IELTS Writing Task 2: Stem Cell Research (Agree/Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Some people argue that stem cell research should be encouraged because of its potential benefits to medical science, while others believe it is unethical and should be banned. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Stem cell research is a controversial topic. Some people say it is good because it can help find cures for diseases. Others think it is bad because it involves using human embryos. I think both sides have good points, but I agree with the first view.

On one hand, stem cell research can help medicine. Scientists can use stem cells to grow new tissues and organs. This can help people who are sick. For example, it might help find a cure for Parkinson's disease. On the other hand, some people think it is wrong to use embryos. They believe life starts at conception, so using embryos is like killing a baby. This is a strong argument.

In my opinion, the benefits of stem cell research are more important. We should not stop progress just because some people have moral objections. We can find ways to do research without using embryos. For example, scientists can use adult stem cells instead.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 6 (Presents a clear position but with some limitations in depth and development)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6 (Uses some cohesive devices but with some repetition and lack of progression)
• Lexical Resource: Band 6 (Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6 (Makes frequent errors but meaning is generally clear)

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The debate surrounding stem cell research is intense. Proponents argue that it holds immense potential for medical advancements, while opponents contend that it raises significant ethical concerns. I firmly believe that the benefits outweigh the ethical dilemmas.

Advocates of stem cell research point to its potential to revolutionize medicine. Stem cells can differentiate into various cell types, offering hope for treating conditions like spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and heart disease. For instance, researchers have made significant strides in using stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues. Moreover, the use of adult stem cells has mitigated some ethical concerns, as it does not involve embryos. However, critics argue that the use of embryonic stem cells is morally reprehensible. They believe that life begins at conception, and destroying embryos is equivalent to taking a human life. This perspective is rooted in religious and ethical beliefs, which cannot be ignored.

In my view, the potential benefits of stem cell research far outweigh the ethical concerns. While it is crucial to respect different ethical viewpoints, we must not let them hinder scientific progress. By focusing on adult stem cells and other ethical sources, we can achieve medical breakthroughs without compromising our moral values. Additionally, strict regulations can ensure that research is conducted responsibly.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 7 (Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7 (Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some minor lapses)
• Lexical Resource: Band 7 (Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7 (Makes occasional errors but generally uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms)

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The ethical implications of stem cell research have sparked a contentious debate. While some advocate for its potential to advance medical science, others vehemently oppose it on moral grounds. I am inclined to support stem cell research, provided it is conducted ethically.

Proponents of stem cell research highlight its transformative potential in the field of medicine. Stem cells, with their ability to differentiate into various cell types, offer hope for treating a myriad of conditions, from Parkinson's disease to heart failure. For example, researchers have successfully used stem cells to regenerate damaged heart tissue, offering new hope to patients with cardiac diseases. Furthermore, the use of adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells has alleviated some ethical concerns, as these methods do not involve embryos. However, opponents argue that the use of embryonic stem cells is unethical. They contend that life begins at conception, and destroying embryos is akin to taking a human life. This perspective is deeply rooted in religious and ethical beliefs, which must be respected.

In my opinion, the benefits of stem cell research are substantial and should not be overlooked. While it is essential to address ethical concerns, we must also consider the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for many. By focusing on ethical sources of stem cells and implementing stringent regulations, we can achieve medical breakthroughs without compromising our moral values. Additionally, public education and open dialogue can help bridge the gap between scientific progress and ethical considerations.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 8 (Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, and presents a clear position throughout the response)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8 (Uses cohesive devices effectively to manage the flow of information and ideas)
• Lexical Resource: Band 8 (Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences)

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The ethical dilemmas posed by stem cell research have ignited a fervent debate. While proponents advocate for its potential to revolutionize medical science, detractors decry its moral implications. I firmly believe that stem cell research should be encouraged, provided it is conducted within a robust ethical framework.

Advocates of stem cell research underscore its potential to usher in a new era of medical advancements. Stem cells, with their unparalleled ability to differentiate into various cell types, offer hope for treating a plethora of conditions, from spinal cord injuries to diabetes. For instance, researchers have made significant strides in using stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues, offering new hope to patients with previously untreatable conditions. Moreover, the use of adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells has mitigated some ethical concerns, as these methods do not involve embryos. However, critics argue that the use of embryonic stem cells is morally reprehensible. They contend that life begins at conception, and destroying embryos is akin to taking a human life. This perspective is deeply rooted in religious and ethical beliefs, which must be respected.

In my view, the benefits of stem cell research are manifold and should not be dismissed lightly. While it is crucial to address ethical concerns, we must also consider the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for many. By focusing on ethical sources of stem cells and implementing stringent regulations, we can achieve medical breakthroughs without compromising our moral values. Additionally, public education and open dialogue can help bridge the gap between scientific progress and ethical considerations. It is imperative that we foster a balanced approach that respects both scientific advancement and ethical considerations.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 9 (Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, and presents a clear position throughout the response)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 9 (Uses cohesive devices effectively to manage the flow of information and ideas)
• Lexical Resource: Band 9 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with great flexibility and precision)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Controversial (adjective): Debatable, disputed

• Example: