The IELTS Reading test is a crucial component of the IELTS exam, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written texts in English. Topics in the Reading section can vary widely, but issues related to science and technology, such as “ethical issues in genetic engineering,” often appear due to their societal relevance and complexity.
Historically, topics like genetic engineering have been featured in IELTS reading passages, reflecting their importance and the likelihood of reappearance in future exams. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive reading exercise focused on ethical issues in genetic engineering, mimicking the format and complexity of an actual IELTS Reading test.
Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering: Sample IELTS Reading Passage
To give you a realistic practice experience, here is a carefully crafted reading passage along with questions and answers to follow. This sample is designed to align with the Easy Text format.
Reading Passage
Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering, the manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology, has become increasingly prevalent in modern science. This technology promises numerous benefits, including the potential to cure genetic disorders, enhance human abilities, and increase agricultural productivity. However, it also raises several ethical issues that society must address.
One significant ethical concern is the potential for genetic inequality. By allowing genetic modifications, there is a risk that only those with sufficient financial resources will access these technologies, leading to a new form of social inequality. This could exacerbate existing disparities, as genetically enhanced individuals might have improved health, intelligence, and physical abilities, leaving the unmodified population behind.
Moreover, genetic engineering poses questions about the definition of humanity. If we begin to modify human traits extensively, we may alter what it means to be human. This raises concerns about the moral and philosophical implications of such changes. For instance, would genetically modified individuals still be considered humans in the traditional sense, or would they constitute a new category of beings?
Another ethical dilemma involves unintended consequences. Genetic modifications might have unforeseen effects on both individuals and ecosystems. Introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment could disrupt natural ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and other ecological impacts. Similarly, the long-term effects of genetic modifications on humans are still unknown, raising concerns about potential health risks.
Furthermore, there is a moral debate over the extent to which humans should interfere with nature. Some argue that genetic engineering represents an unacceptable level of human intervention in natural processes, challenging the notion of ‘playing God.’ This perspective holds that there are inherent limits to scientific manipulation of life that should not be crossed.
Despite these ethical issues, proponents of genetic engineering argue that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. They emphasize the technology’s capability to eradicate genetic diseases, improve agricultural efficiency, and address significant food security challenges. Nevertheless, the ethical implications cannot be ignored, necessitating a balanced approach that considers both the promises and perils of genetic engineering.
In conclusion, while genetic engineering holds remarkable promise, it is essential to navigate its ethical landscape carefully. A responsible approach involves considering the potential for inequality, redefining humanity, addressing unintended consequences, and respecting natural limits. As society advances in genetic technologies, ongoing ethical discussions will be crucial to ensuring that these developments benefit humanity as a whole without compromising ethical standards.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What is one significant ethical concern associated with genetic modifications mentioned in the passage?
A. Increased environmental pollution
B. Potential genetic inequality
C. Lower agricultural productivity
D. Reduced human lifespan -
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an ethical issue in the passage?
A. Genetic modification leading to new social categories
B. Unforeseen effects on ecosystems
C. Reduced cost of living
D. Moral limits of human intervention in nature
Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
-
Genetic engineering has the potential to cure genetic disorders.
- True
- False
- Not Given
-
All scientists agree that genetic engineering will lead to significant health risks.
- True
- False
- Not Given
Matching Headings
-
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs.
i. Redefining Humanity
ii. Economic Disparity
iii. Morality of Human Intervention
iv. Unknown Long-term Effects
Sentence Completion
-
Genetic modifications might disrupt ____, leading to loss of biodiversity.
-
Proponents argue that genetic engineering can address significant ____ challenges.
Answer Key
Multiple Choice
- B. Potential genetic inequality
- C. Reduced cost of living
Identifying Information
- True
- False
Matching Headings
- Paragraph 2: ii. Economic Disparity
- Paragraph 3: i. Redefining Humanity
- Paragraph 4: iv. Unknown Long-term Effects
- Paragraph 5: iii. Morality of Human Intervention
Sentence Completion
- natural ecosystems
- food security
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting the context – Many students confuse economic disparities with environmental issues. Pay close attention to the specific ethical concerns described.
- Overlooking details – Details like moral limits of intervention can be nuanced. Make sure to understand each paragraph’s main idea.
- Matching headings incorrectly – Ensure that the heading accurately represents the central theme of the paragraph.
Vocabulary Focus
- Genetic inequality (n): /dʒəˈnɛtɪk ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – The unfair distribution of genetic modifications based on financial capability.
- Biodiversity (n): /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsɪti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or a particular habitat.
- Philosophical (adj): /ˌfɪləˈsɒfɪkəl/ – Relating to the study of fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.
Grammar Focus
- Conditional sentences – Used to discuss possible outcomes based on specific conditions (e.g., “If we begin to modify human traits extensively, we may alter what it means to be human.”)
- Example: If + present simple, … will + base verb (First conditional for real situations)
- Example: If we introduce genetically modified organisms, … they might disrupt ecosystems (First conditional)
Advice for Achieving a High Band Score in Reading
- Practice regularly with diverse topics – Engage with materials on varied topics, including science, technology, and social issues.
- Learn to identify the main idea quickly – Skim and scan techniques are crucial for understanding passages efficiently.
- Enhance your vocabulary – Focus on learning new words and their contextual usage to improve comprehension.
- Understand different question types – Familiarize yourself with all IELTS Reading question formats to avoid surprises.
By diligently practicing with passages on challenging topics like ethical issues in genetic engineering, you can enhance your reading skills and improve your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Reading test.