IELTS Writing Task 2: Genetic Engineering (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people believe that genetic engineering will have more negative than positive effects on human life in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You should write at least 250 words, using formal academic language and supporting your arguments with relevant examples and evidence.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The topic of genetic engineering is very important in today's world. Many people think that it will have more bad effects than good ones. I agree with this opinion.

Firstly, genetic engineering can create new diseases. When scientists change genes, they might make mistakes. This could lead to new health problems that we don't know how to treat. For example, if a gene for a disease is accidentally introduced into a person's DNA, it could cause serious health issues.

Secondly, genetic engineering can be used to create 'designer babies'. This means that parents can choose the traits of their children, like eye color or intelligence. This is not natural and could lead to discrimination against people who are not genetically enhanced.

In conclusion, I believe that genetic engineering will have more negative than positive effects on human life in the future.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with some problems in organization and sequencing.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and inappropriate vocabulary with some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate surrounding genetic engineering's impact on human life is contentious. While some advocate for its potential benefits, I contend that the negative repercussions outweigh the positives.

Proponents argue that genetic engineering can eradicate hereditary diseases. However, this perspective overlooks the potential for unforeseen consequences. For instance, modifying genes to eliminate diseases might inadvertently introduce new health complications. A case in point is the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to the overuse of genetic modification in agriculture.

Moreover, the ethical implications of genetic engineering are profound. The creation of 'designer babies' raises concerns about eugenics and the potential for a genetic underclass. If only the wealthy can afford genetic enhancements, societal inequality will be exacerbated. This is evident in countries where access to advanced medical technologies is disproportionately distributed.

In conclusion, while genetic engineering holds promise, the risks and ethical dilemmas it presents are significant. Therefore, I firmly believe that the negative effects will predominate in the future.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some less common ones used inappropriately.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 8.0 Answer

The advent of genetic engineering has sparked a heated debate regarding its potential impact on human life. While proponents laud its medical advancements, I firmly believe that the detrimental effects will outweigh the benefits.

Advocates of genetic engineering highlight its potential to cure genetic disorders. However, this optimism is misplaced. The complexity of the human genome means that altering one gene can have unpredictable consequences. For example, attempts to modify the CFTR gene to treat cystic fibrosis have resulted in unintended mutations that caused other health issues. Furthermore, the long-term effects of gene editing are largely unknown, posing significant risks to future generations.

Beyond the scientific concerns, the ethical implications are alarming. The prospect of 'designer babies' raises profound questions about equality and human dignity. If genetic enhancements become a luxury, they will exacerbate social stratification. This is already evident in countries like the United States, where access to cutting-edge medical technologies is often limited to the affluent.

In conclusion, while genetic engineering offers tantalizing possibilities, the risks and ethical dilemmas it presents are substantial. Therefore, I contend that the negative effects will predominate in the future.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments, using a mix of claims and counterclaims.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas and a logical organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately and flexibly.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 9.0 Answer

The rapid advancements in genetic engineering have ignited a contentious debate regarding its potential impact on human life. While proponents extol its medical and agricultural benefits, I firmly believe that the detrimental effects will outweigh the advantages.

Proponents argue that genetic engineering can eradicate hereditary diseases. However, this perspective is overly optimistic. The human genome is a complex and interconnected system, and altering one gene can have unforeseen consequences. For instance, attempts to modify the BRCA1 gene to prevent breast cancer have resulted in increased susceptibility to other types of cancer. Furthermore, the long-term effects of gene editing are largely unknown, posing significant risks to future generations.

Beyond the scientific concerns, the ethical implications are profound. The prospect of 'designer babies' raises profound questions about equality and human dignity. If genetic enhancements become a luxury, they will exacerbate social stratification. This is already evident in countries like the United States, where access to cutting-edge medical technologies is often limited to the affluent. Moreover, the potential for genetic discrimination is alarming. Employers and insurance companies could use genetic information to deny opportunities or coverage to individuals with perceived genetic disadvantages.

In conclusion, while genetic engineering offers tantalizing possibilities, the risks and ethical dilemmas it presents are substantial. Therefore, I contend that the negative effects will predominate in the future.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments, using a mix of claims and counterclaims with sophisticated analysis.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas and a logical organization, using a wide range of cohesive devices appropriately.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately and flexibly, demonstrating a high degree of precision and sophistication.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with a high degree of accuracy and sophistication, using a wide range of structures flexibly and appropriately.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious: causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

• Example: The debate surrounding genetic engineering is highly contentious.

1. Repercussions: an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.

• Example: The repercussions of genetic engineering could be severe.

1. Eradicate: destroy completely; put an end to.

• Example: Genetic engineering could eradicate hereditary diseases.

1. Eugenics: the study of how to improve the genetic qualities of the human population.

• Example: The creation of 'designer babies' raises concerns about eugenics.

1. Exacerbate: make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

• Example: Genetic enhancements could exacerbate social stratification.

1. Profound: very great or intense.

• Example: The ethical implications of genetic engineering are profound.

1. Tantalizing: exciting the appetite or desire for something that is unavailable or unattainable.

• Example: Genetic engineering offers tantalizing possibilities.

1. Optimism: hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something.

• Example: This optimism is misplaced.

1. Interconnected: connected or related in a complex way.

• Example: The human genome is a complex and interconnected system.

1. Unforeseen: not anticipated; unexpected.

• Example: Altering one gene can have unforeseen consequences.

1. Suspceptibility: liability to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.

• Example: Increased susceptibility to other types of cancer.

1. Stratification: the arrangement or classification of something into different grades or categories according to status or quality.

• Example: Genetic enhancements could exacerbate social stratification.

1. Discrimination: the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

• Example: The potential for genetic discrimination is alarming.

1. Deny: refuse to give or allow (something requested or desired).

• Example: Employers could use genetic information to deny opportunities.

1. Perceived: come to be aware or conscious of (something); realize or find.

• Example: Individuals with perceived genetic disadvantages.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralization: Making broad, unsupported claims without specific examples or evidence.

1. Lack of Coherence: Failing to organize ideas logically, leading to a disjointed essay structure.

1. Inappropriate Vocabulary: Using advanced vocabulary incorrectly or inappropriately, which can confuse the reader and lower the score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall quality of the writing.

1. Weak Thesis Statement: Failing to present a clear and strong position in the introduction, which can weaken the overall argument.

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