PART 2: ESSAY
You have read the passages “Genetically Engineered Crops” and “The Facts about Genetic Engineering” and have answered some questions about what you have read. Now write your argumentative essay in the space provided.
WRITING TASK
Genetically engineered foods use science to alter plant genes. Some people feel that GE foods are a good idea, while others feel that they are harmful.
Weigh the claims on both sides, and then write an argumentative essay in which you argue whether people should eat genetically engineered food and crops or not and why.
Be sure to use evidence from BOTH passages in your argumentative essay. Write your response in the space provided.
Before you write, be sure to:
think about ideas, facts, definitions, details, and other information and examples you want to use;
think about how you will introduce your topic and what the main topic will be for each paragraph;
develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source texts;
be sure to identify the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.
Now write your argumentative essay in the space provided. Be sure to:
introduce your claim;
support your claim with logical reasoning and relevant evidence from the texts;
acknowledge and address alternate or opposing claims;
organize the reasons and evidence logically;
use words, phrases, and clauses to connect your ideas and to clarify the relationships among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence;
establish and maintain a formal style;
provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented; and
check your work for correct grammar, usage, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation.
Please use two line spaces (using the "enter" key twice) between each paragraph.
Genetically engineered (GE) foods have been a topic of controversy for many years now. While some believe that these crops are beneficial in terms of increased food production and pest resistance, others argue that they can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. After carefully considering the claims presented in both the “Genetically Engineered Crops” and “The Facts about Genetic Engineering” passages, I firmly believe that people should exercise caution when consuming genetically engineered food and crops.
One of the arguments in favor of genetically engineered crops is that they can help address the issue of food scarcity by increasing crop yields. The passage “Genetically Engineered Crops” highlights how GE crops have the potential to produce higher yields and reduce the need for chemical pesticides. This could be beneficial in providing food security for a growing global population. However, it is important to note that increased crop yields do not always translate to improved food security, as distribution and access to food are also crucial factors.
On the other hand, the passage “The Facts about Genetic Engineering” raises concerns about the potential risks associated with genetically engineered foods. It points out that there is still much uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of consuming these foods on human health. Additionally, the passage emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough scientific research to assess the safety of GE crops before they are introduced into the market.
Furthermore, there are environmental concerns surrounding genetically engineered crops. The “Genetically Engineered Crops” passage discusses how GE crops can have unintended effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems. For example, the use of herbicide-resistant crops can lead to an increase in herbicide use, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity and soil health. These unintended consequences highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of GE crops.
In conclusion, while genetically engineered foods have the potential to address certain agricultural challenges, it is essential to proceed with caution. The safety of these crops for human health and the environment must be thoroughly researched and confirmed before widespread adoption. As the technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to critically evaluate the risks and benefits of genetically engineered foods and crops. Ultimately, the decision to consume GE foods should be based on a well-informed understanding of the potential implications for both human health and the environment.