Literacies Project - Academic Literacies (Post-assessment)

1. Ethics of 'designer babies'
human genome --> decoded in 2003, DNA sequence has become a popular research area.
Couples can choose desirable traits for their children
Genetic control can be done to improve humankind.
Antenatal genetic selection is unwise.


Seems that antenatal genetic control can be used to treat certain diseases.
achieved by screening the genetic makeup.
Help children with specified traits.


Serious ethical concerns.
1. social inequality.
only the affluent will be able to afford the huge expense.


2. freedom and worth of an individual would be diminished,
depriving their children of choice and autonomy
 children will be living a life designed by their parents, rather than own will.


3. endless competition in creating the 'perfect' huamn being.
what is cobnsidered good at present would become just average in the future.
people can't be stopped for wanting the perfect babies.


Conclusion --> morally unacceptable
using technology to manipulate the 'natural order' would lead to undesirable consequences.


2. It is an augumentative essay.


3. It starts with an introduction, followed by arguments that support the technologies and discussion on the ethical problems concerned. It ends with a brief conclusion.


4. Signposting phrases are used, e.g. however, another concern, also, to conclude.


5. The writer stands against this design.


6. The designer babies will give rise to social inequality, diminishing freedom and worth of individuals as well as rndless competition for 'perfect babies'.


7. The counter argument is that the gwenetic control can help control undesirable diseases. Peopel can also decide attributes of their children such as appearance, personality and intelligence.


8. I agree with the writer. People will lose characteristics if everybody is designed and made perfect. We will thin and act in the same way.








Part B
Feng Shui is a Chinese system which people follow in the layout of their homes or offices so as to bring themselves happiness, health and wealth. It is a set of rules about different arrangements in an environment to enhance a balance of yin (shady side) and yang (sunny side) and the acumulation of qi (energy). following the rules promotes well-being of the people in that environment. There are Feng Shui mastters to advise people what to do. Thiose properties located in undesirable locations may result in a lower market price.