Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have become a hot topic in recent years, and it’s no surprise that this subject has made its way into IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. The regulation of GMOs is a complex and controversial issue that touches on various aspects of our society, from food security to environmental concerns. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve noticed an increasing trend of questions related to GMOs and their regulation appearing in recent exams. Let’s explore this topic in depth and provide you with expert sample essays to help you tackle similar questions in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
For this article, we’ll focus on a question that has a high probability of appearing in future IELTS exams:
Some people believe that genetically modified foods should be strictly regulated, while others think they are necessary to solve global food shortages. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on the regulation of GMOs and then provide your own perspective. It’s crucial to address both sides of the argument and clearly state your position in your response.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the question:
The debate surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has intensified in recent years, with some advocating for stringent regulations while others argue for their unrestricted use to combat global food scarcity. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that a balanced approach, combining careful regulation with responsible development of GMOs, is the most prudent course of action.
Those in favor of strict regulation of GMOs raise valid concerns about potential risks to human health and the environment. They argue that the long-term effects of consuming genetically modified foods are not yet fully understood, and that unintended consequences could arise from introducing modified organisms into ecosystems. Moreover, there are ethical considerations regarding the patenting of life forms and the concentration of power in the hands of a few large agricultural corporations. These concerns justify the implementation of rigorous safety assessments and transparent labeling requirements to protect consumers and the environment.
On the other hand, proponents of GMOs emphasize their potential to address pressing global challenges. They contend that genetically modified crops can increase yields, enhance nutritional content, and improve resistance to pests and adverse weather conditions. In a world facing population growth and climate change, these attributes could play a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions of people. Furthermore, GMOs may reduce the need for harmful pesticides and enable more efficient use of resources, potentially leading to more sustainable agricultural practices.
In my opinion, while the concerns about GMOs are legitimate, their potential benefits cannot be ignored. A nuanced approach that balances regulation with innovation is essential. Governments should implement comprehensive safety testing protocols and require clear labeling of GMO products to address health and environmental concerns. Simultaneously, they should support research and development of GMOs that offer significant societal benefits, such as drought-resistant crops or nutritionally enhanced foods for malnourished populations.
In conclusion, the regulation of GMOs requires a delicate balance between caution and progress. By implementing robust safety measures while fostering responsible innovation, we can harness the potential of genetic modification to address global challenges while minimizing risks to human health and the environment.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
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Balanced argument: Both perspectives are thoroughly explored with specific examples and reasoning.
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Clear position: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and supported with a nuanced argument.
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Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and effectively (e.g., “stringent regulations,” “unintended consequences,” “rigorous safety assessments”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a controversial topic in today’s world. Some people think they should be strictly controlled, while others believe they are needed to solve food shortages globally. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support strict regulation of GMOs have several concerns. Firstly, they worry about the safety of eating genetically modified foods. We don’t know all the long-term effects on human health, so they think we should be careful. Secondly, there are environmental concerns. GMOs might harm other plants or animals in nature. Lastly, some people think big companies have too much control over our food supply because of GMOs.
On the other hand, supporters of GMOs argue that they are necessary to feed the world’s growing population. They say that genetically modified crops can produce more food and survive better in harsh conditions like droughts. This could help solve food shortages in poor countries. Also, some GMOs are made to be more nutritious, which could help fight malnutrition.
In my opinion, both sides have valid points, but I think we need a balance. We should have good regulations to make sure GMOs are safe for people and the environment. At the same time, we shouldn’t completely ban them because they could help solve important problems. I believe we should carefully test GMOs and only use the ones that are proven to be safe and helpful.
To conclude, the issue of regulating GMOs is complex. While there are risks to consider, there are also potential benefits. The best approach is to have strong safety measures while also allowing responsible development of GMOs that can help address global challenges.
(Word count: 287)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Adequate structure: The essay follows a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
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Both views addressed: The essay discusses both perspectives on the topic, though with less depth than the higher-scoring essay.
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Position stated: The writer’s opinion is given, though it could be more fully developed.
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Cohesion: There is some use of linking words, though not as sophisticated as in the higher-scoring essay.
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Vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammar: Sentence structures are generally accurate but less varied than in the higher-scoring essay.
Key Vocabulary for GMO Regulation Essays
Here are some important vocabulary items related to the topic of GMO regulation:
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Genetically modified organism (GMO) (noun) /dʒəˈnetɪkəli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/ – An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
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Regulation (noun) /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ – A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
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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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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Ethical concerns (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl kənˈsɜːnz/ – Moral issues or dilemmas related to a particular subject.
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Sustainable agriculture (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃə/ – Farming practices that ensure the ability to produce food over the long term.
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Crop yield (noun phrase) /krɒp jiːld/ – The amount of crop produced per unit of land area.
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Nutritional enhancement (noun phrase) /njuːˈtrɪʃənl ɪnˈhɑːnsmənt/ – The process of improving the nutritional value of food.
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Biosafety (noun) /ˈbaɪəʊseɪfti/ – The prevention of large-scale loss of biological integrity, focusing on ecology and human health.
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Genetic engineering (noun phrase) /dʒəˈnetɪk ˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ – The manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.
Conclusion
The regulation of GMOs is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to analyze the question thoroughly, present balanced arguments, and clearly state your own position. Practice writing essays on this topic and related subjects such as food security, environmental protection, and technological advancements in agriculture.
For further practice, consider writing essays on these potential future IELTS questions:
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Some people argue that GMOs are essential for feeding the world’s growing population, while others believe organic farming is a better solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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To what extent should governments regulate the development and use of genetically modified crops?
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Discuss the potential benefits and risks of using genetic engineering in food production.
Remember to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to receive feedback and improve your writing skills. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
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