IELTS Speaking Part 3
GM Food & Biotechnology
Evaluating Genetic Modification, Food Security, and the Ethics of Tampering with Nature
Topic Vocabulary
Bio-engineered
(adj)
Genetically modified or created through biological engineering techniques.
Greater Yield
(n)
A larger amount of an agricultural product produced in a single harvest.
Shelf life
(n)
The length of time that a food product remains fit for consumption.
Unforeseen
/ˌʌn.fɔːˈsiːn/ (adj)
Not anticipated or expected; hidden consequences of genetic altering.
Tampering
/ˈtæm.pər.ɪŋ/ (v)
Interfering with something in a way that causes damage or improper changes.
Regulatory System
(n)
A framework of rules and controls intended to manage specific activities.
Organic Food
(n)
Food produced without the use of chemical fertilizers or genetic modification.
Labelling
/ˈleɪ.bəl.ɪŋ/ (v/n)
The practice of attaching information about a product’s contents to its packaging.
*Click cards to hear pronunciation
Advantages (Pros)
- Increased nutritional value and better flavor/color.
- More efficient use of land and greater yields.
- Longer shelf life and easier shipment.
- Resistance to environmental changes and reduced weeds.
- Potential to eliminate allergy-causing properties.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Potential unforeseen problems due to lack of testing.
- Risk of developing “super-pests” through DNA changes.
- Corporate domination of the global food supply.
- Ethical concerns about tampering with nature.
- Lack of an unified international regulatory system.
Biotech Literacy Quiz
Question 1
Which benefit describes a food’s ability to stay fresh during long shipment?
Question 2
What is the ethical argument against GM food?
Discussion Practice (Tự luận)
1. The GM Controversy
“Why is producing and consuming bio-engineered food so controversial?”
The controversy arises from a fundamental tension between humanitarian progress and biological safety. On one hand, bio-engineered crops offer a greater yield and better nutritional value. However, opponents fear unforeseen problems and the risk of new diseases because these products haven’t been tested adequately. The lack of a unified international regulatory system further fuels mistrust…
2. Interest in Organic Food
“What are the reasons for the increasing interest in organic food?”
The surge in demand for organic food is largely a defensive reaction to industrial agriculture. Many people are becoming more health-conscious and want to avoid the potential risks of tampering with nature. They prefer food produced without chemical fertilizers or genetic modifications to ensure their long-term health…
3. Science and Food Quality
“Is science improving food quality, or making it a danger to our health?”
It is a double-edged sword. Science has undoubtedly improved quality through the elimination of allergy-causing properties and increasing nutritional value. However, the excessive use of chemical preservatives and bio-engineering without long-term testing could potentially lead to health risks…
4. The Importance of Labelling
“Do you think GM food should be labelled? Why or why not?”
I strongly believe that labelling is essential for transparency and consumer rights. Every individual should have the right to know exactly what they are consuming so they can make an informed choice based on their own moral values or health concerns. Without proper labelling, the public faith in the food industry is eroded…
5. Technological Changes in Production
“How has technology changed methods of food production in your country in the last fifty years?”
Technology has revolutionized agriculture. Fifty years ago, farming was largely manual; today, we have massive mechanization and advanced irrigation networks that have significantly increased productivity. Furthermore, the introduction of bio-engineered crops resistant to pests has stabilized food prices…
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