Genetic engineering ethics is a topic that has been gaining increasing attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve observed its growing significance and predict it will continue to be a popular subject in future tests. Let’s explore this theme through a real IELTS question and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Genetic Engineering Ethics
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that genetic engineering should be used to produce more nutritious food. Others believe that genetic engineering is too dangerous and should be banned. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the benefits of genetic engineering in food production
- Explain the potential dangers and arguments for banning genetic engineering
- Provide your personal opinion on the issue
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Genetic engineering has emerged as a controversial topic in recent years, particularly in the realm of food production. While some advocate for its use to enhance the nutritional value of food, others argue that it poses significant risks and should be prohibited. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a balanced view on this complex issue.
Proponents of genetic engineering in food production argue that it can significantly improve the nutritional content of various crops. By modifying genes, scientists can enhance the vitamin and mineral content of staple foods, potentially addressing malnutrition in many parts of the world. For instance, golden rice, enriched with beta-carotene, could help combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries**. Furthermore, genetically engineered crops can be made more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and potentially increasing crop yields to feed a growing global population.
On the other hand, critics of genetic engineering raise valid concerns about its potential dangers. One primary concern is the unpredictable long-term effects on human health and the environment. The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into ecosystems could disrupt natural balances and potentially lead to unintended consequences, such as the creation of super-weeds or the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, there are ethical considerations regarding the manipulation of nature and the potential for corporate control over food supplies through patented genetically modified seeds.
In my opinion, while the potential benefits of genetic engineering in food production are significant, the concerns raised by its critics cannot be ignored. I believe that a balanced approach is necessary. Rather than an outright ban, strict regulations and thorough, long-term studies should be implemented to ensure the safety of genetically engineered foods. Transparency in labeling GMO products is also crucial to allow consumers to make informed choices. Furthermore, genetic engineering should be seen as one tool among many in addressing global food security and nutrition, rather than a silver bullet solution.
In conclusion, genetic engineering in food production presents both promising opportunities and serious challenges. By carefully weighing the potential benefits against the risks and implementing robust safeguards, we can harness the power of this technology while minimizing its potential drawbacks. Ultimately, the goal should be to improve nutrition and food security without compromising the health of humans or the environment.
(Word count: 377)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high band score:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Furthermore”, “In conclusion”).
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “controversial”, “proponents”, “unpredictable long-term effects”, “biodiversity”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately.
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 believe it’s too dangerous and should not be allowed. This essay will look at both sides of this argument.
People who support genetic engineering say it can make food healthier. By changing the genes of plants, scientists can add more vitamins and minerals to food. This could help people in poor countries who don’t get enough nutrients in their diet. Also, genetically modified crops can be made to resist pests and diseases, which means farmers might not need to use as many chemicals on their crops.
However, there are also people who think genetic engineering is too risky. They worry that we don’t know what might happen in the future if we keep changing the genes of plants and animals. There could be unexpected effects on the environment or on people’s health. Some people also think it’s not right to change nature in this way.
In my opinion, I think genetic engineering could be useful, but we need to be very careful about how we use it. We should do lots of testing to make sure genetically modified foods are safe before we allow them to be sold. I also think it’s important to label foods that have been genetically modified so people can choose whether they want to eat them or not.
To conclude, genetic engineering in food production has both good and bad points. While it could help make food more nutritious, we need to be careful about possible risks. I believe we should continue to research genetic engineering, but with strict rules to make sure it’s safe.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range band score:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate but less varied than in the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Genetic engineering (noun) – /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.
Nutritious (adjective) – /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ – Providing nourishment, especially to a high degree.
Malnutrition (noun) – /ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃn/ – Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat or not eating enough of the right things.
Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Genetically modified organism (GMO) (noun) – /dʒəˌnetɪkli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/ – An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Pesticide (noun) – /ˈpestɪsaɪd/ – A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or animals.
Crop yield (noun) – /krɒp jiːld/ – The amount of agricultural production harvested per unit of land area.
Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Transparency (noun) – /trænsˈpærənsi/ – The quality of being done in an open way without secrets.
Conclusion
The topic of genetic engineering ethics in food production is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of technology in agriculture
- Ethical considerations in scientific research
- Balancing innovation and safety in food production
- The impact of human activities on biodiversity
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide a balanced argument with a clear personal opinion. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS writing skills.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful: