Pobanz 1

Allison Pobanz

Professor Parry

English 2010

July 18, 2017

Self-Reflection

Fighting Against Mandatory GMO Labeling is a paper filled with the accumulation of

my research based on the controversial issue of labeling genetically modified foods. It argues

that such a law will disrupt consumer choice and cause confusion among the average American

grocery shopper. Many pro-labeling claims propose initially enticing arguments about why it is

the only true way to give consumers the right know. After careful research and analysis, I have

crafted reasons why labeling GM food across the nation will not only potentially cause more

damage than good, but it will also prove unnecessary. Furthermore, it is my purpose to give

voice to the side of this genetically modified food fight that I have found is less vocal then those

rallying for mandatory labeling. My hope is that by joining this social movement myself, I will

inspire readers to become informed through my research about this topic so that they are

prepared to vote responsibly on ballots concerning a GM food labeling law in the United States.

As the process of writing this paper unfolded, I realized that making revisions along the

way would be necessary in order to produce my finest argument. This meant that I would need to

pay careful attention to the rebuttal of each claim I made. Because of this goal, much of the

revision process revolved around strengthening my counterclaims and thesis. A large part of the

success that is seen in each of my essays in this course, and especially in my researched

argument, is due to the great peer reviews that I received along the way. Getting quality feedback

allowed the construction of my ideas to soar in the right direction. As I participated in giving
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responses to my peers about their own work, I was sure to take the time that was needed in order

to critique and compliment their writing.

During the research portion of composing my argument, I was not quite expecting to find

the information I did in regards to cases against mandatory GM food labels. When I set out to

gather knowledge about this subject, I was planning on writing my paper on why a GM food

label is needed; through challenging and inquiring my preconceived ideas, I came to the

consensus that my argument would be directed towards fighting against mandatory labeling. This

proved to be challenging as I was required to shift my initial thought process and map out a new

route of researching and writing.

I aspire to become a certified dietitian with a Masters Degree in food science and

nutrtition. This level of education will require that I understand the research process and how to

generate quality writing in short amounts of time. Because this was expected of me in this

course, I now see future research being effective and efficient. Some of the main courses

involved in my career field are based on organic chemistry. Much like the vigor and dedication

that was required of students in this class to complete our researched argument, chemistry also

has many of the same challenging aspects that are meant to expand and challenge students

critical thinking skills. With this in mind, taking this course will surely prove to be a great asset

to my education.

The topic of labeling genetically modified food can be a passionate subject for many

individuals. This paper is intended to give my personal call to action that I have found worthy

after extensive research. It is not intended to disregard the arguments for mandatory labeling that

are currently present, as well as the evidence in scholarly journals of the potential adverse health

and environmental health effects of genetic modification of organisms. Giving my argument that
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is fighting against a mandatory GM food labeling law is meant to expose the reasons why I have

found passing such a law is a hasty formal federal consensus at this time.

My researched argument was successfully able to touch the areas that needed to be

covered in order to form a valid argument. This paper could have been expanded by triple the

size because of all the information that is available on this specific subject. However, I have

chosen the information that appeals to me as a writer and to my thesis. Overall, because my final

paper met the expectations of the assignment, I would personally grade this paper within the A-

to A range.