This glossary can help you prepare for the IELTS writing tasks related to Animal experiments.
controversial
adjective
Giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement.
Example: The testing of medicines and cosmetics on animals has been a controversial issue for ages, rallying celebrities and relying on graphic images to sway peoples’ opinions.
eradication
noun
The complete destruction of something.
Example: In the case of medical research, prevention of harm and eradication of diseases are valid arguments for continued animal testing.
experiment
noun
A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
Example: There is no doubt that many of the practices in use in animal experiments are cruel.
frequently
adverb
regularly or habitually; often.
Example: Testing of cosmetic products in this or similar fashions is most frequently completely unnecessary and doesn’t add any fundamental value for humanity.
proponent
noun
A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or course of action.
Example: The opponents cite animal cruelty as the main reason why testing should be banned, while the proponents point to the significant progress in modern medicine that has, at least in part, relied on animal testing.
proven
adjective
Demonstrated by evidence or argument to be true or existing.
Example: This practice has many a time proven not only effective, but has saved lives.
superfluous
adjective
Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.
Example: Hence, it is superfluous and ought to be avoided in my opinion.
sway
verb
Control or influence (a person or course of action).
Example: The testing of medicines and cosmetics on animals has been a controversial issue for ages, rallying celebrities and relying on graphic images to sway peoples’ opinions.
vaccine
noun
A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease.
Example: Before a promising drug, vaccine or treatment is used on humans, it needs to be tested on animals in order to establish its safety.
weigh
verb
Assess the nature or importance of, especially with a view to a decision or action.
Example: A differentiated view weighs the gains against the costs.