Introduction to Public Attitudes Toward Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering has sparked heated debates in the public domain, as it has revolutionary applications in medicine, agriculture, and food production, while still raising ethical concerns. Understanding public attitudes is important in shaping policies toward the use and regulation of genetic modifications. The following examples simulate PTE writing tasks based on this recurring and significant subject in real PTE exams.
Summarize Written Text Practice Questions
Task 1: Public Perception of Genetic Engineering
Text:
The scientific community has made significant progress in genetic engineering over recent decades, enabling breakthroughs in areas like gene therapy and genetically modified (GM) crops. While scientists and industries push forward, public perception remains deeply divided. Many people acknowledge the potential health benefits that genetic modification could bring to crops and medicine. However, ethical concerns about ‘playing God’ and the long-term environmental consequences raise apprehension. The future of genetic engineering depends heavily on how the public’s concerns are addressed, especially in terms of safety and transparency of these technologies.
Prompt:
Summarize the text in one sentence, ideally between 5 to 75 words.
Sample Response & Analysis:
Band 90 Answer:
Although genetic engineering has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine and agriculture, public attitudes remain conflicted due to concerns over safety, ethics, and environmental consequences, making it essential to address such apprehensions through transparency.
Analysis:
- Content: This answer captures the key point about the scientific progress in genetic engineering, divided public opinions, and the importance of addressing concerns for future development.
- Form: The sentence stays within the 75-word limit.
- Grammar: The sentence uses correct punctuation and sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Vocabulary is advanced yet relevant to the context.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 75 Answer:
While genetic engineering offers advancements in medicine and agriculture, concerns about its safety and ethical impacts result in mixed public reactions, suggesting the need for better transparency.
Analysis:
- Content: This response covers the main ideas concisely but omits some nuanced details, like long-term environmental impacts.
- Form: The form fits the requirements.
- Grammar: Minor simplification of sentence structure is evident, but it is still correct.
- Vocabulary: Simplified choice of words.
- Spelling: No errors.
Band 65 Answer:
Although genetic engineering is promising, the public is concerned about its ethical risks and health impacts, needing more transparency.
Analysis:
- Content: The response is good but lacking depth regarding scientific advancements and environmental consequences, creating a less rounded answer.
- Form: The sentence keeps within the word limit.
- Grammar: Grammar is acceptable but less complex.
- Vocabulary: The vocabulary choices are basic.
- Spelling: No errors.
Task 2: Ethical Concerns and Genetic Engineering
Text:
Ethics plays a paramount role in shaping the debate over genetic engineering, especially in areas like human embryo manipulation and genome editing technologies like CRISPR. Ethical concerns often revolve around the moral implications of modifying human genetics, the unforeseen side effects, and the potential exacerbation of social inequality. Public policy decisions surrounding genetic research are profoundly influenced by these ethical considerations, despite scientific enthusiasm for advancing genetic interventions.
Prompt:
Summarize the text in one sentence, ideally between 5 to 75 words.
Sample Response & Analysis:
Band 90 Answer:
Ethical issues, particularly regarding human genetics and genome editing, significantly impact public policies on genetic engineering, as concerns about unforeseen effects, social inequality, and moral implications create opposition despite scientific support.
Analysis:
- Content: The answer effectively summarizes all key points, including ethical concerns and the impact on public policymaking.
- Form: Word count is appropriate.
- Grammar: Sentence is grammatically sound.
- Vocabulary: Advanced vocabulary such as “moral implications,” “opposition,” and “genome editing.”
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 75 Answer:
Ethical concerns about genome editing and potential side effects shape policy on genetic engineering, despite its scientific support.
Analysis:
- Content: The main ideas are covered, though some nuance and depth are missing, such as social inequality concerns.
- Form: Below the 75-word requirement but concise.
- Grammar: Correct grammar.
- Vocabulary: Somewhat simplified but appropriate.
- Spelling: No issues.
Vocabulary & Grammar Review
To assist you further with this topic, here are ten essential vocabulary words that appeared in the provided answers and how to use them effectively in the context of genetic engineering.
-
Breakthrough (ˈbreɪk.θruː): A significant development or advancement.
Example: Scientists made a major breakthrough in gene therapy treatment. -
Ethical (ˈɛθ.ɪ.kəl): Relating to moral principles.
Example: There are ethical concerns about genetic modification of human embryos. -
Genome (ˈdʒiː.noʊm): The complete set of genes or genetic material.
Example: Scientists are editing the human genome using CRISPR technology. -
Intervention (ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈven.ʃən): Action taken to improve or prevent something from happening.
Example: Genetic engineering is seen as a medical intervention for hereditary diseases. -
Exacerbate (ɪɡˈzæs.ɚ.beɪt): To make a problem worse.
Example: Genome editing might exacerbate existing social inequalities. -
Transparency (trænˈspær.ənt.si): Openness and clarity, free from deceit or concealment.
Example: Transparency in scientific communication is essential to gaining public trust. -
Apprehension (ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən): Fear or anxiety about something.
Example: There is public apprehension concerning the long-term safety of GM crops. -
Morality (məˈræl.ə.t̬i): Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong.
Example: The morality of genetic modifications in humans is hotly debated. -
Modification (ˌmɒd.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən): The process of changing something.
Example: Genetic modification has been used to improve crop yields. -
Unforeseen (ˌʌn.fɔːrˈsiːn): Not predicted or expected.
Example: Long-term effects of genome editing on human health are still unforeseen.
Conclusion
The topic of “Public Attitudes Toward Genetic Engineering” frequently appears in academic discussions, making it an important subject for PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. Public opinion on the issue is deeply influenced by ethical concerns, safety apprehensions, and environmental impacts. Practicing your summarizing skills with real-world issues such as these will not only prepare you for the PTE exam but also expand your understanding of how to handle complex academic topics. Don’t hesitate to comment with any questions or additional practice ideas!
