Genetic engineering and its regulation have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and the growing importance of this field, it’s highly likely that questions related to genetic engineering regulation will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that genetic engineering should be strictly regulated, while others believe it should be allowed to develop freely. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for strict regulation of genetic engineering
- Explore reasons for allowing genetic engineering to develop freely
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Genetic engineering, a rapidly advancing field of science, has sparked intense debate regarding its regulation. While some argue for strict oversight, others advocate for unrestricted development. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of strict regulation contend that genetic engineering poses significant risks to human health and the environment. They argue that without proper controls, we may inadvertently create harmful organisms or disrupt delicate ecosystems. Moreover, there are ethical concerns about “playing God” and potentially exacerbating social inequalities if genetic enhancements become available only to the wealthy. Strict regulation, they believe, would ensure safety, ethical practices, and equal access to benefits.
On the other hand, those favoring unrestricted development argue that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and delay potentially life-saving breakthroughs. They point to the potential of genetic engineering to cure diseases, enhance crop yields, and solve environmental challenges. Supporters of this view maintain that scientific progress should not be hindered by overly cautious policies, as the benefits of genetic engineering could far outweigh the risks.
In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. While I recognize the immense potential of genetic engineering to improve human life and solve global problems, I believe that some level of regulation is essential to ensure safety and ethical practices. Uncontrolled development could lead to unforeseen consequences, but overly restrictive policies might impede crucial advancements. Therefore, I advocate for a regulatory framework that allows for scientific progress while implementing rigorous safety protocols and ethical guidelines.
In conclusion, the regulation of genetic engineering requires a nuanced approach that balances innovation with caution. By establishing clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms, we can harness the power of genetic engineering while mitigating potential risks and ethical concerns.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Genetic engineering is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it should be strictly controlled, while others believe it should be allowed to develop without restrictions. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who want strict regulation of genetic engineering have several reasons. Firstly, they worry about safety. Genetic engineering could create dangerous plants or animals that might harm people or the environment. Secondly, there are ethical concerns. Some people think it’s wrong to change nature or create “designer babies”. They believe strict rules are needed to prevent these problems.
On the other hand, some people think genetic engineering should be free to develop. They say it can bring many benefits, like curing diseases or making crops that can grow in difficult conditions. They believe that too many rules will slow down progress and stop scientists from making important discoveries that could help many people.
In my opinion, I think genetic engineering needs some regulation, but not too much. It’s important to have rules to make sure it’s safe and ethical, but we shouldn’t stop scientists from doing research that could help solve big problems. I think we need a balance between allowing progress and protecting people and the environment.
To conclude, genetic engineering is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While regulation is necessary to ensure safety and ethics, it shouldn’t completely stop scientific progress. A balanced approach is the best way forward.
Sample Essay for Band 5-6
Genetic engineering is a new science that can change plants and animals. Some people think it should have many rules, but others think it should be free. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want rules for genetic engineering are worried about danger. They think scientists might make dangerous things by accident. Also, some people think it’s not right to change nature. They say we need rules to stop bad things from happening.
But other people think genetic engineering should be free. They say it can help us a lot. For example, it might help us make better food or cure sick people. They think too many rules will stop good things from happening.
I think we need some rules for genetic engineering, but not too many. It’s important to be safe, but we also need to let scientists do their work. Maybe we can have some rules to make sure it’s safe, but still let scientists try new things.
In conclusion, genetic engineering is a difficult topic. We need to think carefully about how to control it. I think we need some rules, but we should also let scientists work to help people.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic
- Presents well-developed arguments for both viewpoints
- Offers a nuanced personal opinion with clear reasoning
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “exacerbating”, “stifle innovation”)
- Employs various complex sentence structures
- Maintains excellent coherence and cohesion throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Shows a good understanding of the question
- Presents relevant ideas for both perspectives
- Expresses a clear personal opinion
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Demonstrates adequate vocabulary with some attempts at less common words
- Maintains overall coherence, though paragraph development could be stronger
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the main parts of the task
- Presents basic ideas for both viewpoints
- Expresses a simple personal opinion
- Uses mostly simple sentences and basic vocabulary
- Shows some attempt at organization, but lacks sophisticated cohesive devices
- Contains some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but the meaning is generally clear
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Genetic engineering (noun) /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology
- Regulation (noun) /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ – Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority
- Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθɪkəl/ – Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these
- Stifle (verb) /ˈstaɪfəl/ – Restrain or suppress
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The introduction of new ideas or methods
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – Make a problem or bad situation worse
- Oversight (noun) /ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – The action of overseeing something
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
- Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – Extremely thorough and careful
In conclusion, the regulation of genetic engineering is a complex and pertinent topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and using appropriate language and structure, you can craft a compelling essay on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as the importance of regulating genetically modified organisms or whether governments should fund scientific research on genetic modification. These related themes will help you build a strong foundation for addressing various aspects of genetic engineering in your IELTS exam.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your skills and receive valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.