Writing Task 1 (Academic Test)
WRITING
Model Answer:
The diagram illustrates the way in which electricity is generated using a nuclear reactor. Overall, it can be seen that the process involves heating water with the reactor to turn a turbine, and cooling the reactor with water from a reservoir.
The nuclear reactor is located inside a large protective structure and contains control rods. A liquid is pumped through the reactor, where it absorbs heat which is then used to heat water to boiling point and produce steam. The steam is sent through a pipe to a turbine which it spins. The turbine is connected to a generator where the spinning motion produces electricity. The electricity that is produced is sent away for use via electricity cables.
Simultaneously, water is pumped from a reservoir through a cooling system. The cooling system is connected to two large cooling towers. The cooling system passes through a condenser where it cools the steam after it has passed through the turbine.
Useful Vocabulary:
absorb (verb): to take something in, especially a liquid
boiling point (noun [c]): the temperature at which a liquid boils
cable (noun [c]): a wire, usually covered with plastic that transports electricity, data or other signals
condenser (noun [c]): a piece of equipment that cools steam to make water
generate (verb): to produce energy
motion (noun [c]): movement
pump (verb): to push a liquid through a pipe
reservoir (noun [c]): a lake that is made to store water
simultaneously (adverb): at the same time
spin (verb): to turn in a circle, especially around a fixed point
turbine (noun [c]): a wheel with blades that turns when air or water passes through it
9. Diagram
The diagram below shows the process and equipment involved in producing electricity with a nuclear reactor.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.