What are the Ethical Implications of Human Cloning? A Sample IELTS Reading Passage & Questions

The IELTS Reading section assesses your ability to read and understand academic texts. One recurring topic in past IELTS exams has been the ethical implications of scientific advancements, including human cloning. Given the ongoing debates and ethical concerns surrounding human cloning, it remains a relevant subject for IELTS Reading passages. This article will delve into the ethical implications of human cloning, offering a full sample reading passage, questions, and detailed answers. By practicing with this sample, you’ll become better equipped to handle similar topics in the actual exam.

Reading Passage

The Ethical Implications of Human Cloning

Human cloning is a topic that has long been debated among scientists, ethicists, and the general public. The process involves creating a genetically identical copy of a human being. While the concept may seem like science fiction, advancements in biotechnology have made human cloning a theoretical possibility. Despite the potential benefits in medical and scientific fields, cloning raises several ethical and moral concerns.

Potential Benefits

Cloning can revolutionize medicine by providing genetically identical organs for transplants, reducing the risk of organ rejection. It could also enable parents with genetic disorders to have healthy children by cloning unaffected embryos. Furthermore, cloning might offer solutions for infertility and help preserve endangered species.

Human Cloning Ethics

Ethical Concerns

The process of cloning humans raises profound ethical questions. One key issue is the potential commodification of human life, treating clones as mere products rather than individuals with rights and feelings. There are concerns about the psychological well-being of clones, who might struggle with issues related to identity and individuality. Additionally, cloning may lead to a slippery slope of genetic enhancements and eugenics, where only genetically “superior” beings are valued.

Social Implications

Human cloning could exacerbate social inequalities. Wealthy individuals might access cloning technologies, leading to a society where genetic “elites” have advantages over others. This could deepen existing social divides and create new forms of discrimination. Ethical debates also extend to the concept of “playing God,” questioning whether humans have the right to create life artificially.

Legal and Ethical Regulations

Currently, many countries have strict regulations or outright bans on human cloning. The ethical implications are often cited as a primary reason for these laws. International guidelines focus on ensuring that cloning practices, if ever permitted, adhere to stringent ethical standards to protect human dignity.

Questions

Multiple Choice

1. What is one potential benefit of human cloning mentioned in the passage?

   1. Cloning can create genetically superior beings.
   2. Cloning can provide genetically identical organs for transplants.
   3. Cloning can make food production more efficient.
   4. Cloning can eliminate all diseases.

2. Which of the following is cited as an ethical concern regarding human cloning?

   1. It can lead to scientific advancements.
   2. It may treat clones as mere products.
   3. It can help preserve endangered species.
   4. It reduces the risk of organ rejection.

True/False/Not Given

3. Ethical considerations are one of the reasons many countries have banned human cloning.
   True / False / Not Given

4. Cloning is widely accepted as a solution for social inequalities.
   True / False / Not Given

Matching Headings

5. Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage:
   • A. Potential Benefits
   • B. Ethical Concerns
   • C. Social Implications
   • D. Legal and Ethical Regulations

Short-answer Questions

6. What is one possible advantage of cloning for parents with genetic disorders?
7. How might cloning exacerbate social inequalities?

Answers and Explanation

Multiple Choice

1. B. Cloning can provide genetically identical organs for transplants.

   • Explanation: The passage mentions that cloning can revolutionize medicine by providing genetically identical organs for transplants.

2. B. It may treat clones as mere products.

   • Explanation: The passage raises concerns about the potential commodification of human life, treating clones as mere products.

True/False/Not Given

3. True

   • Explanation: The passage states that many countries have banned human cloning due to ethical considerations.

4. False

   • Explanation: The passage suggests that cloning could exacerbate, not solve, social inequalities.

Matching Headings

5. • Paragraph 1: A. Potential Benefits
   • Paragraph 2: B. Ethical Concerns
   • Paragraph 3: C. Social Implications
   • Paragraph 4: D. Legal and Ethical Regulations

Short-answer Questions

6. Cloning can enable parents with genetic disorders to have healthy children by cloning unaffected embryos.

   • Explanation: The passage mentions that cloning unaffected embryos can help parents with genetic disorders have healthy children.

7. Wealthy individuals might access cloning technologies, leading to a society where genetic “elites” have advantages over others.

   • Explanation: The passage discusses how cloning could create new forms of discrimination and deepen social divides.

Common Mistakes and Tips for Improvement

1. Misunderstanding the context: Many candidates misinterpret the ethical concerns discussed in the passage. Focus on understanding the broader implications rather than just the technical aspects of cloning.
2. Not identifying key information: Recognize the main ideas and key points in each paragraph to answer questions accurately.

Vocabulary

• Cloning (noun) [ˈkləʊnɪŋ]: The process of creating a genetically identical copy of a living organism.
• Commodification (noun) [kəˌmɑːdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn]: Treating something as a mere commodity or product.
• Eugenics (noun) [juːˈdʒɛnɪks]: The practice of selective breeding to improve the genetic quality of the human population.
• Ethical (adjective) [ˈɛθɪkəl]: Related to moral principles and the differentiation between right and wrong.

Grammar

Conditional Sentences

• Type 1 Conditional: If + present simple, will + base verb
  • Example: If cloning technologies become widespread, social inequalities might worsen.
• Type 2 Conditional: If + past simple, would + base verb
  • Example: If human cloning were legal, ethical guidelines would need strict enforcement.

Advice for High Reading Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Practice reading academic texts on various subjects to improve your comprehension and speed.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases regularly. This will help you understand the texts better and answer vocabulary-related questions.
3. Understand Question Types: Familiarize yourself with different question types, such as True/False/Not Given, Multiple Choice, and Matching Headings.
4. Practice Under Exam Conditions: Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself while practicing. This will help you manage time effectively during the actual test.