IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Health & Tech & Nature
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
There has been in increasing trend towards genetically modified food in recent years.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the trend of genetically modified (GM) food. State opinion that drawbacks outweigh advantages.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss benefits of GM food. Point 1: Ability to fight global hunger by increasing production. Point 2: Resistance to pests and diseases, reducing pesticide dependence and ensuring stable yield.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss adverse effects of GM food. Point 1: Potential health hazards (allergies, unclear long-term impacts). Point 2: Reduction in biodiversity (elimination of native species, disturbance of ecosystems).
Conclusion
Summarize benefits (food shortage, crop illness) vs drawbacks (health dangers, environmental effects). Restate opinion that progress is more harmful than helpful, highlighting uncertain health consequences and risk to biodiversity.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The introduction of genetically modified (GM) food has significantly altered the global food production scene. Although there are many advantages, the drawbacks seem to outweigh them.
Supporters of GM food point out its ability to fight global hunger as a major benefit. By changing the genetic structure of crops, scientists can develop varieties that produce more, thus increasing the total food supply. Moreover, GM food can be made more resistant to pests and diseases. This not only lessens the dependence on damaging pesticides but also guarantees a more stable and dependable yield, aiding in food security.
Nevertheless, the adverse effects of GM food cannot be ignored. The main worry is the potential health hazards linked with eating genetically modified produce. While the long-term impacts of GM food on human health are still unclear, initial research indicates potential connections to allergies and other health issues. Also, growing GM crops can result in a reduction in biodiversity. The prevalence of these genetically identical crops can eliminate native species, disturbing local ecosystems and possibly causing unexpected environmental problems.
To sum up, while GM food offers answers to food shortage and crop illnesses, the possible health dangers and environmental effects make this progress more harmful than helpful. The uncertain long-term health consequences and the risk to biodiversity are serious issues that overshadow the benefits of increased production and disease resistance.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The advent of genetically modified (GM) food has marked a significant shift in the global food production landscape. While the benefits of this development are manifold, its drawbacks appear to be more substantial.
The proponents of GM food highlight its potential to combat world hunger as a key advantage. By manipulating the genetic makeup of crops, scientists can create strains that yield more produce, thereby increasing the overall food supply. Furthermore, GM food can be engineered to be more resistant to pests and diseases. This not only reduces the reliance on harmful pesticides but also ensures a more consistent and reliable harvest, contributing to food security.
However, the negative implications of GM food cannot be overlooked. The primary concern is the potential health risks associated with consuming genetically altered produce. While the long-term effects of GM food on human health are yet to be fully understood, preliminary studies suggest possible links to allergies and other health complications. Additionally, the cultivation of GM crops can lead to a decrease in biodiversity. The dominance of these genetically uniform crops can push out native species, disrupting local ecosystems and potentially leading to unforeseen environmental consequences.
In conclusion, while GM food presents solutions to food scarcity and crop diseases, the potential health risks and environmental impact render this development more detrimental than beneficial. The unknown long-term health effects and the threat to biodiversity are weighty concerns that overshadow the advantages of increased yield and disease resistance.