Opinion on the Issue:

Scientific facts should always take precedence over myths. While myths can be intriguing
and sometimes entertaining, they can also lead to misunderstandings and misinformation,
especially in critical areas like health and safety.
1. Dropping a coin from a high building: This is a scientific fact that the coin will
accelerate as it falls due to gravity, eventually reaching a high velocity when it hits the
ground. The myth might be that the impact could kill someone, which is plausible
depending on the height and the coin's mass.
2. Part of the moon being permanently dark: This is a scientific fact due to the Moon's
synchronous rotation with the Earth. The myth might be that it's completely dark, but
in reality, it's more about being in perpetual shadow rather than total darkness.
3. Being bad at maths: While some might think it's a fixed trait, scientific research
shows that with practice and proper teaching methods, anyone can improve their math
skills. The myth might be that you're born either good or bad at math.
4. Full moon making people go mad: This is a myth, as there's no scientific evidence
linking a full moon to changes in human behavior. However, the term «lunatic»
actually comes from «luna» meaning moon, due to ancient beliefs that the moon could
influence behavior.
5. Lightning and rubber tires: It's a scientific fact that rubber tires on a car protect
occupants from being electrocuted during a lightning strike, as rubber is an insulator.
The myth might be that being in a car during lightning makes you completely safe
(while safer, it's not 100% foolproof due to other factors like grounding).
6. Antibiotics and viruses: It's a scientific fact that antibiotics don't work against viruses.
The myth might be that antibiotics can cure the flu, which is caused by viruses.
7. Bats being blind: Contrary to the myth, many bats can see quite well, especially fruit
bats. However, some species of bats do rely heavily on echolocation, using sound
waves to navigate and find prey in the dark.
8. Lightning and bacteria in the soil: Lightning is a natural phenomenon that can actually
help protect against harmful bacteria in the soil. The intense heat from lightning can
sterilize small areas of soil, reducing the number of harmful microbes.
9. Ten percent of the brain myth: The idea that humans only use 10% of their brains is a
myth. Scientifically, brain imaging studies show that most of the brain is active, even
during routine tasks.
10. Dropped food being safe if picked up quickly: The «five-second rule» myth suggests
that food dropped on the ground is safe to eat if picked up quickly. In reality, the
safety of dropped food depends on various factors, including the type of surface and
the length of time it was in contact.

2-билет
Opinion on the Issue:
Many scientists throughout history have faced risks and dangers in their pursuit of knowledge
and discovery. While some have been injured or even killed by their experiments or
inventions, it's a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices often involved in scientific
exploration.

Ideas:

1. Inventors risking their lives with their own experiments: Inventors like Marie Curie,
who discovered radium and polonium, exposed themselves to dangerous levels of
radiation without fully understanding the risks at the time.

2. Scientists inhaling harmful substances: For example, early scientists experimenting

with gases like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or radioactive materials unknowingly
exposed themselves to health risks.

3. Explosions in the pursuit of discovery: Scientists working with volatile substances or

processes, such as Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite, faced the constant risk of
explosions during experimentation.

4. Discovery of anaesthetic properties of nitrous oxide: Horace Wells, a dentist,

discovered the anaesthetic properties of nitrous oxide. However, his experiments led
to addiction and financial ruin, ultimately leaving him an invalid.

5. Blood transfusion risks: Early scientists experimenting with blood transfusions faced
numerous dangers, including incompatible blood types and infections from unsanitary
procedures.

6. Donors at risk: In the early days of blood transfusions, donors often faced health risks
due to the lack of understanding about blood compatibility and potential infections.

7. Diseases contracted during research: Scientists studying diseases like malaria and
tuberculosis have put themselves at risk of infection in the pursuit of understanding
and finding treatments.
 8. Lead poisoning from leaded petrol: Early researchers into the effects of leaded petrol,
such as Alice Hamilton, exposed themselves to dangerous levels of lead, leading to
health issues.

9. Environmental damage from scientific experiments: Some scientific experiments, like

nuclear bomb testing, have had significant environmental consequences, impacting
ecosystems and human health.

10. Lethal doses of radiation: Scientists working with radioactive materials, such as those
involved in the Manhattan Project, faced the risk of lethal doses of radiation, leading
to health issues and some deaths.

11. Damage caused by nuclear bombs: Scientists involved in the development and testing
of nuclear bombs, like J. Robert Oppenheimer, faced ethical dilemmas and later
struggled with the impact of their creations on society and the environment.

These examples highlight the risks and sacrifices that some scientists have made throughout
history in the pursuit of knowledge and progress.