Gene editing is a cutting-edge topic that has been gaining traction in recent IELTS examinations. As a rapidly evolving field in medical science, it’s likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Based on the analysis of past IELTS questions and current trends, we can expect to see questions related to the ethical implications, potential benefits, and societal impacts of gene editing technology.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams:
Some people believe that genetic engineering and gene therapy will revolutionize the treatment and prevention of diseases. Others think it is dangerous and unethical to alter human genes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the potential benefits of genetic engineering in disease treatment and prevention.
- Address concerns about the dangers and ethical implications of altering human genes.
- Provide a balanced argument considering both perspectives.
- Present a personal opinion on the topic.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Genetic engineering and gene therapy are at the forefront of medical advancements, offering unprecedented possibilities in disease treatment and prevention. While proponents hail these technologies as revolutionary, critics raise valid concerns about their safety and ethical implications. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Advocates of genetic engineering argue that it has the potential to eradicate hereditary diseases and significantly improve human health. By modifying genes responsible for conditions like cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease, scientists could prevent these illnesses from being passed down to future generations. Moreover, gene therapy could offer hope for treating previously incurable diseases, potentially saving countless lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems worldwide. This transformative approach to medicine could lead to a new era of personalized treatments tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.
On the other hand, skeptics warn of the dangers and ethical dilemmas associated with altering human genes. There are concerns about unforeseen consequences, such as inadvertently creating new genetic disorders or disrupting the delicate balance of the human genome. Additionally, the technology raises complex ethical questions about “designer babies” and the potential for exacerbating social inequalities if genetic enhancements become available only to the wealthy. Critics argue that tampering with human DNA crosses a moral line and could lead to a slippery slope of genetic manipulation for non-medical purposes.
In my opinion, while the concerns surrounding genetic engineering are valid and should be carefully considered, the potential benefits of this technology are too significant to ignore. I believe that with proper regulations and ethical guidelines in place, genetic engineering and gene therapy can be harnessed responsibly to advance medical science and improve human health. It is crucial to strike a balance between scientific progress and ethical considerations, ensuring that these powerful tools are used solely for the betterment of humanity and not for superficial or potentially harmful purposes.
In conclusion, genetic engineering and gene therapy present both immense opportunities and serious challenges. By fostering open dialogue, establishing robust regulatory frameworks, and prioritizing ethical considerations, we can work towards realizing the revolutionary potential of these technologies while mitigating their risks. The future of medicine lies in our ability to navigate this complex landscape responsibly and thoughtfully.
(Word count: 374)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its 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.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “hereditary diseases,” “cystic fibrosis,” and “genetic manipulation.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
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Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic, presenting balanced arguments and a thoughtful conclusion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Genetic engineering and gene therapy are new technologies that some people think will change how we treat and prevent diseases. However, others believe it is dangerous and not right to change human genes. This essay will look at both sides of this issue.
Those who support genetic engineering say it can help stop many diseases. By changing genes that cause illnesses, doctors might be able to prevent people from getting sick in the future. This could save many lives and make people healthier. Also, gene therapy could help treat diseases that we can’t cure now, which would be very good for patients and their families.
On the other hand, some people worry about changing human genes. They think it might be unsafe and could cause new problems we don’t know about yet. There are also concerns about ethics. Some people think it’s not right to change human DNA because it might lead to creating “designer babies” where parents choose their child’s features. This could cause social problems if only rich people can afford it.
In my opinion, I think genetic engineering and gene therapy can be very helpful if used carefully. We should continue research in this area because it could help many sick people. However, we need strict rules to make sure it is used safely and fairly. We should only use these technologies to treat serious diseases and not for other purposes.
To conclude, genetic engineering has both good and bad points. It could help cure diseases, but we need to be careful about how we use it. With good rules and careful thinking, we can use these new technologies to help people without causing problems.
(Word count: 292)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and range seen in higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are some errors.
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents relevant ideas but lacks the depth of analysis seen in higher band scores.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Genetic engineering (noun) – /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.
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Gene therapy (noun) – /dʒiːn ˈθerəpi/ – The treatment of genetic disorders by introducing specific engineered genes into a patient’s cells.
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Hereditary (adjective) – /həˈredɪtəri/ – Genetically transmitted from parent to offspring.
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Genome (noun) – /ˈdʒiːnəʊm/ – The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
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Ethical implications (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – The moral consequences or issues arising from a particular action or decision.
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Designer babies (noun) – /dɪˈzaɪnə ˈbeɪbiz/ – Babies whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected through genetic engineering.
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Personalized medicine (noun phrase) – /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd ˈmedɪsɪn/ – Medical care tailored to an individual’s genetic profile.
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Genetic manipulation (noun phrase) – /dʒəˈnetɪk məˌnɪpjʊˈleɪʃən/ – The process of deliberately modifying the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.
Conclusion
The topic of gene editing and its potential to revolutionize disease prevention is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. As you prepare, consider practicing with similar questions that explore the ethical, social, and scientific aspects of genetic engineering. Some potential future topics might include:
- The role of gene editing in agricultural development and food security.
- The impact of genetic engineering on biodiversity and environmental conservation.
- The ethical considerations of using gene editing for human enhancement.
Remember to approach these topics with a balanced perspective, considering multiple viewpoints and supporting your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these themes to improve your skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and to engage in constructive discussions with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to enhance your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.