Download this free B1–B2 English worksheet PDF for English learners and teachers. This lesson explores designer babies, embryo screening, genetic testing and whether parents should be allowed to choose certain characteristics for their children.
The article explains how some companies are offering parents more information about embryos created through IVF. Families may be able to identify certain inherited conditions and choose an embryo that is less likely to be affected.
Students also learn the important difference between screening embryos and changing their DNA. The article makes clear that screening compares existing embryos; it does not allow parents to design a child or guarantee characteristics such as intelligence, height or future health.
The worksheet looks at why newer genetic predictions remain controversial. Many traits depend on hundreds of genes as well as upbringing and environment, and medical experts have raised concerns about presenting uncertain predictions as if they were definite facts.
The article also explores the ethical questions behind the technology. Supporters argue that screening could reduce suffering and give parents more choices, while critics worry that access may come down to money and allow wealthier families to buy services that others cannot afford.
Students are encouraged to discuss where society should draw the line between preventing serious inherited disease and selecting preferred traits, as well as how much confidence people should place in predictions about a future child.
Level: B1–B2
Date: 29 October 2026
Focus: Reading comprehension, phrases, vocabulary and discussion about genetics, embryo screening and ethical choices
This free worksheet includes:
- A three-paragraph reading article about designer babies, IVF and embryo screening
- Eight True/False reading-comprehension questions
- A Phrase Match activity with 10 useful expressions
- A Synonym Match exercise with 10 vocabulary items
- A Use the New Language activity in which students write their own sentences
- 16 discussion questions divided between personal experience and deeper discussion
- Speaking topics including inherited conditions, future health, inequality, disability and reproductive technology
- A complete answer key
- Example sentences showing how the target phrases can be used naturally
Useful phrases from the worksheet include look into, find out, pick out, rule out, pass on, bring up, come down to, weigh up, set out and draw the line. Students also practise vocabulary such as inherited, particular, characteristics, established, guarantee, concerns, routine, wealthier, precise and genuinely.
A central classroom point is that genetic screening can provide useful information without giving parents complete control over a child’s future. The worksheet encourages students to distinguish between medical possibility, uncertain prediction and ethical choice.r.
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