Genetically modified (GM) food production has been a controversial topic in recent years, and it’s no surprise that it has become a common subject in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on the analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we can expect this topic to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in previous IELTS exams and is likely to resurface:

Some people think that the government should regulate the production of genetically modified foods (GM foods), while others think that people should be free to produce them as they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for government regulation of GM food production
2. Discuss arguments against government regulation (i.e., for free production)
3. Provide their own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how different approaches can impact the overall score.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The debate over government regulation of genetically modified (GM) food production has intensified in recent years, with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate for strict governmental oversight, others champion the freedom of producers. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of government regulation argue that oversight is essential for ensuring public safety and environmental protection. GM foods are a relatively new technology, and their long-term effects on human health and ecosystems remain uncertain. By implementing rigorous testing and approval processes, governments can mitigate potential risks and build public trust in GM products. Moreover, regulation can help standardize labeling practices, enabling consumers to make informed choices about the foods they purchase and consume.

On the other hand, those opposing strict regulation contend that it stifles innovation and economic growth in the agricultural sector. They argue that excessive bureaucracy and costly compliance measures could discourage research and development in GM technology, potentially hindering solutions to global food security challenges. Furthermore, they believe that market forces and consumer demand should dictate the production and distribution of GM foods, rather than government mandates.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. While I recognize the importance of scientific progress and economic considerations, I believe that some level of government regulation is crucial. The potential risks associated with GM foods warrant careful oversight to protect public health and the environment. However, regulations should be evidence-based and flexible enough to accommodate technological advancements. Governments should collaborate with scientists, industry experts, and consumer groups to develop policies that promote innovation while safeguarding public interests.

In conclusion, the regulation of GM food production is a complex issue that requires thoughtful consideration. By striking a balance between oversight and freedom, we can harness the benefits of GM technology while minimizing potential risks.

(Word count: 296)

Debate on GM food regulation

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the criteria for a high band score:

1. Task Response: 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 cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “GM technology” and “food security challenges.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The topic of government regulation on GM food production is very controversial nowadays. Some people think the government should control it, but others believe in freedom of production. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

Firstly, people who support government regulation have good reasons. They worry about the safety of GM foods because we don’t know all the effects on our health. If the government checks these foods carefully, it can protect people from possible dangers. Also, with rules, companies have to tell us which foods are GM, so we can choose what to eat.

However, other people think there should be no strict rules. They say too many regulations can stop new ideas and make it hard for farmers and companies to make GM foods. These foods might help solve hunger problems in the world, so we shouldn’t make it difficult to produce them. They believe the market should decide what foods are made, not the government.

In my opinion, I think we need some rules, but not too many. It’s important to make sure GM foods are safe, but we also need to let scientists and companies try new things. The government should work with experts to make good rules that protect people but don’t stop progress.

To conclude, the issue of GM food regulation is not simple. We need to find a balance between safety and freedom to produce these foods. This way, we can get the benefits of GM technology while staying safe.

(Word count: 253)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive or mechanical.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but there is less precision and sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

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

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, GM foods are very important topic. Some people think government should control it, other people think it should be free. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

First, government control is good idea. GM foods can be dangerous for health, so government need to check it. If government make rules, companies must follow and make safe food. This is good for people who eat food.

But other people say no control is better. They think rules make it hard to make new GM foods. If there are no rules, companies can make more food and maybe solve world hunger. They say market should decide, not government.

I think little control is good. We need some rules to be safe, but not too many rules. Government should talk to smart people and make good rules. This way, we can have safe food and new ideas too.

In conclusion, GM food control is hard question. We need to think about safety and new ideas. If we do this, we can use GM food to help people and stay healthy.

(Word count: 184)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has several limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main points of the question but lacks depth and detail.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The structure is simple and sometimes unclear. Cohesive devices are limited and often repetitive.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some inaccuracies in word choice and usage.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with frequent errors, though the meaning is generally clear.

IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays

Key Vocabulary

1. Genetically modified (GM) (adjective) – /dʒəˈnetɪkəli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/ – Altered through genetic engineering techniques
2. Regulation (noun) – /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ – Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority
3. Oversight (noun) – /ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – The action of overseeing something
4. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
5. Stifle (verb) – /ˈstaɪfəl/ – Restrain or suppress
6. Bureaucracy (noun) – /bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/ – A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives
7. Compliance (noun) – /kəmˈplaɪəns/ – The action or fact of complying with a wish or command
8. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The action or process of innovating
9. Food security (noun phrase) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
10. Safeguard (verb) – /ˈseɪfɡɑːd/ – Protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure

In conclusion, the topic of government regulation of GM food production is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss multiple viewpoints and clearly express your own opinion. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and always address all parts of the question. We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for further practice and feedback.