Science, éthique et progrès

Exercice 1 — Reading comprehension
Corrigé : 1) He was a nuclear physicist who 'helped design reactors that lit up entire cities'; he was proud of giving light/energy to cities. 2) A turning point: 'the day a power plant failed and people had to flee their homes' (a nuclear accident). 3) The 'sun in a box' = nuclear power, an immense and life-giving energy; but 'the sun can burn' = that same power is dangerous and can destroy. The metaphor warns that a great benefit is also a great risk. 4) Solar energy is not 'innocent' because 'the metals we use are mined in harsh conditions' and 'the old panels will one day become waste' (any one reason). 5) Progress is not automatically good ('not a straight line towards a better world'): it is a series of choices with a cost. A scientist must ask not only 'can I build this?' but 'should I, and at what cost?' — i.e. act with responsibility and foresight ('choose with our eyes open'). Reward any nuanced, well-supported answer.

Exercice 2 — Written expression
Corrigé — expected points: a clear thesis and nuanced argumentation (for / against / personal opinion); use of connectors (however, moreover, on balance); chapter vocabulary (breakthrough, genetic engineering, AI, accountability, precautionary principle); correct modals (must, should, could, might), future and conditionals; at least two concrete examples.

Sample (subject A): "It is often argued that every scientific breakthrough should be allowed in the name of progress. I partly agree: science has cured diseases, fed billions and may soon solve the climate crisis, so we must not block research out of fear. However, history shows that progress without limits can be dangerous. The atomic bomb gave us the power to destroy ourselves, and today AI could be used for mass surveillance if it is not regulated. Moreover, just because we can edit human genes does not mean we should. On balance, I believe breakthroughs should be encouraged but framed by ethics and the precautionary principle. A scientist must always ask not only 'can I?' but 'should I?'. Responsibility, not fear, should guide progress." (≈135 words) Reward structure, examples and accurate language.