IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Genetically Modified Foods Regulations (Band 6-9)

Genetically modified (GM) foods have been a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, appearing frequently in recent years. This trend is likely to continue due to the ongoing debates surrounding GM foods’ safety, environmental impact, and regulatory frameworks. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, focusing on the question:

Should there be stricter regulations on genetically modified foods?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to discuss whether tighter controls should be placed on GM foods. Key points to consider include:

1. Current regulations on GM foods
2. Potential benefits and risks of GM foods
3. Arguments for and against stricter regulations
4. Possible consequences of implementing stricter regulations

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Genetically modified (GM) foods have become increasingly prevalent in our food supply, sparking debates about their safety and regulation. While proponents argue that GM crops can help address global food security challenges, critics raise concerns about potential health and environmental risks. In my opinion, stricter regulations on GM foods are indeed necessary to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Firstly, more rigorous testing and long-term studies are crucial to fully understand the potential health impacts of GM foods. Although current research suggests that GM foods are safe for consumption, the long-term effects on human health remain uncertain. Implementing stricter regulations would require more comprehensive and extended trials before GM products are approved for market release. This approach would help build public trust and ensure that any potential risks are identified and mitigated before widespread consumption.

Secondly, stricter regulations are needed to address environmental concerns associated with GM crops. The use of GM crops has led to increased pesticide resistance in some pests and the potential for cross-contamination with non-GM crops. More stringent rules on GM crop cultivation, such as mandatory buffer zones and improved containment measures, could help minimize these environmental risks. Additionally, regulations should require thorough environmental impact assessments before GM crops are approved for commercial use.

However, it is important to strike a balance between regulation and innovation. Overly restrictive regulations could stifle scientific progress and limit the potential benefits of GM technology in addressing global food security challenges. Therefore, any new regulations should be based on scientific evidence and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

In conclusion, while GM foods offer potential benefits, stricter regulations are necessary to address public concerns and mitigate potential risks. By implementing more comprehensive testing protocols and environmental safeguards, we can ensure that GM foods are developed and used responsibly, balancing innovation with public safety and environmental protection.

(Word count: 309)

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high band score (8-9) for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and fully extended ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common lexical items.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used flexibly and accurately, with only rare minor errors.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Genetically modified (GM) foods have become more common in recent years, but there are still many concerns about their safety. Some people think we need stricter rules for GM foods, and I agree with this idea.

One reason for stricter regulations is to protect people’s health. We don’t know all the long-term effects of eating GM foods yet, so we should be careful. If we have stricter rules, companies will have to do more tests to prove their GM foods are safe before selling them. This can help prevent possible health problems in the future.

Another important reason is to protect the environment. GM crops might cause problems for other plants and animals in nature. For example, some GM crops can make insects become resistant to pesticides, which can be bad for farmers. Stricter rules can make sure GM crops don’t harm the environment too much.

However, we should also remember that GM foods can be helpful. They can grow in difficult conditions and might help solve food shortages in some parts of the world. So, the new rules shouldn’t be too strict that they stop all research and development of GM foods.

In conclusion, I believe we should have stricter regulations for GM foods to protect people’s health and the environment. But these rules should be balanced so that we can still get the benefits of GM technology while staying safe.

(Word count: 237)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range band score (6-7) for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the cohesive devices are less sophisticated.
3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used appropriately, but it lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.

Genetically Modified Foods Regulation

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Genetically modified (GM) (adjective) – /dʒəˈnetɪkəli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/ – Altered using genetic engineering techniques
2. Regulation (noun) – /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ – A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority
3. Food security (noun phrase) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
4. Pesticide resistance (noun phrase) – /ˈpestɪsaɪd rɪˈzɪstəns/ – The ability of pests to withstand the effects of pesticides
5. Cross-contamination (noun) – /krɒs kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/ – The process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another
6. Environmental impact assessment (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt əˈsesmənt/ – Evaluation of the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development
7. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
8. Stifle (verb) – /ˈstaɪfəl/ – Restrain or suppress
9. Buffer zone (noun phrase) – /ˈbʌfə zəʊn/ – An area serving as a protective barrier
10. Safeguard (noun/verb) – /ˈseɪfɡɑːd/ – A measure taken to protect someone or something or to prevent something undesirable

Conclusion

The topic of GM food regulations is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays due to its ongoing significance in global discussions about food safety, environmental protection, and technological innovation. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with these additional questions:

1. Do the benefits of genetically modified crops outweigh their potential risks?
2. Should governments invest more in developing genetically modified crops to address food shortages?
3. How can we balance the need for food security with concerns about genetically modified organisms?

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!