The topic of genetically modified (GM) crops has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current agricultural trends, it is likely to remain a relevant topic in future tests. This article will provide sample essays addressing the question: “Should genetically modified crops be encouraged?”
Some people think that genetically modified crops are the solution to world hunger. Others argue that they pose potential risks to human health and the environment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the advantages of GM crops in addressing world hunger
- Examine the potential risks to human health and the environment
- Provide a balanced argument and personal opinion
The pros and cons of genetically modified organisms in agriculture have been widely debated, making this a complex topic that demands careful consideration.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Genetically modified crops have been hailed by some as a potential solution to global food shortages, while others express concerns about their long-term impacts. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of GM crops argue that they offer several advantages in addressing world hunger. Firstly, these crops are engineered to be more resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions, potentially increasing crop yields and food production. For example, drought-resistant maize varieties have been developed to help farmers in arid regions maintain their harvests during dry spells. Additionally, GM crops can be fortified with essential nutrients, such as golden rice enriched with vitamin A, which could help combat malnutrition in developing countries.
On the other hand, critics raise valid concerns about the potential risks associated with GM crops. One primary concern is the unknown long-term effects on human health. While current studies have not shown significant health risks, some argue that more extensive, long-term research is needed to ensure their safety for human consumption. Furthermore, there are environmental concerns, such as the potential for GM crops to cross-pollinate with non-GM plants, leading to unintended genetic modifications in wild species. This could disrupt local ecosystems and biodiversity.
In my opinion, while GM crops show promise in addressing food security issues, their implementation should be approached with caution. I believe that continued research and rigorous safety testing are essential before widespread adoption. Additionally, a balanced approach that combines GM technology with sustainable farming practices and traditional crop breeding methods may offer the best solution. This would allow us to harness the benefits of GM crops while minimizing potential risks and addressing concerns raised by critics.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding GM crops is complex and multifaceted. While they offer potential benefits in combating world hunger, the concerns about their impact on health and the environment cannot be ignored. A careful, science-based approach to their development and implementation is necessary to ensure that we can reap the benefits of this technology without compromising our health or the planet’s ecosystems.
(Word count: 339)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Genetically modified crops are a controversial topic in today’s world. Some people think they can solve hunger problems, while others worry about health and environmental risks. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the positive side, GM crops can help produce more food. They are made to resist pests and grow in tough conditions, which means farmers can grow more food. For example, scientists have created corn that can grow with less water, which is good for places with little rain. Also, GM crops can have extra vitamins, like rice with more vitamin A, which can help people who don’t get enough nutrients in their diet.
However, there are also concerns about GM crops. Some people worry that eating GM foods might be bad for health in the long run. While studies haven’t shown big problems yet, some think we need more research to be sure they’re safe. Another worry is about the environment. GM crops might mix with normal plants and change nature in ways we don’t expect. This could be bad for other plants and animals.
In my opinion, GM crops could be helpful, but we need to be careful. I think we should do more research to make sure they’re safe for people and the environment. We shouldn’t only rely on GM crops but also use other ways to grow food that are good for nature. This way, we can use the good things about GM crops while being careful about the risks.
To conclude, GM crops have both good and bad points. They might help with food problems, but we need to think about the possible dangers too. We should keep studying GM crops and use them carefully along with other farming methods to help feed people without causing harm.
(Word count: 298)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Genetically modified crops are a big topic today. Some people say they are good for solving world hunger. Other people think they are dangerous for health and nature. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
GM crops can help make more food. They are made to fight bugs and grow in hard places. This means farmers can grow more food. For example, some GM corn can grow with less water. This is good for dry places. Also, GM food can have more vitamins. This can help people who don’t eat enough good food.
But some people don’t like GM crops. They think eating GM food might make people sick later. We don’t know for sure if it’s safe because we haven’t used it for a long time. Also, people worry about nature. GM plants might change other normal plants. This could be bad for animals and other plants.
I think GM crops could be good, but we need to be careful. We should do more tests to make sure they are safe. We should also use other ways to grow food that are good for nature. This way, we can use GM crops to help but also keep everything safe.
In the end, GM crops have good and bad points. They might help feed more people, but we need to think about the risks too. We should keep studying them and use them carefully with other ways of farming.
(Word count: 234)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Coherent with skillful use of cohesive devices
- Minimal errors in spelling and punctuation
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may be unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
- Some errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but they do not impede communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors in word choice may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Makes some errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation which may cause some difficulty for the reader
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Genetically modified (GM) (adjective) – /dʒəˈnetɪkli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/ – Altered through genetic engineering techniques
- Crop yield (noun) – /krɒp jiːld/ – The amount of crop produced per unit of land
- Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
- Fortified (adjective) – /ˈfɔːtɪfaɪd/ – Enhanced with additional nutrients
- Cross-pollinate (verb) – /krɒs ˈpɒlɪneɪt/ – Transfer pollen from one plant to another
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
- Rigorous (adjective) – /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – Extremely thorough and careful
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
In conclusion, the topic of genetically modified crops is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss both the potential benefits and risks associated with GM crops, while also providing a balanced personal opinion. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for similar questions in the actual IELTS exam.