REVISION

AUDIO SCRIPT


D = dad

C = Chris

D: Are you still playing computer games, Chris?
C: No, I’m doing my home economics homework. We have to do research on the topic of genetically modified organisms. The teacher asked us to compare GM food to organic food, and then make a list of the pros and cons for each.
D: Sounds interesting.
C: Not really. Web sites are filled with long texts and I have trouble finding useful information.
D: Doing online research involves reading. There’s no way you can avoid that. Why don’t you make a chart for each type of food first, draw two columns, one for the pros and one for the cons. Then click on a few hits, browse through the headings, and if something catches your interest, read the text again, make notes, and fill in the chart with ideas. Come on, give it a try. I’ll come back later to see how you’re doing.
C: Oh, OK.


(pause)


D: So, is my researcher making progress?
C: I managed to draw this research task to a close. Do you want to hear what I’ve found out?
D: Sure.
C: Genetically modified foods went through the methods of genetic engineering. They are produced from organisms with changed DNA. The start of the commercial sale of GM food dates back to 1994, and today we consume CM crops like soybean, corn, and tomato. The pros of GM food are that they are more resistant to disease, crops can have enriched flavours, and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. The main con is that consumption of such food increases the risk of food-related allergies. Plus it’s damaging the environment because through GM crossbreeding we get highly resistant weeds and then we need more DNA engineering to make herbicides with which we try to get rid of these weeds.
D: A vicious circle.
C: Yes, indeed. Organic food, however, is made from crops grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers and are not processed, which means without food additives. The pros are that such food contains no hydrogenated fat, which is often linked to heart diseases, it is of better quality and has higher nutritional content. The biggest downside is the cost. Such food is by rule more expensive, and it is not available all year round since crops grow only through a specific time of the year.
D: Well done, Chris! This is a very concise report on GM and organic food. Just don’t forget to list your sources, you don’t want to be accused of plagiarism.

WORDS TO REMEMBER

draw something to a close = (phrase) to make something come to an end
crossbreed = (v.) cause reproduction by mixing different species, sorts
herbicide = (n.) a toxic substance used to destroy unwanted plants
vicious = (adj.) deliberately violent or cruel
hydrogenated = (adj.) changed with hydrogen (i.e. a colourless and highly flammable gas)
concise = (adj.) giving a lot of information briefly and clearly
plagiarism = (n.) taking someone else’s work or ideas and then passing them off as your own

EXAMPLE


The aim of existing EU rules (in 2014) on GMO is to protect human and animal health through strict evaluation of genetically modified food and animal feed. These rules make sure there are clear labels on food packaging enabling consumers to make the right choice. One sort of genetically modified maize is already commercially cultivated in the EU.

The new EU approach does not allow GMOs to be cultivated everywhere in the EU, and Member States will have the right to prohibit or restrict cultivation of GMOs in their territory. EU legislation will not allow cultivation of any GMOs without a prior risk assessment and authorization.

CONVERSION CHART


ABBREVIATIONS FOR MEASUREMENTS

EXAMPLE


500 ml rolled oats
180 ml brown sugar
375 ml whole wheat flour
3.7 ml ground cinnamon
3.7 ml salt
125 ml honey
15 ml vanilla extract
125 ml vegetable oil
180 ml raisins

WORDS TO REMEMBER

rolled oats =(n.) oats without a dry outer covering and crushed
well = (n.) a hole in the ground that contains water
pat = (v.) touch gently with your palm