Writing Workshop
Guided writing practice with model answer, structure and useful language.
Lesson objectives
- Plan and structure a stronger Cambridge C1 writing response.
- Use clearer argument, linking and register control.
- Recycle the unit language around the ethics of scientific research into sustained writing.
Listen to the model audio before you answer the lesson tasks.
Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)
Topic: The Ethics of Scientific Research
Task: You have seen the following text in an international scientific journal.
The Moral Compass of Discovery Scientific advancement is often seen as an absolute good. However, as technology evolves, the ethical boundaries of research—particularly in genetics and artificial intelligence—become increasingly blurred. Should the pursuit of knowledge be limited by moral considerations, or is progress an end in itself?
Write an essay responding to this text. You should discuss two of the following points: * The potential risks of unregulated research. * The responsibility of scientists towards society. * The balance between innovation and ethical constraints.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Tips (en español)
- Structure: Para un essay, utiliza siempre una estructura de cuatro párrafos: Introducción (presentación del tema), Cuerpo 1 (punto A), Cuerpo 2 (punto B) y Conclusión (tu opinión final).
- Register: Mantén un tono académico y formal. Evita contracciones (don't, can't) y lenguaje coloquial. Utiliza la voz pasiva para sonar más objetivo.
- Linking: No te limites a usar and o but. Utiliza conectores avanzados (Furthermore, Nevertheless, Conversely) para guiar al lector a través de tus argumentos.
- Hedging (Cautela): En el nivel C1, evita generalizaciones absolutas como "Science is dangerous". Usa hedging para matizar: "Scientific advancements could potentially lead to unforeseen consequences".
- Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar puntos. Debes analizar la relación entre ellos. Si mencionas un riesgo, explica por qué es relevante para el debate ético.
- Time management: No dediques más de 45 minutos a esta tarea. Dedica los primeros 5 minutos a planificar tus puntos para evitar que el ensayo pierda coherencia al final.
Useful language
| # | Expression | Español | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What immediately stands out is... | Lo que destaca enseguida es... | 🔊 |
| 2 | At first glance, the scene appears to... | A primera vista, la escena parece... | 🔊 |
| 3 | Whereas the first image suggests..., the second one points to... | Mientras que la primera imagen sugiere..., la segunda apunta a... | 🔊 |
| 4 | There is a striking contrast between... and... | Hay un contraste marcado entre... y... | 🔊 |
| 5 | The people seem to be dealing with... | Las personas parecen estar lidiando con... | 🔊 |
| 6 | It is highly likely that... | Es muy probable que... | 🔊 |
| 7 | One could infer that... | Se podría inferir que... | 🔊 |
| 8 | This might reflect a broader issue: ... | Esto podría reflejar un problema más amplio: ... | 🔊 |
| 9 | Although the setting is different, both images convey... | Aunque el contexto es distinto, ambas imágenes transmiten... | 🔊 |
| 10 | The overall impression is one of... | La impresión general es de... | 🔊 |
| 11 | This would be a useful example of... | Esto sería un ejemplo útil de... | 🔊 |
| 12 | I would argue that the second image feels more... | Diría que la segunda imagen resulta más... | 🔊 |
Model answer
🔊
The Ethical Boundaries of Scientific Progress
The rapid acceleration of scientific discovery often brings profound ethical dilemmas to the forefront. While the pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental human driver, the question of whether moral constraints should dictate the direction of research remains highly contentious. This essay will examine the risks of unregulated research and the responsibility scientists hold towards society.
One of the primary concerns regarding unregulated research is the potential for irreversible harm. In fields such as genetic engineering, moving too quickly without established ethical frameworks could lead to unforeseen biological consequences. If innovation is pursued solely for the sake of progress, we risk creating technologies that could destabilise social structures or human health. Therefore, a degree of caution is not an impediment to progress, but a necessary safeguard.
Furthermore, scientists bear a significant moral responsibility to the society that supports their work. Research does not exist in a vacuum; its applications directly impact human lives. Consequently, researchers must ensure that their findings are used for the betterment of humanity rather than for narrow, self-serving interests. This requires a transparent dialogue between the scientific community and the public to maintain trust and ensure accountability.
In conclusion, while the drive for innovation is essential, it must not supersede ethical considerations. Unregulated research poses significant risks that could outweigh its benefits. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of both scientists and regulatory bodies to strike a balance between pushing the boundaries of knowledge and upholding the moral values that protect society.
Marking checklist
- Content: ¿Has respondido a todos los puntos de la tarea? ¿Has incluido los dos puntos seleccionados en el prompt?
- Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y académico? ¿Has logrado mantener el interés del lector mediante un argumento persuasivo y profesional?
- Organisation: ¿Los párrafos están bien estructurados y conectados mediante conectores lógicos? ¿Hay una progresión clara de las ideas?
- Language: ¿Has utilizado vocabulario avanzado y estructuras gramaticales complejas (pasiva, condicionales, inversión)? ¿Has evitado errores básicos y el uso de lenguaje coloquial?