1. Discuss in pairs or small groups the answers to following questions

• What is horizontal gene transfer, and why is it dangerous?

• What are the possible applications of recombinant- DNA techniques?

Prepare a presentation on the topic

• Experiments in Cloning. Are Humans Next

The advantages and disadvantages of gm food

Vocabulary

1. Match the words with their definitions:

consumption (n.)		fit to be eaten
improve (v.)		easily to be afflicted by
fertilizer (n.)		an indication of imminent harm, danger, or pain
tolerate (v.)		a group of organisms within a species or variety, distinguished by one or more minor characteristics
edible (adj.)		sufficient to be easily seen, measured, or noticed
threat (n.)		expenditure on goods and services for final personal use
susceptible (adj.)		to be able to bear; put up with
strain (n.)		to make or become better in quality;
appreciable (adj.)		any substance, such as manure or a mixture of nitrates, added to soil or water to increase its productivity

Listening

1. You are going to listen to the interview with an owner of a restaurant in San Francisco. Before you listen, in groups discuss your answers to the following questions. When you have finished, talk together, compare your answers and try to persuade each other to see your point of view.

- In buying fruits and vegetables, which is more important: taste, texture, color, nutritional value, price, or shelf life? Why?

- Have you ever eaten food that was genetically engineered? What did it look like? What did it taste like?

2. Listen to the interview. Find the answers to the following question:

• Is Joyce Goldstein more in favor of or more against genetically engineered food?

3. Read the statements for Part 1. Then listen to Part 1 and decide whether the statements are true or false. Write T or F next to each statement.

Part 1

• Genetically designed tomatoes are now available in the supermarket.

• Genetically engineered sheese can now be purchased.

• World hunger may be halped with genetically engineered food.

• Last week 1000 chefs decided not to serve genetically engineered food.

• Special labeling is required for genetically engineered food.

• Goldstein owns a restaurant in San Francisco.

Repeat the same procedure for Part 2-4

Part 2

Goldstein believes…

• The genetically engineered tomato is being produced for flavor.

• The use of fish genes in tomatoes is a good idea.

• These foods should ne thoroughly tested and labeled before they are sold.

Part 3

According to Goldstein…

• “progress” os our enemy.

• The methods of the old days were better than those today.

• Genetically bred roses are very beautiful and smell good.

• Restaurants shouldn’t serve genetically engineered food until it is tested.

• We should about corporate profit.

• People who don’t understand her boycott wouldn’t be welcome to eat in her restaurant

• The Food and Drug Administration does a good job of regulating these foods.

Part 4

According to Goldstein…

• Pesticide residue in foods is a problem.

• Genetic manipulation of foods to reduce their dependence on pesticides is a good thing.

• The crossing of trout with tomatoes is a good thing.

• Genetic experimentation should work on improving the taste of foods.

• What is good for agribusiness is generally good for consumer.

• Consumers are given the information they need in purchasing food.

Before you read

1. You are going to read an article about genetically modified foods. Discuss with your partner the following questions.

What are genetically-modified foods?

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of GM foods?

• Do genetically engineered foods pose risks to human health and safety?

• Do genetically engineered foods pose risks to the environment?