IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Genetic engineering is an important issue in modern society. Some people think that it will improve people’s lives in many ways. Others feel that it may be a threat to life on earth.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Essay :
In this twenty first century, the world is on the edge of a scientific revolution that causes one of the most controversial phenomena of all time: genetic engineering that manipulates an organism’s gene to alter nature and structure of genes. It is a powerful, yet potentially dangerous tool. The advocates of genetic engineering contend that it could uplift human lives in many aspects, while others deem that it will cause disastrous consequence threaten life on earth. However, I am of the honest opinion is that it is morally wrong that will be fatal to human civilization.
To begin with, genetic engineering is a boon to agriculture. It can boost production, taste and nutrition of crops in order to meet the increasingly demand of food for the overpopulated world. It can produce new variants with rich nutritional values and increased yield. In addition to this, engineered seed are pest-resistant and can adapt to harsh climatic and soil conditions. A case in point is plant genes At-DBF2, which can be embed into tomato and tobacco cells to increase their adaptability in harsh soil and climatic condition. Similarly, genetic engineering has the potential to treat several deadly diseases. Take “bubble boy” disease for example. In 1992, a girl was cured from the disease by transfusing copies of normal ADA enzyme.
On the flip side, genetic engineering may cause irrevocable damages for us. Genetic engineering is unable to know what the functions of each gene are. When a gene is removed for a cause, but it may have other vital roles to play which are unknown, then eventually it leads to disaster to our civilization. Similarly, the inserted gene may have other unknown functions. The effects of these unknown functions may emerge after a long period and that may cause immutable harm to mankind.
In my opinion, I would like to say that genetic engineering raises many concerns. These concerns stretch from ethical issues to lack of knowledge on the impacts genetic engineering may have. Genetic engineering seems to be god-like power. But god maintains a delicate balance into everything which is impossible to maintain for human being. If human beings interfere into this balance, then it would causes curse to mankind. The inadequate knowledge on gene’s complete function leads to some potential deadly effects that may be inherited before they are perceived.
In conclusion, Genetic engineering is a powerful, yet potentially very dangerous tool. As seen in the discussion, genetic engineering has many stunning advantages but it manipulates the natural world that actually outweighs its benefits to mankind.