<p>Hey guys, I'll gladly look at a few of your essays. Just please return the favour by grading mine too! I used single examples so take a look!</p>
<p>PROMPT: Do the benefits of new technology always outweigh the costs?</p>
<p>Over the past half century, technology has graced us with thousands of improvements to our lives. However, it is important to note that not all of this new technology has benefits which outweigh its costs. One example of such technology, genetically modified food, has many hidden political and moral costs that offset its benefits.</p>
<p>In the mid-twentieth century, scientists began exploring a new field of science known as agricultural genetics. They take genes from other species to achieve a desired trait in a certain crop. Such traits include resistance to heat or cold, toxic defense against pests and increased nutritional value. These characteristics certainly appear like miracles of science to the public eye, but there are many hidden costs that far outweigh their eye-catching benefits.</p>
<p>Much of the research in this field is conducted by scientists hired by large, private corporations like Monsanto. Any discoveries made by the scientists are the sole property of Monsanto. These discoveries are the fuel to Monsanto's roaring success. Today, more than 90% of the crops grown in America are genetically modified, a third of which use seed owned by Monsanto. It seems nice and dandy on the surface - just another capitalism success story, right? Except it is not. Monsanto doesn't just exploit the hardworking, underpaid scientists, they also also exploit farmers. When farmers use Monsanto's seed, they have to sign a contract that essentially leaves them powerless to the will of the corporation. They are prohibited from reusing seed and thus have to repurchase seed and pesticide from Monsanto every year. This doesn't just bury the farmers in debt, it leaves them trapped with no other choice than to to continue working with, or rather FOR, Monsanto. Furthermore, there are no politicians to help out these farmers because the politicians are board members of Monsanto themselves. It is truly a ludicrous, frightening cycle. These hidden costs, fuelled by corporate greed, are kept out of sight to the public. So, do the benefits of such technology outweigh its costs? Not by a million miles. In this care, "technology" only gave rise to the exploitation of scientists and farmers, political corruption, and corporate greed. </p>
<p>In conclusion, the idea that technology always has benefits that outweigh its costs is a misguided one. There are many examples of technology, such as genetically modified seed, that have severe costs. We just don't always notice them.</p>