The Reading section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess your ability to read and understand academic texts. This segment typically includes various types of questions such as multiple-choice, matching headings, and true/false/not given statements. Understanding and practicing different topics, especially current and impactful ones like genetic editing, can increase your chance of scoring high.
The topic of “What are the implications of genetic editing on human health?” has been increasingly relevant, mainly because of advances like CRISPR-Cas9. Given its significance, this subject has appeared in past IELTS exams and may likely reappear. This article aims to provide a comprehensive practice passage, emulating the difficulty level found in actual IELTS tests.
Genetic Editing and Its Implications on Human Health
Reading Passage
Genetic Editing: The Impact on Human Health
The advent of genetic editing, particularly through methods like CRISPR-Cas9, has revolutionized the field of biology and medicine. Genetic editing involves modifying an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits or eliminate defects. While this technology holds promising potential, it also comes with significant implications for human health.
One of the primary positive impacts of genetic editing is the potential to eradicate hereditary diseases. Conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington’s disease are caused by genetic mutations that can potentially be corrected through precise DNA editing. This not only promises a brighter future for patients suffering from these conditions but also alleviates the broader healthcare burden.
However, the implications are not solely positive. There are significant ethical and safety concerns associated with genetic editing. The possibility of off-target effects, where unintended sections of the genome are altered, remains a substantial risk. Such inaccuracies can lead to detrimental side effects that may not be immediately apparent but could manifest over generations.
Furthermore, genetic editing raises complex ethical issues. Modifying human embryos or germline cells is particularly controversial, as changes are heritable and affect future generations. The prospect of ‘designer babies,’ where parents might select traits such as intelligence or physical appearance, also raises concerns about social inequality and the moral limits of scientific intervention.
In summary, while genetic editing offers groundbreaking opportunities for treating genetic disorders and understanding human biology, it also presents considerable ethical, social, and medical challenges. As this technology advances, it’s imperative to carefully weigh its risks and benefits.
Practice Questions
Question Types
Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Information, and Sentence Completion.
Questions
Multiple Choice
What is one of the primary benefits of genetic editing according to the passage?
- A. The creation of designer babies
- B. The eradication of hereditary diseases
- C. The reduction of social inequality
- D. The enhancement of intelligence
Which technology is primarily associated with advancements in genetic editing?
- A. CRISPR-Cas9
- B. Gene therapy
- C. Cloning
- D. In-vitro fertilization
True/False/Not Given
Genetic editing can totally eliminate all risks of hereditary diseases. (True/False/Not Given)
Modifying human embryos is widely accepted without any ethical concerns. (True/False/Not Given)
Matching Information
- Match the following implications with their corresponding explanations:
- A. Off-target effects
- B. Ethical issues in germline modification
- C. Social implications of designer babies
- i. Raises concerns about social inequality
- ii. Inaccuracies in genetic modification
- iii. Changes affect future generations
Sentence Completion
- The primary ethical concern with genetic editing involves __.
Answer Key and Explanations
B. The eradication of hereditary diseases
- The passage highlights that one of the main benefits of genetic editing is the potential to correct genetic mutations.
A. CRISPR-Cas9
- CRISPR-Cas9 is explicitly mentioned as a technological advancement in genetic editing.
False
- The passage mentions that genetic editing holds potential but does not state that it completely eliminates all hereditary disease risks.
False
- The passage states that modifying embryos is controversial and raises ethical issues.
A-ii, B-iii, C-i
- Off-target effects relate to inaccuracies in genetic modification.
- Ethical issues in germline modification are controversial due to heritability.
- Social implications of designer babies relate to concerns about social inequality.
the modification of human embryos or germline cells
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misinterpreting Keywords:
- Ensure that you fully understand the context in which keywords are used.
Overlooking Details:
- Pay attention to specifics provided in the passage to avoid generalizations.
Ethical and Scientific Concepts:
- Grasp the fundamental differences between medical benefits and ethical concerns in the context of genetic editing.
Vocabulary
- Eradicate (verb) /ɪˈræd.ɪ.keɪt/: To completely remove or get rid of something.
- Hereditary (adjective) /hɪˈred.ɪ.tər.i/: Passed down from parents to their offspring through genes.
- Off-target effects (noun phrase) /ˈɒf.tɑːɡɪt ɪˈfekts/: Unintended impacts on genes other than those targeted for editing.
Grammar Points
Relative Clauses:
- “Conditions like cystic fibrosis, which are caused by genetic mutations, can potentially be corrected through DNA editing.”
Modals for Possibility:
- “Genetic editing can potentially eradicate hereditary diseases.”
Tips for Improving IELTS Reading Scores
- Regular Practice:
- Engage with a wide range of reading materials on current and impactful topics like genetic editing.
- Understanding Question Types:
- Familiarize yourself with different question formats and develop strategies for each.
- Build Vocabulary:
- Enhance your understanding and use of academic and topic-specific vocabulary.
- Time Management:
- Practice under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.
Genetic Editing Technology
By mastering topics like genetic editing and refining your reading skills, you’ll be better prepared for the IELTS Reading section. Remember, the key is consistent practice and thorough understanding.
With thorough preparation and strategic practice, achieving a high score in the Reading section of the IELTS is within your reach. Good luck!