the doubts of scientists. The text explicitly confirms that sociologists have **ignored** eminent scientists who **questioned** fluoridation. Answer: YES.
- 34. NOT GIVEN
The text states Sutton's book is not cited by sociologists. However, it does not mention whether **scientists outside of North America** have paid attention to it. The text focuses on the *sociologists'* neglect, not international scientists'. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 35. YES
The text describes the opposing arguments as a **legitimate difference in values** rather than irrationality. This supports the claim that there are **valid arguments** (legitimate differences) on both sides. Answer: YES.
- 36. B
The text defines the **traditional view** as science being **objectively applied** and a special kind of knowledge. (Note: The correct option 'B' in the input data corresponds to the logic of objectivity, though the provided option text appears to be a data error. The traditional view emphasizes objectivity and method).
- 37. G
The **sociological view** argues that scientific knowledge is **linked to the values** of the parties involved. This matches Option **G**, which states scientific knowledge is **affected by the beliefs of everyone concerned**.
- 38. A
Collins argues that experimental outcomes are not **immediately comprehended**. This matches Option **A**, which states results are **not always understood at first**.
- 39. D
A supporter argues that benefits **outweigh** dangers. Option **D** ('insufficient proof to support a cautious approach') conceptually aligns with this: the supporter believes the evidence of harm is too weak (insufficient proof) to justify stopping (cautious approach).
- 40. C
An opponent favors **voluntary use**. This matches Option **C**, which states **people should be able to choose** whether they want fluoride.