IELTS Writing Task 2: Genetic Engineering — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Prompt: Some people argue that genetic engineering is a dangerous interference with nature, while others believe it can bring significant benefits to humanity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The advent of genetic engineering has sparked intense debate, with critics viewing it as an unnatural and perilous intrusion, while proponents champion its potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and beyond. This essay will explore both perspectives before advocating for the responsible use of this powerful technology.

On one hand, the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding genetic engineering are valid. For instance, modifying organisms could lead to unintended ecological consequences, as seen in the controversial case of genetically engineered crops contaminating natural species. Additionally, the potential for misuse, such as creating designer babies, raises profound ethical dilemmas. Furthermore, the long-term health effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remain uncertain, fueling public apprehension.

Conversely, the benefits of genetic engineering are equally compelling. In the medical field, gene therapy offers hope for treating previously incurable diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and certain cancers. Agricultural advancements, like pest-resistant crops, promise to alleviate global food shortages and reduce pesticide use. Moreover, genetic engineering plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, such as reviving endangered species through cloning and selective breeding.

In conclusion, while the risks of genetic engineering cannot be ignored, its potential to improve human welfare and address pressing global challenges is immense. Therefore, I firmly believe that with stringent regulations and ethical guidelines, genetic engineering can be a force for good.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas with relevant, fully extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention. Uses paragraphing as well as a range of cohesive devices appropriately and flexibly.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and precision; rare minor errors occur only as slips.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Genetic engineering is a topic of much debate, with some people fearing its potential dangers, while others see it as a way to improve our lives. This essay will discuss both views.

Those who oppose genetic engineering argue that it is unnatural and could have negative consequences. For example, altering the genes of plants and animals might lead to unexpected problems in the environment. Additionally, there are concerns about the ethical implications of changing the genetic makeup of humans. Some people worry that this technology could be used to create a society where only the rich can afford to have genetically enhanced children.

However, there are also many benefits to genetic engineering. In the field of medicine, it has the potential to cure diseases that were once thought to be incurable. For instance, gene therapy is being used to treat certain types of cancer. In agriculture, genetically modified crops can be more resistant to pests and diseases, which can help to increase food production and reduce the use of harmful pesticides.

In my opinion, genetic engineering has the potential to bring about significant improvements in our lives. However, it is important to ensure that this technology is used responsibly and ethically. Strict regulations should be put in place to prevent misuse and to protect both humans and the environment.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas, but may not be as fully developed as a Band 9.0 answer.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesion effectively, but may not be as flexible or sophisticated as a Band 9.0 answer.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, but may not be as sophisticated as a Band 9.0 answer.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but may have some errors that do not impede understanding.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Genetic engineering is a controversial topic. Some people think it is dangerous, while others believe it can help us.

People who are against genetic engineering say it is not natural. They think it can cause problems for the environment. For example, if we change the genes of plants, it might affect other plants and animals. Also, some people think it is not ethical to change the genes of humans. They worry that only rich people will be able to afford to have healthier children.

On the other hand, genetic engineering can help us in many ways. In medicine, it can help us cure diseases. For example, scientists are using gene therapy to treat cancer. In farming, genetically modified crops can be stronger and produce more food. This can help to feed more people and reduce the use of pesticides.

I think genetic engineering can be good if we use it carefully. We need to make sure it is safe and fair for everyone.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position but may not extend or support ideas as fully as a Band 8.0 answer.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesion effectively but may not be as flexible or sophisticated as a Band 8.0 answer.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary, with some attempts at a range of vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but may have some errors that impede understanding at times.

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Genetic engineering is good and bad. Some people say it is dangerous. Others say it can help us.

People who do not like genetic engineering say it is not natural. They think it can hurt the environment. For example, if we change plants, it might hurt other plants and animals. They also think it is not good to change human genes. They say only rich people can afford to have better children.

But genetic engineering can help us. In medicine, it can help cure diseases. For example, scientists use gene therapy for cancer. In farming, genetically modified crops can be stronger. This can help feed more people and use less pesticides.

I think genetic engineering is good if we use it carefully. We need to make sure it is safe and fair.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 6.0 - Presents a position but may not extend or support ideas as fully as a Band 7.0 answer.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesion but may not be as effective as a Band 7.0 answer.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some attempts at appropriate words and phrases.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but may have frequent errors that impede understanding.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Advent (noun): The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. Example: The advent of genetic engineering has sparked intense debate.
2. Perilous (adjective): Full of danger or risk. Example: Critics view genetic engineering as a perilous intrusion.
3. Champion (verb): To support or defend a cause or idea. Example: Proponents champion its potential to revolutionize medicine.
4. Controversial (adjective): Giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement. Example: Genetic engineering is a controversial topic.
5. Unintended (adjective): Not planned or meant. Example: Modifying organisms could lead to unintended ecological consequences.
6. Ethical (adjective): Relating to moral principles or the science of morals. Example: The ethical implications of changing the genetic makeup of humans.
7. Alter (verb): To change or modify. Example: Altering the genes of plants and animals might lead to unexpected problems.
8. Enhanced (adjective): Improved or made better. Example: Genetically enhanced children.
9. Potential (noun): The ability or possibility of future development. Example: The potential to cure diseases.
10. Resistant (adjective): Able to withstand the effects of something harmful. Example: Pest-resistant crops.
11. Alleviate (verb): To make something bad less severe. Example: Alleviate global food shortages.
12. Stringent (adjective): Strict and demanding. Example: Stringent regulations.
13. Profound (adjective): Very great or intense. Example: Profound ethical dilemmas.
14. Revive (verb): To restore to life or consciousness. Example: Reviving endangered species through cloning.
15. Flexibility (noun): The quality of bending easily without breaking. Example: Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention and uses paragraphing as well as a range of cohesive devices appropriately and flexibly.
16. Precision (noun): The quality of being exact and accurate. Example: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and precision.
17. Slip (noun): A minor error or mistake. Example: Rare minor errors occur only as slips.
18. Range (noun): The extent of a group of things from least to greatest. Example: Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision.
19. Impede (verb): To obstruct or delay something. Example: May have some errors that do not impede understanding.
20. Appropriate (adjective): Suitable or proper in the circumstances. Example: Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to present a clear opinion on the topic.
2. Insufficient Support: Not providing enough examples or evidence to support arguments.
3. Poor Organization: Not structuring the essay logically with clear paragraphs.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary, which can make the writing seem repetitive and less sophisticated.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors that impede understanding.

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