Task 2 · · 18 samples

Some people argue that all experimentation on animals is bad and should be outlawed. However, others believe that important scientific discoveries can be made from animal experiments. Can experimentation on animals be justified? Are there any alternatives?

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Set ethical conditions for any permitted study: a significant potential benefit, no adequate alternative, and measures to minimise suffering.
  • Compare alternatives such as human cell or tissue studies, computer simulations and analysis of clinical data, while noting that their usefulness depends on the research question.
  • Distinguish limited, potentially valuable research from studies that cause serious suffering without a clear medical purpose.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the debate and state a qualified position.
  2. Explain when animal experiments might be justified and what limits should apply.
  3. Present alternatives and briefly discuss their current limitations.
  4. Conclude with a clear policy: last-resort use under strict safeguards, and a ban on cruel or unnecessary studies.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a last resort
An option used only when other suitable approaches are unavailable.

Animal testing should be considered only as a last resort.

minimise suffering
Reduce pain or distress as much as possible.

Researchers should follow procedures that minimise suffering.

computer simulations
Computer-based models used to represent or test processes.

Computer simulations may help researchers assess some effects of a treatment.

a compelling purpose
A strong and persuasive reason for doing something.

Experiments that cause harm should require a compelling purpose.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

354 words · Illustrative target band

Well, in today’s era, multiple developments are ongoing from the decade to make a better lifestyle either for the human body or for animals or other generations of infants. So, in this essay, I am going to discuss why experiments on animals are important and why, on the other hand, people are saying that experiments are unacceptable. The ethical objection is that animals can be exposed to distress or harm without ch…

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AI-completed learning example

353 words · Illustrative target band

Some people argue that experimentation on animals is required because it can help with scientific discoveries. Just because they have similar anatomical structures to some parts of human beings, is it fair? In this essay I would like to discuss my views on why it is cruel to experiment on animals. The industry that exploits animals for convenience needs particularly strong justification. The ethical objection is tha…

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AI-completed learning example

322 words · Illustrative target band

Some folks have debated that animal experiments should be banned because of their negative side of the environment. However, others believe that though it is a complex ethical issue, the experimentation on animals can be beneficial for scientific reasons. In this essay, I will give the reasons why it can be justified and I will also discuss whether alternatives can be used. Animal experiments may be justified when r…

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