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C.___In response to the first argument, I say that human beings are constantly tampering with nature – from cesarean sections to heart transplants and laser surgery. If it isn’t wrong to save lives by transplanting hearts, why is it wrong to save lives by transplanting genes? For example, it is known that a gene named ApoA-1 increases a person’s level of HDL, the good cholesterol, and therefore reduces the risk of heart disease. Would it be wrong to transplant this gene to help a child in a family with a history of early death from heart disease? To give another example, it is also known that having two copies of the gene CCR5 provides immunity to the AIDS virus. Would it be wrong to use this technology to prevent the deaths of millions? Since genetic engineering can eliminate fatal genetically transmitted diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease, why shouldn’t we use it?

D.___On the contrary, the ability to choose the sex of children will benefit the world because it will reduce overpopulation and decrease the number of unwanted children. We are currently experiencing a world crisis in overpopulation. Studies show that if couples strongly want a boy or a girl, they are likely to keep having children until they succeed. In Western societies, this trend is producing larger families than people desire or would produce if given more control. Internationally, preference for a son leads to larger families in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan. In countries where there are legal restrictions on family size, preference for sons leads to abortion or the killing and /or abandonment of girl babies. Professor Dolly Aurora of the University of Delhi, for instance, reports that an estimated 200,000 female fetuses are aborted each year in India. Allowing these parents to choose their child’s sex would eliminate this practice.

E.___The young husband and wife fill out the order form together: male, blue eyes, blond hair, 6’2” tall, 20/20 vision, muscular body build, athletic ability, IQ of 130+, quick wit, pleasing personality. They give the completed form to their doctor, who sends it to the laboratory. The lab prepares the correct mixture of genes and sends it back to the doctor, who injects it into the freshly fertilized egg that will become the couple’s first child. Science fiction? Not according to some scientists. They say that the time is coming when parents will be able to choose their children’s physical and mental characteristics as well as their sEx.

F.___Opponents of genetic engineering say that it is wrong to tamper with nature. They fear that allowing parents to choose their children’s sex will cause a disastrous imbalance in the ratio of men to women in certain areas. Others fear that genetic engineering will lead to the creation of ‘gene stores’

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where people can buy and sell genes. Even worse, they predict that children will become manufactured objects, like automobiles or dishwashers.

G.___In conclusion, although I agree that we should be cautious in using this powerful new technology, I believe that genetic engineering will lead to the elimination of diseases, the reduction of overpopulation, and improved conditions for females. It will not produce a generation of look-alike supermodels with genius IQs, as some people fear.

H.___Finally, I don’t believe that genetic engineering will lead to designer babies in the bad meaning of the phrase. I believe that after a period of discussion and experimentation, humankind will develop responsible practices for genetic engineering, just as it is developing responsible practices for other innovations of technology such as atomic energy and the Internet. As psychologist Joshua Coleman, Ph.D., stated in a recent article on the subject, “Most people have responded to each breakthrough in the evolution of human reproduction technology in a balanced manner.” There is no reason to think that they will not continue to do so*.

First argument

The writer’s own opinion (1)

Second argument

The writer’s own opinion (2)

Third argument

The writer’s own opinion (3)

_________

* The essays in this section have been adapted from Hogue, A. (2003). The Essentials of English: A Writer’s Handbook.

Ex. 19. Look through the examples of the thesis statements to the essay “The status of women in my country” for various patterns of organization. Match the patterns to the thesis statements.

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Ex. 20. Study the examples of the thesis statements below and define the pattern of organization for each.

Time order

Logical division of ideas

Comparison and contrast

Cause and effect

Argumentation

1.A college education is a good investment for four reasons.

2.Lasers have several applications in industry and medicine.

3.Romantic love is a poor basis for marriage.

4.The explosion of the Internet has had both positive and negative consequences.

5.Adjusting to a new culture was a challenging experience in more than one way.

Ex. 21. Read the essays topics below and identify the most logical pattern of essay organization.

1.Antismoking laws.

2.Two styles of music or two musicians.

3.Arranged marriage.

4.How to prepare for an earthquake.

5.Required attendance and homework in college.

6.Why I want to be an engineer?

7.Pollution.

8.Dating and marriage customs in two cultures.

9.How to cook a special dish.

10.Kinds of students.

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11.Violence at sports events.

12.A particular disease such as lung cancer or heart disease.

13.Two cities or places to go on vacation.

14.A frightening event.

15.Family relations in two cultures.

16.How to take a perfect vacation in my country.

17.The day I learned the meaning of fear, courage, frustration, relief, regret and so on.

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TYPES OF ACADEMIC ESSAYS

FOR THE IELTS EXAM

The previous section “Types of Essay Organization in General and Academic Writing” mentions several types of academic essays. This section identifies and discusses in detail the four main types of argumentative academic essay used in the IELTS exam.

1.Discursive essay (unbiased and objective, presenting the problem).

2.Opinion-led essay (persuasive opinion supported with evidence, clear opinion in the introduction and the conclusion).

3.Advantages/disadvantages essay (analysis of advantages or/and disadvantages of the issue).

4.Problem-solution essay (a problem in the introduction and possible solutions, the best solution should be in the conclusion).

1. A discursive essay is an essay about a controversial topic. The writer is expected to be neutral, objective and explore both sides of the issue. After having assessed and evaluated all arguments, the writer generally states his/her opinion in the conclusion.

Writing steps

1. Begin by saying what the topic means to you and rephrase it in your own words. Think about possible opinions people might hold. Keep it interesting and relevant (introduction).

2.Present evidence that agrees with the topic (body paragraph).

3.Present evidence that disagrees with the topic (body paragraph).

4.Try to foresee the future development of the topic. Think if it is true or false (body paragraph).

5. Summarize the ideas based on the evidence presented. Write a personal opinion after a mainly objective essay (conclusion).

(!) Body paragraphs begin with a topic sentence and should be linked to the previous paragraph using suitable conjunctions or linking words.

Make sure you include plenty of examples and a few opinions from influential people.

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Useful tips for discursive essays

While writing a discursive essay you

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2.An opinion-led essay presents the writer’s personal opinion concerning the topic, clearly stated and supported by reasons and/or examples. The opposing viewpoint and reason should be included in a separate paragraph before the closing one, together with an argument that shows it is an unconvincing viewpoint. The writer’s opinion should be included in the introduction, and summarised/restated in the conclusion.

3.An advantages/disadvantages essay presents both sides of an issue, discussing points in favour of a particular topic as well as those against. Each point should be supported by justifications, examples, and/or reasons. It helps to apply critical analysis, noticing advantages and pointing out disadvantages of a particular question.

4.A problem-solution essay is an essay in which a problem is proposed and explained, and then a variety of solutions are provided in the subsequent paragraphs. The writer’s opinion may be mentioned, directly or indirectly, in the introduction and/or conclusion.

Writing steps

1.Choose a topic and clearly define the problem that is going to be dealt with. Include a strong thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Examples of topics include global warming, unemployment and domestic abuse (introduction).

2.Research and elaborate on the problem. Include information on where the problem derives from, how far reaching the problem is, why the problem needs to be solved, and the potential effects if the problem remains unsolved. Include statistics and other supporting material that clearly demonstrates why the topic is a problem to begin with (body paragraph/s).

3.Present and explain multiple solutions. Include any solutions that have already been discussed and/or implemented and explain why they are not the ideal solution to the problem (body paragraph/s).

4.Present and explain the best solution. Include an explanation as to why your solution is the best one. Address any arguments or concerns that potential readers or opponents of the solution may have. Also provide details as to how the solution can be implemented (conclusion).

Practice time

Ex. 1. Look at the essay plans below for the types of essays, then say what features the plans have in common and how each plan differs from the others.

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Ex. 2. Identify the type of essay (D – discursive; O – opinion-led; A/D – advantages/disadvantages; P/S – problem-solution).

1. ____ All marketing strategies are essentially manipulative. Discuss, using examples from your experience.

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2.____ All students, regardless of faculty and course of study, should have to spend a year abroad. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

3.____ In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

4.____ Is global warming a curse or boon?

5.____ How can you help a friend or roommate who is making poor life choices?

6.____ Should college athletes be paid? How can colleges handle the combination of athletics, college educations and business better?

7.____ Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games. What are the negative impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?

8.____ To what extent are gender roles and stereotypes influenced by the media?

9.____ How can parents handle their child’s cell phone and social media use appropriately?

10.____ Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of beginning to work at the age of 18.

Ex. 3. Read the model essay below and complete the plan, identifying the topic of each paragraph. Then, replace the linking words or phrases in italics with synonymous ones.

Introduction

Main body:

The first paragraph: ____________________________________

The second paragraph: __________________________________

The third paragraph: ____________________________________

The fourth paragraph: ____________________________________

Conclusion

“Although the position of women in society today has improved, there is still a great deal of sexual discrimination.” Do you agree?

Throughout this century, the role of women within society has changed, and the majority of people feel that this change is for the better. More women work than ever before, and it is accepted in Western culture that many women now have careers. Nonetheless, in my opinion there is still a great deal of sexual discrimination against women within society, and the belief that sexual equality has been achieved is not altogether accurate.

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To begin with, many women find it very difficult to return to work after having children. The main reason for this is that there are rarely any provisions made for childcare in the workplace and, in these cases, women are forced to find someone to look after the children while they are at work. Obviously, this can prove to be a time-consuming and expensive process, yet it must be done if mothers are to be able to resume their careers.

Secondly, the traditional views of the position of women within society are so deeply ingrained that they have not really changed. For instance, not only is the view that women should stay at home and look after their family still widely held, but it is reinforced through images seen on television programmes and advertisements. An example of this is that few men are ever seen doing housework on television, since this is traditionally thought of as “a woman’s job”.

Thirdly, since families often need two incomes in order to enjoy a good standard of living, a woman finds herself doing two jobs: one at home and one at the office. So, it could be said that a woman’s position has, in fact, deteriorated rather than improved, with the result that women carry the burdens of equality but get none of the benefits.

In contrast, there are some people who claim that the problem of sexual discrimination no longer exists. They point out that women do, after all, have legal rights intended to protect them from discrimination. In addition, a few women are now beginning to reach top positions as judges, business leaders and politicians, while a number of other previously all-made professions are opening their ranks to women. Nonetheless, these examples are not the norm and discrimination is still very much with us.

Taking these points into consideration, I would say that the position of women has improved only slightly. While rules and laws have changed, it is the deep-rooted opinion of people within society which are taking a longer time to evolve. Needless to say, until these attitudes have changed, sexual discrimination will remain a problem which we all need to face and fight against.

Ex. 4. Match each of the following viewpoints with the corresponding opposing arguments.

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