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

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Rehabilitation: Band 9.0 Sample Answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice - Band 7.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…

The Prompt

IELTS Writing Task 2 Prompt (Paraphrased):

Some people believe that stem cell research offers significant medical benefits. Others argue that it raises serious ethical concerns. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Model Answers (Side-by-Side)

Band 6 Answer

Response:

In my opinion, I think stem cell research is very good because it can help people who are sick. There are many diseases like cancer that can be cured by stem cells. But some people say it is not good because they think it is not moral to use stem cells from embryos. I think the benefits are more important than the moral questions.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and unclear connection to the prompt.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are loosely connected with some sequencing but lacks clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Limited range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Frequent errors in sentence formation and punctuation.

Band 7 Answer

Response:

The debate over stem cell research is intense. On one hand, stem cells have the potential to treat many serious illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries. Scientists believe that stem cells can regenerate damaged tissues, offering hope to millions of patients. On the other hand, some people argue that using embryonic stem cells is unethical because it involves destroying human embryos, which many consider immoral. While I agree that ethical concerns are valid, I believe the potential medical benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant arguments but lacks depth in development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with some use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Adequate range of vocabulary with occasional errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Some complex sentence structures but with noticeable errors.

Band 8 Answer

Response:

Stem cell research is a contentious issue with compelling arguments on both sides. Proponents argue that stem cells can revolutionize medicine by enabling the regeneration of damaged tissues, offering potential cures for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Moreover, advancements in adult stem cell research have reduced reliance on embryonic stem cells, mitigating some ethical concerns. Conversely, opponents contend that the destruction of embryos for research is morally reprehensible, as it violates the sanctity of human life. While ethical considerations are valid, the potential to alleviate human suffering justifies the continued pursuit of stem cell research, provided it is conducted responsibly and ethically.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a well-developed argument with balanced discussion and clear position.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically connected with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Wide range of vocabulary with precise word choice and minimal errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Complex sentences with few errors, demonstrating control of grammar.

Band 9 Answer

Response:

The ethical and scientific implications of stem cell research have sparked significant debate. Advocates highlight the transformative potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine, where they can repair damaged tissues and organs, offering hope to patients with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injuries. Furthermore, the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has provided an alternative to embryonic stem cells, circumventing some ethical dilemmas. However, critics argue that any research involving human embryos is morally indefensible, as it inherently devalues human life. Although ethical concerns are legitimate, the potential to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life justifies the responsible pursuit of stem cell research. Strict regulations and ethical guidelines must be enforced to ensure that research is conducted with the utmost integrity, balancing scientific progress with moral responsibility.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a fully developed argument with a clear, sustained position and in-depth discussion.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are presented logically with sophisticated use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Extensive range of vocabulary with precise word choice and no errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Complex and varied sentence structures with no errors, demonstrating full control of grammar.

Vocabulary Highlights

| Word/phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Contentious | Controversial or debated | Contentious issue | | Revolutionize | Drastically change something for the better | Revolutionize medicine | | Mitigating | Reducing the severity or impact of something | Mitigating ethical concerns | | Sanctity | The state of being holy or sacred | Sanctity of human life | | Indefensible | Not able to be defended or justified | Morally indefensible | | Regenerative | Relating to the process of regrowing or restoring | Regenerative medicine | | iPSCs | Induced pluripotent stem cells, a type of stem cell derived from adult cells | iPSCs have provided an alternative | | Circumventing | Avoiding or getting around a problem or restriction | Circumventing ethical dilemmas | | Transformative | Causing a significant change in form or nature | Transformative potential | | Enforced | Imposed or compelled to be followed | Strict regulations must be enforced | | Integrity | The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles | Conducted with the utmost integrity | | Dilemmas | Situations requiring a choice between equally undesirable options | Ethical dilemmas | | Alleviate | To make suffering or a problem less severe | Alleviate suffering |

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralizing: Some students make broad, unsupported claims without providing specific examples or evidence.
2. Lack of Balance: Failing to discuss both sides of the argument equally can lead to a lower score in Task Response.
3. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using vague or repetitive words instead of precise, advanced vocabulary.
4. Inadequate Cohesion: Not using linking words or cohesive devices to connect ideas logically.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent errors in sentence structure, verb tenses, or punctuation.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Want to see how your own response compares to these models? Get your essay scored by AI on English AIdol and receive personalized feedback to improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score.