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Band 9 SampleDiscussion EssayAnimals

Band 9 Discussion Essay

Should governments ban dangerous sports, or should people have the freedom to choose? Discuss both views and give your opinion.

298 words
39 minutes
Band 9

Key Features

  • Balanced discussion with nuanced personal opinion
  • Ethical and scientific arguments presented objectively
  • Sophisticated vocabulary and formal tone
  • Complex sentence structures

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Band 9 Essay

The use of animals in scientific research, particularly for testing cosmetics and medicines, remains one of the most contentious ethical issues of our time. While some argue that animal testing is essential for medical advancement, others believe it is morally unjustifiable. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding that while animal research has contributed to medical progress, we must actively seek and invest in alternative methods.

Proponents of animal testing maintain that it has been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs that have saved countless human lives. Vaccines, surgical procedures, and treatments for diseases such as diabetes and cancer were developed through initial testing on animals. They argue that until viable alternatives exist, animal testing remains necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of new treatments before human trials begin. From this viewpoint, the potential to alleviate human suffering justifies the use of animals in controlled research settings.

Conversely, opponents argue that subjecting animals to pain and suffering for human benefit is ethically indefensible. They point out that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing fear, pain, and distress, making their use in invasive procedures morally problematic. Furthermore, critics highlight that physiological differences between species mean that results from animal tests are not always reliable predictors of human responses. The development of sophisticated computer modeling, tissue cultures, and micro-dosing techniques now offers promising alternatives that could potentially replace many forms of animal testing.

In my opinion, while the historical contributions of animal research to medicine are undeniable, we have an ethical obligation to minimize animal suffering and accelerate the development of alternative testing methods. Governments and research institutions should invest heavily in developing and validating alternatives while maintaining strict welfare standards for any essential animal research that continues.

(Word count: 298)

Vocabulary Highlights

contentious

有争议的

Band 9

contentious ethical issues

sentient

有知觉的

Band 9

sentient beings

indefensible

站不住脚的

Band 9

ethically indefensible

instrumental

有帮助的

Band 8

instrumental in numerous breakthroughs

Grammar Highlights

remains one of the most contentious (present simple for facts)

that animal testing has contributed (present perfect)

until viable alternatives exist (time clause)

While the historical contributions... are undeniable (concessive)

Essay Structure

Introduction

Context + both views mentioned + thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

View 1: Benefits of animal testing (medical breakthroughs)

Body Paragraph 2

View 2: Ethical concerns, unreliable results, alternatives

Conclusion

Personal opinion + call for alternatives

Examiner Comments

Task Response

9

Fully addresses both sides with a clear personal position. Arguments are well-developed.

How fully the question is answered, position is clear, ideas are developed

Coherence and Cohesion

9

Excellent paragraphing. Cohesive devices used skillfully.

Organization, paragraphing, and use of cohesive devices

Lexical Resource

9

Extensive vocabulary with sophisticated word choice.

Vocabulary range, accuracy, and appropriateness

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

9

Wide variety of complex structures.

Variety and accuracy of grammatical structures

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