Genetic engineering is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and historical data from official IELTS sources, we can expect this subject to continue being a popular choice for examiners. The advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering, in particular, have been featured in past exams and are likely to appear again in various forms. Let’s examine a recent exam question on this topic and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that genetic engineering should be used to produce more nutritious food. Others believe this technology is too dangerous. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question is asking candidates to discuss two contrasting views on genetic engineering in food production:
- The positive view: Genetic engineering should be used to enhance food nutrition.
- The negative view: Genetic engineering is too dangerous to be used in food production.
Candidates are expected to:
- Explain both perspectives
- Provide supporting arguments for each view
- Give their own opinion on the matter
The pros and cons of genetically modified foods is a topic that requires careful consideration of various factors, including scientific, ethical, and societal implications.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Genetic engineering in food production is a contentious issue that has sparked heated debates worldwide. While some argue for its potential to create more nutritious food, others warn of its inherent dangers. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on the matter.
Proponents of genetic engineering in agriculture argue that it can significantly improve the nutritional value of food. By modifying crop genes, scientists can enhance the vitamin and mineral content of staple foods, potentially addressing malnutrition in developing countries. For instance, Golden Rice, enriched with beta-carotene, could help combat vitamin A deficiency in regions where rice is a dietary staple. Furthermore, genetically modified crops can be designed to resist pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and increasing crop yields to feed growing populations.
On the other hand, critics contend that genetic engineering poses too many risks to be widely adopted in food production. One primary concern is the potential for unforeseen consequences on human health and the environment. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may cause allergic reactions or have long-term effects that are not immediately apparent. Environmentally, there are fears about the impact on biodiversity and the potential for genetically modified crops to cross-pollinate with wild species, creating “superweeds” resistant to herbicides. Additionally, the concentration of power in the hands of a few biotechnology companies raises ethical concerns about food security and farmers’ autonomy.
In my opinion, while genetic engineering holds promise for addressing global food challenges, its implementation must be approached with extreme caution. The potential benefits of more nutritious food and increased crop yields are significant, especially in the face of climate change and population growth. However, regulating genetically modified crops is crucial to mitigate risks. I believe that rigorous, long-term studies on the safety of GMOs for human consumption and environmental impact are essential before widespread adoption. Moreover, transparent labeling of genetically modified products should be mandatory to allow consumers to make informed choices.
In conclusion, genetic engineering in food production presents both opportunities and risks. While it has the potential to address pressing nutritional needs, the concerns about its safety and long-term impact cannot be ignored. A balanced approach, combining scientific innovation with stringent safety measures and ethical considerations, is necessary to harness the benefits of genetic engineering while minimizing its potential dangers.
(Word count: 414)
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 8 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “genetic engineering,” “beta-carotene,” and “cross-pollinate.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only rare minor errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Genetic engineering in food production is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s a good way to make food more nutritious, while others worry it’s too dangerous. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support genetic engineering in food say it can make food healthier. Scientists can change the genes of plants to add more vitamins and minerals. This could help people in poor countries who don’t get enough nutrition. For example, they made a kind of rice with more vitamin A. Also, genetically changed crops can grow better and not get sick easily, which means farmers can grow more food.
However, other people think genetic engineering is too risky. They worry that changing the genes of plants might cause problems we don’t know about yet. Some people might be allergic to genetically modified food. There are also worries about how it affects nature. Modified plants might mix with wild plants and cause problems. Another issue is that big companies control this technology, which might not be fair for small farmers.
I think genetic engineering could be helpful, but we need to be careful. It’s good that we can make food more nutritious, especially for people who don’t have enough to eat. But we should do more research to make sure it’s safe for people and the environment. I believe we should test genetically modified foods for a long time before we use them everywhere. Also, products with genetically modified ingredients should be clearly labeled so people can choose if they want to buy them or not.
In conclusion, genetic engineering in food has both good and bad points. It could help make food better, but there are risks we need to think about. We should use this technology carefully and make sure it’s safe before we use it a lot.
(Word count: 352)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates characteristics that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used, but they could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: There is a mix of simple and more complex vocabulary. Some topic-specific terms are used, but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, but the level of detail and explanation is less than in the Band 8 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Genetic engineering (noun) – /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.
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Nutritious (adjective) – /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – Containing substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.
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Malnutrition (noun) – /ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃn/ – Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat or not eating enough of the right things.
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Cross-pollinate (verb) – /krɒs ˈpɒlɪneɪt/ – Transfer pollen from one plant to another of a different variety or species.
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Genetically modified organism (GMO) (noun) – /dʒəˌnetɪkli ˌmɒdɪfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/ – An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
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Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
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Rigorous (adjective) – /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – Extremely thorough and careful.
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Transparent (adjective) – /trænsˈpærənt/ – Open to public scrutiny; not hidden or obscured.
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Ethical (adjective) – /ˈeθɪkl/ – Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
In conclusion, the topic of genetic engineering in food production is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. What are the ethical implications of using genetic engineering? This question, along with others focusing on environmental impact, regulation, and consumer rights, may appear in future exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on various aspects of genetic engineering, considering both its potential benefits and drawbacks. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.