Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 570
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 570 – PASSAGE – 3
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 570
READING PASSAGE – 3
Nuclear Power: Friend or Foe?
Nuclear power has long been a subject of intense global debate, praised for its efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions, yet feared for its potential dangers and long-term environmental consequences. As countries seek sustainable energy sources to combat climate change, the role of nuclear energy remains complex and controversial.
The primary advantage of nuclear power lies in its efficiency. A single uranium pellet, no larger than a fingertip, can produce as much energy as a tonne of coal. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear plants release negligible amounts of carbon dioxide during energy production. This has led proponents to argue that nuclear power is a crucial part of any realistic plan to reduce carbon emissions and slow global warming. Countries like France and Sweden rely heavily on nuclear energy and boast some of the lowest carbon footprints in the industrialized world.
IELTS General Reading Test
However, the concerns associated with nuclear power are considerable. The most prominent is the risk of accidents. Incidents such as the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine and the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi meltdown in Japan revealed how catastrophic a nuclear accident can be, both in terms of human health and environmental destruction. While proponents argue that modern reactors are far safer and incorporate fail-safes, critics maintain that no system is immune to human error or natural disasters.
Another major issue is radioactive waste. Spent nuclear fuel remains hazardous for thousands of years, and currently, no country has developed a universally accepted long-term storage solution. Most waste is stored in secure facilities near reactors or in temporary underground locations, but critics worry about the risks of leakage, terrorism, or natural degradation of containment systems over time.
IELTS General Reading Test
Cost is another debated aspect. Nuclear power plants are extremely expensive to build, often taking decades to become operational. Though they produce electricity at low cost once functioning, initial construction, decommissioning, and waste management significantly raise the overall price tag compared to renewable sources like wind or solar. In contrast, advancements in renewable technology are making green energy more competitive every year.
Public opinion on nuclear energy varies widely. Some see it as a “necessary evil” in the transition to cleaner energy, especially for countries that cannot rely on consistent sunlight or wind. Others believe that investments should focus entirely on renewable sources, viewing nuclear power as a distraction and a long-term liability.
IELTS General Reading Test
In conclusion, the debate over nuclear power does not present simple answers. It offers promising solutions to energy and climate challenges but comes with serious risks that society must manage. The path forward may depend on technological advances, public acceptance, and political will to weigh the benefits against the dangers.
Questions 28–33
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
28. Nuclear energy releases more carbon dioxide than fossil fuels.
29. Some countries generate a significant portion of their electricity from nuclear sources.
30. The Fukushima incident was the most severe nuclear disaster in history.
31. Modern reactors have built-in safety features to prevent accidents.
32. Radioactive waste becomes harmless after a few decades.
33. Building nuclear power plants can take many years.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 34–40
Match the information with the correct paragraph (A–G).
Write the correct letter, A–G, in boxes 34–40.
NB: You may use any letter more than once.
34. A mention of a well-known nuclear accident in Japan
35. The argument that nuclear power can help fight climate change
36. A description of where nuclear waste is usually stored
37. Discussion of the economic burden of nuclear power
38. An example of a country with a low carbon footprint due to nuclear power
39. The public’s differing views on nuclear energy
40. The role of uranium as an efficient fuel
IELTS General Reading Test
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
28. FALSE
29. TRUE
30. NOT GIVEN
31. TRUE
32. FALSE
33. TRUE
34. C
35. B
36. D
37. E
38. B
39. F
40. B
IELTS General Reading Test