Animal cloning has been a controversial topic for decades, facing ethical debates worldwide. In the PTE exam’s Summarize Written Text section, you may encounter texts related to contentious issues like animal cloning. In this post, we will provide you with a sample task on The Ethics Of Animal Cloning and model answers, so you can practice and enhance your skills.
The Ethics of Animal Cloning in Summarize Written Text
Cloning, especially animal cloning, raises numerous ethical questions, particularly regarding animal welfare, biodiversity, and the role of humans in manipulating life for scientific or commercial purposes. In the PTE exam, you are required to summarize written text concisely and accurately within one sentence using correct grammar and vocabulary.
Sample Summarize Written Text Task
Read the following passage and write a summary in one sentence.
Animal cloning has garnered much scientific interest since the birth of Dolly the sheep. Proponents argue that cloning could help preserve endangered species or improve food production, while opponents express fear about animal suffering, biodiversity reduction, and unethical manipulation of nature. Furthermore, commercial cloning raises concerns about monopolies in agriculture and the commoditization of animals. Ethical dilemmas such as these have put scientists, ethicists, and policy-makers in contentious debates about how—or if—cloning should be ethically regulated.
Summarize the passage in one sentence (between 5-75 words).
Model Answers Based on Different Score Levels
5-Point Answer (Perfect Score)
Animal cloning has sparked debates over its ethical implications, with supporters optimistic about its benefits in species preservation and agriculture, whereas critics worry about animal welfare, biodiversity loss, and the commercialization of life forms.
4-Point Answer (Very Good, Minor Errors)
The ethics of animal cloning are contentious; while some advocate for its use in preserving species and improving agriculture, others raise concerns regarding animal cruelty, biodiversity loss, and the ethics of manipulating life.
3-Point Answer (Good, Noticeable Errors)
Animal cloning is ethically debated, as it may be used to save species or increase food production, but it also poses risks like animal suffering, biodiversity loss, and ethical concerns on commercial practices.
2-Point Answer (Satisfactory)
Animal cloning may preserve species and enhance agriculture, but it raises many concerns about animal rights and nature’s manipulation.
1-Point Answer (Need Improvement)
Cloning of animals has some benefits, but there are ethical concerns as well, including commercial use and animal suffering.
Analysis of Model Answers:
- Content: The higher scores are awarded to answers that accurately convey the full range of ethical concerns and potential benefits mentioned in the passage.
- Form: All responses are presented within the required one sentence.
- Grammar: Higher-scoring responses are free from grammatical issues like punctuation errors or sentence fragments.
- Vocabulary: Answers scoring 4 and 5 demonstrate precise use of more advanced vocabulary, such as “contentious,” “commoditization,” and “manipulation.”
- Spelling: Accurate spelling is maintained throughout the higher-scoring examples.
Vocabulary for PTE Summarize Written Text
For the PTE, expanding your vocabulary is essential. Here are 10 complex words from the prompt above along with their definitions and examples:
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Proponent /prəˈpoʊ.nənt/ – A person who actively supports a cause.
Example: The proponents of cloning argue that it can help preserve endangered species. -
Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈvɝː.sɪ.t̬i/ – The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Example: Biodiversity is at risk when cloned animals replace naturally reproducing species. -
Endangered /ɪnˈdeɪn.dʒɚd/ – In danger of becoming extinct.
Example: Some believe cloning technology can save endangered species. -
Monopoly /məˈnɑː.pə.li/ – Complete control of a product or service in a particular market by one company or group.
Example: Critics fear that cloning will create monopolies in the farming industry. -
Commoditization /kəˌmɒd.ɪ.tɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – The process by which goods or services become undifferentiated in the market through price competition.
Example: The commoditization of animals through cloning raises ethical questions. -
Ethical /ˈɛθ.ɪ.kəl/ – Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
Example: Ethical concerns are central to the debate on animal cloning. -
Dilemma /daɪˈlem.ə/ – A situation requiring a difficult choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
Example: Cloning presents a moral dilemma for many scientists and policy-makers. -
Manipulation /məˌnɪp.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/ – The action of controlling or influencing something skillfully, often in an unfair way.
Example: Arguments against cloning often center on the manipulation of nature. -
Contentious /kənˈten.ʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Example: The contentious nature of cloning ethics makes policy formulation difficult. -
Advocate /ˈæd.və.kət/ – A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
Example: Advocates for animal rights often oppose cloning practices.
Conclusion
In this post, we’ve explored a practice question related to The ethics of animal cloning in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE exam, a common topic. This exercise will help you prepare for the test by tackling complex issues and ensuring your summaries are concise yet comprehensive. Ethical debates like this are common in academic English writing, making them highly relevant practice material for the PTE exam.
Start practicing with quality materials and remember to explore more about topics like Cloning technology and ethical concerns for a deeper understanding. Don’t hesitate to leave your comments below with your sample summaries for further practice!
