Gene editing and its ethical implications have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As this subject continues to evolve rapidly in the scientific world, it’s likely to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this challenging topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that scientists should be allowed to do research on genes to prevent diseases. Others believe that this research has potential risks and should be banned. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the ethical dilemma surrounding genetic research for disease prevention. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments in favor of genetic research for disease prevention
- Explore potential risks and arguments against such research
- Provide a personal 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)
Genetic research has emerged as a promising field in medicine, offering potential solutions to prevent diseases. While some advocate for unrestricted scientific exploration in this domain, others express concerns about its risks. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of genetic research argue that it holds immense potential for improving human health. By identifying and modifying genes responsible for hereditary diseases, scientists could potentially eradicate conditions that have plagued humanity for generations. For instance, gene editing techniques like CRISPR could be used to prevent genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease, significantly improving the quality of life for countless individuals. Moreover, this research could lead to breakthroughs in treating complex diseases like cancer, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.
On the other hand, critics raise valid concerns about the ethical implications and potential risks of genetic research. One primary concern is the possibility of unintended consequences, as our understanding of the human genome is still evolving. Altering genes could potentially lead to unforeseen side effects or create new health issues that may only manifest in future generations. Additionally, there are fears that this technology could be misused for non-medical purposes, such as creating “designer babies” with enhanced traits, which could exacerbate social inequalities and raise profound ethical questions about human identity and diversity.
In my opinion, while the concerns surrounding genetic research are legitimate, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. However, I believe that a balanced approach is necessary. Strict regulations and ethical guidelines should be implemented to ensure that genetic research is conducted responsibly and solely for medical purposes. International cooperation and transparency in research can help mitigate risks and prevent misuse. By carefully navigating the ethical landscape, we can harness the power of genetic research to combat diseases while safeguarding human dignity and diversity.
In conclusion, genetic research for disease prevention presents both promising opportunities and significant challenges. By fostering open dialogue, implementing robust regulations, and maintaining a focus on ethical considerations, we can responsibly advance this field to benefit humanity while minimizing potential risks.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic, warranting a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion with a nuanced stance.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “Additionally”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay showcases a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “eradicate,” “hereditary,” “exacerbate”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used effectively with a high degree of accuracy. Various grammatical structures are employed, demonstrating flexibility and control.
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents well-developed arguments for both sides and offers a balanced personal opinion, showing depth of analysis.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Genetic research to prevent diseases is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think scientists should be allowed to do this research, while others believe it’s too risky and should be stopped. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.
People who support genetic research for preventing diseases have some good reasons. They believe that this kind of research can help stop serious illnesses before they happen. For example, if scientists can find the genes that cause cancer or heart disease, they might be able to change them and stop people from getting sick. This could save many lives and make people healthier.
However, there are also people who think this research is dangerous and should be banned. They worry that changing genes could have unexpected results that we don’t understand yet. There’s a fear that scientists might accidentally create new health problems while trying to fix others. Some people also think that this research could be used in wrong ways, like trying to make “perfect” babies, which doesn’t seem right.
In my opinion, I think genetic research to prevent diseases should be allowed, but with strict rules. The potential to help people and save lives is too important to ignore. However, I believe there need to be very careful checks and limits on what scientists can do. We should only use this research to stop serious diseases, not for other purposes that might be unethical.
To conclude, while there are risks with genetic research, I think the benefits are greater if it’s done carefully. We need to find a balance between allowing important medical progress and making sure it’s done safely and ethically.
(Word count: 287)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “However” and “Also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are present (e.g., “unexpected results,” “unethical”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. However, it lacks the variety and flexibility seen in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents arguments for both sides and offers a personal opinion, but the analysis is less nuanced and in-depth compared to the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, some people think scientists should do research on genes to stop diseases. But other people think this research is dangerous and should not be allowed. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, people who like this research say it can help stop diseases. If scientists study genes, maybe they can find ways to stop people from getting sick. This is good because it can save many lives. For example, if they can change genes that cause cancer, less people will get cancer.
But some people don’t like this research. They think it’s too dangerous. They are afraid that changing genes might cause problems we don’t know about. Maybe it will make new diseases or cause other bad things. Also, they think people might use this research in bad ways, like trying to make babies with special abilities.
I think this research is good, but we need to be careful. It’s important to try to stop diseases, but we should have rules about what scientists can do. We should only use this research to help sick people, not for other things.
In conclusion, I believe genetic research can help people, but we need to be very careful about how we use it. We should try to stop diseases, but we must also think about the dangers.
(Word count: 218)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills but has several limitations:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task but lacks depth in its discussion and analysis.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing and linking could be improved. The use of cohesive devices is limited and repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with few attempts at using more advanced words or phrases.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with limited variety. There are some attempts at complex sentences, but they are not always successful.
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents basic arguments for both sides and a simple personal opinion, but lacks the depth of analysis seen in higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary for Gene Editing and Ethics
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Gene editing (noun) /dʒiːn ˈedɪtɪŋ/ – The process of making changes to specific DNA sequences within a gene.
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CRISPR (noun) /ˈkrɪspər/ – A gene-editing tool that allows for precise modifications of DNA sequences.
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Ethical implications (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – The moral consequences or considerations of a particular action or decision.
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Hereditary (adjective) /həˈredɪtəri/ – Passed down from parents to offspring through genes.
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Unintended consequences (noun phrase) /ˌʌnɪnˈtendɪd ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/ – Unforeseen results or side effects of an action or decision.
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Designer babies (noun phrase) /dɪˈzaɪnə ˈbeɪbiz/ – Genetically modified embryos with selected traits.
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Genome (noun) /ˈdʒiːnəʊm/ – The complete set of genetic information in an organism.
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Eradicate (verb) /ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/ – To completely destroy or get rid of something.
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Safeguard (verb) /ˈseɪfɡɑːd/ – To protect something from harm or damage.
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Ethical guidelines (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl ˈɡaɪdlaɪnz/ – Principles that guide moral decisions and behavior in a particular field.
Conclusion
The ethical concerns surrounding gene editing present a complex and thought-provoking topic for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By understanding the key arguments and using appropriate vocabulary, you can craft well-structured and insightful responses to questions on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as the impact of genetic research on personalized medicine or how gene editing could revolutionize healthcare, to further enhance your skills.
To improve your writing, try composing an essay on the following potential future topic:
“Some people argue that gene editing should be used to enhance human abilities beyond disease prevention. Others believe this crosses an ethical line. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.