Genetic research has produced both promising and concerning possibilities. While the ability to create new forms of life in a laboratory could benefit humanity, for example by enabling cheap insulin production, it could also have unintended consequences. Both the potential benefits and risks of further developing genetic engineering should be considered.

1. DISCUSSION TEXT

2. Social Function
To present (at
least) two points
of view about an
issue

3. Generic Structure
1. Issue:
– Statement
– Preview
2. Arguments for against or
statement of differing points of
view:
– Point
– Elaboration
3. Conclusion or recommendation

4. Significant
Lexicogrammatical
Features

5. 1. Focus on generic
human and generic
non-human
Participants

6. 2. Use of:
- Material Processes, e.g. has produced,
have developed, to feed
- Relational Processes, e.g., is, could
have, cause are
- Mental Processes, e.g., feel

7. 3. Use of Comparative,
contrastive and
Consequential
conjunctions

8. 4. Reasoning
expressed as verbs
and nouns
(abstraction)

9. Example

10. Issue
Genetic research has produced both
exciting and frightening possibilities.
Scientist are now able to create new
forms of life in the laboratory due to the
development

11. Argument for point
On the one hand,
the ability to create
life in laboratory
could greatly
benefit mankind.

12. Elaboration
For example, because it is very
expensive to obtain insulin from
natural resources, scientist have
developed a method to manufacture
it inexpensively.

13. Point 2
Another benficial application of
genre spicing in agriculture

14. Elaboration 2
Scientist foresee the day when
new plants will be developed
using nitrogen from the air
instead of from fertilizer.
Therefore food production could
be increased. In addition,
entirely new plants could be
developed to feed the worlds
hungry people.

15. Any question?