Page 109 - DENG201_ENGLISH_II

Unit 7: Essay Writing (Short Essays)

The advent of science has altered the life of man. With his intellect, man has proved his superiority Notes
over the other beings in nature. Man ventured on sea and discovered new lands. He also discovered
that the earth is round and it revolves around the sun. The laws of gravitation were discovered.
Later, lie discovered electricity, invented telephone, telex and felt elated. These inventions shrunk
the world and man fell well-connected with far off places. Aeroplanes, trains, cars, buses and two-
wheelers became his mode of transportation.
With the advancements of science, man invented objects which cased his work, provided him comfort
and recreation. Television, radio, air-conditioner, geyser, oven, room-heater, etc. provided for his
needs. Man conquered the earth, and wanted to conquer the space. After a series of attempts, man
was successful in launching spacecrafts. Later on, manned spacecrafts were launched and, in 1969,
man landed on moon.
The successive discoveries and inventions, in the fields of medical science, have provided relief to
mankind. It has led to low mortality rate and has increased life-expectancy. Penicillin was discovered.
The causes of smallpox, malaria, tuberculosis were identified and their remedies worked upon.
Smallpox, polio, plague and cholera have been almost eradicated from the face of the earth. The human
body can be operated upon for removal of cancer and an open-heart surgery can be conducted. The
discoveries of antibiotics and drugs have also reduced the sufferings of mankind.
With the technological advancements in space research, artificial satellites were launched to promote
communications. These satellites have helped in broadcasting, weather forecasting, etc. Invention of
mobile phones, internet, fax and e-mail have further shrunken the size of the globe.
Technological changes such as the Bluetooth wireless service would revolutionise communication.
This would establish connections between mobile computers, mobile phones, portable handheld
devices and provide connectivity to the Internet. Interface and synchronised exchange are possible.
This would completely change the look of the office. Wireless technology would undoubtedly
contribute to the trend towards remote teleworking. Working from home would become a viable
option.
Agriculture too, has benefitted from scientific advances. Improved methods of irrigation, better quality
seeds and use of fertilizers have increased crop yield. New hybrid seeds and drought resistant seeds
have also helped to increase the yield. New tools and implements, tractors and harvesters have
benefitted the farmers. Science has enabled man to identify the diseases in crops and find out remedies.
Atomic energy when harnessed by man, for peaceful purposes, yields good results. Isotopes of some
radioactive materials are used to cure diseases. Atomic energy is used to run reactors to produce
electricity. It has proved to be a viable alternative to the fossil fuels. The isotopes are also used to
sterilise crops and vegetables to keep them free from diseases. Carbon-14 is used by archaeologists to
find the exact age of an organic fossil.
While science has been a boon to mankind, it has also proved to be a banc. It is because, man does not
use his foresight. In his pursuit of excellence, man ignores nature. In an attempt to civilise, he tampers
with nature and causes immeasurable damage to it. Indiscriminate industrialisation and urbanisation
have resulted in alarming levels of pollution. Man chokes the rivers with sewage, industrial wastes
and filth. The modes of transport have contributed to further deterioration of the planet and now
pose a threat to the very existence of the flora and fauna.
The destructive potential of atomic energy was witnessed in August 1945, when the United States
dropped atom bombs in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Those who survived the
nuclear bombing are still suffering from its aftermath. Man has, since then, discovered weapons which
are more sophisticated and destructive than their earlier versions. The use of any of these bombs can
annihilate the whole of mankind. Apart from atomic weapons, man has also started stockpiling
biological and chemical weapons. Biosciences, meant for the betterment of mankind is now used to
make disease germs which can be used in the battlefield. Chemical weapons are also extremely
dangerous.
The earth being a unique planet, because of its life-supporting features, maintains a delicate equilibrium

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