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Academic Discussion prompt

Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be more widely used to address global food shortages? Why or why not?

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

3 sample answersBiology

The prompt

As it appears in practice

GMO crops can increase yields and resist pests, potentially helping feed growing populations. However, concerns exist about long-term health and environmental effects.

Sample answers, by band

3 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric
I believe that GMOs should be more widely used to address global food shortages. Although some people might argue that they have several drawbacks, I am convinced that this approach has numerous advantages. To begin with, I strongly agree with Farida's perspective that recent research has shown that GMOs are safe for consumption. For example, the WFP has shown that the use of GMOs is highly beneficial because it helps farmers grow crops faster and promotes people's well-being. Additionally, by using GMOs, countries can produce more food, export it to other countries, and stimulate the economy. For example, China uses GMOs and exports GMO products to other countries, which allows it to gain significant economic benefits.As a result, this can help reduce hunger and stimulate economic growth. Taking everything into consideration, leveraging GMO crops is beneficial for both meeting the needs of growing populations and promoting economic growth.

What worked

  • Use of specific examples
  • Economic benefits argument
  • Clear conclusion

What cost points

  • Lack of counterargument consideration
  • Repetitive phrasing
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Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric
I believe that GMOs should be used more widely to help address global food shortages, especially because the problem is becoming more urgent. In many parts of the world, farmers face serious problems such as drought, extreme weather, poor soil quality, and crop diseases, which make traditional farming less reliable. Genetically modified organisms can be designed to produce higher yields and survive difficult conditions, so they may help protect food supplies in vulnerable countries. However, I also understand Student 2’s concern that biotech crops should not be expanded without control. Environmental risks, such as reduced biodiversity or overdependence on a few seed companies, should be taken seriously. For this reason, governments should not simply allow unlimited GMO use. Instead, they should require strict testing, clear labeling, and strong regulation to make sure these crops are safe and fairly distributed. Rigorous testing protocols are essential to ensure safety. Therefore, I believe GMOs are not a perfect solution, but they are an important tool that can help reduce hunger when they are used responsibly. For example, in countries like India, biotech crops have been shown to increase yields and provide a more stable food supply. For these reasons, I firmly believe that GMOs should be part of the solution to global food shortages.
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Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
I agree with Student 1 that GMO crops should be used more widely because they can play an important role in solving global food shortages. Their ability to produce higher yields and resist pests allows farmers to grow more food even when climate change makes farming more difficult. As a result, more people can have access to affordable food, especially in developing countries. While Student 2 raises valid concerns about biodiversity and herbicide-resistant weeds, I believe these risks can be reduced through proper government regulations and continuous scientific research. In my opinion, refusing to use GMO technology because of potential risks would mean ignoring one of the most effective ways to improve food security. Therefore, the benefits of GMO crops clearly outweigh their disadvantages.
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How attempts at this prompt actually score

Measured 2026-08-25

Across 52 scored practice attempts at the Reach120 practice prompt "Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be more widely used to address global food shortages? Why or why not?", the mean Reach120 practice band estimate is 3.0 of 6 (measured 2026-08-25; Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score).

Mean band estimate

3.0of 6

over 52 scored practice attempts

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Band spread

  • 1.0–1.52
  • 2.0–2.52
  • 3.0–3.538
  • 4.0–4.57
  • 5.0–5.53

Where attempts lose points

  • Language use2.50 of 5
  • Organization2.56 of 5
  • Contribution2.85 of 5
  • Content2.92 of 5
  • Format2.92 of 5

Source: Reach120 practice corpus, every scored attempt at this prompt, internal and harness-created accounts excluded through the same rule as public_measured_stats(). Attempts scored before 2026-03-23 are excluded: Reach120 changed how it scores on that date, and pooling across the change would describe the change rather than the writing. Recomputed when this page is rebuilt; the date above is when this reading was taken.

Published only at or above 30 scored attempts from at least 10 learners; below that Reach120 shows nothing here.

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