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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of gene editing technology in medical breakthroughs

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: The role of gene editing technology in medical breakthroughs

Question: In what ways has gene editing technology contributed to recent medical advancements, and what ethical considerations should be taken into account when utilizing this technology?

Model Answer:

In the past few decades, gene editing technology has played a significant role in revolutionizing the field of medicine. This essay will discuss how gene editing has led to remarkable medical breakthroughs, including the development of CRISPR-Cas9, and highlight the ethical considerations that need to be taken into account when utilizing this powerful tool.

One of the most notable advancements in gene editing is the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. This revolutionary technique allows scientists to accurately edit specific genes within an organism's DNA sequence. As a result, it has opened up new avenues for treating genetic disorders and diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and even cancer. For instance, CRISPR-Cas9 has been used in clinical trials to treat patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, two inherited blood disorders that can cause severe pain and organ damage. Additionally, the gene-editing technology is being investigated for its potential in treating HIV and other viral infections by targeting the genes responsible for virus replication.

Despite the numerous benefits of gene editing, there are several ethical concerns that need to be addressed. One major issue is the possibility of unintended consequences, such as off-target effects, which could lead to unforeseen health complications. Furthermore, the potential misuse of gene-editing technology raises concerns about eugenics and the creation of "designer babies." For example, parents may selectively edit their child's genes to ensure they possess certain desirable traits, such as intelligence or physical attractiveness, which could exacerbate social inequalities. Moreover, the gene-editing technology may be exploited by unscrupulous actors for nefarious purposes, such as creating bioweapons or enhancing military capabilities.

In conclusion, gene editing technology has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in recent medical breakthroughs, with promising applications in treating genetic disorders and diseases. However, the ethical implications of this powerful tool cannot be overlooked. As researchers continue to explore the potential of gene editing, it is essential to establish robust guidelines and regulatory frameworks that balance scientific progress with societal values and ethical considerations.

Overall, the essay effectively addresses the question by discussing the role of gene editing technology in medical advancements and raising important ethical concerns. The essay demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic, and the language used is clear and coherent. Based on the criteria used by IELTS examiners, this essay would receive an overall Band Score of 8.

Task Response (Content, Organization, Coherence): 7.5/9
Cohesion and Coherence: 7.5/9
Lexical Resource (Vocabulary): 8.0/9
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Sentence structure, Punctuation, Spelling): 8.0/9
Overall Score (Average of the four criteria above): 7.75/9

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