The use of bioengineered crops, specifically genetically modified (GM) plants, has been widely adopted in agriculture. Proponents argue that GM crops offer significant benefits, but a closer examination reveals three major concerns. First, GM crops can harm biodiversity. By introducing genes that confer resistance to pests or herbicides, these crops may outcompete native plant species or reduce the populations of beneficial insects, such as monarch butterflies, which are sensitive to pollen from certain GM corn varieties. Second, GM crops pose risks to human health. The transfer of genes from allergenic organisms could introduce new allergens into common foods, and long-term effects of consuming GM products are still unknown, as most safety studies are short-term and industry-funded. Third, GM crops create economic dependency for farmers. Since GM seeds are patented, farmers must purchase new seeds each year and cannot save seeds from their harvests, leading to increased costs and a loss of traditional farming autonomy, particularly affecting small-scale farmers in developing countries.
🎧 听力讲座
🎯 模拟考试环境：先点「播放讲座」听完内容，再作答。听力原文默认隐藏。
The professor challenges the reading's claims, arguing that GM crops are actually beneficial when properly managed. First, regarding biodiversity, the professor points out that GM crops can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which are far more harmful to biodiversity. For example, Bt corn targets specific pests, sparing beneficial insects, and the alleged harm to monarch butterflies was based on laboratory conditions that do not reflect real fields. Second, concerning human health, the professor emphasizes that GM crops are among the most rigorously tested foods in history. Regulatory agencies like the FDA and WHO have found no evidence of allergenicity, and long-term studies have been conducted on animals without adverse effects. Moreover, GM technology can even remove allergens from foods, such as peanuts. Third, on economic dependency, the professor argues that GM crops often increase yields and reduce input costs, which can improve farmers' incomes. While seed patents exist, farmers can choose non-GM alternatives, and in many cases, GM seeds are designed to thrive in harsh conditions, reducing losses and helping smallholders. The dependency argument oversimplifies a complex economic landscape.
📝 Writing Prompt Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the specific points made in the reading passage.
📊 TOEFL Integrated Writing Rubric
Content Accuracy: Accurately capture the relationship between lecture and reading
Information Completeness: Cover all key counter-arguments from the lecture
Structure & Coherence: Logical organization and progression
Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary, expression accuracy
Scored 0-30 based on holistic scoring (original 0-5, scaled to 30).
