Seven Hills High School

Year 10 Assessment Task Notification

Student Name:

Faculty: Science Course: Science

Name of Task: Genetically Modified Food Report

Date Issued: Date Due:

Report Weighting: 40% RoSA Weighting: 15%

Head Teacher: Daniel Way

Nature of Task: Research Task and Report

Description: The Gene Revolution of the 1950s increased food production by using new and improved chemicals to control
weeds, insect pests and diseases. New varieties of crops and fertilisers also helped to increase food production. The Gene
Revolution of the 21st century uses genetic modification to grow crops that have the potential to produce more food with a
higher nutritional value than traditional crops. The Gene Revolution also uses fewer chemicals. Scientists believe that by using
gene technology they can improve a variety of crops including corn, wheat, rice, canola, chicory, squash, potato, soybean,
alfalfa, cotton, banana and tomato.

You are to prepare an exposition of no more than 1000 words on the topic

“Is Genetically modified food the solution to stop food famine?”

You must address the following:

(a) Name and define the term genetic modification.
(b) Describe why genetic modification is carried out: provide 3 reasons.
(c) Explain how the process of genetic modification is carried out on food (use a diagram to support your explanation).
(d) Analyse how well does genetic modification work in Australia (cause and effect).
(e) Critically Analyse state the advantages and disadvantages of genetic modification of food.
(f) Evaluate the effectiveness of genetic modification of food (does the advantages outweigh the disadvantages).
(g) Critically evaluate make a final judgement - do you agree or disagree with the statement - genetically modified
food is the solution to stop food famine. Support your argument with at least 2 reasons. Should Australia be using
genetically modified foods?
(h) Bibliography Utilising a respected referencing system eg. APA

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Research on genetic modification using a range of different sources
2. Use your research to address a-g (found above). Use the Assessment Task Scaffold provided to organise the relevant
information from your research
3. Prepare a report using the scaffold which incorporates your answers for the questions.
4. Ensure you have accurately acknowledged all sources used under Bibliography
5. Bring the scaffold on the due date together a printed copy of your final exposition and the marking criteria for
feedback.
Report Outcomes Assessed:
• Explains how advancements in technology have contributed to scientific discovery and practice
• Explores challenging ideas to create an informative text surrounding a scientific issue

Please Note: Students unable to meet the requirements of the assessment task on the set date are to notify the Head Teacher
immediately
ASSESSMENT TASK SCAFFOLD NAME: __________________
*You must use the provided scaffold to record the key points during your research and use this information to write a report.
VERB PROMPTS POINTS

Name and What does the term genetic

Define modification mean?

Describe Why is genetic modification

carried out? State 3 reasons

Explain What are the stages/steps

needed to produce a
genetically modified food?

Include a diagram to support

your answer.

Analyse Outline, with an example,

how well genetic
modification works in
Australia.

Critically State the advantages and

Analyse disadvantages of genetic
modification.
Evaluate State the effectiveness of
genetic modification of food
(does the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?)

Critically Make a final judgement-

Evaluate do you agree or disagree
with the statement -
Genetically Modified
Food- The Solution To
Stop Food Famine.
Support your argument
with at least 2 reasons.

Should Australia be using

genetically modified
food? Support your
judgment fully.

Bibliography List all the resources you

used to attain you
information.
Marking Criteria
DESCRIPTION
Scaffold
Name and Define
Why is genetic modification carried out
What are the stages to produce a
genetically modified food?
Include a diagram
How well does genetic modification
work in Australia. State with an
example where it is used.
State the advantages and
disadvantages of genetic modification
(3 each)
State the effectiveness of genetic
modification of food (does the
positives outweigh the negatives)
Make a final judgement- do you
agree or disagree with the
statement - genetically modified
food the solution to stop food
famine. Support your argument.
Should Australia be using
genetically modified food?
Support your judgment
Student Name: ________________________________________________
Elementary BASIC
1 2
Information is not in Some dot points but
dot points, most information is not presented as
questions are not a summary. Neat and
researched correctly demonstrates some ability to
or are incomplete, thoroughly carry out research
lacks appeal-untidy
Provides a brief Provides a scientific definition
definition of the of the term genetic
term genetic modification
modification
Makes an attempt to States a valid reason as to why
state why genetic genetic modification is carried
modification is out
carried out
Includes a diagram Provides a poor explanation of
only the stages
States an example of States an example of food
food product that is product that is genetically
genetically modified modified in Australia OR states
whether genetic modification is
successful or not
Gives one advantage States two advantages or
or disadvantage disadvantages of genetic
modification
Attempts to state the Makes a general statement on
effectiveness of the effectiveness of genetic
genetic modification modification
Makes a brief States if you agree or disagree
judgement outlining with the statement with a
if you agree or supportive argument for the
disagree with the judgement made OR
statement with no Makes a general comment
supportive reasoning outlining if we should or should
not use genetically modified
food
SOUND
3 4
Dot points used to summarise key
points. Neat and most sections
demonstrate an ability to
thoroughly research
Provides a scientific definition of
the term genetic modification in
their own words or with
elaboration
Identifies a food which is
genetically modified and states a
brief reason for modification
Includes a diagram and describes
some stages correctly
States an example of food product
genetically modified in Australia
with brief description whether or
not it is successful
States advantages and
disadvantages of genetic
modification
Makes a general statement on the
effectiveness of genetic
modification with the use of
persuasive language
States if you agree or disagree with
the statement with a supportive
argument for the judgement made.
Makes a general comment
outlining if we should or should not
use genetically modified food
HIGH
Dot points used to summarise key
points. Neat and demonstrates
thorough research
Identifies a food that is genetically
modified and states 3 reasons for
modification of foods
Includes a diagram and describes
most of the stages correctly
States an example of food product
genetically modified in Australia with
description of its successes and flaws
States at least two advantages and
two disadvantages of genetic
modification
Makes a persuasive statement on the
effectiveness of the genetic
modification that convinces the
reader
States if you agree or disagree with
the statement with at least two
supportive arguments for the
judgement made.
Provides a reasoning outlining if
Australia should or should not use
genetically modified food
Total:____ /50
OUTSTANDING MARKS
5
Identifies a food that is genetically
modified and states three reasons
why particular food are Genetically
modified
Includes a detailed diagram and
explains all the stages correctly
States an example of food product
genetically modified in Australia with
explanation on how successful or
unsuccessful the product is with data
Discusses three or more advantages
and disadvantages of genetic
modification
Makes a persuasive statement on the
effectiveness of the genetic
modification that convinces the
reader and supports with examples
States if you agree or disagree with
the statement with at least two
supportive arguments for the
judgement made.
Convinces the reader if Australia
should use genetically modified food
with strong judgements to support
the reasoning

Bibliography- information is accessed
and correctly referenced
Punctuation, Spelling and Grammar
Report Structure and Cohesion
Literacy Criteria
1-2 source named 2-3 sources named, but 2-3 sources named and correctly 3 or more reputable sources 3 or more reputable sources
but incorrectly incorrectly referenced referenced including author, year, accessed, showing variety including a accessed, showing variety including a
referenced title and address where relevant book, and website, but incorrectly book and website and correctly
referenced or with mistakes referenced using a renowned
referencing method (eg. APA)
Spelling errors No more than 4 spelling errors No more than 2 spelling mistakes All words are spelt correctly.
detract from the and no incorrect spelling of key and no incorrect spelling of key Punctuation features are used
content of the terms. Punctuation is used terms. All sentences begin with a correctly and support the meaning of
response. Capitals incorrectly at times, resulting in capital letter and end with a full the sentence. Tense is used and
and full stops are not lack of clarity stop. Tense is sustained with an sustained throughout the report
always correctly error
placed. Tense is
confused throughout
the report
Headings are used to Headings are used to Structures the report as addressing Structures the report as addressing
distinguish between distinguish between areas of all areas in a coherent and all areas in a coherent and structured
areas of the report the report but it does not structured way. Paragraphs are way. Paragraphs are used to express
without linking of detract from the linking of used to express ideas on specific ideas on specific points. Report flows
ideas ideas OR the Report is written points without the need for headings
addressing all areas without
the use of headings