IELTS Writing Task 2: Genetic Engineering – Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

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

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Genetic engineering is a controversial topic. Some people think it will have more negative effects than positive ones. I agree with this view because it can cause health problems and harm the environment.

Firstly, genetic engineering can lead to health issues. For example, genetically modified foods might cause allergies or other health problems. Secondly, it can harm the environment. If genetically modified organisms escape into the wild, they might disrupt the natural balance. Therefore, I believe the negatives outweigh the positives.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a position but lacks development and supporting ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.5 – Ideas are logically organized but with limited use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a mix of appropriate and basic vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Uses simple sentence structures with some errors.

Band 7.5 Answer

The debate surrounding genetic engineering has intensified in recent years, with some advocating for its potential benefits while others express concern over its potential drawbacks. I firmly believe that the negative consequences of genetic engineering will outweigh the positive ones in the future.

On one hand, proponents argue that genetic engineering can lead to significant advancements in medicine and agriculture. For instance, genetically modified crops can be more resistant to pests and diseases, leading to higher yields and potentially alleviating food shortages. Additionally, genetic engineering has the potential to cure genetic disorders and improve human health.

However, the potential negative consequences cannot be ignored. One of the primary concerns is the potential for genetic engineering to create unforeseen health risks. For example, genetically modified foods might introduce new allergens or other health hazards. Furthermore, the long-term effects of genetic engineering on the environment are still largely unknown. If genetically modified organisms escape into the wild, they could disrupt natural ecosystems and lead to unintended consequences.

In conclusion, while genetic engineering holds promise for addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, the potential risks and ethical concerns cannot be overlooked. Therefore, I believe that the negative consequences of genetic engineering will ultimately outweigh the positive ones.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with logical development and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 – Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 – Uses a range of vocabulary appropriately, including some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The ethical and practical implications of genetic engineering have sparked intense debate. While some argue that it offers solutions to pressing global issues, others contend that the potential risks outweigh the benefits. I strongly believe that the negative consequences of genetic engineering will ultimately outweigh the positive ones.

Advocates of genetic engineering point to its potential to revolutionize medicine and agriculture. For example, genetically modified crops can be engineered to be more resilient to pests and diseases, leading to higher yields and potentially alleviating food shortages. Moreover, genetic engineering holds promise for curing genetic disorders and improving human health. However, the potential negative consequences are equally compelling.

One of the primary concerns is the potential for genetic engineering to create unforeseen health risks. For instance, genetically modified foods might introduce new allergens or other health hazards. Additionally, the long-term effects of genetic engineering on the environment are still largely unknown. If genetically modified organisms escape into the wild, they could disrupt natural ecosystems and lead to unintended consequences. Furthermore, the ethical implications of genetic engineering are profound. The potential for misuse, such as creating designer babies or enhancing certain traits, raises serious ethical concerns.

In conclusion, while genetic engineering holds promise for addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, the potential risks and ethical concerns cannot be overlooked. Therefore, I believe that the negative consequences of genetic engineering will ultimately outweigh the positive ones.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear and sustained position with thorough development and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately, including some sophisticated vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Controversial: Causing or likely to cause controversy.

• Example: The topic of genetic engineering is highly controversial.

1. Advancements: Improvements or developments.

• Example: Genetic engineering has led to significant advancements in medicine.

1. Alleviating: Making something less severe or more bearable.

• Example: Genetically modified crops can alleviate food shortages.

1. Unforeseen: Not expected or anticipated.

• Example: Genetic engineering might have unforeseen health risks.

1. Disrupt: Interfere with or disturb.

• Example: Genetically modified organisms could disrupt natural ecosystems.

1. Resilient: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

• Example: Genetically modified crops are more resilient to pests.

1. Ethical: Relating to moral principles or the science of morals.

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

1. Misuse: Use something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose.

• Example: There is potential for the misuse of genetic engineering.

1. Designer babies: Babies whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected or modified.

• Example: The idea of designer babies raises serious ethical concerns.

1. Enhancing: Improving or increasing something.

• Example: Genetic engineering could enhance certain traits.

1. Potential: Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.

• Example: Genetic engineering has great potential for improving human health.

1. Resistant: Able to withstand the action or effect of something.

• Example: Genetically modified crops are resistant to pests.

1. Hazards: Dangerous or harmful conditions or substances.

• Example: Genetically modified foods might introduce new health hazards.

1. Ecosystems: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

• Example: Genetically modified organisms could disrupt natural ecosystems.

1. Intense: Of extreme force, degree, or strength.

• Example: The debate surrounding genetic engineering has intensified in recent years.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to present a clear stance on the issue.
2. Insufficient Development: Not providing enough supporting ideas and examples.
3. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are not logically organized or connected.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using basic vocabulary without attempting to use more sophisticated words.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that affect the clarity of the response.

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