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

365 words · Illustrative target band

Experimentation on animals is a controversial topic with many people holding different views with regards to its ethics and scientific benefits. However, this essay will be examining the evidence of this issue. Firstly, experiments on animals are not a new practice, as it has been practiced for centuries in different fields of science including medicine, but the length of a practice does not by itself justify its con…

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AI-completed learning example

359 words · Illustrative target band

It is undeniable that numerous significant scientific breakthroughs have been made as a result of experiments conducted on animals. However, I firmly believe that subjecting animals to experimentation is unethical, and I support those who argue for the prohibition of such practices. Historically, the justification for experimenting on animals has been rooted in the absence of suitable alternatives, but that claim sho…

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AI-completed learning example

358 words · Illustrative target band

There are a variety of reasons why scientists experiment with animals ranging from cosmetic to behavioural and pharmaceutical. I believe that some of these are easier to justify than others but there are also alternatives to animal testing that need to be developed further. One reason for testing on animals is for the development of knowledge relevant to important scientific questions. The ethical objection is that …

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