Neco Model Questions Vol1 2025 English Language Question 7
Practice objective / multiple choice question 7 from the 2025 Neco Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Neco Model Questions Vol1
2025
English Language
Objective / Multiple Choice
Hard Difficulty
Question 7
NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2025
•
ENGLISH_LANGUAGE
•
objective
The motion for the debate is: "This House would ban the use of single‑use plastic bags in all Nigerian markets." Write a persuasive speech (approximately 300 words) for the proposition side. Your speech must present three distinct arguments, each supported by a specific piece of evidence, anticipate two likely counter‑arguments and refute them, and incorporate a rhetorical question and a relevant statistic.
Answer Options
A.
Honourable judges, esteemed opponents, I rise today to champion the motion that single‑use plastic bags must be banned in every Nigerian market.
First, the ecological cost is staggering. A 2022 study by the Nigerian Climate Institute found that 68% of plastic debris in our rivers originates from market bags, suffocating aquatic life and contaminating soil. Removing these bags would cut that pollution in half.
Second, public health is at risk. Research published in the African Journal of Nutrition revealed micro‑plastics in 55% of vegetables sold in Abuja markets, linking them to gastrointestinal issues. Eliminating plastic bags would dramatically lower this exposure.
Third, financial savings are tangible. An analysis by the Federal Ministry of Environment projected that a nationwide ban could save up to ₦2 billion each year on waste collection and landfill fees.
Now, some may claim that a ban would burden traders with extra costs. Yet Rwanda's 2008 ban led to a 92% drop in litter without harming commerce; vendors simply switched to affordable cloth bags.
Another objection is that small sellers lack capital for alternatives. The same Ministry report shows that the initial expense is offset within four months as reusable bags are reused countless times.
Did you know Nigerians purchase roughly 3.1 billion plastic bags annually? This eye‑opening figure highlights the urgency.
In closing, the environmental devastation, health hazards, and economic benefits compel us to act. Let us safeguard our nation by banning single‑use plastic bags in all markets. Thank you.
Correct Answer
B.
Honourable judges, fellow debaters, today I stand before you to argue that single‑use plastic bags must be banned in all Nigerian markets.
First, the environmental devastation is undeniable. According to a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency report, over 70% of plastic waste in Nigeria ends up in waterways, choking marine life and polluting our soils. Banning these bags would dramatically reduce this burden.
Second, health hazards loom large. A recent study published in the Journal of Public Health found micro‑plastic particles in 60% of fish sold in Lagos markets, posing a direct threat to consumers. Eliminating plastic bags removes a major source of this contamination.
Third, economic benefits arise from encouraging reusable alternatives. A cost‑benefit analysis by the Nigerian Institute of Sustainable Development showed that a nationwide shift to cloth or biodegradable bags could save the government up to ₦3 billion annually in waste management expenses.
Now, some may argue that banning plastic bags is inconvenient for traders and shoppers. Yet, consider the experience of Rwanda, which implemented a similar ban in 2008 and saw a 90% reduction in litter without harming commerce. Traders quickly adapted, offering affordable reusable bags.
Another objection is the perceived cost to small vendors. However, the same study from the Institute indicates that the initial investment in reusable bags is recouped within six months through reduced purchase of disposable bags.
Did you know that Nigerians use 2.5 billion plastic bags each year? That staggering figure underscores the urgency of our cause.
In conclusion, the environmental, health, and economic arguments compel us to act. Let us protect our nation's future by banning single‑use plastic bags in all markets. Thank you.
C.
Honourable adjudicators, respected opponents, I advocate today for the total ban of single‑use plastic bags in all Nigerian marketplaces.
First, the ecological impact is undeniable. According to a 2023 survey by the Nigerian Biodiversity Council, 75% of plastic litter found in coastal regions originates from market bags, harming marine life and degrading habitats.
Second, public health concerns are rising. Findings in the West African Public Health Journal reported that 58% of fish sold in coastal markets contained detectable micro‑plastic particles, directly linked to plastic bag usage.
Third, financial advantages are clear. An economic impact study by the Nigerian Institute of Fiscal Policy projected that eliminating disposable bags could save the government up to ₦3.1 billion annually in cleanup and waste management costs.
Some may contend that a ban would disrupt daily commerce. Yet, after Kenya's 2017 ban, market activity continued unabated, and a 90% reduction in plastic waste was recorded.
Another objection is the perceived expense for vendors. The same fiscal study demonstrates that the cost of reusable bags is recovered within six months through decreased spending on disposable supplies.
Did you realize that Nigerians consume roughly 2.9 billion plastic bags each year? This staggering statistic underscores the pressing need for reform.
In summary, the environmental devastation, health risks, and economic savings make a compelling case for banning single‑use plastic bags in all markets. Let us act now for a cleaner, healthier Nigeria. Thank you.
D.
Esteemed judges and fellow debaters, I stand before you to argue for the prohibition of single‑use plastic bags across all Nigerian markets.
First, environmental degradation is evident. The 2021 report from the Nigerian Water Authority indicates that 72% of plastic waste choking our lakes comes from market bags, endangering fish populations and disrupting ecosystems.
Second, consumer safety is compromised. A study in the Journal of African Health found that 62% of street‑food vendors' packaging contained micro‑plastic fragments, which transfer to food and pose long‑term health risks.
Third, economic efficiency improves with reusable solutions. A cost‑effectiveness review by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority estimated that a ban could reduce municipal waste‑handling expenses by up to ₦2.5 billion per year.
Critics may argue that a ban inconveniences shoppers. However, after Bangladesh introduced a similar restriction in 2002, market turnover remained stable while litter fell by 85%.
Opponents also claim that small traders cannot afford alternatives. Yet the same review shows that a modest investment in reusable bags pays for itself within five months due to reduced purchase of disposable bags.
Consider this: Nigerians use an estimated 2.8 billion plastic bags each year. Such a massive figure cannot be ignored.
Therefore, the environmental, health, and fiscal arguments demand immediate action. Let us protect our future by banning single‑use plastic bags in every market. Thank you.
Correct Answer
B
Correct Option:
Honourable judges, fellow debaters, today I stand before you to argue that single‑use plastic bags must be banned in all Nigerian markets.
First, the environmental devastation is undeniable. According to a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency report, over 70% of plastic waste in Nigeria ends up in waterways, choking marine life and polluting our soils. Banning these bags would dramatically reduce this burden.
Second, health hazards loom large. A recent study published in the Journal of Public Health found micro‑plastic particles in 60% of fish sold in Lagos markets, posing a direct threat to consumers. Eliminating plastic bags removes a major source of this contamination.
Third, economic benefits arise from encouraging reusable alternatives. A cost‑benefit analysis by the Nigerian Institute of Sustainable Development showed that a nationwide shift to cloth or biodegradable bags could save the government up to ₦3 billion annually in waste management expenses.
Now, some may argue that banning plastic bags is inconvenient for traders and shoppers. Yet, consider the experience of Rwanda, which implemented a similar ban in 2008 and saw a 90% reduction in litter without harming commerce. Traders quickly adapted, offering affordable reusable bags.
Another objection is the perceived cost to small vendors. However, the same study from the Institute indicates that the initial investment in reusable bags is recouped within six months through reduced purchase of disposable bags.
Did you know that Nigerians use 2.5 billion plastic bags each year? That staggering figure underscores the urgency of our cause.
In conclusion, the environmental, health, and economic arguments compel us to act. Let us protect our nation's future by banning single‑use plastic bags in all markets. Thank you.
About This Question
This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2025 English Language Question 7. It is one of the objective questions from the 2025 Neco Model Questions Vol1 English Language examination.
Difficulty level: Hard .
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