Mastering PTE Summarize Written Text: Genetic Engineering Ethics in Medicine

Introduction to Summarize Written Text in PTE Speaking & Writing

The Summarize Written Text task is a crucial component of the PTE Academic exam’s Speaking & Writing section. This task assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend and concisely summarize complex written information. One frequently appearing topic in this section is the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering in medicine, reflecting its relevance in contemporary scientific discourse.

Sample Summarize Written Text Question on Genetic Engineering Ethics

Question Prompt

Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence in 5-75 words. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and how well your response presents the key points in the passage.

Genetic engineering in medicine has opened up unprecedented possibilities for treating and preventing diseases. By manipulating genes, scientists can potentially eradicate hereditary disorders, enhance immune responses, and even extend human lifespans. However, this powerful technology also raises significant ethical concerns. Critics argue that altering the human genome could lead to unforeseen consequences for future generations and exacerbate social inequalities if access to such treatments is limited to the wealthy. Moreover, the line between therapeutic interventions and enhancement becomes blurred, raising questions about the nature of humanity and the ethics of “designing” children with specific traits. As research progresses, society must grapple with these ethical dilemmas, balancing the potential benefits of genetic engineering with the need to protect human dignity and ensure equitable access to medical advancements.

Sample Responses

Band 9 Response:

Genetic engineering in medicine offers groundbreaking potential for disease treatment and prevention, but it simultaneously raises profound ethical concerns regarding unintended consequences, social equity, and the fundamental nature of humanity, necessitating careful societal consideration to balance benefits with ethical implications.

Analysis:

• Content: Comprehensive coverage of main points
• Form: Concise, single sentence within word limit
• Grammar: Complex sentence structure used effectively
• Vocabulary: Advanced terms like “groundbreaking,” “profound,” “necessitating”
• Spelling: Flawless

Genetic engineering medicine raises complex ethical concerns

Band 8 Response:

While genetic engineering in medicine presents revolutionary possibilities for treating diseases, it also poses ethical challenges concerning unforeseen consequences, social inequality, and the definition of humanity, requiring society to carefully weigh its benefits against potential risks.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers most key points
• Form: Single sentence within word limit
• Grammar: Well-structured complex sentence
• Vocabulary: Good use of terms like “revolutionary,” “poses”
• Spelling: Correct

Band 7 Response:

Genetic engineering in medicine offers new ways to treat diseases but raises ethical issues about future impacts, fairness, and changing human nature, which society needs to consider carefully.

Analysis:

• Content: Addresses main ideas but less detailed
• Form: Meets requirements
• Grammar: Correct but simpler structure
• Vocabulary: Appropriate but less sophisticated
• Spelling: Correct

DNA editing technologies and ethical debates in science

Band 6 Response:

Genetic engineering in medicine can help treat diseases but there are ethical problems like unknown effects and unfair access, so society must think about the good and bad sides.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers basic points but lacks depth
• Form: Within word limit
• Grammar: Simple structures, minor errors
• Vocabulary: Basic, some repetition
• Spelling: Generally correct

Key Vocabulary

1. Genetic engineering (/dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/) – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.
   Example: Genetic engineering could revolutionize cancer treatment.

2. Hereditary (/həˈredɪt(ə)ri/) – Genetically transmitted from parent to offspring.
   Example: Many hereditary diseases can now be detected before birth.

3. Eradicate (/ɪˈrædɪkeɪt/) – Destroy completely; put an end to.
   Example: Scientists hope to eradicate malaria through genetic modification of mosquitoes.

4. Unprecedented (/ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/) – Never done or known before.
   Example: CRISPR technology has given scientists unprecedented control over genetic material.

5. Exacerbate (/ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/) – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
   Example: Unequal access to genetic therapies could exacerbate existing health disparities.

6. Intervention (/ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/) – The action or process of intervening.
   Example: Genetic interventions in embryos raise significant ethical questions.

7. Grapple (/ˈɡræpəl/) – Engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons.
   Example: Policymakers must grapple with the complex implications of genetic engineering.

8. Equitable (/ˈekwɪtəbəl/) – Fair and impartial.
   Example: Ensuring equitable access to genetic therapies is a major challenge.

9. Manipulation (/məˌnɪpjuˈleɪʃən/) – The action of manipulating something in a skillful manner.
   Example: Gene manipulation offers new hope for treating previously incurable diseases.

10. Discourse (/ˈdɪskɔːrs/) – Written or spoken communication or debate.
    Example: The ethical discourse surrounding genetic engineering is intensifying in academic circles.

Conclusion

This Summarize Written Text question on genetic engineering ethics in medicine exemplifies the complexity and relevance of topics encountered in the PTE Academic exam. It challenges test-takers to distill intricate scientific and ethical concepts into a concise, coherent summary. The sample responses demonstrate how candidates can approach this task at different proficiency levels, emphasizing the importance of content coverage, grammatical complexity, and vocabulary sophistication. By practicing with such examples, test-takers can enhance their skills in comprehending and summarizing complex academic texts, a crucial ability for success in both the PTE exam and higher education contexts.

We encourage readers to practice summarizing this passage in their own words and share their attempts in the comments section for feedback and discussion.