Human cloning ethical issues have become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As biotechnology advances, the ethical implications of human cloning continue to spark debate and discussion worldwide. This essay topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years, and its relevance is likely to persist in future IELTS exams. To help you prepare for this challenging subject, we’ll analyze a typical question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Let’s examine a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people think that human cloning should be allowed, while others are against it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category. To successfully answer this prompt, you need to:
- Discuss arguments in favor of allowing human cloning
- Discuss arguments against human cloning
- Provide your personal opinion on the issue
- Support your points with relevant examples and explanations
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
Human cloning, a topic of intense scientific and ethical debate, has proponents and detractors with compelling arguments on both sides. This essay will examine the perspectives for and against human cloning before presenting my own viewpoint on this contentious issue.
Those in favor of human cloning often cite its potential medical benefits. Cloning technology could revolutionize organ transplantation, providing a source of perfectly matched organs and eliminating waiting lists and rejection risks. Additionally, it could offer hope to infertile couples who desire genetically related children. Proponents argue that with proper regulation, the benefits of human cloning could outweigh the risks.
On the other hand, opponents of human cloning raise serious ethical concerns. They argue that cloning commodifies human life and could lead to a “designer baby” culture, where children are created for specific traits rather than valued for their inherent worth. There are also worries about the psychological impact on cloned individuals and the potential for exploitation, particularly of women who would be needed as egg donors. Furthermore, the current high failure rates and health risks associated with animal cloning experiments suggest that human cloning could be unsafe and result in numerous failed attempts and malformed fetuses.
In my opinion, while the potential medical advancements from human cloning research are intriguing, the ethical risks and current technological limitations make it inadvisable to allow human cloning at this time. I believe we should continue to explore the benefits of cloning technology in other areas, such as therapeutic cloning for stem cell research, while maintaining a ban on reproductive human cloning. This approach would allow us to reap some of the medical benefits while avoiding the most serious ethical pitfalls.
In conclusion, human cloning presents a complex ethical dilemma with valid arguments on both sides. However, given the current state of technology and the profound ethical implications, I believe it is prudent to err on the side of caution and prohibit human cloning while continuing to explore its potential benefits through carefully regulated research.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis for Band 8-9
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, with a clear structure and logical progression of ideas. It uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately and flexibly. The writer presents a balanced discussion of both viewpoints before offering a nuanced personal opinion. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position.
Key strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “contentious issue,” “commodifies,” “inherent worth”
- Complex sentence structures: “Those in favor of human cloning often cite its potential medical benefits.”
- Clear topic sentences and paragraph organization
- Effective use of linking words: “On the other hand,” “Furthermore,” “In conclusion”
- Balanced discussion with a well-supported personal opinion
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
Human cloning is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it should be allowed, while others are against it. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who support human cloning say it has many benefits. One important reason is that it could help with medical problems. For example, scientists could create organs for transplants, which would save many lives. Also, couples who can’t have children might be able to have a baby through cloning. These are good reasons to allow human cloning.
However, there are also arguments against human cloning. Many people think it is not natural and goes against religious beliefs. They worry that cloned humans might have health problems or feel different from other people. There is also a fear that cloning could be used to make “perfect” babies, which might not be fair to other children. These are serious concerns that make people oppose human cloning.
In my opinion, I think human cloning should not be allowed right now. While there are some good reasons for it, I believe the risks are too high. We don’t know enough about the long-term effects of cloning on humans. Also, there are many ethical problems that we need to think about more carefully. Maybe in the future, when we understand it better, we can reconsider allowing human cloning.
To conclude, human cloning is a difficult issue with both good and bad points. Although it could help with some medical problems, I think the risks and ethical concerns are too important to ignore. We should continue to study cloning, but not allow it for humans yet.
(Word count: 276)
Essay Analysis for Band 6-7
This essay demonstrates a good understanding of the task and presents a clear position. The language used is generally clear, although there is less sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay. The structure is logical, with each paragraph focusing on a different aspect of the question.
Key features:
- Clear organization with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Relevant ideas and examples provided
- Some attempt at complex sentences: “While there are some good reasons for it, I believe the risks are too high.”
- Basic linking words used effectively: “However,” “Also,” “To conclude”
- Personal opinion clearly stated and supported
Areas for improvement:
- Use more advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- Incorporate more complex grammatical structures
- Provide more specific examples and deeper analysis
- Expand on the ethical considerations
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Ethical implications (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃənz/ – the moral consequences or effects of an action or decision
- Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument
- Proponents (noun) – /prəˈpəʊnənts/ – people who advocate for or support something
- Detractors (noun) – /dɪˈtræktəz/ – people who criticize or oppose something
- Commodify (verb) – /kəˈmɒdɪfaɪ/ – to treat something as a mere commodity or product
- Inherent (adjective) – /ɪnˈhɪərənt/ – existing as a natural or permanent quality
- Therapeutic (adjective) – /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ – relating to the treatment of disease or disorders
- Prudent (adjective) – /ˈpruːdənt/ – acting with or showing care and thought for the future
Conclusion
Human cloning ethical issues remain a challenging and thought-provoking topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- Discuss the potential benefits and risks of human cloning research.
- Some argue that human cloning should be banned entirely. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- How can society ensure the ethical development of biotechnology, including human cloning?
Remember to analyze the question carefully, present balanced arguments, and support your opinion with relevant examples. By practicing regularly and expanding your vocabulary on this topic, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about human cloning ethical issues in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
We encourage you to try writing 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.