Sample Essays (From “Practice Exam Papers for the Russian National Exam” CenterCom, 2005)

Task: Genetically modified food (GM) is a way of feeding millions of people. Some people think that these foods are unhealthy. What can you say for and against producing genetically modified food?

Genetically modified food is being produced in many countries throughout the world. Some people say that growing GM foods is absolutely necessary if we are to feed the increasing numbers of people in the world. However, other people object to farmers growing GM foods as they say these foods are unhealthy and even dangerous for those who eat them.

One of the main advantages of growing GM foods is that they are not attacked by insects and diseases as much as ordinary foods. As a result, more food is produced. Another benefit is that they grow more quickly, are bigger and last longer than regular food. This means that there is more food for countries which have problems feeding their citizens. In addition, they have a better flavour and shape and so look more attractive to the buyer.

On the other hand, some people say that it is unnatural to mix genes from different living things and we should leave the plants to grow in the normal way. Another objection is that farming is already too scientific and there are already too many chemicals being used on the land.

In conclusion, consumers should be informed about the pros and cons of GM foods. In that case they can decide if they want to buy GM foods or not.

Task: More and more people are becoming vegetarians. However, many people think that it is not a healthy way of eating. What can you say for and against becoming a vegetarian?

Recently more and more people have been choosing to eat vegetarian dishes rather than meat and fish. They think it is better for their health. However, many nutritionists say that following a vegetarian diet exclusively is not actually such a healthy option.

It is generally believed that a vegetarian diet provides more vitamins, minerals and fibre than a meat-based diet. In addition, vegetables contain fewer calories than meat. This means that vegetarians are often fitter and slimmer than meat-eaters. Furthermore, vegetables are much cheaper than meat, so not only are they better for your health, but also better for your pocket. Finally, as meat contains a lot of fat, it increases the risk of heart diseases.

On the other hand, vegetables contain less protein, which is important because it builds muscles and gives us energy. Besides, some important vitamins can be found only in meat. So vegetarians have to take vitamin pills to avoid the lack of essential vitamins in their diets and it can be expensive.

To sum up, it is probably better to eat a little meat or fish along with vegetables. In this way you can be sure that you get all the proteins, vitamins and minerals you need, and, at the same time, not eat too much fat. A little of everything is probably the best rule to follow.

Task: Many children are becoming obese. Some people feel schools should ban junk food to help solve this problem. What can you say for and against serving junk food in schools?

Would children have a healthier lifestyle if chips, hamburgers and fizzy drinks were banned from school canteens? Many of the meals that children eat at school are high in sugar and fat. In Europe today 25% of children weigh more than is healthy. This is a serious problem because children who are overweight are likely to be overweight as adults, and this can lead to health problems.

Many people believe that schools are responsible for teaching children healthy eating habits. Children who eat well, learn well. If school canteens have only good food on the menu, children will eat good food. If children learn to appreciate a healthy diet at school, they will appreciate it for the rest of their lives.

However, if you stop children buying junk food at school, it does not mean they will stop buying junk food outside school. It is better to teach children to make healthy food choices. Children should be led by example of eating well at home. If parents teach their children to make healthy choices, they teach them an important lesson.

Schools, parents and children themselves must share the responsibility for the food children eat. Children who eat well, do better at school and will probably go on to be healthy.