Medical research and biotechnology have made tremendous strides in recent years, with cloning emerging as a particularly controversial topic. The Ethical Implications Of Cloning In Medical Research have become a frequent subject in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting its relevance in contemporary scientific and ethical debates. This article will provide expert sample essays and analysis to help you tackle this challenging topic effectively in your IELTS exam.
Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we predict that questions related to cloning ethics will continue to appear regularly in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that human cloning should be allowed for medical purposes. Others believe that it is unethical and should be banned completely. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments in favor of allowing human cloning for medical purposes
- Explore reasons why some believe human cloning is unethical and should be banned
- Present their own opinion on the issue
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Human cloning for medical purposes is a contentious issue that has sparked heated debates in scientific and ethical circles. While some argue for its potential benefits in advancing medical research and treatments, others contend that it crosses ethical boundaries and should be prohibited entirely. In my opinion, while human cloning presents significant ethical challenges, its potential to revolutionize medical treatments warrants careful consideration and regulation rather than an outright ban.
Proponents of human cloning for medical purposes emphasize its potential to save lives and alleviate suffering. Therapeutic cloning could provide a source of stem cells that are genetically identical to a patient, reducing the risk of rejection in organ transplants and offering new treatments for degenerative diseases. Moreover, cloning techniques could advance our understanding of genetic disorders and facilitate the development of personalized medicines. These potential benefits could transform healthcare and improve countless lives.
On the other hand, opponents argue that human cloning is fundamentally unethical and poses significant risks. They contend that creating human embryos solely for research purposes devalues human life and crosses a moral line. There are also concerns about the potential misuse of cloning technology, such as attempts to create “designer babies” or clone individuals without their consent. Additionally, the current inefficiency and high failure rates in animal cloning raise serious questions about the safety and ethics of applying these techniques to humans.
In my view, while the ethical concerns surrounding human cloning are valid and must be taken seriously, the potential benefits to medical science are too significant to ignore. Rather than imposing a complete ban, I believe that strict regulations and oversight should be implemented to ensure that cloning research is conducted ethically and solely for medical purposes. This approach would allow us to harness the benefits of cloning technology while mitigating its risks and addressing ethical concerns.
In conclusion, the debate over human cloning for medical purposes reflects the complex interplay between scientific progress and ethical considerations. By carefully balancing the potential benefits with ethical safeguards, we can responsibly explore this promising field of research while upholding our moral values.
Ethical debate on cloning in medical research
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Human cloning for medical purposes is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it should be allowed because it could help medical research, while others believe it is wrong and should not be permitted at all. I will discuss both sides of this argument and give my own thoughts on the matter.
Those who support human cloning for medical reasons say it could lead to important breakthroughs in treating diseases. They argue that cloning could help scientists create new organs for transplants or find cures for genetic disorders. This could save many lives and improve the health of people around the world. Supporters also say that if it’s done carefully and with proper rules, cloning research can be ethical and beneficial.
On the other hand, people against human cloning believe it is morally wrong. They worry that it goes against nature and could be misused in dangerous ways. Some fear that cloning humans might lead to treating people like objects or creating copies of people without their permission. There are also concerns about the safety of cloning techniques, as they haven’t been perfected yet and could cause harm.
In my opinion, I think human cloning for medical purposes should be allowed, but with very strict rules and oversight. The potential benefits to medical science and human health are too important to ignore. However, I believe it’s crucial to have strong ethical guidelines in place to prevent misuse and ensure that cloning is only used for legitimate medical research and treatments.
To conclude, while human cloning is a controversial topic with valid concerns on both sides, I believe that carefully regulated cloning research for medical purposes could greatly benefit humanity. It’s important to balance scientific progress with ethical considerations to ensure that this technology is used responsibly.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Human cloning is a big issue that people argue about. Some say it’s good for medical reasons, but others think it’s bad and should not be allowed. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who like human cloning say it can help doctors find new ways to treat sick people. They think cloning can make new body parts for people who need them and help cure diseases. This could save many lives and make people healthier. They also say that if we have good rules, cloning can be done in a right way.
But people who don’t like human cloning think it’s wrong. They worry that it’s not natural and might be used in bad ways. Some are scared that people might make copies of humans without asking, which is not fair. They also think cloning might not be safe because it’s not perfect yet and could hurt people.
I think that human cloning for medical reasons should be allowed, but we need to be very careful. It could help a lot of sick people, which is good. But we need to make sure it’s done safely and for the right reasons. We should have strict rules to make sure no one uses cloning in a bad way.
In the end, human cloning is a hard topic to agree on. But I believe if we’re careful and use it only for medical help, it can be a good thing for people. We just need to make sure we do it in a safe and fair way.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Has excellent paragraph organization and cohesion
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, but the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Has clear overall progression but may lack coherence in places
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
- Expresses a position but it may not be clear throughout the essay
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, adequate for basic communication
- Uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures
- Has some organization but may lack overall progression
IELTS Writing Task band scores comparison
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Ethical implications (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃənz/ – The moral consequences or considerations of an action or decision
- Therapeutic cloning (noun phrase) – /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk ˈkləʊnɪŋ/ – The process of creating cloned embryos for the purpose of harvesting stem cells for medical treatments
- Degenerative diseases (noun phrase) – /dɪˈdʒenərətɪv dɪˈziːzɪz/ – Conditions that cause a progressive deterioration of cells or organs
- Genetic disorders (noun phrase) – /dʒəˈnetɪk dɪsˈɔːdəz/ – Health conditions caused by abnormalities in an individual’s genetic material
- Designer babies (noun phrase) – /dɪˈzaɪnə ˈbeɪbiz/ – Genetically modified embryos with selected traits
- Moral boundaries (noun phrase) – /ˈmɒrəl ˈbaʊndəriz/ – The limits of what is considered ethically acceptable
- Personalized medicine (noun phrase) – /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd ˈmedɪsən/ – Medical care tailored to an individual’s genetic profile
- Embryonic stem cells (noun phrase) – /ˌembriˈɒnɪk stem selz/ – Cells derived from early-stage embryos that can develop into various cell types
- Bioethics (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊˈeθɪks/ – The study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine
- Genetic engineering (noun phrase) – /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology
Human cloning ethical issues remain a complex and evolving topic in the field of medical research. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s crucial to consider both the potential benefits and ethical concerns of human cloning. Practice writing essays that balance scientific advancements with moral considerations, and always support your arguments with relevant examples and logical reasoning.
In conclusion, the ethical implications of cloning in medical research represent a challenging but important topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments on both sides and developing your ability to articulate a balanced viewpoint, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle similar questions in your exam. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as genetic engineering, stem cell research, and how to ensure the ethical development of biotechnology.
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!
