GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 449
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
We have been living in the nuclear age now for over seven decades. Nuclear technology has the ability to totally destroy the planet, yet the technology has been put to positive use as an energy source and in certain areas of medicine.
To what extent is nuclear technology a danger to life on Earth?
What are the benefits of its use?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
The development and utilization of nuclear technology have shaped the modern world for over seven decades. While nuclear power possesses the capacity to devastate the planet, it has also proven beneficial as an energy source and in medical applications. This essay aims to examine the extent to which nuclear technology poses a danger to life on Earth and explore the benefits associated with its use.
Nuclear technology presents inherent risks that can pose a threat to life on Earth. Firstly, the potential for nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, demonstrates the catastrophic consequences that can result from the release of radioactive materials. These incidents have caused long-lasting environmental damage and health risks for nearby populations. Moreover, the proliferation of nuclear weapons raises concerns about global security and the potential for devastating conflicts. The destructive power of nuclear weapons and the threat of their use presents a significant danger to life on Earth.
Despite the risks, nuclear technology also offers substantial benefits. One of the most significant advantages is its use as a clean and efficient energy source. Nuclear power plants produce large amounts of electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Additionally, nuclear technology plays a vital role in medicine, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses including cancer, thyroid disorder, bone disorder and neurological disorders. Radioactive isotopes are used in cancer therapy, providing targeted treatments that help save lives and improve patient outcomes.
In conclusion, nuclear technology carries both dangers and benefits. The potential for nuclear disasters and the threat of nuclear weapons highlight the risks associated with this technology. However, the benefits of nuclear power as a clean energy source and its contributions to medicine cannot be ignored. To ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear technology, stringent regulations and international cooperation are crucial.