Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Gene Editing in Agriculture

Gene editing in agriculture is a cutting-edge topic that has been gaining traction in recent years. As an IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed an increasing frequency of questions related to genetic engineering and its applications in farming. This trend is likely to continue, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared for such topics. Let’s explore a real IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

Gene editing in agriculture

The IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Let’s consider the following question, which is based on real IELTS exam patterns:

Some people believe that genetic engineering in agriculture is the solution to world hunger. Others think it could have dangerous effects on health and the environment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the potential benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture, particularly in addressing world hunger.
2. Examine the possible risks to health and the environment.
3. Provide your own opinion on the issue.

Remember to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced argument throughout your essay.

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the question:

Genetic engineering in agriculture has emerged as a contentious issue in recent years, with proponents hailing it as a solution to global food shortages and critics warning of potential health and environmental risks. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this complex matter.

Those in favor of genetic engineering argue that it offers numerous benefits for addressing world hunger. By modifying crop genes, scientists can develop plants that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions, potentially increasing crop yields significantly. Moreover, genetically engineered crops can be fortified with additional nutrients, addressing malnutrition in developing countries. For instance, “golden rice” has been engineered to contain beta-carotene, which could help combat vitamin A deficiency in many parts of the world.

On the other hand, critics raise valid concerns about the potential dangers of genetic engineering in agriculture. One primary worry is the unknown long-term effects on human health from consuming genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Some fear that these altered crops could trigger allergies or have other unforeseen health consequences. Additionally, there are environmental concerns, such as the potential for genetically modified crops to cross-pollinate with wild plants, potentially disrupting local ecosystems. The rise of “superweeds” resistant to herbicides used on GM crops is another ecological issue that has been observed.

In my opinion, while genetic engineering in agriculture holds promise for addressing food security issues, it is crucial to approach this technology with caution. I believe that continued research and rigorous safety testing are essential to mitigate potential risks. Furthermore, I think that genetic engineering should be seen as one tool among many in the fight against world hunger, rather than a silver bullet solution. Sustainable farming practices, improved distribution systems, and addressing economic inequalities are equally important factors in ensuring global food security.

In conclusion, genetic engineering in agriculture presents both opportunities and challenges. While it has the potential to increase crop yields and nutritional value, concerns about health and environmental impacts cannot be ignored. A balanced approach, combining careful implementation of genetic engineering with other sustainable agricultural practices, is likely the most prudent path forward in addressing world hunger.

(Word count: 345)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words and phrases.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “genetically modified organisms” and “cross-pollinate.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with very few errors.

5. Critical Thinking: The writer presents a balanced view of the issue and demonstrates the ability to analyze complex ideas.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level

Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:

Genetic engineering in agriculture is a topic that has caused much debate in recent years. Some people think it can help solve world hunger, while others worry about its effects on health and the environment. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On one hand, genetic engineering can help increase food production. Scientists can change plants to make them grow better and resist diseases. This means farmers can grow more food, which could help feed more people in countries where there is not enough food. Also, some genetically modified crops can have more vitamins, which could help people who don’t get enough nutrition in their diet.

However, there are concerns about the safety of genetically modified foods. Some people worry that eating these foods might cause health problems, but we don’t know for sure because they haven’t been used for a very long time. There are also worries about the environment. Genetically modified plants might spread their genes to other plants in nature, which could cause problems for the ecosystem.

In my opinion, I think genetic engineering in agriculture could be helpful, but we need to be careful. We should do more research to make sure it’s safe for people and the environment before using it widely. I also think we should look at other ways to solve world hunger, like improving farming methods and making sure food is distributed fairly.

To conclude, genetic engineering in agriculture has both potential benefits and risks. While it might help produce more food, we need to consider the possible dangers to health and the environment. I believe we should continue to study this technology carefully and use it alongside other methods to address world hunger.

(Word count: 283)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations compared to the Band 8-9 essay:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the arguments are less developed and nuanced.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher-band essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some minor errors that do not impede communication.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay presents both views and an opinion, but the analysis is less in-depth compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some important vocabulary items related to this topic:

1. Genetic engineering (noun) – /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.

2. Genetically modified organism (GMO) (noun) – /dʒəˈnetɪkli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/ – An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

3. Cross-pollinate (verb) – /krɒs ˈpɒlɪneɪt/ – To transfer pollen from one plant to another of a different variety or species.

4. Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərɪti/ – The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

5. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

6. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.

7. Fortify (verb) – /ˈfɔːtɪfaɪ/ – To strengthen or enrich (a food) by adding nutrients.

8. Malnutrition (noun) – /ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃn/ – Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat or not eating enough of the right things.

9. Herbicide (noun) – /ˈhɜːbɪsaɪd/ – A substance that is toxic to plants, used to destroy unwanted vegetation.

10. Crop yield (noun) – /krɒp jiːld/ – The amount of crop produced per unit of land area.

Conclusion

Gene editing in agriculture is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The ethical implications of genetic engineering in food production
• The role of technology in solving global food shortages
• Balancing scientific progress with environmental conservation

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, present a well-structured argument, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and feel free to share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will significantly improve your IELTS writing skills.