Genetic engineering is a fascinating yet controversial topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. As an IELTS examiner and instructor, I’ve noticed an increasing trend of questions related to genetic engineering appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on my analysis of past exam papers and current global issues, I predict that this topic will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS tests.

Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those encountered in actual IELTS exams:

Some people believe that governments should regulate the use of genetic engineering. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on government regulation of genetic engineering. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is genetic engineering and its regulation.
2. You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement.
3. You should discuss reasons for government regulation (or lack thereof).
4. Consider potential benefits and risks of genetic engineering.
5. Provide examples to support your arguments.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Genetic engineering has emerged as a groundbreaking field with immense potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and various other sectors. However, its power to manipulate the fundamental building blocks of life has raised significant ethical and safety concerns. I strongly agree that governments should regulate the use of genetic engineering to ensure its responsible development and application while mitigating potential risks.

Firstly, government regulation is crucial to prevent the misuse of genetic engineering technologies. Without proper oversight, there is a risk that these powerful tools could be exploited for nefarious purposes, such as creating biological weapons or designing “designer babies” with enhanced traits. By implementing strict guidelines and monitoring mechanisms, governments can ensure that genetic engineering is used solely for beneficial purposes, such as curing genetic diseases or developing more resilient crops.

Moreover, regulation is necessary to address the ethical implications of genetic engineering. The ability to modify human DNA raises profound questions about the boundaries of science and the potential for creating unforeseen inequalities in society. Government involvement can help establish ethical frameworks and facilitate public debates to ensure that the development of genetic engineering aligns with societal values and respects human dignity.

Additionally, government oversight can promote safety and minimize risks associated with genetic engineering. The long-term effects of genetically modified organisms on ecosystems and human health are not yet fully understood. By requiring rigorous testing and risk assessments before approving genetically engineered products, governments can protect public health and environmental integrity.

However, it is important to strike a balance between regulation and innovation. Overly restrictive policies could stifle scientific progress and deprive society of potentially life-saving advancements. Governments should aim to create adaptive regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with rapid technological developments while maintaining necessary safeguards.

In conclusion, while genetic engineering offers immense promise, its potential for misuse and unintended consequences necessitates government regulation. By implementing thoughtful policies, governments can harness the benefits of this technology while protecting society from its risks. As this field continues to advance, ongoing dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public will be essential to navigate the complex landscape of genetic engineering responsibly.

(Word count: 329)

Government regulation of genetic engineering

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets the criteria for a high band score (8-9) for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed arguments.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed precisely (e.g., “nefarious purposes,” “ethical implications,” “unforeseen inequalities”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of complex structures used accurately. There are no noticeable errors, and punctuation is used correctly.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is thoroughly elaborated with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, genetic engineering has become a hot topic of discussion. Many people think that the government should control how it is used. I agree that some regulation is necessary, but I also believe that too much control could slow down important scientific progress.

One reason Why Governments Should Regulate Genetic Engineering is to keep people safe. This technology is very powerful and could be dangerous if used wrongly. For example, if someone created a new type of plant or animal without proper testing, it might harm the environment or people’s health. Government rules can make sure that all genetic engineering projects are carefully checked before they are allowed.

Another important reason for regulation is to prevent ethical problems. Genetic engineering could be used to change human babies before they are born. This raises many moral questions about what is right and fair. Governments need to make rules about what scientists can and cannot do with this technology to protect human rights and dignity.

However, too much regulation might stop scientists from making important discoveries. Genetic engineering could help cure diseases and solve food shortages. If the rules are too strict, these benefits might be delayed or never happen. Governments should try to find a balance between safety and allowing scientists to do their work.

In conclusion, I believe that some government regulation of genetic engineering is necessary to protect people and the environment. But it’s also important not to stop scientific progress. The government should work with scientists to make fair rules that allow research to continue while keeping everyone safe.

(Word count: 270)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good writing skills and meets the criteria for a band score of 6-7 for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, although the arguments could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression of ideas. Some cohesive devices are used, but they could be more varied.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, although it lacks the sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “ethical problems,” “moral questions”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as thorough as in higher band essays.

Key Vocabulary for Genetic Engineering Essays

1. Genetic engineering (noun) – /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.

2. Regulation (noun) – /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ – Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority.

3. Ethical implications (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – The moral consequences or issues arising from a situation or action.

4. Biotechnology (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊtekˈnɒlədʒi/ – The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products.

5. Genetically modified organism (GMO) (noun) – /dʒəˌnetɪkli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/ – An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

6. DNA manipulation (noun phrase) – /ˌdiː en ˈeɪ məˌnɪpjʊˈleɪʃən/ – The process of changing the structure of DNA, usually through genetic engineering.

7. Bioethics (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊˈeθɪks/ – The study of the ethical issues emerging from advances in biology and medicine.

8. Gene therapy (noun) – /dʒiːn ˈθerəpi/ – The treatment of disease by replacing, altering, or supplementing a gene that is absent or abnormal.

9. Transgenic (adjective) – /tranzˈdʒenɪk/ – Relating to or denoting an organism that contains genetic material into which DNA from an unrelated organism has been artificially introduced.

10. CRISPR (noun) – /ˈkrɪspər/ – A gene-editing tool that allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.

Conclusion

The topic of government regulation of genetic engineering is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The ethical concerns surrounding genetic modification of human embryos
• The potential benefits and risks of genetically modified crops
• The role of international cooperation in regulating genetic engineering
• The impact of genetic engineering on healthcare and medicine

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. For additional practice, try writing your own essay on the sample question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.