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Argumentative Essay
GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been
genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals.
These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in
nature or in traditional crossbreeding.
The purpose of GMOs is to produce plant and animals for food use that have:
1. Increased size.
2. Better disease resistance.
3. Larger crop yield.
4. Better overall quality.
Much controversy surrounds the use of GMOs as food sources, both in support of
and in opposition to their use.
YOUR TASK:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism
http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/about-gmos.html
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gmo-education
Below are a selection of articles both IN SUPPORT OF and IN OPPOSITION TO
the uses of GMO food sources.
After deciding you stand, read at least 3 articles to support your writing then
WRITE a 2-3 page ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY in which you support your views
on the use of GMOs as a food source.
I. PROS
GM: Mark of Excellence?
http://www.americanscientist.org/bookshelf/pub/gm-mark-of-excellence
II. CONS
10 Reasons to Avoid GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/10-Reasons-to-Avoid-GMOs
GM Crops
http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/main/page.php?200
IV. Find TWO additional sources of information to support your argument ON
YOUR OWN from these:
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U.S. News & World Report (07/26/99)—Longman, Phillip J.Grose, Thomas K.Charski, MindyEgan,
JackLoeb, PennyLoftus, MargaretTangley, Laura Discusses genetically modified organisms (GMO),
or Frankenfood as the British tabloids call it. How the ability to crossbreed diverse forms of life has
impacted United States agriculture; Critics warning against bio-engineered food; Investigation into the
safety of GMO; Farmers' concern about how United States consumers will respond as trade frictions
and scientific findings put GMO in the news. INSETS: How safe is genetically modified food?;How to
create a life without sex.
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Mother Earth News (Apr/May2012)—MATHER, ROBIN The article focuses on the side effects of
genetically modified (GM) food. The first GM food, the Flavr Savr tomato appeared 18 years back.
Since then the controversy about their safety is going on. In GM foods, the DNA is changed like
inserting good genetic material of one species to another. The first GM crop of potato carrying Bt
(Bacillus thuringiensis) genes was approved in 1995 in U.S. The two predominant traits of GM are
herbicide resistance and pesticide production.
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(http://modulecreator.com/ModuleCreator/#page=login&moduleId=32703&scrollTo=articles)
Futurist (May/Jun2012)—Schonwald, Josh The article discusses the benefits of genetically modified
food, the genetically modified organism (GMO) movement, and GMO's potential benefits for
sustainability, adapted from the book "The Taste of Tomorrow: Dispatches from the Future of Food,"
by Josh Schonwald.
#5 SEEDS OF CONFLICT.
(http://modulecreator.com/ModuleCreator/#page=login&moduleId=32703&scrollTo=articles)
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Skipping Stones (Mar/Apr2013)—Mullins, Julian The author reflects on the issues associated with the
genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the food supply in the U.S. He cites the California ballot in
the Proposition 37, which requires the labeling of GM products, and mentions the effort of several
prominent companies to spend big budget for a campaign to stop the proposal. The author also notes
the lack of research that confirms the safety of GMOs, prompting him to suggest consumers to buy
locally-grown organic crops to prevent GMOs.
1340L
(http://modulecreator.com/ModuleCreator/#page=login&moduleId=32703&scrollTo=articles)
Scientific American (Sep2013)— An editorial is presented which discusses the potential health impact
of genetically engineered foods, arguing that laws should not require the labeling of genetically
modified organisms (GMOs). Topics include consumer attitudes, the benefits of GMOs in developing
countries, food costs, and the "Proposition 37" legislation rejected in California in 2012.
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#10 Report calls genetically altered plants safe; White House to boost oversight.
(http://modulecreator.com/ModuleCreator/#page=login&moduleId=32703&scrollTo=articles)
Issues in Science & Technology (Summer2000)— Focuses on the April 2000 National Research
Council report which concluded that genetically engineered plants appear to be safe but that
government oversight could be improved. Other key findings of the report; Comments from committee
Chairman Perry Adkisson; Effort made by the United States government on the matter.
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UNESCO Sources (Oct97)—Macer, Darryl Discusses the debate over genetically engineered plants.
Environmental concerns; Fears for health; Qualms about interfering with nature; Advantages of
genetic engineering; Controversy over the arrival of genetically modified soybeans in Europe; History
of human involvement in the control of genes and seeds; Application of bioethics principles.
1280L
(http://modulecreator.com/ModuleCreator/#page=login&moduleId=32703&scrollTo=articles)
Technology Review (Mar2003)—Charles, Daniel Discusses the genetic engineering of corn. Benefits
of self-cloning plants; Information on the International Center for the Improvement of Maize and
Wheat; Views of seed companies on self-cloning corns.
Christian Science Monitor (3/1/2000)—Belsie, Laurent Reports on growing concern in the United
States about genetically modified food.
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BioScience (Jun2002)—McDade, Lucinda A. Reviews the book 'Lords of the Harvest,' by Daniel
Charles.