There have been such miraculous facts about identical twins that scientists are always

fascinated.

Identical twins develop from one egg, have such an identical DNA, and are usually so
similar in appearance and behavior that most people can hardly distinguish one from another.

There have been so many studies of identical twins raised in the same family, and such a
great number of studies of identical twins separated at birth and raised in separate families that
they have provided interesting information about the impact of the nature (genetics) and nurture
(the environment) on the development of the individual.

However, some of the studies have been controversial. Take the case of Elyse Schein and
Paula Bernstein.

Elyse and Paula were such identical twins separated at birth for a research purpose that
they drew huge public attentions.

Both girls knew that their parents had adopted them as infants, but neither girl knew about
her twin.

When Elyse grew up, she longed to meet her biological mother, so she contacted the
agency that had arranged the adoption.

From the research she had been doing on her birth mother, Elyse made such a surprising
discovery that she recognized to have had an identical twin.

Even more surprising, she learned that she had been part of a secret scientific study. At the
time of the adoption, the agency had allowed different families to adopt each twin. The agency had
told the families that their child was part of scientific study. However, it had never told the families
the goal of the study: for scientists to investigate nature versus nurture.

When Elyse and Paula finally met as adults, they were amazed.

They had so many similarities that they looked almost identical.

They had both studied film. They both loved to write.

Together, the twins discovered the public so strongly disapproved of this type of research
that the researchers had had to stop the study before the end.

Although that study ended early, many scientists today make a strong case for the
dominant role of nature. Schein and Bernstein agree that genetics explains many of the
similarities. However, recent research suggests that nature is equally important.

Both nature and nurture play such a significant role in rearing twins that these make it clear
that the nature versus nurture debate will occupy scientists for years to come.

English Language & Literature/Grade XII/Cause-Effect Page 1

1. Why did the case of Elyse and Paula draw huge public attention?
2. How did Elyse recognize that she had an identical twin?
3. What characters and interests did Elyse and Paula have in common?
4. What is the nature versus nurture debate?
5. What is the appropriate title of the text?
6. Give your opinion about the research above!
7. According to the text, find the sentences show cause and effect! Then, change the sentences
using 'such' into 'so' and vice versa!

English Language & Literature/Grade XII/Cause-Effect Page 2