GROUP 3 (FARREL, ARIFEE WANCHIN, ZIYU) AND GROUP 6

Read the each of the texts below and identify its:

1) Topic

2) Controlling idea

3) Writer’s stand

4) Opposing viewpoint

5) Counter argument

6) Concession or refutation

7) Evidence

7) Concluding statement

Animal-rights activists claim that computer models can simulate animal experiments, thus making
the actual experiments unnecessary for medical advancement. Yes, computers can simulate well-
understood systems such as applying the law of physics to airplanes or car designs. However, in the
case of human biological systems, computer modelling alone is of little value. Neuroscientists have
tried to come up with computer models for brain function. But to simulate how a brain behaves, we
need to understand how its 100 million neurons manage more than 100,000 connections linked to
each other; we need to figure out how each neuron cooperates with thousands of others, to
perform everyday tasks such as reaching out for a cup of coffee or recognizing faces. Even if we had
full knowledge of the working of individual neurons, we would still not know how a brain really
works unless we experimented on the brain itself. Since such experiments are impossible on
humans, this is when animal experimentation proves to be invaluable. Thus, animal experimentation
is necessary to further medical research and our understanding of the human body.