Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #130

A. Gene editing, particularly the technology known as CRISPR-Cas9, represents a revolutionary leap forward in biotechnology, offering the ability to make precise changes to the DNA of living organisms. Discovered in 2012, the CRISPR system acts like a pair of "molecular scissors" that can be programmed to find a specific sequence of DNA, cut it, and allow scientists to add, remove, or alter genetic material at that location. This tool is significantly faster, cheaper, and more accurate than previous methods of DNA editing, and it has rapidly transformed biological research.

B. The potential applications of this technology are vast and profound. In medicine, gene editing holds the promise of curing a wide range of genetic diseases. Scientists are exploring its use to correct the mutations responsible for conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, and Huntington''s disease. It is also being investigated as a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, by modifying a patient''s own immune cells to better recognise and attack tumours.

C. Beyond human health, gene editing has significant implications for agriculture and conservation. It can be used to develop crops that are more resilient to drought, pests, and disease, potentially improving global food security. In conservation, it could be used to edit the genes of endangered species to increase their resistance to disease or even to potentially "de-extinct" species by re-creating their genomes, although this remains a highly speculative and controversial area of research.

D. Despite its enormous potential for good, gene editing also raises profound ethical and safety concerns. The possibility of making heritable changes to the human germline—modifications to eggs, sperm, or embryos that would be passed down to future generations—is particularly contentious. There are fears of unintended consequences, the potential for creating "designer babies," and the exacerbation of social inequalities. As a result, there is a global debate among scientists, ethicists, and policymakers about how to establish clear guidelines and regulations to ensure this powerful technology is used responsibly and ethically.