Reflection on WA2

The process of writing WA2 was quite a tedious one. Not only was the topic something that most of us are not familiar with, it is filled with quite a lot of technical details. Although we were provided with Butler’s “Nuclear power’s new dawn”, we were also required to use other relevant and recent sources to support our argument.

Personally, a lot of time was spent on researching the advantages and disadvantages of the different Generation IV reactor concepts. As we were required to present a roundtable discussion in front of the whole class, my group decided that we would present the VHTR as our choice of reactor. It was from the roundtable discussion that made us realise that we approached the question in a wrong manner. We presented the advantages of the VHTR but did not compare it to the other Generation IV concepts. After listening the other group which was attempting the same question present, we realised the importance of comparing our choice to other concepts.

Determined to avoid the same mistake in the WA2, I had to do further research into the other types of concepts. Once that was done, I was left with the task of writing the essay. In a way, it was largely similar to the General Paper essays that were required of us during the ‘A’ levels. Each paragraph is usually structured in the same way; topic sentence, supporting evidence and finally a conclusion. Through writing WA2, I have also learnt to do proper referencing to the sources I have used in the essay.

Lastly, I feel that having peer reviews can be quite helpful. Not only can we help our peers spot mistakes that they might have overlooked, it also allows for a swap of ideas which might provide us new insights into how we could improve our own essays.