Animal testing in scientific research is a controversial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and the ongoing debate surrounding this issue, it’s highly likely that questions related to animal experimentation will continue to be featured in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that animal testing is essential for scientific development, while others argue it should be banned. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for animal testing in scientific research
- Discuss arguments against animal testing
- Provide their personal opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band levels.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Animal experimentation is a contentious issue in the scientific community, with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that it is crucial for advancing medical research, others contend that it is unethical and should be prohibited. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of animal testing argue that it has been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs. Many life-saving treatments and vaccines have been developed through animal research, benefiting both humans and animals alike. For instance, the discovery of insulin for treating diabetes was made possible through experiments on dogs. Additionally, animal testing allows scientists to study complex biological systems in living organisms, which cannot be fully replicated in computer simulations or cell cultures.
On the other hand, opponents of animal experimentation argue that it is cruel and morally unjustifiable. They contend that animals suffer unnecessarily in laboratories, often enduring pain, distress, and death. Furthermore, critics point out that the results of animal tests do not always translate accurately to humans, leading to potentially misleading or dangerous outcomes. They argue that alternative methods, such as advanced computer modeling and human cell cultures, can provide more reliable and ethical ways to conduct research.
In my opinion, while animal testing has undoubtedly contributed to scientific progress, we should strive to minimize its use and develop more humane alternatives. I believe that a balanced approach is necessary, where animal experimentation is strictly regulated and only permitted when absolutely essential for critical research that cannot be conducted through other means. Simultaneously, increased funding and focus should be directed towards developing and refining alternative research methods that do not rely on animal subjects.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding animal testing in scientific research is complex and multifaceted. While it has played a significant role in medical advancements, ethical concerns cannot be ignored. Moving forward, a carefully regulated approach that prioritizes the development of alternative methods while allowing limited, essential animal testing may be the most responsible path.
(Word count: 329)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with few errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Animal testing is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s important for science, while others say it’s wrong and should be stopped. I will talk about both sides and give my own thoughts.
People who support animal testing say it helps scientists make new medicines and treatments. Many important discoveries in medicine came from testing on animals first. For example, scientists used animals to find cures for diseases like polio. They also say that testing on animals is safer than testing new medicines directly on humans.
However, there are also people who are against animal testing. They believe it is cruel to use animals for experiments because it can hurt them or even kill them. These people say we should find other ways to do research that don’t involve animals. They think using computers or testing on human cells in labs could be better options.
In my opinion, I think animal testing is sometimes necessary, but we should try to use it less and find better ways to do research. I believe scientists should only use animals when it’s really important and there’s no other way to get the information they need. At the same time, they should work on developing new methods that don’t need animals.
To conclude, animal testing in science is a difficult issue with good points on both sides. While it has helped make important medical discoveries, we also need to think about the welfare of animals. In the future, I hope we can find a balance between scientific progress and protecting animals.
(Word count: 276)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion and personal opinion could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, but lacks the range and precision of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented and supported, but could be elaborated on further with more specific examples or details.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – serving as a means of doing something
- Proponents (noun) – /prəˈpəʊnənts/ – people who advocate for something
- Ethical (adjective) – /ˈeθɪkl/ – relating to moral principles
- Alternatives (noun) – /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz/ – other choices or possibilities
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Regulate (verb) – /ˈreɡjʊleɪt/ – control or supervise by means of rules and regulations
- Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – designate or treat as more important than other things
These vocabulary items can help elevate your essay and demonstrate a strong command of English in your IELTS Writing Task 2 response.
In conclusion, the topic of animal testing in scientific research is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this and related topics, such as the ethics of stem cell research. Some potential future questions might include:
- Do the benefits of animal testing outweigh the ethical concerns?
- Should governments allocate more funding to develop alternatives to animal testing?
- Is it justifiable to use animals for testing cosmetics and non-essential products?
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare you for similar questions in the actual exam.