The topic of genetically modified (GM) foods is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and current global discussions, it’s highly likely that questions related to The pros and cons of genetically modified organisms in agriculture will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.

Analyzing the Essay Question

For this article, we’ll focus on the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Some people think that genetically modified foods have great potential to solve world hunger problems. Others, however, believe that genetically modified foods can cause serious health and environmental problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the potential benefits of GM foods in solving world hunger
2. Explore the potential health and environmental risks associated with GM foods
3. Provide your personal opinion on the issue

Sample Essays for Different Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Sample

Genetically modified (GM) foods have become a topic of intense debate in recent years, with proponents arguing for their potential to address global food shortages and critics warning of possible health and environmental consequences. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this complex issue.

On one hand, supporters of GM foods contend that these scientifically engineered crops have the potential to significantly alleviate world hunger. By developing plants that are resistant to pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions, scientists can dramatically increase crop yields and food production. For instance, GM rice varieties enriched with vitamin A could help prevent malnutrition in developing countries where rice is a staple food. Moreover, GM crops that require less water or can grow in poor soil conditions could enable farming in previously unsuitable areas, further expanding global food production capabilities.

On the other hand, critics of GM foods raise valid concerns about potential health and environmental risks. Some argue that the long-term effects of consuming genetically altered foods on human health are not yet fully understood, and there may be unforeseen consequences in the future. Additionally, there are worries about the impact of GM crops on biodiversity and ecosystems. The introduction of genetically modified organisms into the environment could potentially lead to the unintended transfer of modified genes to wild plant populations, disrupting natural ecosystems and potentially creating “superweeds” resistant to herbicides.

In my opinion, while the potential benefits of GM foods in addressing world hunger are significant, we must approach their development and implementation with caution. I believe that continued research and rigorous safety testing are essential to mitigate potential risks. Furthermore, I think it’s crucial to strike a balance between utilizing GM technology and preserving traditional farming practices and biodiversity. A comprehensive approach that combines GM foods with sustainable agricultural methods and equitable food distribution systems may be the most effective way to address global food security challenges.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding GM foods is complex and multifaceted. While they offer promising solutions to world hunger, the potential risks cannot be ignored. Moving forward, it is essential that we prioritize thorough scientific research, implement stringent safety measures, and consider the ethical implications of genetic modification to ensure that the benefits of GM foods outweigh the potential drawbacks.

(Word count: 374)

Illustration of the GM foods debate

Band 6-7 Essay Sample

Genetically modified (GM) foods are a topic of much discussion today. Some people believe they can help solve world hunger, while others worry about their safety. This essay will look at both sides of this issue and give my opinion.

Those who support GM foods say they can produce more food to feed the world’s growing population. GM crops can be made to resist pests and diseases, which means farmers can grow more food. For example, scientists have created rice with more vitamins, which could help people in poor countries get better nutrition. Also, GM crops that need less water could be grown in dry areas where normal crops can’t grow.

However, there are also concerns about GM foods. Some people worry that eating these foods might be bad for our health in ways we don’t know yet. There are also worries about how GM crops might affect nature. For instance, GM plants might cross-breed with wild plants, which could cause problems for the environment. Some people also think that relying too much on GM crops could be risky if something goes wrong with them.

In my opinion, GM foods could be helpful in fighting hunger, but we need to be careful. I think we should do more research to make sure GM foods are safe for people and the environment. We should also look at other ways to solve food problems, like improving farming methods and reducing food waste. It’s important to find a balance between using new technology and protecting nature.

To conclude, GM foods have both good and bad points. They might help feed more people, but there are also risks to consider. I believe we should continue to study GM foods carefully and use them wisely along with other solutions to help solve world hunger problems.

(Word count: 309)

Band 5-6 Essay Sample

Genetically modified (GM) foods are a big topic today. Some people think they are good and can help feed more people. Other people think they are dangerous for health and nature. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who like GM foods say they can make more food for the world. Scientists can change plants to grow better and make more food. This is good because there are many hungry people in the world. Also, GM foods can have more vitamins, which is good for health.

But some people don’t like GM foods. They think these foods might make people sick. We don’t know if eating GM foods for a long time is safe or not. Also, they worry that GM plants might be bad for nature. These plants might mix with normal plants and cause problems.

I think GM foods can be helpful, but we need to be careful. We should study more to make sure they are safe. We should also try other ways to make more food, like better farming. It’s important to think about both helping people and protecting nature.

In conclusion, GM foods have good and bad points. They might help feed people, but there are also dangers. I think we should keep studying GM foods and use them carefully to help solve hunger problems.

(Word count: 218)

Essay Analysis and Scoring Breakdown

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic, earning it a high band score of 8-9. Here’s why:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. It offers well-developed ideas and relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Ideas progress logically throughout the essay.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “scientifically engineered crops,” “unforeseen consequences,” and “equitable food distribution systems” demonstrate sophisticated language use.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. It shows excellent control of grammar and punctuation.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay, placing it in the 6-7 band range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents relevant ideas, but they are less fully developed compared to the band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression of ideas, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and accurate, but less varied and complex than in the higher band essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, although there is less variety in structures compared to the band 8-9 essay.

Band 5-6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills but has notable limitations, placing it in the 5-6 band range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and lack detail.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing and cohesive devices are limited.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with limited range and accuracy.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures.

IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Genetically modified (GM) (adjective) /dʒəˈnetɪkəli ˈmɒdɪfaɪd/: Altered using genetic engineering techniques.

2. Food security (noun) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

3. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.

4. Malnutrition (noun) /ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃn/: Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat or not eating enough of the right things.

5. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

6. Herbicide (noun) /ˈhɜːbɪsaɪd/: A substance that is toxic to plants, used to destroy unwanted vegetation.

7. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.

8. Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡərəs/: Extremely thorough and careful.

9. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.

10. Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/: Fair and impartial.

Conclusion

The topic of genetically modified foods is complex and multifaceted, making it an ideal subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By studying these sample essays and analyses, you can improve your understanding of how to approach this topic and similar ones. Remember to practice writing your own essays on this subject, considering different aspects such as the ethical implications of genetic modification and How to address the challenges of food security.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The impact of GM crops on small-scale farmers
2. The role of government regulation in GM food production
3. The potential of GM foods to address specific nutritional deficiencies

We encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.