 The Ethics of Cloning
The Ethics of Cloning What’s Your Opinion? {Pre-Reading Task}Instructions: Write short answers to the following questions. 1. Do you think scientific progress is always beneficial to society? __________________________________________________________________________ 2. Do you think cloning should be available to all members of society regardless of if they are rich or poor? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. If you could clone one person in the world (not yourself) , who would you choose? Why? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Instructions: Match the vocabulary word in the column on the left with the correct definition on the right.
$ Reading/Writing Exercise: top The Pros and Cons of Cloning Instructions: Read the following text and answer the comprehension questions. The world changed dramatically in February 1997 when Dr. Ian Wilmut and a team of Scottish scientists announced that they had successfully cloned an adult sheep. Prior to this achievement, embryos had been cloned before, but this was the first time that this feat was accomplished from the cells of an adult mammal. The initial goals of the scientists were to improve current animal breeding practices and to create products for the biopharmaceutical industry. Although the successful cloning of “Dolly” the sheep accomplished these goals, it has also opened the door to a fierce ethical debate in both the scientific and political communities. When the average person thinks of cloning, s/he envisions the chaotic world of Jurassic Park with dangerous dinosaurs recklessly roaming the earth. Cloning may have its roots in science fiction, but it does offer many practical applications for our society. Scientists are quick to point out that a clone is not an identical copy, but rather a “delayed twin”. Therefore, although a clone may be genetically related, it is independent biologically, psychologically and legally. Scientists argue that social development, and not biological origin, is the most important factor in human development. For example, if twins were separated at birth and raised in separate families with different economic and educational opportunities, it is reasonable to believe that these children would develop into quite “distinct” adults. Consequently, if a clone is given the opportunity to develop independently, s/he could live a life quite different from his/her genetic parent. If one accepts that clones are indeed “separate” individuals, then it is easier to appreciate the benefits that cloning can offer society. For example, many doctors believe that cloning of cells and organs would save thousands of lives every year because it could provide organs needed for transplant. Humans are not the only beneficiaries of advancements in cloning; cloning would also benefit the animal kingdom. Advances in cloning provide a means of preserving and propagating endangered species. Many ecologists object to this use of cloning because they feel that it would further lead to the destruction of natural habitats because there would be no incentive for humans to preserve these areas. On a more personal level, a large number of people are interested in cloning their cherished deceased pet. Although the technology has not yet been perfected, an American company charges sentimental pet owners between $1,000 to $3,000 dollars to freeze a pet’s DNA. The company estimates that the initial cost of the cloning procedure may fall in the range of $200,000. The old saying that a cat has nine lives may actually become a reality in the not too distant future. 1. Create five questions based on the text for your partner to answer. 2. In paragraph one, the phrase “had successfully cloned an adult sheep” is an example of: 3. The word feet and “feat” (in the 1st paragraph) are: 4. The word “biopharmaceutical” (in the 1st paragraph) is: 5. In your own words, explain what the expression “opened the door to” means (in the 1st paragraph). 6. The expression “in the not too distant future” (in the 3rd paragraph) means: (a) a long time from now (b) the distant future (c) relatively soon (d) in the recent past 7. All of the following statements are true EXCEPT:
Working with Pronoun Usage Pronouns are words that are used to refer to people, places or things that have already been mentioned. Of the twenty-five most commonly used words in English, ten are pronouns. Therefore, your ability to use them correctly is vital to your success in using English. Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Debating the Ethics of Cloning Part One 1. There is no doubt that medical advances save lives, but do you think technology can go too far? Should everything medically possible be done to extend an individual’s life?
2. Scientists should be allowed to conduct their research without political and religious interference.
3. Only the best and brightest of the human race should be cloned.
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