Band 8+: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram below shows how uranium is used in the production of nuclear power. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words.

The illustration provided explains the use of uranium in the production of nuclear energy for electricity.

Overall, the procedure consists of 6 different steps and includes both a linear and cyclical flow of events, depending on how reusable the uranium fuel is after burning for approximately 4 years.

Step 1 of the process starts with the mining of uranium from the ground. After that, the nuclear mineral is chemically altered and enriched to result in uranium-235 pellets, which can then be used as fuel. The third step of the process consists of power generation in the form of electricity, thanks to the U-235 pellets.

The pellets are effective for around 4 years, after which they have to be removed. This is where the procedure splits, based on the condition of the uranium. If it can be re-processed and re-used, then they do so; this is considered step 5, which then allows us to repeat the process again from step 3, forming a circular pattern. The other possibility is that after 4 years, the fuel can no longer be used again. This fuel is disposed of by burying it after storing it in secure containers, marking the 6th and final step.