▶ Your Answer : The reading passage argues that there are several
concerns when discussing nuclear power as a potential source of energy. However, the lecturer claims that nuclear energy can be the
most realistic means of generating energy.
First, the lecturer mentions that there
would not be any threat of overheating with the use of properly
designed reactors. To be specific, by using a reactor that automatically
slows down when heated, there would not be any overheating and emission of hazardous chemicals. This counterattacks
the reading’s claim that nuclear energy raises many health concerns as nuclear power plants may release harmful chemicals.
Secondly, the lecturer points out that
uranium is cheap. This means that if the initial cost of building the plant is
paid, in the long term, a nuclear power plant is much cheaper than other plants
using coal or oil as fuel. This rebuts the reading’s point that nuclear plants
are very expensive.
Lastly, the lecturer asserts that wind
energy is not a reliable source of energy. To be specific, the intensity of the
wind is varying, so there is a need of steady source of
energy, like nuclear power. This casts doubt on the reading’s assertion
that cheaper and better sources of energy creation, such as wind energy,
already exist. |