B1 – Intermediate
Stem cells are special human cells that can develop into many different types of cell. They can be muscle or brain cells. They can also be used to fix tissues that have been damaged.
More research on stem cells is important in regenerative medicine because it could allow the body to repair itself by replacing dysfunctional cells with healthy ones that are grown in the lab.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about someone’s opinions on stem cell research.
https://www.listenaminute.com/s/stem_cell_research.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to be all for something” mean? “I am all for stem cell research.” Use the expression in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “to play God” mean? “They say it is unethical and that it is playing God.” Use the idiom in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “to be leading” mean? “Britain seems to be leading the world in this research.” Use the phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about stem cell research?
- What are some of the medical potentials of stem cells?
- What are some ethical issues with it?
- Some people view stem cell research “as unethical and that it is playing God. Other people say we will create Frankenstein’s monster“. What is your point of view?
- Do you think your country is investing enough money in stem cell research? If so, do you agree with it? If not, do you think that the government should?