The Reading section of the IELTS exam often includes passages on contemporary and controversial topics. One increasingly relevant topic is “designer babies,” which touches upon the integration of genetic engineering into human reproduction. This article explores the ethical implications of designer babies, a topic that has been discussed widely due to advancements in genetic sciences and its potential future societal impacts.
Reading Passage Structure
The following reading passage is designed in a manner similar to what you might encounter in an actual IELTS Reading section. The passage is categorized as a Medium Text in difficulty level, reflecting complexity in vocabulary and sentence structure typical of IELTS standards.
Reading Passage
Ethical Implications of Designer Babies
The advancement of gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 has sparked a vigorous debate regarding the ethical implications of designer babies. Designer babies refer to infants whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected or altered to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics. This scientific capability opens up a plethora of possibilities ranging from the elimination of hereditary diseases to the enhancement of desired physical and intellectual traits.
Proponents of genetic engineering argue that the technology holds phenomenal potential for eradicating genetic disorders. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease, which are rooted in genetic abnormalities, could potentially be eliminated by correcting defective genes before birth. This could lead to a significant reduction in healthcare costs and improved quality of life for countless individuals.
However, the concept of designer babies raises profound ethical concerns. Critics argue that altering the human genome could lead to “playing God,” wherein humans exert control over natural processes traditionally left to nature. Furthermore, the notion of selecting traits pushes the boundaries of ethical behavior into the murky waters of eugenics, a pseudoscience that advocates for controlled human breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics.
Another significant ethical debate centers around the potential societal ramifications. Genetic modification for enhancement purposes may perpetuate new forms of inequality. If designer baby technologies become available only to the wealthy, it could lead to a biologically superior class, exacerbating existing social divides and creating an insurmountable gap between the rich and the poor.
Moreover, there is the concern of unintended consequences resulting from genetic manipulation. The long-term effects of altering an individual’s genome are still unknown, and unintended genetic repercussions could inadvertently be introduced. Mistakes in the gene-editing process could result in new diseases or health problems, which could be passed down to future generations.
In conclusion, while the technology to create designer babies holds tremendous promise, it also brings forth substantial ethical dilemmas. The potential to eradicate genetic diseases is undeniably appealing, yet the moral and societal consequences necessitate a cautious and judicious approach to using such powerful technologies.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
What is the main potential benefit of designer babies mentioned in the passage?
- A. Enhanced physical and intellectual traits
- B. Reduction in healthcare costs
- C. Eradication of hereditary diseases
- D. Creation of a superior class
-
What ethical concern is associated with the societal impact of designer babies?
- A. Playing God
- B. Eugenics
- C. Creation of new diseases
- D. Increased social inequalities
Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)
-
The author supports genetic modification for aesthetic improvements.
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
-
Gene-editing technology could potentially open the door to new forms of healthcare malpractice.
- Yes
- No
- Not Given
Matching Information
-
Match the following statements with the correct paragraph.
A. Diseases that can be eradicated
B. Ethical risks of playing God
C. Societal ramifications of genetic modification
D. The promise of gene-editing technologies- i. Paragraph 1
- ii. Paragraph 2
- iii. Paragraph 3
- iv. Paragraph 4
Answers
Multiple Choice
- C. Eradication of hereditary diseases
- D. Increased social inequalities
Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given)
- No
- Yes
Matching Information
-
- A. ii. Paragraph 2
- B. iii. Paragraph 3
- C. iv. Paragraph 4
- D. i. Paragraph 1
Common Mistakes
One of the frequent errors students make during their reading practice is failing to identify the central idea or main argument, leading to incorrect answers in multiple choice and matching information sections. Another common mistake is misunderstanding the writer’s perspective, often resulting in incorrect responses in identifying writer’s views/claims questions.
Vocabulary
- Gene-editing (noun) /ˈʤin ˈɛdɪtɪŋ/: The process of making precise changes to the nucleic acids in an organism’s genome.
- Eugenics (noun) /juˈʤɛnɪks/: The study or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population through selective breeding.
Grammar Focus
Complex Sentences: Combining multiple ideas by using subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while). Example: “While the technology to create designer babies holds tremendous promise, it also brings forth substantial ethical dilemmas.”
Conclusion
For a high score in the Reading section of the IELTS, focus on understanding the structure, the main arguments, and the writer’s viewpoints. Regular practice with passages on diverse and contemporary topics such as the ethical implications of designer babies will enhance your reading comprehension and test readiness. Remember to review vocabulary and grammatical structures to improve both your reading skills and overall English proficiency.