B2 – Upper Intermediate
All across the internet and on traditional outlets, Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs have been lambasted as dangerous, unnatural, and unhealthy. And in America, GMOs have to be labelled as such, painting these items in a further negative light. But is the negative reputation of GMOs actually true, or have they been unfairly treated?
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Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “fear-mongering” mean? “Nah, all of that is nonsense. The real problem is that they need to fire their PR team. Because they’re a victim of a widely successful fear-mongering campaign.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “school of thought” mean? “Whenever I discuss GMOs online, there are two schools of thought that I frequently have to debunk.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “best bet” mean? “If consuming fewer pesticides is your goal, then maybe reaching for the GMO might be your best bet.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- Who should be responsible for regulating GMO products—scientists, governments, companies, or consumers? Explain.
- What are the possible benefits or concerns associated with GMO foods?
- How might GMOs affect farmers, especially small-scale farmers?
- Could GMOs help address food shortages and world hunger? Why or why not?
- Should GMO foods be required to have special labels? Why?