GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 414
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power also provides cheap and clean energy. Thus, the benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
The issue of nuclear technology, including nuclear weapons and nuclear power, has long been a subject of intense debate. Some opine that the threat of nuclear weapons is necessary to maintain global peace, and also emphasise the cheap and clean energy provided by nuclear power. In this essay, I will disagree with this opinion, and present the perspective asserting that the disadvantages of nuclear technology outweigh the benefits.
One of the primary concerns regarding nuclear technology is the potential for catastrophic accidents and the long-lasting environmental consequences they can entail. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan serve as grim reminders of the devastating effects of nuclear incidents. These accidents not only caused immediate loss of life and widespread health issues but also resulted in the contamination of vast areas, rendering them uninhabitable for generations. The inherent risks associated with nuclear power pose a significant threat to human safety and the environment, making it imperative to reconsider the widespread adoption of this technology.
Moreover, the disposal of nuclear waste presents a significant challenge that must be addressed. Radioactive waste generated by nuclear power plants remains hazardous for thousands of years, requiring safe and secure storage facilities. However, no foolproof long-term solution for the disposal of nuclear waste has been developed yet. The potential environmental and health hazards associated with nuclear waste demand careful consideration and call into question the sustainability of relying on nuclear power as a long-term energy solution.
Finally, the proliferation of nuclear weapons is a grave concern. The possession and stockpiling of nuclear weapons by various nations have led to heightened global tensions and increased the risk of nuclear conflict. The destructive power of these weapons poses an existential threat to humanity and undermines the very notion of global peace.
Therefore, while nuclear technology may offer certain benefits, such as cheap energy and deterrence, the potential risks and drawbacks associated with it far outweigh these advantages. The environmental hazards, challenges in waste disposal, and the risk of nuclear proliferation pose significant concerns that cannot be ignored.