Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed in Agriculture - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL Integrated Writing task challenges you to synthesize information from a reading passage and a lecture. In this practice test, you’ll explore the topic, ‘Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed in Agriculture’ This debate is vital as it addresses both the potential benefits and ethical concerns associated with modern agricultural practices.

By effectively summarizing the main arguments from both sources, you’ll refine your writing skills and enhance your ability to present contrasting viewpoints. This task will prepare you to approach the TOEFL Writing section with confidence and clarity.

Writing Instructions

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard.
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

Gene modification in agriculture has the potential to change food production. It can also address global food safety challenges. One of the main benefits is the ability to create crops that are resistant to pests and diseases. By adding specific genes, scientists can develop plants that are less likely to be attacked by pests. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides. This not only lowers production costs but also minimizes environmental pollution and health risks linked to pesticide use.Another big advantage is the potential for increased crop yields. Genetic changes can help plants withstand harsh conditions like drought, salt levels, and extreme temperatures. This strength can lead to more stable and abundant harvests. This is crucial for feeding a growing global population. For example, genetically engineered rice varieties have been developed to thrive in flood-prone areas. This ensures food safety in regions vulnerable to climate change.Also, gene modification can improve the food value of crops. Scientists can strengthen plants with essential vitamins and minerals. This addresses nutrient deficiencies in populations that rely heavily on staple crops. Golden Rice, which is enriched with Vitamin A, is a notable example. It shows how gene modification can combat poor nutrition. By enhancing the food value of crops, gene modification can contribute to better public health outcomes.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise the lecture’s key points and explain how they challenge or support the reading passage’s claims.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed in Agriculture

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed in Agriculture

Below is a detailed review of different responses, including both mid-level and high-level examples, to help you pinpoint areas for improvement and reach your desired score:

Mid Level Response

The lecture disagrees with the reading about the benefits of gene modification in agriculture. The professor says that GMOs can have unintended environmental consequences. They can crossbreed with wild relatives, leading to the spread of modified genes in the natural ecosystem. This can create "superweeds" that are resistant to regular weed killers, making them harder to control. This goes against the reading's idea that gene modification reduces the need for chemical pesticides and minimizes environmental pollution.

The professor also questions the promise of increased crop yields. Genetically engineered crops have not always performed well under real-world conditions due to factors like soil quality, weather variability, and pest pressures. Additionally, reliance on a few genetically modified varieties can reduce genetic diversity, making crops more vulnerable to diseases and pests in the long term. This challenges the reading's claim that gene modification leads to more stable and abundant harvests.

Lastly, the professor highlights economic concerns. The development and marketing of genetically engineered crops are often controlled by a few large companies, leading to market control. Small farmers may be forced to buy expensive seeds and become dependent on these companies, worsening economic inequalities. This undermines the reading's claim that gene modification can contribute to global food safety and better public health outcomes.

Rater's Comment

This response is adequate but has limitations that prevent it from receiving a higher score. While it summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, it lacks depth and detail. For instance, the explanation of unintended environmental consequences is brief and could be expanded. Additionally, there are grammatical errors, such as "This goes against the reading's idea that gene modification reduces the need for chemical pesticides," which could be more clearly phrased. Transitions between ideas are somewhat abrupt, impacting overall coherence. Although the response maintains an objective tone and avoids personal opinions, the grammatical errors and lack of detail suggest it could be more polished and comprehensive.

High Level Response

The lecture challenges the reading's positive view on gene modification in agriculture. The professor argues that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can have unintended environmental consequences. GMOs can crossbreed with wild relatives, leading to the spread of modified genes in the natural ecosystem. This can create "superweeds" that are resistant to regular weed killers, making them harder to control. This contradicts the reading's claim that gene modification reduces the need for chemical pesticides and minimizes environmental pollution.

The professor also questions the promise of increased crop yields. Genetically engineered crops have not always performed well under real-world conditions due to factors like soil quality, weather variability, and pest pressures. Additionally, reliance on a few genetically modified varieties can reduce genetic diversity, making crops more vulnerable to diseases and pests in the long term. This challenges the reading's assertion that gene modification leads to more stable and abundant harvests.

Lastly, the professor highlights economic concerns. The development and marketing of genetically engineered crops are often controlled by a few large companies, leading to market control. Small farmers may be forced to buy expensive seeds and become dependent on these companies, worsening economic inequalities. This undermines the reading's claim that gene modification can contribute to global food safety and better public health outcomes.

Rater's Comment

This response deserves a high score because it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, clearly highlighting how the lecture challenges the reading. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention. The language used is clear and concise, with appropriate transitions that enhance coherence. Phrases like "This contradicts the reading's claim" effectively signal relationships between the sources. Overall, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect meaning.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed in Agriculture

Here are effective strategies to tackle the topic ‘Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed in Agriculture’:

1. Summarize Key Points: Pinpoint the main arguments from both the reading and the lecture. Illustrate how the lecture either supports or contradicts the reading.

2. Use Clear Structure: Arrange your response in a logical format: start with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs that discuss the differences, and conclude with a summary of the main insights. \

3. Avoid Personal Opinions: Concentrate solely on the information provided in the reading and the lecture, maintaining an objective tone.

4. Practice Time Management: Allocate your time wisely between reading, listening, and writing to ensure a coherent and complete response within the allotted time.

5. Highlight Contradictions: Point out where the lecture disputes or differs from the reading. Clearly emphasize these distinctions to fulfill TOEFL requirements.

6. Use Transition Words: Incorporate transitions such as "in contrast," "however," or "on the other hand" to clarify the relationship between the reading and the lecture.

7. Paraphrase Ideas: Express the concepts from the passage and lecture in your own words, showcasing your language skills and avoiding direct copying.

We hope this practice test on 'Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed in Agriculture' was beneficial for your TOEFL preparation! Continue practicing to perfect your writing skills, and you're sure to make great strides towards achieving your desired score!

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