Page 99 - English_Spark_8

could still kill millions of people. Rather, the danger is that a nuclear war between two

minor powers could draw in the major powers with their enormous arsenals.

It is very important that the public realise the danger and put pressure on all
governments to agree to large arms cuts.

It probably is not practical to remove nuclear weapons entirely, but we can lessen
the danger by reducing the number of weapons.

If we manage to avoid a nuclear war, there are still other dangers that could destroy

us all. There is a sick joke that the reason we have not been contacted by an alien
civilisation is that civilisations tend to destroy themselves when they reach our stage.

But I have enough faith in the good sense of the public to believe that we might

prove this wrong.

privileged—special advantages; totalitarian—complete government control; democratic—
government by people; ambivalent—mixed feelings; arsenal—collection of weapons.

ASSESS YOURSELF
ASSESS YOURSELF

Let's Read and Reflect Comprehension

A. Tick (3) the correct option.
1. Some people want to go back to the past because they think:

(a) It was technologically advanced.

(b) It was purer and simpler.
(c) It had better entertainment.

2. The only way to completely stop scientific development would be:

(a) Banning books and schools
(b) A global totalitarian state suppressing new ideas

(c) Making science optional in universities

English-8 99