gm food ielts essay

Genetically Modified Food Essay

Need to write a genetically modified foods essay? Take a look at this example! This argumentative essay on GM foods explains all the advantages and disadvantages of the issue to help you form your own opinion.

Introduction

• The Benefits
• The Drawbacks

Genetically modified (GM) foods refer to foods that have been produced through biotechnology processes involving alteration of DNA. This genetic modification is done to confer the organism or crops with enhanced nutritional value, increased resistance to herbicides and pesticides, and reduction of production costs.

The concept of genetic engineering has been in existence for many years, but genetic modification of foods emerged in the early 1990s. This genetically modified food essay covers the technology’s positive and negative aspects that have so far been accepted. Currently, a lot of food consumed is composed of genetically altered elements, though many misconceptions and misinformation about this technology still exist (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically modified foods have been hailed for their potential to enhance food security, particularly in small-scale agriculture in low-income countries.

It has been proposed that genetically modified foods are integral in the enhancement of safe food security, enhanced quality, and increased shelf-life, hence becoming cost-effective to consumers and farmers. Proponents of this technology also argue that genetically modified foods have many health benefits, in addition to being environmentally friendly and the great capability of enhancing the quality and quantity of yields (Kumar et al., 2020).

Genetically modified foods are, therefore, considered to be a viable method of promoting food production and ensuring sustainable food security across the world to meet the demands of the increasing population. This genetically modified food advantages and disadvantages essay aims to cover conflicting perspectives in the technology’s safety and efficacy. In spite of the perceived benefits of genetic engineering technology in the agricultural sector, the production and use of genetically modified foods have triggered public concerns about safety and the consequences of consumption (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically Modified Foods: The Benefits

Many champions of GM food suggest the potential of genetic engineering technology in feeding the huge population that is faced with starvation across the world. Genetically modified foods could help increase production while providing foods that are more nutritious with minimal impacts on the environment.

In developing countries, genetic engineering technology could help farmers meet their food demands while decreasing adverse environmental effects. Genetically modified crops have been shown to have greater yields, besides reducing the need for pesticides.

This is because genetically modified crops have an increased ability to resist pest infestation, subsequently resulting in increased earnings (Van Esse, 2020). Some genetically engineered crops are designed to resist herbicides, thus allowing chemical control of weeds to be practiced. Foods that have been genetically modified are perceived to attain faster growth and can survive harsh conditions due to their potency to resist drought, pests, and diseases.

Genetically modified foods have also been suggested to contain many other benefits, including being tastier, safer, more nutritious, and having longer shelf life. Though scientific studies regarding the safety and benefits of genetically modified foods are not comprehensive, it is argued that critics of this technology are driven by overblown fears (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically Modified Foods: The Drawbacks

To most opponents of the technology’s application in agriculture, issues relating to safety, ethics, religion, and the environment are greater than those that are related to better food quality, enhanced production, and food security. Genetic modification technology is perceived to carry risks touching on agricultural practices, health, and the environment.

The major issue raised by society concerning this technology pertains to whether genetically modified foods should be banned for people’s benefit. The gene transfer techniques are not entirely foolproof, thus raising fears that faults may emerge and lead to many unprecedented events.

There is a possibility that DNA transfer to target cells may not be effective. Alternatively, it may be transferred to untargeted points, with the potential effect being the expression or suppression of certain proteins that were not intended. This may cause unanticipated gene mutations in the target cells, leading to physiological alterations (Turnbull et al., 2021).

A number of animal studies have indicated that genetically modified foods could pose serious health risks/ Those include the tendency to cause impotency, immune disorders, acceleration of aging, hormonal regulation disorders, and alteration of major organs and the gastrointestinal system (Giraldo et al., 2019). It has also been demonstrated that genetically modified foods can act as allergens and sources of toxins.

Opponents argue that there is a lack of clear regulatory mechanisms and policies to ensure that genetically modified foods are tested for human health and environmental effects. Thus, human beings allegedly become reduced to experimental animals subjected to adverse toxic effects and dietary problems.

In animals, it has been argued that the use of genetically modified feeds causes complications, such as premature delivery, abortions, and sterility, though these claims have later been debunked (Xu, 2021). Some genetically modified crops, such as corn and cotton, are engineered to produce pesticides.

It has been demonstrated that this built-in pesticide is very toxic and concentrated as compared to the naturally sprayed pesticide, which has been confirmed to cause allergies in some people. Many studies have also shown the immune system of genetically modified animals to be significantly altered. For instance, a persistent increase in cytokines indicates the capability of these foods to cause conditions such as asthma, allergy, and inflammation (Sani et al., 2023).

Some of the genetically modified foods, such as soy, have also been shown to have certain chemicals known to be allergens, for example, trypsin inhibitor protein (Rosso, 2021). Genetic engineering of food may also result in the transfer of genes that have the capability to trigger allergies into the host cells.

Furthermore, most of the DNA transferred into genetically modified foods originates from microorganisms that have not been studied to elucidate their allergenic properties. Similarly, the new genetic combinations in genetically modified foods could cause allergies to some consumers or worsen the existing allergic conditions. Various cases of genetically modified foods causing allergic reactions have been reported, leading to the withdrawal of these foods from the market (Kumar et al., 2020).

Genetic modification of crops could also increase the expression of naturally occurring toxins through possible activation of certain proteins, resulting in the release of toxic chemicals. It is argued that sufficient studies have not been carried out to prove that genetically modified foods are safe for consumption (Fernbach et al., 2019).

Genetically modified foods are also associated with many environmental risks. Issues relating to the manner in which science is marketed and applied have also been raised, challenging the perceived benefits of genetically modified foods. Many opponents of genetic engineering technology perceive that genetic modification of food is a costly technology that places farmers from low-income countries in disadvantaged positions since they cannot afford it (Kumar et al., 2020; Leonelli, 2020).

It is also argued that this technology cannot address the food shortage issue, which is perceived to be more of a political and economic problem than a food production issue (Liang et al., 2019).

Political and economic issues across local and global levels have been suggested to prevent the distribution of foods so as to reach the people faced with starvation, but not issues of agriculture and technology. Politics and economic barriers have also been shown to contribute to greater poverty, subsequently making individuals unable to afford food (Kumar et al., 2020).

Some bioethicists are of the view that most genetic engineering advances in agriculture are profit-based as compared to those that are need-based. It challenges the appropriateness of genetic modification of food in ensuring food security, safeguarding the environment, and decreasing poverty, especially in low-income countries.

This argument is supported by the costly nature of genetic engineering technology and the yields from the application of this technology. The economic benefits of genetic engineering of foods are usually attained by large-scale agricultural producers, thus pitting the majority of the population who are involved in small-scale agricultural production (Kumar et al., 2020).

With the widespread adoption of genetic engineering technology, regulatory policies such as patents have been formulated, subsequently allowing exclusively large biotechnological organizations to benefit (Kumar et al., 2020).

Though biotechnological firms suggest that genetic modification of foods is essential in ensuring food security, the patenting of this technology has been perceived by many as being a potential threat to food security (Leonelli, 2020).

Patenting of genetically modified foods gives biotechnology firms monopoly control, thus demeaning the sanctity of life. This technology has also enhanced dependency, whereby farmers have to continuously go back to the biotechnology firms to purchase seeds for sowing in subsequent planting seasons.

Genetically modified food is believed to be unsafe, allegedly because sufficient tests have not been carried out to show that it would not cause some unprecedented long-term effects in another organism. Despite possessing positive attributes, such as health benefits and food safety, many consumers are wary of these foods because of a consistent belief in a lack of proven safety testing (Fernbach et al., 2019).

There are also fears that the genetic material inserted into genetically modified foods often gets transferred into the DNA of commensals found in the alimentary canal of human beings. This may lead to the production of harmful genetically modified chemicals inside the body of the human being, even long after ceasing the consumption of such foods.

Prior to the widespread adoption of this genetic engineering technology in agriculture, many scientists and regulatory agents raised health concerns. Some argue that genetically modified foods are inherently harmful and can trigger allergies, toxic effects, gene transfer to commensals in the gut, and can lead to the emergence of new diseases and nutritional problems (Deocaris et al., 2020; Seralini, 2020).

Despite multiple rigorous studies, it remains unknown whether genetically modified foods could be contributing to the rising cases of various health conditions such as obesity, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive problems. In most cases, the testing that has been performed involves the evaluation of the growth and productivity of the modified organism, and not in terms of environmental and health impacts (Agostini et al., 2020).

Gene transfer may affect the nutritional quality of foods as the transfer is likely to reduce the amounts of certain nutrients while raising the levels of other nutrients. This causes a nutritional variation between conventional foods and similar foods produced through genetic modification techniques.

Furthermore, few studies have been carried out to show the effect of nutrient alterations brought about by genetic engineering in relation to nutrient-gene interactions, metabolism, and bioavailability (Hirschi, 2020). Critics of genetically modified foods argue that little information is available to show how the alteration of food contents affects gene regulation and expression as these changes occur at rates that far overwhelm scientific studies.

Genetic modification of food involves the transfer of genetic material even between organisms belonging to different species. To biotechnology firms and other proponents of genetically modified foods, this approach helps in maximizing productivity and profits. However, many consumers, environmental conservationists, and opponents of genetically modified foods perceive gene transfer across different species as causing a decrease in diversity (Turnbull et al., 2021).

With the reduction of diversity, benefits such as resistance to diseases and pests, adaptation to adverse weather conditions, and productivity also diminish. Critics of genetic engineering technology, therefore, suggest that applying this technology creates uniformity in organisms and decreases their genetic diversity, rendering them at increased risks of diseases and pests.

Transfer of genetic material also carries many environmental risks, especially in the event of wide cultivation of such crops. Some critics suggest that genetically engineered plants with herbicide and insect-resistant traits could transfer these traits to wild plants and subsequently lead to the evolution of difficult-to-eradicate weeds (Anwar et al., 2021).

These weeds could develop into invasive plants with the capability to decrease crop production and cause a disruption of the ecosystem. The genetically modified plants could also evolve into weeds, which will then require costly and environmentally unfriendly means to eradicate.

The genetic engineering of food may also have an impact on non-target organisms, which would further reduce diversity. It is a persistent concern that genetically modified foods, such as pesticide-resistant crops, could cause harm to non-target organisms.

Certain genetically modified crops have the potential to change the chemistry of the soil by releasing toxins and breaking down the plants after they die. Moreover, crops that have undergone genetic modification to withstand elevated chemical concentrations sustain a heightened application of herbicides, ultimately leading to elevated chemical concentrations in the soil (Anwar et al., 2021).

Genetic engineering’s intentional transfer of antibiotic resistance genes could have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Antibiotic-resistant genes may be passed to pathogenic bacteria in animals’ and humans’ digestive tracts, increasing their pathogenicity and causing more and more public health problems (Amarasiri et al., 2020).

Genetic modification of food is applauded as an appropriate method of ensuring increased food availability, better nutrition, and general improvement in the agricultural sector. However, as this genetically modified food essay demonstrates, many issues surround this technology, mostly concerning safety, health, cultural, social, and religious issues.

Most of the concerns regarding genetically engineered foods can be cleared by conducting expansive research to establish clear grounds for such issues. Unless concrete research is conducted to substantiate the benefits and potential harms of genetically engineered foods, the majority of people will remain wary of genetically modified foods. In the end, the full potential of genetically engineered foods will not be realized.

Amarasiri, M., Sano, D., & Suzuki, S. (2020). Understanding human health risks caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in water environments: Current knowledge and questions to be answered. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 50 (19), 2016-2059.

Anwar, M. P., Islam, A. M., Yeasmin, S., Rashid, M. H., Juraimi, A. S., Ahmed, S., & Shrestha, A. (2021). Weeds and their responses to management efforts in a changing climate. Agronomy, 11 (10), 1921-1940.

Agostini, M. G., Roesler, I., Bonetto, C., Ronco, A. E., & Bilenca, D. (2020). Pesticides in the real world: The consequences of GMO-based intensive agriculture on native amphibians. Biological Conservation, 241 , 108355.

Deocaris, C. C., Rumbaoa, R. G., Gavarra, A. M., & Alinsug, M. V. (2020). A Preliminary analysis of potential allergens in a GMO Rice: A Bioinformatics approach. Open Journal of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, 4 (1), 12-16.

Fernbach, P. M., Light, N., Scott, S. E., Inbar, Y., & Rozin, P. (2019). Extreme opponents of genetically modified foods know the least but think they know the most. Nature Human Behaviour, 3 (3), 251-256.

Giraldo, P. A., Shinozuka, H., Spangenberg, G. C., Cogan, N. O., & Smith, K. F. (2019). Safety assessment of genetically modified feed: is there any difference from food?. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10 (1592), 1-17.

Hirschi, K. D. (2020). Genetically modified plants: Nutritious, sustainable, yet underrated. The Journal of Nutrition, 150 (10), 2628-2634.

Kumar, K., Gambhir, G., Dass, A., Tripathi, A. K., Singh, A., Jha, A. K., Yadava, P., Choudhary, M., & Rakshit, S. (2020). Genetically modified crops: current status and future prospects. Planta, 251 , 1-27.

Leonelli, G. C. (2020). GMO risks, food security, climate change and the entrenchment of neo-liberal legal narratives. In Transnational food security (pp. 128-141). Routledge.

Liang, J., Liu, X., & Zhang, W. (2019). Scientists vs laypeople: How genetically modified food is discussed on a Chinese Q&A website. Public Understanding of Science, 28 (8), 991-1004.

Rosso, M. L., Shang, C., Song, Q., Escamilla, D., Gillenwater, J., & Zhang, B. (2021). Development of breeder-friendly KASP markers for low concentration of kunitz trypsin inhibitor in soybean seeds. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (5), 2675-2690.

Sani, F., Sani, M., Moayedfard, Z., Darayee, M., Tayebi, L., & Azarpira, N. (2023). Potential advantages of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 14 (1), 1-11.

Seralini, G. E. (2020). Update on long-term toxicity of agricultural GMOs tolerant to roundup. Environmental Sciences Europe, 32 (1), 1-7.

Turnbull, C., Lillemo, M., & Hvoslef-Eide, T. A. (2021). Global regulation of genetically modified crops amid the gene edited crop boom–a review. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12 , 630396.

Van Esse, H. P., Reuber, T. L., & van der Does, D. (2020). Genetic modification to improve disease resistance in crops. New Phytologist, 225 (1), 70-86.

Xu, Q., Song, Y., Yu, N., & Chen, S. (2021). Are you passing along something true or false? Dissemination of social media messages about genetically modified organisms. Public Understanding of Science, 30 (3), 285-301.

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Ielts essay # 1374 - some people think genetically modified foods offer a viable solution, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, with a growing world population, one of the most pressing issues is feeding a huge population. some people think that gm (genetically modified) foods offer a viable solution to this problem., to what extent do you agree or disagree.

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IELTS Essay: Food Shortage and Solution

05/25/2022 11:27 AM

Agree or Disagree

In this essay type, you have to agree or disagree. Often times students make the mistake to write about both, where you shouldn't. Pick ONE side ( agree or disagree ) and stick to it in the whole essay .

You are supposed to have a strong opinion defending or being against the idea. Provide logical ideas and creative examples on why you have that strong opinion.

What is a GMF?

Genetically modified food (GMF) is food that has changes in its DNA using the method of genetic engineering . Thanks to this method, new traits can be introduced to a type of plant or animal to control its growth, shape, size, smell, taste, appearance, etc.

For example:

Naturally grown apples look different, have a weak yellow coloring, the taste may be sweet or sour, their size is definitely smaller than commercial apples, the shape is oftentimes distorted , etc.

Commercial apples (GM apples)  are perfectly round, perfectly red on every side, taste only sweet, and can be grown in very large sizes.

All of this change was done thanks to generic modifications of the apple. The main reason for the change is mass production of the same product and eventually higher profits for the corporation or farmer. People would most often buy only "perfect apples" instead of the other "leftover" food.

This can be applied to every other fruit or vegetable, as all of them have been modified in one way or another.

Food Shortage: Why?

 There are many reasons why we might have a food shortage in certain areas around the world, and those can include geography , economic conditions , corruption of governments , wars ,  worldwide distribution , and many more. Before we answer the question above, we should learn about the whole problem of food shortage, what causes it and what can be done about it.

Let's take a look at a few reasons and then discuss solutions.

Reason 1: Distribution

One of the biggest reasons for food shortage is probably distribution or moving resources from one place to another. As the world transportation system is controlled tightly by a few global transportation monopolies , they oftentimes would straight up refuse to ship food around the world, simply because they won't be able to make a profit on that transportation. This creates a bottleneck system where food remains stuck at certain places in the world and has to be consumed only there.

Reason 2: Overconsumption and Waste

This is a huge problem in developed countries . In countries like the USA , China , or some developed European nations , people overconsume food to a huge extent . There is a growing problem with obesity , which comes directly from huge portions , a vast amount of fast food, snacks , and sweet delights . Food waste is a ridiculous problem as well , where restaurants and huge fast food chains throw out tons and tons of food daily , as they are unable to sell or do anything with it. 

Reason 3: Geography and Climate Change

It is a non-debatable fact that climate change is here and it is affecting agriculture all around the world. The countries hit the hardest will be the ones along the equator , but the effect will be felt all around the world. This will affect heavily crops yield and reduce the number of food resources available in the world. With the weather changing constantly , we might not be able to engineer crops quickly enough for them to grow well in those changing conditions .

Reason 4: Capitalism and Profit

This problem is somewhat related to the first one about distribution. The main issue that creates world hunger is greed , monopolies , and unchecked capitalism . As wealthy countries and individuals control the means of production for food, they keep prices high and this keeps poor nations or societies hungry. It is so bad that in many cases large producers of meat or vegetables are willing to destroy their production, only to keep prices high or keep selling entirely  to wealthy nations .

Solution 1: Distribution

The problems with distribution are linked directly to capitalism and globalization . The world should have never allowed for huge monopolies to control the flow of goods in and out of countries. What can be done is perhaps treating these huge transportation companies with either incentive (rewards) for shipping food or punishing them heavily for refusal. They are supposed to be a public good , and there should be strong government action against all sorts of monopolies , no matter where they come from.

Solution 2: Overconsumption and Waste

A solution for this is again government control . It sounds like a loss of freedom or loss of independence , but there should be strict and dramatic control of diet and food in the developed nations . Restaurants and food chains should not be allowed to make huge portions that could in any normal time feed a whole family, and sell that to a single person. All of that is done because of greed and carelessness for human health . Moreover , food waste should be fought vigorously , and all types of wasteful companies should be held accountable . Those resources of food can go and should go to other people, instead of being wasted and destroyed .

Solution 3: Geography and Climate Change

This is going to be one of the toughest challenges . Fertile soil naturally occurs in only some areas around the world, while other areas have scarce or non-existent . The solution is obviously international cooperation . Countries that are unlucky to have low-yielding soil or shifting climate patterns , have to receive generous help from luckier nations. This whole process should be transparent , cheap , and effective , in order to support those nations' development and avoid mass migrations .

Solution 4: Capitalism and Profit

This is a very tough problem to solve, as power is absolutely in the hands of the rich and powerful . There should be a system , or an international institution that is neutral from governments and corruption , and has the power to block , ban , control , or persuade companies and producers in any nation, no matter if they are in a powerful or weak nation, to change their attitude and prices . This type of organization should be profit free , focusing on securing equal nutrition across all nations of the world. It is a long shot , and probably will never happen, but it is one type of solution.

These are a few ideas in general when writing about food shortages and starvation . In our case here, the topic discusses " gene-modified food " and whether it is an adequate solution . If you agree with the statement, then you need to provide the benefits of GM food. Some benefits can be:

Mass Production - gene-modified food allows mass production of one type one style "uniform" crops that can yield more than traditional crops. ( Example: Corn being mass-produced in the USA and used as anything from biofuel, sweetener, staple food, etc.)

Adaptability - changing the gene of foods improves their durability, their ability to grow in unfriendly environments, and their ability to adapt to changing climates. ( example: rice being modified in china and being planted in all sorts of environments including flooded humid areas in the south, dry and hot locations in the north, mountainous regions, and even in salty seawater)., appeal - although that's not in their interest, humans like perfection and are willing to spend more to buy perfectly looking vegetables and fruit, rather than the naturally-grown imperfect variants. ( example: think perfectly looking apples, bananas, watermelons, huge cucumbers, perfectly round and red tomatoes, etc.).

However, if you disagree , you can use the reasons and solutions above. You can say that even though gene-modified foods are on the rise , massive companies still hold monopoly rights to these foods and technology which will prevent the food to reach the people that need it the most. The technology is definitely good, but it won't change geography , capitalism , or human greed , which is the underlined problem in this case. It is not that the world doesn't have food, it is that we don't want to share it at affordable prices with everyone.

Example Essay:

"One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution"

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Vocabulary related to the topic

Sentence starters and linking words, idioms and phrases, introduction.

The idea of a food shortage seems somewhat alien to people from the developed world , especially those living in large megacities . However, predominantly in the last decade , big forces like climate change , international conflicts , economic failure , and income disparities have brought up the topic into the mainstream again. Some believe that genetically modified crops are the solution to this crisis , and although being a net benefit to society , I’d have to disagree, as this innovation does not solve the overarching issues of distribution and human greed . I will provide a few reasons in this essay supporting my decision.

Vocabulary:

the developed world  - wealthy, rich countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, the UK, and more.

large megacities - cities with huge populations like Shanghai, New York, Los Angelis, Berlin, London, etc.

a decade - 10 years

a big force - something strong and powerful that affects the world

climate change - the change and rise of temperatures in the world

international conflict - fights, arguments, and misunderstandings between countries

economic failure - having problems with the economy, having economic crises

income disparity - income gap, large differences between the top earners and the bottom earners

mainstream - popular, in the spotlight , being discussed by many people 

crops - food that grows on the ground, vegetables and grains

a crisis - a big problem with a country or the world

*IDIOM* - a net benefit - an absolute benefit, a positive development

innovation - improvement of something, making something better, more efficient, cheaper, and so on.

overarching - above all, the most important, the top

distribution - the spread, transportation, delivery, and sharing of resources

greed - the constant need for financial gain, that can never be satisfied

Linking Phrases / Sentence Beginners:

The idea of __________ seems   __________  ,especially __________.

However, predominantly _________, have brought up the topic into _________.

Some believe that __________, and although __________, I'd have to disagree, as __________. 

I will provide a few reasons in this essay supporting my decision.

Paragraph 1

Initially, it may seem that genetically modified crops can be an easy solution to the crisis . After all , they can grow quickly, they can be mass-produced easily, they can yield more than traditional crops and that means we can feed everyone around the world with ease . This whole picture is wrong, as simply producing a lot does not mean that that food can be shared evenly across the world. It is a well-known fact that most rich and wealthy nations like the US , Canada , France , or Germany hold monopoly power on many new technologies. Not only that, but they protect that monopoly power of their mega-corporations and that means that this technology cannot and will not be shared with the rest of the world. What good is creating these amazing technologies, if they are not shared with any nation that actually needs them? In this case , wealthy nations overproduce and hoard resources , including food, and develop huge problems with rising obesity , while other nations suffer from malnutrition . It is an unjust system that needs to be changed, in order to help feed the world and not just the rich part of it.

solution - a way to fix something, a way to solve something

*IDIOM* - with ease - very easy, effortlessly

mass-produced  - something that can be made quickly and on a large scale, making thousands or hundreds of thousands of things quickly

yield - the amount of produced crops (vegetables, fruit, grain)

traditional crops - non-gene-modified crops, organic crops

*IDIOM* -to hold monopoly power - to have full control of a system and to try to keep that control for yourself 

mega-corporations  - a multinational corporation (company), a company that has unlimited resources and power

to overproduce  - to make more than needed

to hoard resources  - to collect and keep resources only for yourself, without sharing, to pile up

obesity - becoming unhealthily fat

malnutrition  - to consume very less nutrients because of a lack of good quality food

unjust system - a system that is unfair or lacks fairness for everyone

Initially,it may seem that _________.

After all  _________.

This whole picture is wrong as ,  _________.

It is a well-known fact that _________.

Not only that but _________ and that means that _________.

What good is  _________, if they are not _________.

In this case _________ , while _________.

It is __________, in order to _________ and not just _________.

Paragraph 2

Secondly, the problem with genetically-modified food is that of distribution . There is a massive waste of food happening in the developed world which is clearly presented by the fast-food industry . Daily, millions of tons of actually edible , quality food are being trashed , fed to animals , burned , destroyed , or used for biofuel , instead of feeding people. This is a problem with monopolies and distribution . Often times shipping monopolies refuse to ship food from one country to another, as there is low or no profit on those shipments. Food monopolies produce a lot, however , they would prefer to destroy their own production , rather than drop the price , as profits and making money is always above feeding those in need . In a way , the food distribution and supply system are absolutely broken and unjust , and that solidifies the case that genetically-modified food won’t save the world. In fact, it might create a larger problem with waste , rather than feeding everyone in need.

distribution  - the sharing, shipping, and transportation of resources

waste of food - inefficient use of food

the fast-food industry - the big companies in the fast-food industry like KFC, Mcdonald's, Burger King, etc.

edible - able to eat, good for eating

to be trashed - to be destroyed or thrown in the trash

biofuel - fuel made of plants like corn or other grains

shipping monopolies - companies that control the shipping industry

to ship - to send something by sea

to profit - to gain money out of something

to drop the price - to reduce the price, to lower the price

profits - financial gain, money

a supply - the making and bringing of goods to the  goods market

Secondly, the problem with  _________.

There is a massive _________.

Daily, millions of tons of _________, instead of _________.

This is a problem with   __________.

Often times __________, as  __________,

__________,  however they would prefer to  _________, rather than __________, as _________ is always above _________.

In a way __________, and that solidifies the case that __________.

In fact, it might __________, rather than __________.

In a word , the world suffers from unjust , corrupt systems of food supply, and that is one of the main reasons for a food shortage. As climate change and global conflicts build up steam , we are faced with this unparallel challenge – should we feed the needy , or simply close down and focus on our own. The world needs a better system of international cooperation and understanding , that fights  monopolies  rigorously , shares technology with kindness , and utilizes genetically-modified foods, in order to lift up nations all around the globe . Hopefully, we can achieve that in the foreseeable future .

*This essay was written in 30 minutes . It is quite long but gives a deep and thoughtful discussion on the problems of food supply and production. 

unjust - unfair, not normally right

corrupt system -dishonest behavior by the people operating the system, seeking large amounts of money in order to function or making favors

unparallel challenge  - unmatched, inconceivable, unprecedented challenge

*IDIOM* - to build up steam - to increase speed (from steam trains), to accelerate, to grow quickly

the needy - the poor, those in need

international cooperation - countries working together hand in hand , helping and supporting each other

a monopoly  - a company or few companies that have full control over one industry and control the price, production, and everything else

*IDIOM* - to lift (people) up  - to improve the lives of people

rigorous  - hard and strong, without any rest

to utilize  - to use effectively and efficiently

nations - countries

the globe - the world, Earth

foreseeable - predictable, one that can be seen, near or close to our time (future) (10-20 years)

In a word  _________, and that is one of the main reasons for _________.

As _________, we are faced with  __________.

Hopefully, we can achieve _________.

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IELTS Writing task 2 | Genetically modified crops

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

As the world population increases, genetically modified crops are becoming essential to meet rising demands for food.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

The human population has rapidly increased since the turn of the 20th Century, which has presented problems in maintaining an adequate food supply for the world’s population. To meet this challenge, genetically modified crops are an increasingly important tool, although there are also other technologies that could be used in their place.

Genetically modified (GM) crops offer a valuable solution that can reduce starvation in the face of a growing human population. These crops may be subject to a range of modifications, including drought resistance, salt tolerance and increased yield. This means that not only can more areas be cultivated which are currently unusable due to harsh environmental conditions, but the amount of food can also be increased. Clearly, this technology affords an opportunity to meet future food requirements and should therefore be widely employed.

However, it would be a mistake to assume that GM crops offer the only solution. Of the alternative techniques available, vertical farming is among the most compelling. In vertical farming systems, plants are grown in large stacked systems under controlled conditions. This has a similar impact on yield to GM crops and allows crops to be grown more widely. In many arid regions, this is being combined with desalination to ensure local food security and reduce reliance on food imports. While expensive, it would not be particularly difficult to roll this technology out in other areas where local food supplies are inadequate, offering a viable alternative to genetically modified crops.

In conclusion, genetically modified food is certainly a useful tool to combat hunger, and the technology should be used more widely. However, saying such crops are essential is an overstatement, given the availability of alternative cultivation systems that could solve the same problem.

(288 words)

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Recent Question and Sample Answer for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Genetically engineered foods)

Here is a Recent Question asked in IELTS. This question was asked in IELTS Writing Task 2.

The question for IELTS Writing Task 2 and its sample answer is written below. Try and write your answer and post it in the comments section. I will review your IELTS Writing task and will evaluate it.

Topic asked in IELTS Writing Task 2 : 

To meet the growing needs of food for the increasing population, country should make use of genetically engineered foods. However, some people believe that GM foods are not only unhealthy but affect the nature too. Do you agree or disagree about this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or

experience.

(Write at least 250 words)

Sample Answer for IELTS Writing Task 2 :

With the rapid increase in population resulting in the never ending demand for food, some section of people opine that genetically modified food is the answer, while others believe that it might actually be a curse for the masses and the environment. I assert that altering the gene make-up of plants, using biotechnology might prove more harmful than a boon to human race. This essay will discuss this issue using relevant examples to demonstrate points and support arguments.

Firstly, from the economic perspective, GM food could be costly. Furthermore, pesticides and herbicides use increases. These pesticides are poisonous for the people as well as for the wild-life. For instance, in South America, pesticide spraying is causing serious health problems for the people as well as for other forms of life. Consequently, this might culminate into some chronic diseases or it might even lead to new diseases in the future generation.

Secondly, long term effects of GM foods are still a matter of research. In addition, they might prove to be toxic to certain organisms, such as bees and butterflies. For example, a research has shown that bees, being an important pollinator of many food crops, might endanger their existence. Therefore, many developing countries across the world are moving towards ecological farming, which might be a better and safer way to feed the poor and hungry.

To conclude, I believe  that GM food does affect our health and well-being in spite of Food and Drug Administration claiming that they are safe. The claim of ending the world hunger is false, as it is not caused by shortage of food production but by sheer mismanagement and lack of access to food brought about by various social and political causes.

This was one of the sample answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 written by one of our students. You can also write your sample answers for IELTS Writing task 2 and get it evaluated from me. 

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IELTS Writing

A collection of band scale 9 essays, 022 gm foods.

With a growing population, many people believe that we should focus on producing more GM foods. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

Model Answer

As the world's population increases, so does the demand for food. This comes at a time when water is increasingly scarce and people are becoming adverse to the use of pesticides. GM Food is one solution to this problem. Some people however are worried that genetic modification in plants poses a health risk to humans. I personally believe that the risks are minimal and are far outweighed by the benefits to humankind.

Critics of GM foods argue that it is impossible to foresee the consequences of artificially altering the genetic makeup of living organisms. Scientists, when altering a plant's genome, might unwittingly make a change with unintended catastrophic consequences. GM protesters argue that scientists are not infallible and by meddling in the natural order of things they risk causing irreversible damage to the environment.

However, the case against GM foods is often made in the vaguest of terms. It is not enough to say that GM food can cause a disaster by some unknown mechanism without specifying what it is. Meanwhile, GM crops bring a number of quantifiable benefits. As people start farming more marginal land, the crops they grow need to be more resilient to pest attacks and to be able to thrive in harsher conditions. Genetically modified grains can deliver both, meaning that yields are high enough to sustain populations at risk of starvation.

In conclusion, whilst I believe that scientists need to proceed carefully, the case against GM foods is largely just conjecture . At a time of population growth, GM food is an important way to ensure food security.

(264 words)

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IELTS TASK 2 OPINION: GM FOODS OFFER A VIABLE SOLUTION TO FEEDING LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

To what extent do you agree or disagree.

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Genetically Modified Foods And Warning Labels IELTS Reading Answers

12 min read

Updated On Nov 27, 2023

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Recent IELTS Reading Test with Answers - Free PDF

The  Reading Module  of the IELTS can be the top-scoring category with diligent practice. To achieve the best results in this section, you must understand how to approach and answer the different Question types in the Reading Module. By solving and reviewing sample reading questions from past IELTS papers, you can ensure that your reading skills are up to the mark.

The Academic passage,  ‘Genetically Modified Foods And Warning Labels‘ ,  is a reading passage that appeared in an IELTS Test. Ideally, you should not spend more than 20 minutes on a passage. Let’s see how easy this passage is for you and if you’re able to make it in 20 minutes. If not, try more  IELTS reading practice test  from IELTSMaterial.com.

Genetically Modified Foods And Warning Labels is a part of an IELTS Academic reading test. The question types found in this passage are as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Questions  (Q. 15-16)
• True/False/Not Given  (Q. 17-23)
• Matching Information  (Q. 24-27)

Brush up on your IELTS Reading  True/False/Not Given  skills with this helpful guide!

Reading Passage

Genetically modified foods and warning labels .

A  Advocates of genetically modified crops profess that the technology is the only resort to feed an increasingly populated world. The technology of genetically modified foods has boosted crop yields, reduced pesticide use and is purported to be a crucial weapon in the struggle against global hunger. At the last count, at least 70% of the processed foods on American supermarket shelves contained GM (Genetically Modified) ingredients. For the past two decades, Americans have been consuming GM foods without facing any ill-effects. A majority of scientists speaking on the subject deem GM crops to be safe for consumption.

B  Critics, however, assert that tampering with nature is perilous. Advocates of green and organic foods to question the idea of GM foods. Following raised concerns over the issue, the EU made labelling GM products mandatory in 1997, spooking customers who had nothing to do with the policy. Currently, GM food availability in Europe is rare. A recent poll by the New York Times has found that over 90% of Americans were in favour of labelling GM foods. It is all about transparency, they felt. Two-thirds of Americans opine that consuming GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) is unsafe. This has driven the organic food sector from a niche market position to a USD 40 million industry, with millions of consumers switching to non-GMO organic food.

C  According to a New York Times report, food industry giants are deeply divided over the issue of labelling. Companies selling genetically modified seeds, such as Monsanto, have hired academicians and researchers who vociferously maintain that GM foods are safe and do not require any labelling. However, companies like Stonyfield Farm and Earth’s Best, dealing in organic and natural produce, also have their own set of experts who profess that since the safety of GM food is far from proven, labels are necessary. It is obvious that both sides are more concerned with their own wallets. Companies selling GM foods are reluctant to label their products as they fear it will stigmatise their products and lead to a consequent drop in sales. Organic food companies, on the other hand, believe safety issues will drive customers to products that are ‘natural’.

D  It is interesting to note that the fight over labelling is not restricted to companies. In 2015, 19 US states debated GM food labelling legislation in Connecticut, Maine and Vermont and have now proclaimed GM labelling to be mandatory. However, the U.S. Congress is now keen on taking steps that will stop individual states from enforcing GMO labelling. Paradoxically, the government that had commented prominently on independent rights of the state has now diverted interest towards the corporate world, which is not in favour of labelling.

E  On July 23, 2015, the US House passed HR 1599, a bill for safe and accurate food labelling, which, if established as a law, will prohibit labelling of products containing GM ingredients. Advocates of HR 1599 say that GM labels will act as a warning. The opponents of this legislation, however, feel that it is denying Americans the ‘Right to Know’ Act. Regarding the argument that labels will act as warning bells, scientific research shows scant evidence. A survey conducted in Vermont shows that consumers are not likely to view GM labels as an indicator of inferior quality or hazards. For some people, it is believed, it can even be an exercise in trust-building.

F  It is clear that arguments about safety are tied with the labelling issue. Safety concerns would eventually trigger the Food and Drug Administration to address labelling requirements. However, the reason GM food-producing companies should willingly label their products is that the consumers undeniably have the right to know what they are eating.

Questions 15-16

Which  TWO  advantages of GM food have been mentioned in the text?

A  a solution to starvation

B  cost-effective

C  less use of agrochemicals

D  certified by scientists

E  easy to produce

15   ……………..

16   ……………..

Questions 17 – 23

17 Majority of eatables sold in supermarkets are genetically modified.

18 Scientists are unsure about the safety of GM foods.

19 The EU has banned GM foods in its countries.

20 Americans support labelling GM products because they want to know what they are eating.

21 The market of natural foods has boomed due to apprehensions of consumers about GM foods.

22 Countries disagree with each other on the point of labelling GM foods.

23 Labelling GM products may spread goodwill.

Questions 24 – 27

24 reference to vested interests of businesses in favouring or opposing the labelling of GM foods

25 mention of a study which reveals that labelling would not defame GM foods

26 reference to government inclination towards business interests

27 mention of companies seeking help from experts to prove their point

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Answers of Genetically Modified Foods And Warning Labels Reading Answer with Location and Explanation 

15 Answer:  A

Question type:  Multiple Choice Question

Answer location:  Paragraph A, line 1

Answer explanation:  In the mentioned line, it is given that  “ Advocates of genetically modified crops profess that the technology is the only resort to feed an increasingly populated world. ” . This line points out that one of the benefits of genetically modified foods is that they can help to solve the hunger problems of the world. Hence, the answer is A (a solution to starvation).

16 Answer:  C

Answer location:  Paragraph A, line 2

Answer explanation:  In the first paragraph, it is given that  “ The technology of genetically modified foods has boosted crop yields, reduced pesticide use… ” . It proves that genetically modified foods assist cultivators to reduce the use of pesticides (less use of agrochemicals). Hence, the answer is C (less use of agrochemicals).

17 Answer:  Not Given

Question type:  True/False/Not Given

Answer location:  N.A.

Answer explanation:  Although in Paragraph A it is mentioned that “At the last count, at least 70% of the processed foods on American supermarket shelves contained GM (Genetically Modified) ingredients.”, there is mention of whether the same thing is done in all countries as indicated in the statement. Hence, the answer is Not Given.

18 Answer:  False

Answer location:  Paragraph A , line 5

Answer explanation:  In the cited lines, it is stated that  “ A majority of scientists speaking on the subject deem GM crops to be safe for consumption. ”.  Based on this statement, it can be commented that many scientists are sure that genetically modified foods are safe. As the statement contradicts the information, the answer is False.

19 Answer:  False

Answer location:  Paragraph B, line 3- line 4

Answer explanation:  In the mentioned lines, it is given that  “ Following raised concerns over the issue, the EU made labelling GM products mandatory in 1997, spooking customers who had nothing to do with the policy. Currently, GM food availability in Europe is rare. ”.  From this reference, it can be concluded that even though the availability of GM food has decreased, the foods have not been banned in Europe. As the statement contradicts the information, the answer is False.

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20 Answer:  True

Answer location:  Paragraph B, line 5-line 6

Answer explanation:  In Paragraph B, it is noted that  “ A recent poll by the New York Times has found that over 90% of Americans were in favour of labelling GM foods. It is all about transparency, they felt.” .  This statement points out that Americans are in support of labelling GM foods as they want to know what they are buying or consuming (transparency) . As the statement agrees with the information given in the passage, the answer is True.

21 Answer:  True

Answer location:  Paragraph B, line 7-line 8

Answer explanation:  In the cited lines, it is stated that  “ Two-thirds of Americans opine that consuming GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) is unsafe. This has driven the organic food sector from a niche market position to a USD 40 million industry, with millions of consumers switching to non-GMO organic food. ”.  It can be inferred from these statements that due to the apprehension that GM foods might not be safe, people have switched to organic food which has led to a boom (from a niche market position to a USD 40 million industry) in the organic food market. As the statement agrees with the information given in the passage, the answer is True.

22 Answer:  Not Given

Answer explanation:  Although there is a reference in Paragraph C that “According to a New York Times report, food industry giants are deeply divided over the issue of labelling”, the dispute is not among countries as mentioned in the statement, but among food companies. Hence, the answer is Not Given.

23 Answer:  True

Answer location:  Paragraph E, line 6

Answer explanation:  The given line specifies that  “ For some people, it is believed, it can even be an exercise in trust-building. ”.  It is indicated that labelling the GM foods may lead to goodwill (trust-building) among consumers. As the statement agrees with the information given in the passage, the answer is True.

24 Answer:  C

Question type:  Matching Information

Answer location:  Paragraph C

Answer explanation:  In Paragraph C, it is mentioned that  “ Companies selling genetically modified seeds, such as Monsanto, have hired academicians and researchers who vociferously maintain that GM foods are safe and do not require any labelling. However, companies like Stonyfield Farm and Earth’s Best, dealing in organic and natural produce, also have their own set of experts who profess that since the safety of GM food is far from proven, labels are necessary.” .  It shows that different companies have different views on labelling GM foods. While one group opines that GM foods are safe and do not need labelling, the organic group says that GM foods might not be safe and require labelling. Hence, the answer is C.

25 Answer:  E

Answer location:  Paragraph E, line 5

Answer explanation:  In the quoted line, it is stated that  “ A survey conducted in Vermont shows that consumers are not likely to view GM labels as an indicator of inferior quality or hazards. ”.  It can be pointed out that in the fifth paragraph, it is mentioned that a survey (study) shows that labelling of GM foods would not defame the foods as consumers would not see the labelling as an indicator of inferior goods. Hence, the answer is E.

26 Answer:  D

Answer location:  Paragraph D, line 4

Answer explanation:  In the mentioned portion, it is reported that  “ Paradoxically, the government that had commented prominently on independent rights of the state has now diverted interest towards the corporate world, which is not in favour of labelling. ”.  It can be concluded that the US government shows an inclination towards business (corporate world) interests, even though it has stated that the state has independent rights. Hence, the answer is D.

27 Answer:  C

Answer location:  Paragraph C, line 3

Answer explanation:  In the mentioned line, it is given  “ However, companies like Stonyfield Farm and Earth’s Best, dealing in organic and natural produce, also have their own set of experts who profess that since the safety of GM food is far from proven, labels are necessary. ”.  In other words, companies like Stonyfield Farm and Earth’s Best take help from experts to prove their point that as GM foods are not safe, they need labelling. Hence, the answer is C.

Check Out –  Best IELTS Reading Books 2023

Tips for Answering the Question Types in the Genetically Modified Foods And Warning Labels IELTS Reading Passage 

Since now you know the reading passage Genetically Modified Foods And Warning Labels reading answers with its explanation, let us check out some quick tips to answer the 3 question types in the IELTS Reading Answers of Genetically Modified Foods And Warning Labels.

Multiple-Choice Question: 

Multiple-Choice Questions are a type of question that requires you to select the best answer from a list of options. MCQs are often used in IELTS reading to test your understanding of the main ideas, supporting details, and overall structure of the passage. To answer multiple-choice questions based on a reading passage, you need to:

• Read the question and identify the keywords : This will help you focus on the important information in the passage.
• Read the passage using the keywords to find the relevant information : Don’t worry about understanding every detail of the passage at this point.
• Carefully compare each answer choice to the information in the passage : Look for the words and phrases that match most closely.
• Beware of answer choices  that contain additional information or that do not match the information in the passage.
• Use the elimination process to narrow down your choices : If you can’t find the answer directly in the passage, eliminate the answer choices that don’t match the information. The remaining answer choice is likely the correct one.

True/False/Not Given: 

IELTS Reading True/False/Not Given questions ask you to compare statements to information in a passage. You need to decide if the statement is true (matches the information), false (contradicts the information), or not given (there is no information about the statement in the passage). Here are some tips for answering these questions:

• Read the question carefully . Make sure you understand what the statement is asking about and what kind of answer you need (true, false, or not given).
• Identify the keywords.  These are the words that will help you find the relevant information in the passage.
• Skim and scan the passage for the keywords . Don’t read the entire passage at this point. Just look for the specific information that you are looking for.
• Read the relevant section of the passage carefully . Make sure you understand the meaning of the information and how it relates to the statement.
• Be careful of paraphrases.  The IELTS reading passages often paraphrase the information that is being tested. This means that the information in the passage may not be exactly the same as the information in the statement, but it will still have the same meaning.

To answer True/False/Not Given questions, you need to be able to read the passage carefully and understand the main points. You also need to be able to identify the specific information that is being tested, and distinguish between statements that are directly stated, contradicted, or not mentioned at all.

Check out:   How to Finish 3 IELTS Reading Comprehension in Less Than 60 Mins?

Matching Information:

IELTS Reading Matching Information questions ask you to match information from a passage to a list of statements. The statements can be about the main ideas, supporting details, or the author’s purpose and attitude.

Here are some tips for answering these questions:

• Read the instructions carefully.  Make sure you understand how many statements you need to match and if there are any special rules, such as whether you can use a statement more than once.
• Read the statements first . This will help you to understand what kind of information you are looking for and to eliminate any statements that are clearly wrong.
• Skim the passage  to get a general understanding of the topic and the structure of the passage.
• Scan the passage  to find the specific information that you are looking for. Don’t read the entire passage at this point. Just look for the specific information that matches the statements.
• Match the information to the passage . Be careful of red herrings (statements that seem to be relevant but are not actually supported by the passage). Make sure that the information in the statement is supported by the passage.

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opinion essay about the GM foods

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Food Essay Titles

Ielts food & diet essay questions.

With a growing world population one of the most pressing issues is that of feeding such a large number of people. Some people think that GM foods offer a viable solution to this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that educating people about the problems of eating too much fast food has no effect and that other measures should be taken to tackle this issue. What is your opinion?

People should only buy food sourced locally. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

The government should ban convenience foods to improve public health. Do you agree?

Some people think that the increase in the number of obese people should be the responsibility of the government, while others think it should be the responsibility of individuals. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

With a growing population, many people believe that we should focus on producing more GM foods. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

Putting a tax on sugar is a good way to reduce the number of people incurring health problems from eating too much sugary foods and drinks. Do you agree?

An increasing number of children are overweight which could result many problems when they grow older both in terms of their health and health care costs. Why do you think so many children are overweight? What could be done to solve this problem?

Unless fast foods and ready-made meals are banned, traditional methods of cooking will soon be lost. To what extent do you agree?

With a fast pace of modern life more and more people are turning towards fast food for their main meals. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Everyone should adopt a vegetarian diet because eating meat can cause serious health problems.

Do you agree or disagree?

Many processed foods and ready-made meals contain preservatives and chemicals. What are the advantages to this? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Over the last few decades, the media has promoted the image of young thin women as being ideal. What problems has this caused? What solutions can you suggest to this issue?

Reported essay questions are from students who have taken their IELTS test. That means questions may have appeared more frequently than have been reported. These questions may vary slightly in wording and focus from the original question. Also note that these questions could also appear in IELTS speaking part 3 which is another good reason to prepare all topics thoroughly.

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Usage of GM foods advantages and disadvantages

IELTS essay Usage of GM foods advantages and disadvantages

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