Summarize Written Text: Ethical Concerns in Biotechnology Research for PTE Exam

In recent years, Ethical Concerns In Biotechnology Research have become a crucial topic during the PTE Summarize Written Text section in the Speaking & Writing part of the exam. Candidates must be able to read and synthesize information from sources related to sensitive topics such as genetic experiments and the implications of biotechnology. Below is a comprehensive guide that includes sample questions, model answers, and a detailed analysis of what makes a good answer for this section.

Example Summarize Written Text Question on Biotechnology Ethics

Read the following passage, and write a summary of the text in one sentence. Your response should be between 5 and 75 words.

Biotechnology research holds great potential in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. However, many critics argue that genetic manipulation, especially when applied to humans, raises serious ethical concerns. These concerns include the potential for creating ‘designer babies’, improper use of genetic information, and long-term environmental impacts. Advocates, on the other hand, argue that responsible use of biotechnology could eradicate genetic diseases, improve food security, and mitigate climate change challenges. Nevertheless, the debate surrounding ethical boundaries continues to grow as technologies evolve faster than regulatory frameworks can keep up.

Instruction: Write your summary in one sentence.

Sample Responses According to Score Bands

Band 90:

The ethical dilemmas posed by biotechnology research, particularly regarding human genetic manipulation and environmental effects, remain contentious among critics, while supporters emphasize its potential to solve genetic disorders and environmental challenges.

• Content: The content covers all major ethical concerns and the different perspectives adequately.
• Form: The response is within the word limit (33 words).
• Grammar: Faultless grammar with no mistakes.
• Vocabulary: High-level vocabulary used appropriately, such as “contentious” and “dilemmas”.
• Spelling: No spelling mistakes.

Band 70:

While biotechnology has promising applications, there are ethical issues regarding human genetic alteration, the misuse of genetic data, and environmental harm, though supporters insist it can heal genetic diseases and improve sustainability.

• Content: Captures the essential contrast between ethical concerns and potential benefits.
• Form: The summary complies with the word count (34 words).
• Grammar: There are minor grammar errors, such as “heal genetic diseases”, where “eradicate” would be more appropriate.
• Vocabulary: Vocabulary used is relatively stronger but lacks more advanced phrasing.
• Spelling: No spelling issues.

Band 50:

Biotechnology can help cure diseases and solve food security, yet it has ethical issues in human genetics.

• Content: This response captures part of the content but misses important details like environmental challenges or regulatory concerns.
• Form: Word count is within the limit (17 words), but the summary is too short to cover key details.
• Grammar: Simplistic grammatical structure with no evident mistakes but lacking complexity.
• Vocabulary: Basic phrases like “cure” and “help” without nuanced terms.
• Spelling: No spelling errors.

Band 30:

Biotechnology has ethical concerns.

• Content: This response barely captures the subject, as it does not explain the ethical concerns in detail.
• Form: The word count is too low (4 words), and it does not satisfy the task’s requirements.
• Grammar: It’s grammatically accurate, but overly simplistic.
• Vocabulary: Very basic words used.
• Spelling: No issues, but this minimal response indicates the lack of effort.

Key Vocabulary and Grammar for Higher Scores

Below are 10 essential words and phrases from the passage:

1. Biotechnology /ˌbaɪəʊtekˈnɒlədʒi/
   Definition: The exploitation of biological processes to develop products or technologies.
   Sentence Example: Biotechnology offers groundbreaking solutions to food security risks.

Biotechnology advancements in laboratory research for environmental and medical purposes

2. Manipulation /məˌnɪpjuˈleɪʃən/
   Definition: The action of controlling or influencing something wisely or unscrupulously.
   Sentence Example: The manipulation of human genes raises ethical concerns.

3. Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/
   Definition: Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources to maintain ecological balance.
   Sentence Example: Biotechnology’s contribution to agriculture can promote environmental sustainability.

Biotechnology aiding environmental sustainability and agriculture innovations

4. Genetic Disorder /dʒəˈnɛtɪk dɪˈsɔːdə/
   Definition: A disease caused by abnormalities in an individual’s DNA.
   Sentence Example: New biotechnology methods may help eradicate many genetic disorders.

5. Contentious /kənˈtɛnʃəs/
   Definition: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
   Sentence Example: Genetic engineering in humans remains a highly contentious issue.

6. Advocate /ˈædvəkət/
   Definition: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
   Sentence Example: Advocates of biotechnology argue that the benefits outweigh the risks.

7. Altering /ˈɔːltərɪŋ/
   Definition: Changing or modifying something.
   Sentence Example: Ethically altering human genes could prevent many hereditary conditions.

Ethical dilemmas due to genetic manipulation and the concept of designer babies

8. Designer Babies /dɪˈzaɪnə ˈbeɪbiz/
   Definition: Genetically modified babies created to have desirable genes.
   Sentence Example: The idea of “designer babies” is viewed as unethical by many critics.

9. Regulatory Framework /rɛɡjʊˈleɪtəri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/
   Definition: A set of official guidelines governing a sector.
   Sentence Example: A solid regulatory framework is required to oversee biotechnology advancements.

10. Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
    Definition: To make something less severe or painful.
    Sentence Example: Biotechnology could mitigate environmental damage caused by traditional farming practices.

Conclusion

The ethical concerns in biotechnology research are a common theme that requires students to thoughtfully evaluate both sides of the argument for their PTE exam. Knowing how to balance the ethical dilemmas with the potential benefits is critical when summarizing such texts. By practicing with real-world topics like genetic engineering and biotechnology, students will become adept at mastering the PTE Summarize Written Text task. For more insight into these topics, check out our articles on Genetic engineering’s role in medicine and Genetic engineering ethics in medicine.