Question: Some people claim that it is acceptable to use animals in medical research for the benefit of human beings, while other people argue that it is wrong. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 8+ Sample Answer:
(Intro) People have different views on whether conducting tests on animals for the development of new medicines is acceptable or not. Although using animals for medical research can benefit humans to some extent, I would argue that this cruel practice is morally wrong.
(Body 1) On the one hand, it is undeniable that carrying out experiments on animals for medical research brings about a number of benefits to humans. To begin with, over the past few decades, there have been numerous medical breakthroughs using animal experimentation, which have saved millions of human lives. For example, according to research, the polio vaccine, which was developed using animal testing, has saved over 10 million lives since 1988. Furthermore, since human beings and other animal species suffer from many similar illnesses, such as diabetes and visual impairments, animals can act as models for the study of human diseases. If new drugs are not tested at all, or tested on humans first, they might have serious consequences for human beings.
(Body 2) On the other hand, there are various reasons why some individuals think that animal testing is entirely wrong. Firstly, laboratory animals are often subjected to toxic substances, which causes them pain, distress or even death. Millions of lab mice, for instance, become deformed, or die after being subjected to such cruel tests. Other animals that are frequently used for animal testing, such as dogs and monkeys, become mentally ill, developing severe neurological symptoms, due to confinement conditions and experimentation. As a result, it is believed that using animal testing for the development of new medicines is immoral, as all life is precious and should be respected. This point is strengthened by the fact that this form of animal cruelty is becoming increasingly unnecessary as animal research can now be replaced by sophisticated computer models.
(Conclusion) In conclusion, while it is true that animal testing plays a crucial role in the medical field, I am of the opinion that it should be stopped owing to its inhumane nature. As technology advances, computer models may one day help put an end to animal testing. In the meanwhile, more needs to be done to ensure this day comes sooner rather than later. (361 words).
Essay: Student Essay, fully corrected and upgraded by Nick Kemp, former IELTS Examiner.
Image: Tiburi / Pixabay.