3/8（日）にアップしました記事「あなたならどう答える？---英検1級1次本試験のEssay問題にチャレンジ！」のCEL作成の模範解答例を紹介します。
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（注：ものすごい長文です。）
■2019年度第3回のTOPICは...
Can renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels?
“Yes” Answer
In modern society, most energy comes from fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the burning of fossil fuels is contributing to climate change. It is only a matter of time before renewable energy replaces the burning of fossil
fuels.
Currently, the production costs of renewable energy are greater than the costs for fossil fuels. However, as renewable energy becomes more common, it is likely that production costs will become more reasonable. Also, if we factor in the huge costs of dealing with climate change, renewable energy is already the more sensible way to generate power.
It is also important to accept that there is a limited supply of fossil fuels. The earth’s population continues to increase. At the same time, the standard of living is rising in many countries that were once poor, which means the demand for energy will continue to grow. Obviously, the current model is not sustainable.
I would like to also mention public opinion. People want this change to happen. Greta Thunberg, only 17, is a Swedish environmental activist. Her campaigning to protect the environment has gained international recognition. Business and political leaders are being pressured to do more to fight climate change.
In conclusion, for the reasons mentioned above, I believe renewable energy sources can replace fossil fuels in the near future.
“No” Answer
I do not think renewable sources of energy will be able to replace fossil fuels. My reasons are that fossil fuels are in abundant supply, and they produce energy more cheaply and more reliably than the alternative energy sources.
Although fossil fuels are not renewable, it seems that there are still large supplies available. And technology like fracking has allowed access to more fossil fuels. Technology improvements also help to allow more efficient production and usage of energy. One example is the more efficient engines used in cars, trains, ships and even jet aircraft.
Currently, the production costs of renewable energy are greater than the costs for fossil fuels. The expansion of solar power in Japan
and biofuel in the United States both came about after the respective governments offered large subsidies. This is an even bigger problem for poorer countries that depend on energy for their economic growth. They will prefer the cheaper option, which is the use of fossil fuels.
A third issue is the reliability and availability of renewable energy. For example, solar power generation depends on sunshine. During Japan’s rainy season there wouldn’t be enough power available. Also, wind turbines cannot generate electricity if there is no wind.
I truly hope there is some new miracle technology that will allow us to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. Nevertheless, the situation today makes me think that this cannot be done.
■2019年度第2回のTOPICは...
Is space exploration worth the cost?
“Yes” Answer
I believe that space exploration is worth the cost. Space exploration results in new technology that benefits humankind, allows us to learn more about the universe, and may someday provide another planet for humans to live on.
Several countries have space programs. Thousands of people are employed and many of these people are scientists and engineers. As a result of their work in space exploration, various new technologies are created. Things like portable computers, scratch resistant lenses, and certain types of insulation are all commercial products that were first developed by space programs.
Another factor that makes space exploration worthwhile is that it satisfies human curiosity. By exploring space, we learn more about our universe and how life began. There are still many questions that are unanswered. Furthermore, the appeal of space travel to children will motivate them to study the sciences.
Lastly, space exploration may someday allow us to travel to another planet like our own Earth. Just as humans spread all over the Earth, we might move to other planets. This will be especially important if our own planet is threatened with destruction. And who knows –– we might find intelligent life!
Of course, space programs are very expensive. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that space exploration is well worth the cost.
“No” Answer
Space exploration is both dangerous and very expensive. I understand it is important to learn more about space. Nevertheless, I feel that it is not worth the cost.
First of all, there are various dangers related to space exploration. One danger is that our exploration of space may attract the attention of an intelligent alien species. There is no guarantee that aliens would be peaceful. Surely, they would be frightened of us, just as we would be frightened by them. We have enough war here on earth. Let’s not have a space war. Even some scientists have suggested that it is foolish to look for intelligent life.
A second danger is that the technology that allows rockets to be launched into space is the same technology that allows a country to launch a ballistic missile. Also, I find it frightening when I read about countries developing technology to destroy satellites in space. Space technology is also military technology.
Lastly, manned space travel is terribly expensive. There are so many problems on this planet that need to be solved. The huge amount of money used for the various space programs could help to make life better for all of us here on Earth. For these reasons, I think space exploration is not worth the cost.
■2019年度第1回のTOPICは...
Agree or disagree: Infectious diseases will become a bigger problem in the coming decades
“Agree” Answer
I am afraid that it is likely that infectious diseases will become a bigger problem in the coming decades.
The increasing world population, globalization, and genetic engineering are all areas that could increase the risk of creating and spreading disease.
The world population continues to grow, especially in developing countries. Cities have grown larger and more crowded. In poorer countries, these cities may be quite polluted. The water supply might be contaminated. Furthermore, the health care system may be limited. All these things create a situation where infectious diseases can easily spread.
Globalization has affected our world in many ways. People can quickly fly to other countries. Food products are imported and exported. Once again we see a situation where an infectious disease can quickly spread to other countries. In a worst case scenario a disease could spread worldwide so quickly that medical services would be overwhelmed.
Lastly, let’s look at the amazing advances in genetic engineering. Although there may be benefits, there might also be unexpected consequences. Mixing genes between two different species is very rare in the natural world, but has become common in the field of biotechnology. If a new and infectious disease is accidentally created, it could have terrible effects on human or animal life.
Measures need to be taken to better prepare for the possibility of infectious diseases becoming a bigger problem for humans and other animal life.
“Disagree” Answer
It is impossible to know for sure, but I am hopeful that infectious diseases will be kept under control in the coming years. Medical
technology, knowledge about diseases and international cooperation will all help to reduce the risks.
Early in the 20th century the Spanish flu killed over 50 million people. But since then infectious diseases have been better monitored and controlled. Vaccines and medicines have been developed to fight diseases like polio, measles, and even malaria. Millions of lives have been saved thanks to medical technology.
Today, we have more knowledge than ever about diseases, how they spread, and how to protect ourselves. Whenever a new threat is identified, medical professionals all over the world are quickly informed how to diagnose and cure the disease. In some cases quarantines are necessary. Having knowledge allows us to reduce infections, to slow the spread of the disease, and to help those that are already infected.
Lastly, we should look at how international cooperation can play an important role in fighting any infectious disease. When a particularly
dangerous disease is identified, governments and medical professionals around the world quickly work together to contain and cure the disease. It is not uncommon to find medical professionals from developed countries working to help sick people in poorer countries.
Sadly, we are still far from ridding the world of dangerous diseases. Nevertheless, with medical technology, knowledge, and cooperation, we should be able to reduce the threat of infectious diseases.
以上です。