IELTS Reading Practice: Ethical Implications of Human Genome Editing

The IELTS Reading section is a challenging component of the test, requiring candidates to demonstrate their comprehension skills across various academic topics. One such topic that has gained prominence in recent years is the Ethical Implications Of Human Genome Editing. This subject has appeared in past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance in scientific and ethical debates, is likely to resurface in future tests.

As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve observed that questions related to genetic engineering and its ethical considerations have become increasingly common. The complexity of this topic makes it an ideal candidate for the more difficult passages in the IELTS Reading test. Let’s explore this subject through a practice exercise that mimics the format and difficulty level you might encounter in the actual IELTS exam.

Ethical implications of human genome editing

Practice Reading Passage

The Ethical Frontier of Human Genome Editing

Human genome editing, a groundbreaking field in genetic engineering, has sparked intense debate within scientific and ethical circles. This revolutionary technology, which allows for precise modifications to DNA sequences, holds immense potential for treating genetic disorders and enhancing human capabilities. However, it also raises profound ethical questions about the limits of scientific intervention in human biology.

At the forefront of this technology is CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool that has dramatically simplified and accelerated the process of altering genetic material. Its precision and efficiency have opened up possibilities that were once confined to the realm of science fiction. Scientists can now theoretically eliminate genetic diseases, enhance cognitive or physical traits, and even alter the genetic makeup of future generations.

The medical applications of genome editing are particularly promising. Researchers have already made significant strides in developing treatments for genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. In these cases, the ethical implications seem relatively straightforward – alleviating human suffering is a clear moral good. However, the line becomes blurred when we consider enhancements that go beyond treating diseases.

The concept of “designer babies” – children whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected or altered – is no longer a distant possibility but a looming reality. This raises questions about equality and access. If genetic enhancements become available, will they only be accessible to the wealthy, potentially creating a genetically enhanced elite? This scenario could exacerbate existing social inequalities and lead to new forms of discrimination.

Moreover, there are concerns about the unintended consequences of genetic modifications. The human genome is incredibly complex, and altering one gene could have unforeseen effects on other traits or functions. Critics argue that we may not fully understand the long-term implications of such changes, potentially putting individuals and future generations at risk.

The debate extends to the modification of germline cells – changes that would be passed down to future generations. While this could potentially eradicate genetic diseases from family lines, it also means making decisions that will affect individuals who cannot consent. This raises philosophical questions about intergenerational ethics and the rights of future persons.

International scientific bodies have called for a moratorium on clinical applications of human germline editing. However, enforcement of such guidelines is challenging on a global scale. In 2018, a Chinese scientist claimed to have created the world’s first gene-edited babies, sparking international outrage and highlighting the need for robust regulatory frameworks.

Proponents of genome editing argue that it is unethical to withhold technology that could prevent suffering and enhance human wellbeing. They contend that careful regulation and transparent research can mitigate risks while allowing society to reap the benefits of this revolutionary science.

As we stand on the brink of this new era in human evolution, the ethical implications of genome editing demand careful consideration. The decisions we make today will shape the future of humanity, influencing not only our physical and cognitive capabilities but also our understanding of what it means to be human. Balancing the potential benefits with the ethical risks will be one of the great challenges of our time, requiring ongoing dialogue between scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this in the passage

1. CRISPR-Cas9 has made gene editing more complex and time-consuming.
2. Genetic enhancements could potentially lead to new forms of social inequality.
3. All international scientific bodies agree that human genome editing should be banned completely.
4. The Chinese scientist’s claim of creating gene-edited babies was met with universal approval.
5. Proponents of genome editing believe that withholding the technology is unethical.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

6. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential application of human genome editing?
   A) Treating genetic disorders
   B) Enhancing cognitive abilities
   C) Curing viral infections
   D) Altering the genes of future generations

7. The main ethical concern regarding “designer babies” is:
   A) The high cost of the procedure
   B) The potential for creating social inequality
   C) The lack of scientific understanding
   D) The risk of physical harm to the babies

8. The passage suggests that modifying germline cells is particularly controversial because:
   A) It is technically more challenging than other forms of gene editing
   B) It affects individuals who cannot give consent
   C) It is explicitly forbidden by international law
   D) It has been proven to cause harmful mutations

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number i-viii next to questions 9-13.

List of Headings:
i. The promise and peril of designer babies
ii. CRISPR-Cas9: A revolutionary tool
iii. The challenge of regulating global research
iv. Unintended consequences of genetic alterations
v. The debate over germline modifications
vi. Potential medical breakthroughs
vii. The need for public engagement in ethical discussions
viii. Balancing benefits and risks in the genomic age

9. Paragraph 2 ____
10. Paragraph 4 ____
11. Paragraph 5 ____
12. Paragraph 6 ____
13. Paragraph 7 ____

Summary Completion

Complete the summary below using words from the box.

Human genome editing presents both (14) and ethical challenges. While it offers potential treatments for (15) disorders, it also raises concerns about creating (16) advantages if enhancements are only (17) to the wealthy. Modifying (18) cells is particularly controversial as it affects future generations who cannot (19). The technology’s implications are (20)___, requiring careful consideration and regulation.

Answers and Explanations

True/False/Not Given

1. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage states that CRISPR-Cas9 has “dramatically simplified and accelerated the process of altering genetic material,” which contradicts the statement.

2. TRUE
   Explanation: The passage mentions that genetic enhancements could “exacerbate existing social inequalities and lead to new forms of discrimination.”

3. NOT GIVEN
   Explanation: While the passage mentions a call for a moratorium on clinical applications of human germline editing, it does not state that all international bodies agree on a complete ban.

4. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage states that the Chinese scientist’s claim sparked “international outrage,” which contradicts the idea of universal approval.

5. TRUE
   Explanation: The passage states that “Proponents of genome editing argue that it is unethical to withhold technology that could prevent suffering and enhance human wellbeing.”

Multiple Choice

6. C
   Explanation: The passage mentions treating genetic disorders, enhancing cognitive abilities, and altering genes of future generations, but does not specifically mention curing viral infections.

7. B
   Explanation: The passage highlights the potential for creating social inequality as the main ethical concern regarding “designer babies.”

8. B
   Explanation: The passage states that modifying germline cells “means making decisions that will affect individuals who cannot consent.”

Matching Headings

9. ii
   Explanation: Paragraph 2 introduces CRISPR-Cas9 and describes it as a revolutionary tool that has simplified gene editing.

10. i
    Explanation: Paragraph 4 discusses the concept of “designer babies” and the associated ethical implications.

11. iv
    Explanation: Paragraph 5 talks about the potential unintended consequences of genetic modifications.

12. v
    Explanation: Paragraph 6 focuses on the debate surrounding the modification of germline cells.

13. iii
    Explanation: Paragraph 7 discusses the challenges of regulating genome editing research on a global scale.

Summary Completion

14. beneficial
15. genetic
16. discriminatory
17. accessible
18. germline
19. consent
20. complex

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Misinterpreting “Not Given” answers: Remember that “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted in the passage.

2. Overlooking key qualifying words: Pay attention to words like “all,” “some,” “always,” or “never” in the questions and the passage.

3. Letting personal opinions influence answers: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage, not your own knowledge or views on the topic.

4. Failing to match the exact meaning: In matching exercises, ensure that the heading captures the main idea of the paragraph, not just a detail mentioned within it.

5. Rushing through the summary: Take time to understand the context of the summary before filling in the blanks, and make sure your choices fit grammatically.

Vocabulary Focus

• Groundbreaking: innovative; pioneering
• Profound: deep; far-reaching
• Alleviating: reducing; easing
• Looming: impending; approaching
• Exacerbate: worsen; aggravate
• Germline: relating to germ cells and their genetic material
• Moratorium: temporary prohibition of an activity
• Mitigate: lessen the gravity of; alleviate

Grammar Spotlight

Pay attention to the use of conditional sentences in discussing potential future scenarios:

“If genetic enhancements become available, will they only be accessible to the wealthy?”

This is an example of a first conditional sentence, used to express a possible future outcome. The structure is:

If + present simple, will + infinitive

This structure is common in academic texts discussing potential consequences of current or future actions.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice active reading: Engage with the text by predicting content, asking questions, and summarizing main ideas.

2. Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.

3. Expand your vocabulary: Regular reading on diverse topics will expose you to a wider range of academic vocabulary.

4. Develop skimming and scanning skills: Learn to quickly identify main ideas and locate specific information.

5. Analyze question types: Familiarize yourself with different IELTS question formats and develop strategies for each.

6. Read critically: Learn to distinguish between facts, opinions, and implications in the text.

7. Practice regularly: Consistent practice with timed exercises will improve your speed and accuracy.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes from a combination of language skills, test-taking strategies, and familiarity with a wide range of topics. Regular practice with passages on complex subjects like human genome editing will help you develop the skills needed to tackle any topic that appears on your IELTS exam.

For more practice on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• Ethical Concerns Surrounding Genetic Modification
• Social Implications of Gene Editing Technologies
• Implications of CRISPR Technology on Genetics

Stay curious, keep practicing, and approach each reading passage as an opportunity to learn something new. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!