Genetic Engineering in Medical Research: Summarize Written Text – PTE Practice Test

The Summarize Written Text section in the PTE Speaking & Writing segment challenges candidates to concisely summarize a passage into a single sentence. Among common topics in this section, Genetic Engineering in Medical Research often appears due to its relevance in contemporary science and healthcare discussions. In this article, we provide detailed sample tasks and model responses to help you ace this component of the PTE exam. You’ll also find vocabulary tips and grammar analysis based on actual PTE scoring criteria.

Summarize Written Text Task Samples

We have created a Summarize Written Text task based on the topic “Genetic Engineering In Medical Research.” Read the passage carefully, and then craft a single sentence summary that captures the essential information.

Sample Task 1: Genetic Engineering in Medical Research

In medicine, genetic engineering is used to modify the genetic structure of organisms, enabling scientists to develop more effective treatments for diseases and better understand genetic disorders at their root. Achievements in fields like gene therapy—where defective genes are replaced with healthy versions—are providing new hope for curing previously untreatable illnesses like cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. In addition to treatment, genetic engineering also allows for the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that produce insulin, vaccines, and other therapeutic proteins. However, the ethical implications of such advancements, including concerns about genetic modification’s potential for misuse, remain topics of debate.

Instruction: Summarize the passage in one sentence.

Model Responses

Model Response for Band Score 90:

Genetic engineering in medical research accelerates the discovery of new disease treatments, including gene therapy and therapeutic proteins, but also raises ethical concerns.

Analysis:

• Content: Excellent representation of both the technological advances and ethical concerns.
• Form: A single, coherent sentence under 75 words.
• Grammar: Flawless.
• Vocabulary: Advanced yet precise (e.g., “accelerates,” “therapeutic proteins”).
• Spelling: Correct.

Model Response for Band Score 75:

Genetic engineering helps develop new treatments like gene therapy and GMOs for medicine, although there are ethical concerns about its use.

Analysis:

• Content: Adequately captures the main points, though slightly less descriptive.
• Form: Good sentence structure, but shorter and simpler.
• Grammar: No errors.
• Vocabulary: Adequate, but simpler phrasing compared to the previous model.
• Spelling: Correct.

Model Response for Band Score 65:

Genetic engineering is used in medical research to create treatments for diseases through GMOs and raises ethical questions.

Analysis:

• Content: Covers the essentials but lacks nuance (examples like “gene therapy” are omitted).
• Form: Basic but within the word limit.
• Grammar: No serious mistakes, but simpler sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Basic terms used.
• Spelling: Correct.

Sample Task 2: Applications and Challenges of Gene Editing

Gene editing technology like CRISPR has made it possible to modify the genome more precisely than ever before. This technology offers unparalleled opportunities to eradicate genetic disorders, improve crop yield, and even enhance human abilities. However, the potential for misuse, including creating genetically altered humans or ‘designer babies’, has led to widespread debate and calls for regulatory measures. Scientists have also warned that unintended consequences of gene editing may have long-term, irreversible effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Instruction: Summarize the passage in one sentence.

Model Responses

Model Response for Band Score 90:

Gene editing technologies such as CRISPR offer groundbreaking opportunities in health and agriculture but pose significant ethical concerns and potential long-term ecological risks.

Analysis:

• Content: Captures the full scope of medical applications and risks.
• Form: Clear, concise, and stays under the word limit.
• Grammar: Impeccable.
• Vocabulary: Precise and varied (e.g., “groundbreaking,” “ecological risks”).
• Spelling: Correct.

Model Response for Band Score 75:

Gene editing allows for precise genetic modifications, which could cure diseases, but the ethical and environmental risks are debated.

Analysis:

• Content: Summarizes most key points, though simpler in phrasing.
• Form: Sentence structure is strong, though more direct.
• Grammar: Excellent.
• Vocabulary: Slightly simpler but clear.
• Spelling: Correct.

Model Response for Band Score 65:

Gene editing helps in curing diseases but causes ethical and environmental issues.

Analysis:

• Content: Misses specific technology examples like CRISPR.
• Form: The sentence is correct but basic.
• Grammar: No mistakes, but lacks complexity.
• Vocabulary: Basic.
• Spelling: Correct.

Vocabulary & Grammar Insights

To help with your understanding and response writing, here are 10 key vocabulary words from the passages:

1. Genome /ˈdʒiː.nəʊm/ (n.): The complete set of genes in an organism.
   Example: Scientists are studying the human genome to find ways to treat genetic disorders.

2. Gene therapy /ʤiːn ˈθɛrəpi/ (n.): A treatment that involves altering genes to cure diseases.
   Example: Gene therapy could potentially cure inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis.

3. Genetically modified organism (GMO) /ʤəˈnɛtɪkəli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd ɔːgənɪzm/ (n.): Organisms that have had their DNA altered.
   Example: GMOs are widely used in agriculture to increase crop yields.

4. Ethics /’ɛθɪks/ (n.): Moral principles that govern behavior or activities.
   Example: The ethics of gene editing are a major concern among scientists.

5. CRISPR /ˈkrɪspər/ (n.): A technology used for editing genes.
   Example: CRISPR allows scientists to modify small sections of the genome with great precision.

6. Therapeutic /ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adj.): Relating to the treatment of disease.
   Example: The therapeutic effects of gene editing are still being researched.

7. Ecological /ˌiː.kəʊˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/ (adj.): Relating to the relationships between organisms and their environment.
   Example: The ecological impact of gene editing on biodiversity is not fully understood.

8. Biodiversity /ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dʌɪˈvɜr.sɪ.ti/ (n.): The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat.
   Example: Gene modifications could potentially disrupt the balance of biodiversity.

9. Designer babies /dɪˈzaɪ.nər ˈbeɪ.biz/ (n.): Babies whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected.
   Example: The idea of creating designer babies has raised many ethical questions.

10. Unintended consequences /ʌnɪnˈtɛndɪd ˈkɒnsɪkwɛnsɪz/ (n.): Results that are not the ones intended by a purposeful action.
    Example: Unintended consequences of genetic engineering could have far-reaching impacts.

Conclusion

The topic of Genetic Engineering in Medical Research commonly appears in the PTE Summarize Written Text section, and the tasks you’ve seen here mirror the kinds of questions you might face during your test. By practicing these tasks, expanding your vocabulary, and refining your grammar, you’ll significantly increase your chances of achieving a high score. For further exploration, you can delve deeper into Genetic engineering’s role in medicine or learn about the Genetic engineering ethics in medicine.

Remember to keep practicing and feel free to leave your summaries in the comments for feedback!