What should I include?

Part a)   Under construction - more to follow

Part  b)     ‘Only God has the right to interfere with our genes.’

Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered another point of view. In your answer you should refer to religious teaching.                   8 marks.

This is a classic part ‘d’ style question and should be answered in the same way. There is a lot of information in your textbook on this topic.  However, to do really well you have to show evidence of some independent research – DO NOT just rely on the text and notes given to you by your teacher! Use the Internet and the library.  Magazines such as Time often explore this issue.

Remember that this always has to be a religious argument – make sure BOTH sides of the argument contain religious references.  Finally, you must footnote your references and include a complete bibliography.

What should I include?

Introduction

• Answer the question!!  Do you think genetic engineering is right or wrong? Use the key words of the question in your opinion paragraph – make sure you mention God!!!

Body

• Briefly define genetic engineering. What is it? How did it develop? Make sure you footnote any references you make here
• Give the opposite view to yours, including non-religious and religious ideas. Analyse – give your opinion – why are they wrong?
• Use a contrast word to show this is the other point of view. Now give your view. Again, give non-religious and religious reasons. Analyse them – why are these ones right?

Conclusion

• This should lead into a reasoned conclusion. Remember you never introduce new material in your conclusion – it should be the natural ending to your argument.

What are the two points of view here?

1.  Agree – yes, only God has the right to interfere with our genes so genetic engineering is wrong.

• Non-religious reasons – this is something that is debated outside of religious circles.  Why is it such an issue? What sort of problems arise from genetic engineering? Try to footnote one reference in this part
• Christianity – like everything, there are mixed opinions within Christianity on this topic. Which groups are against G.E. and why? Do they have any Scriptures to support their views? Are we just ‘playing God’ here? Do any Christians think we should clone people?
• Other religion – again you will find mixed views.  Why does your religion think GE is wrong? Any Scripture to support this idea?
• Finish this sentence with an ‘Overall…’ type statement – a statement that concludes briefly why some think GE is wrong. In this section you also give your opinion – why you think this is right or wrong.

2. Disagree – no, genetic engineering is a good thing – God has given us medical advances such as these for the betterment of mankind.  We use other medicine to cure illness – why not this?

• Non-religious reasons – despite all the ethical problems around GE, we still keep researching it – why? What benefits can it bring to society? Again, try to quote someone.
• Christianity – who is for GE and why? What restrictions do they place on their support of GE? What Scripture do they have?
• Other religion – same again – what is their view and what Scriptural or other teaching do you have to prove it?
• Again, a concluding statement, summing up and giving your opinion.  This analysis is vital – you cannot get into Level 4 if you don’t analyse!