Sample Essay:

Over the last few decades, remarkable advances have been made in the field of genetic engineering. Consequently, scientists now have the ability to manipulate genes for a range of purposes, from making improvements in agriculture to experimentation with human genes. The question, however, is whether there should be any limitations on this development. Is this essay, I shall examine both sides of the argument.

Firstly it is clear that genetic engineering has brought about certain benefits in terms of crop production. Now plants, for example, can produce more fruit more quickly. This achievement means that greater harvests are guaranteed so that more people can be fed. As for the impact of genetic engineering on healthcare, advocates claim it could be used to cure a range of health-related problems, such as cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's. Children and adults with these diseases endure terrible suffering, yet with gene therapy, there is a possibility of a better quality of life.

Despite these advantages, there are some aspects of genetic engineering which require ongoing consideration. Critics claim that genetically modified plants have little nutritional value and that they will lead to the eradication of weeds, which many insect species depend on. In the case of gene therapy, it is still uncertain how the alteration of one gene, even though it may be faulty, could affect the functions of the human body in the long term.

In my opinion, the benefits of genetic engineering can outweigh the drawbacks, provided governments and scientists consider the consequences carefully, and put people before profit.

过去几十年来，基因工程领域取得了显著进展。因此，科学家现在有能力为各种目的操纵基因，从改进农业到实验人类基因。然而，问题是，这种发展是否应该有任何限制。是本文，我将对这两个方面的争论进行研究。

首先很明显，基因工程在农作物生产方面带来了一定的好处。比如说，现在植物可以更快地结出更多的果实。这意味着可以保证更多的收成，让更多人有饭吃。至于基因工程对医疗保健的影响，倡导者声称它可以用来治疗一系列与健康有关的问题，如囊性纤维化和阿尔茨海默症。患有这些疾病的儿童和成人忍受着可怕的痛苦，然而有了基因治疗，就有可能提高生活质量。

尽管有这些优势，但基因工程的一些方面需要持续考虑。批评者称，转基因植物没有什么营养价值，而且会导致许多昆虫物种赖以生存的杂草被铲除。以基因治疗为例，即使一个基因可能有问题，但改变它对人体功能的长期影响如何，目前还不确定。

在我看来，只要政府和科学家认真考虑后果，以人为本，以利为先，基因工程的利大于弊。