Gene editing technology has brought significant advancements, particularly in the fields of science and medicine. However, as it progresses, it also raises ethical questions about its proper use. In this article, we will discuss a PTE Summarize Written Text question surrounding Ethical Issues In Gene Editing, a topic of increasing relevance. Gene editing plays a significant role in medical research, genetic engineering in agriculture, and even public health, making it a recurring theme in both academic and real-world debates.
Let’s explore various Summarize Written Text question examples for you to practice, along with detailed explanations to help you improve your skills.
Example PTE Summarize Written Text Question
Gene Editing and Ethical Dilemmas
Gene editing, particularly CRISPR technology, has opened doors to monumental possibilities, such as correcting genetic defects and eliminating life-threatening diseases. Nevertheless, the technology has stirred numerous ethical concerns. Critics argue that gene editing, especially in embryos, could push humanity toward “designer babies,” where parents select desirable traits like intelligence, strength, and beauty. This raises questions about equity and justice—who would have access to such technologies, and could this deepen societal divides, with the wealthy having the means to create genetically enhanced offspring? Moreover, many believe that tampering with the human genome can lead to unforeseeable consequences, such as long-term health risks for future generations. These ethical concerns outlining the balance between medical advancements and equity make gene editing a contested issue in today’s society.
Your task: Summarize the text in one sentence using no more than 75 words.
Gene editing ethics using CRISPR in early embryos
Model Summaries for Different Band Scores
Band Score 90 (High Proficiency)
Gene editing offers incredible potential in treating ailments, but it also raises major ethical concerns regarding fairness, social divides, and the risks posed by altering the human genome, especially with potential long-term consequences.
Content: Fully covers all key topics like medical potential, ethical concerns, equity, societal divide, and long-term consequences.
Form: Meets the word limit. One sentence structure is clear, logical, and well-coordinated.
Grammar: Strong grammar and sentence construction, no errors.
Vocabulary: Sophisticated use of terms, e.g., “long-term consequences” and “genome altering.”
Spelling: No spelling mistakes.
Band Score 65 (Intermediate Proficiency)
Despite the medical benefits, gene editing brings ethical concerns, such as fairness and risks of genome changes that could harm future generations.
Content: Covers most content but does not fully elaborate on social divides or “designer babies.”
Form: Meets the word count limit; sentence structure is fairly appropriate.
Grammar: Simple but mostly accurate grammar usage.
Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary; lacks specific terms like “equity” or “societal divide.”
Spelling: No spelling errors.
Band Score 50 (Lower Proficiency)
Gene editing is useful for medicine but people are worried about ethical issues and risks.
Content: Misses critical details of societal implications and advanced topics like “designer babies” and “equity.”
Form: The sentence is too general, lacking complexity.
Grammar: Basic sentence, adequate but not complex.
Vocabulary: Very simple, missing relevant key terms like “genome” or “long-term risks.”
Spelling: No spelling mistakes but overly simplistic.
Sample Questions for Practice
Question 2: Ethical Perspectives in Human Gene Therapy
Human gene therapy offers the potential to cure genetic conditions by repairing faulty genes. However, critics argue that the ethical issues surrounding this technique must be addressed. Concerns include the unintended consequences of altering a person’s DNA, such as creating new diseases that could be passed on to future generations. Furthermore, the fear that only the wealthy will have access to these treatments poses a serious ethical dilemma about fairness and social justice. While it could improve the quality of life, the negative implications for society if unchecked are profound.
Your task: Summarize the text in one sentence using no more than 75 words.
Gene editing in medical research and ethics issues
Suggested Answer for Band Score 90
While gene therapy offers immense medical benefits, it raises ethical concerns including unintended genetic consequences and inequity in healthcare access, potentially benefiting only the wealthy.
Vocabulary and Grammar
Here is a list of advanced vocabulary from the passages along with their meanings and usage examples:
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Genome /ˈdʒiː.noʊm/ (n) – The complete set of genes in an organism.
- The human genome project has mapped all of the genes in humans.
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Equity /ˈɛkwɪti/ (n) – Fairness, justice in the way people are treated.
- Gene editing could create inequity among different socioeconomic groups.
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CRISPR /ˈkrɪspər/ (n) – A technology used for editing genes.
- CRISPR technology allows scientists to make precise changes to DNA.
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Ethical dilemma /ˈɛθɪkəl dɪˈlɛmə/ (noun phrase) – A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two moral principles.
- The ethical dilemma in gene editing is whether we should change the genes of future generations.
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Tampering /ˈtæmpərɪŋ/ (v) – Interfering with something inappropriately.
- Many believe tampering with human genetics could lead to unforeseen consequences.
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Long-term consequences /lɔŋ tɜrm ˈkɑnsəkwənsɪz/ (noun phrase) – Effects or outcomes that can appear in the future.
- The long-term consequences of gene editing on future generations are still unknown.
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Designer babies /dɪˈzaɪnər ˈbeɪbiz/ (n) – Babies whose genetic traits have been artificially selected for specific qualities.
- Critics fear that gene editing could result in designer babies, leading to unethical social practices.
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Social justice /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈdʒʌstɪs/ (n) – Equal distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges in society.
- Gene editing raises social justice issues, especially when only the rich can afford it.
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Unforeseen /ˌʌnfɔːrˈsiːn/ (adj) – Not predicted or expected.
- Gene editing could trigger unforeseen consequences that affect future generations.
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Genetic defects /dʒəˈnɛtɪk ˈdifɛkts/ (noun phrase) – Issues in an individual’s DNA that lead to diseases or conditions.
- One primary goal of gene editing is to correct genetic defects.
Conclusion
Summarizing written text efficiently is a critical skill in the PTE exam. For practice, it is essential to understand the topic completely, as many contemporary issues like ethical concerns in gene editing frequently arise. By improving your summary-writing skills, you will not only excel in PTE Summarize Written Text but can also apply these critical-thinking abilities to other academic endeavors. To further explore issues related to this topic, read about the ethics of human genetic modification and public attitudes toward genetic engineering.
Continuing to practice with varied and challenging topics, students will develop the precision and coherence necessary to attain high scores in this section of the PTE exam!
