justIELTS

Write better, score higher.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Countries should start using nuclear power as their main source of energy; fossil fuels (i.e. coal, oil and gas) are not going to last forever and nuclear power is the cheapest alternative. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Countries should start using nuclear power as their main source of energy; fossil fuels (i.e. coal, oil and gas) are not going to last forever and nuclear power is the cheapest alternative. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

I believe that countries should not rely on nuclear power as their main source of energy. While it is true that fossil fuels are not sustainable and nuclear power is cost-effective, the potential risks and long-term consequences associated with nuclear energy outweigh its benefits.

Firstly, the use of nuclear power poses serious environmental and health hazards. Accidents at nuclear power plants, such as the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, have demonstrated the catastrophic impact of nuclear accidents on human health and the environment. The long-term effects of radiation exposure and the difficulty in managing nuclear waste make it a risky choice for energy production.

Furthermore, the proliferation of nuclear power raises concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation. The same technology used for peaceful energy generation can also be used for the development of nuclear weapons. This creates security risks and can potentially lead to global conflicts.

In addition, the cost of building and maintaining nuclear power plants, as well as the decommissioning and waste management, can be substantial. While nuclear power may seem inexpensive in the short term, the long-term costs associated with safety measures, waste disposal, and potential accidents can be significant.

In conclusion, while nuclear power may appear as a cheap and abundant alternative to fossil fuels, the potential risks and consequences associated with its use make it an unsuitable choice for meeting long-term energy needs. Countries should focus on investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and pose minimal risks to human health and security.

Model Essay #2:

Countries should start using nuclear power as their main source of energy; fossil fuels (i.e. coal, oil and gas) are not going to last forever and nuclear power is the cheapest alternative. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

I strongly believe that countries should consider nuclear power as their main source of energy. With the finite nature of fossil fuels and the cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy, it presents a viable solution to meet the growing energy demands of the world.

Firstly, nuclear power offers a sustainable and abundant source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which are depleting at a rapid rate, nuclear energy provides a long-term solution to meet the energy needs of the growing global population. It can significantly reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and contribute to energy security.

Moreover, nuclear power is an environmentally friendly option. It produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, thus mitigating the impact of climate change. As the world seeks to transition to cleaner energy sources, nuclear power presents a low-carbon alternative that can help reduce the overall environmental impact of energy production.

Additionally, nuclear power is cost-effective in the long run. While initial construction costs may be high, the operational costs of nuclear power plants are relatively low compared to fossil fuel-based power plants. This makes nuclear energy an economically viable option for countries seeking to meet their energy demands without significantly increasing their expenditure.

In conclusion, the finite nature of fossil fuels and the environmental benefits of nuclear power make it a compelling choice for countries to consider as their primary source of energy. With proper regulation and safety measures, nuclear power can provide a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solution to meet the world's energy needs while mitigating the impact on the environment.

✍️ Evaluate your essay for free

You can submit your essay for free evaluation. We will provide you with your score and give you feedback on how to improve your essay.

Sign in or register to submit your essay.

🤓 More IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Get a random essay topic or choose from topics below:

Or view the list of all tasks.