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

Related guides:

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

The Prompt

The following task is a Problem Solution essay based on the IELTS Writing Task 2 format:

> Stem cell research has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments but raises significant ethical concerns. Some people argue that governments should fund this research despite the controversy. Discuss the problems associated with stem cell research and suggest possible solutions.

Band 6.0 Model Answer

The Response

Stem cell research is very important topic today. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this kind of research. On one hand, it can help cure many diseases. On the other hand, it has some problems.

The main problem is that using stem cells from embryos is not ethical. Many people believe that this is like killing a human being. Another problem is that the research is very expensive. Not all countries can afford to do this kind of research.

There are some solutions to these problems. First, scientists can use stem cells from adults instead of embryos. This way, no embryos are harmed. Second, governments can share the cost of research with private companies. This would make the research more affordable for everyone.

In conclusion, stem cell research has both problems and solutions. If we can find good solutions, this research can help many people.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): Band 5 - Presents a position but with some irrelevance or support by less relevant or untasked ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 5 - Uses some cohesive devices but their use is still limited and some may be flawed. There may be some unclear referencing.

Lexical Resource (LR): Band 5 - Uses some less common vocabulary but this may not always be accurate or natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 5 - Makes frequent grammatical mistakes that may obscure meaning.

Band 7.0 Model Answer

The Response

The promise of stem cell research to advance medical treatments is tempered by significant ethical dilemmas. This essay will explore both the challenges and potential solutions to these issues.

One major problem is the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research. Opponities argue that destroying embryos is morally equivalent to taking a human life. Additionally, stem cell research requires substantial financial investment, which may divert funds from other important medical research areas.

To address these concerns, several solutions have been proposed. First, scientists could focus on adult stem cell research, which doesn't involve destroying embryos. Second, governments could implement strict ethical guidelines to regulate stem cell research, ensuring that it's conducted responsibly. Third, international collaboration could help share the financial burden of this expensive research.

In conclusion, while stem cell research presents challenges, these can be overcome through ethical regulations, alternative research methods, and international cooperation.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): Band 7 - Presents a clear position throughout the response with some extension and support.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 7 - Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively but may occasionally use them inappropriately or mechanically.

Lexical Resource (LR): Band 7 - Uses some less common vocabulary but this may not always be accurate or natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 7 - Makes occasional grammatical mistakes but they don't obscure meaning.

Band 8.0 Model Answer

The Response

Stem cell research, while offering immense potential for medical breakthroughs, presents significant ethical and practical challenges that demand careful consideration and innovative solutions.

The most contentious issue is the use of embryonic stem cells, which opponents argue constitutes the destruction of potential human life. This ethical dilemma has led to public debates and legislative restrictions in many countries. Furthermore, stem cell research requires substantial financial resources and sophisticated technological infrastructure, placing it beyond the reach of many nations.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, ethical concerns can be mitigated by prioritizing research using adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, which don't involve embryo destruction. Secondly, governments could establish international research consortia to pool resources and share the financial burden. Additionally, strict ethical guidelines and transparent oversight committees should be implemented to ensure responsible conduct of stem cell research.

In conclusion, while stem cell research faces significant hurdles, these can be overcome through ethical innovation, international collaboration, and robust regulatory frameworks.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): Band 8 - Presents a clear position throughout the response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 8 - Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively, though some may be overused or inaccurately used.

Lexical Resource (LR): Band 8 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items, though some may be misused or awkward.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 8 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent grammatical mistakes but generally maintains meaning.

Band 9.0 Model Answer

The Response

The medical potential of stem cell research is profound, yet its ethical complexities necessitate careful navigation and innovative solutions to harness its benefits responsibly.

The principal ethical challenge stems from the use of embryonic stem cells, which critics contend equates to the termination of nascent human life. This moral quandary has sparked intense public discourse and legislative restrictions worldwide. Concurrently, the substantial financial outlay and advanced technological requirements for stem cell research create barriers to entry for many nations, potentially exacerbating global health disparities.

To surmount these impediments, a multifaceted strategy is essential. Firstly, redirecting research focus toward adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells can circumvent the ethical quandary of embryo destruction. Secondly, establishing international research collaborations can democratize access to stem cell technology and share the considerable financial burden. Moreover, implementing stringent ethical frameworks and independent oversight bodies can ensure the responsible conduct of research while maintaining public trust.

In conclusion, while stem cell research presents formidable challenges, these can be systematically addressed through ethical innovation, global cooperation, and robust governance structures, enabling society to fully realize its transformative medical potential.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): Band 9 - Presents a fully developed position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 9 - Uses a wide range of cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately.

Lexical Resource (LR): Band 9 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision, including idiomatic language and less common lexical items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 9 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare grammatical mistakes.

Key Vocabulary

Ethical (adj): Concerning moral principles. e.g., ethical concerns, ethical guidelines, ethical dilemma

Contentious (adj): Controversial or disputed. e.g., contentious issue, contentious topic

Mitigate (v): To make less severe or painful. e.g., mitigate concerns, mitigate risks

Concurrent (adj): Happening or existing simultaneously. e.g., concurrent challenges, concurrent issues

Impediment (n): A hindrance or obstacle. e.g., surmount impediments, research impediments

Quandary (n): A difficult situation or problem. e.g., ethical quandary, moral quandary

Democratize (v): To make something accessible to everyone. e.g., democratize access, democratize technology

Stringent (adj): Strict or severe. e.g., stringent guidelines, stringent regulations

Oversight (n): Supervision or control. e.g., independent oversight, regulatory oversight

Transformative (adj): Causing a marked change. e.g., transformative potential, transformative impact

Common Mistakes

1. Mistake: Focusing only on problems without adequately addressing solutions.

Solution: Ensure a balanced discussion with equal focus on both problems and solutions.

1. Mistake: Using vague or informal language.

Solution: Use academic vocabulary and formal expressions.

1. Mistake: Presenting ideas in a disconnected manner.

Solution: Use cohesive devices to connect ideas logically.

1. Mistake: Making grammatical errors that obscure meaning.

Solution: Proofread your essay for grammatical accuracy.

1. Mistake: Not fully extending or supporting ideas.

Solution: Provide detailed explanations and examples to support your points.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive personalized feedback to help you improve.