Caribbeans Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)

English a

School Based Assessment

Year- 2025

Candidate Name: Jeremiah Dorris

Candidate Number:

Name of Centre: Annandale Secondary School

Centre Number: 090002

Subject: English A

Test Code:

Name Of Teacher: Ms. Kanai

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Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
PLAN OF INVESTIGATION.........................................................................................................................4=5
Participation Measures................................................................................................................................6
Quality in Group Activity.............................................................................................................................7
Three Pieces of artifacts..............................................................................................................................8
WRITTEN REPORT........................................................................................................................................9
reflexions.............................................................................................................................................10-12
(1)..........................................................................................................................................................10
(2)..........................................................................................................................................................11
(3)..........................................................................................................................................................12
THREE PIECES OF OUTSTANDING ARTIFACTS FROM GROUP...................................................................10
Plan of Oral presentation..........................................................................................................................15
References…………………………………………………………………………………………….…………16-17

ORAL PRESENTATION................................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................18

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INTRODUCTION
Water pollution has become a growing concern in Guyana, affecting the lives of many people
and the environment. Activities like mining, farming, and improper waste disposal are major
contributors to this issue, contaminating rivers and other water sources that communities rely on
for drinking, cooking, and fishing. The consequences are not just environmental but deeply
personal, as polluted water threatens livelihoods, health, and the future of our ecosystems.

This study sheds light on the causes and impacts of water pollution in Guyana and explores
ways in which individuals, communities, and policymakers can work together to protect our
precious water resources for generations to come.

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PLAN OF INVESTIGATION
Reason for Choosing the Topic and Selection of Title

We decided to focus on water pollution in Guyana because it’s a problem that affects everyone,
including us. Guyana is known for its beautiful rivers and waterways, but pollution is making
these water sources unsafe for both people and wildlife. This topic stood out to us because it’s so
relevant to our daily lives and the health of our environment. The title “Water Pollution in
Guyana: Causes, Effects, and Solutions” was chosen because it clearly captures what we want to
explore—understanding why pollution happens, how it affects us, and what we can do about it.

Expected Benefits

Working on this project will help us in a few important ways:

 Summary Writing: We’ll learn to pick out the most important points from research and
express them in a clear, concise way.

 Persuasive Writing and Speaking: As we present our findings, we’ll get better at
making strong arguments and convincing others about the need for action.

 Vocabulary Development: By researching a real-world issue, we’ll expand our

vocabulary, especially with environmental terms.

 Research Skills: This project will help us improve how we gather, analyze, and present
information, which is a valuable skill for both school and life.

Material to Be Collected

We’ll collect materials like:

 News articles and online reports about water pollution in Guyana

 Poems, songs, or short stories related to the environment

 Research papers or educational texts

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Sources

To gather information, we’ll use a mix of sources: local newspapers, websites, textbooks, and
maybe even interviews if possible. These sources will give us different perspectives on the issue
and help us come up with well-rounded solutions.

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Participation Measures
Stephan Sewpersaud (The Leader): As the leader of the group, Stephan took

charge of organizing and coordinating the entire project. He ensured that everyone

knew their roles and deadlines, and kept the group on track throughout the research

and writing process.

Jeremiah Dorris: Jeremiah was responsible for writing and printing all the

materials needed for the project. He worked diligently to compile and present the

research clearly, and also printed the reports and other necessary documents for the

group's presentation.

Alim Hanif: Alim supported the project financially, helping cover costs for

materials, printing, and any additional expenses the group incurred. His

contributions allowed the group to stay within budget and ensure everything was

ready for submission.

Tyrese Harte: Like Alim, Tyrese contributed financially to the project, assisting

with covering the costs of materials and ensuring that the group had the resources

necessary to complete the investigation.

Muaz Akbar: Muaz also supported the project financially, helping to share the

financial responsibilities with Alim and Tyrese, ensuring the project could be

completed without financial hindrance.

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Quality in Group Activity

In our group, the quality of the work was ensured through strong collaboration and
clear communication. Each member contributed their unique skills and
responsibilities, which allowed us to achieve our goal effectively and efficiently.

Leadership and Organization: Stephan, as the group leader, maintained structure

by organizing meetings and setting clear objectives for the project. His leadership
ensured that everyone stayed focused and that tasks were completed on time.

Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Each member knew their role and the tasks
they were responsible for. Jeremiah’s role in writing and printing ensured that the
research was well-documented and presented in a professional manner. Alim,
Tyrese, and Muaz’s financial support was crucial in covering the costs for
resources and materials, allowing the group to stay on track with the project’s
needs.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Communication within the group was key to

ensuring that everyone was on the same page. We regularly checked in with each
other to ensure that tasks were progressing smoothly. Each member’s feedback and
input were valued, which helped improve the overall quality of the project.

Commitment to Excellence: Every member took their responsibilities seriously,

ensuring that the final product was well-researched, clear, and comprehensive.
Whether it was through financial contributions or completing assigned tasks, each
person worked to ensure the project reflected a high standard of quality.

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The 3 Pieces Of Artificats

1st Piece (Poem)

The Pollution of the Earth

By David B. Goldstein

2nd Piece (Magazine)

Water Pollution: A Growing Crisis

By: Emily Roberts

3rd Piece (Magazine Article)

Author: WWF (World Wildlife Fund)

Source: World Wildlife Fund - Water for All

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Group Written Report

a.What different aspects of the theme did each group member investigate?

 Stephan Sewpersaud focused on plastic pollution, exploring both the

emotional impact through a poem and the scientific aspects through an
article.
 Tyrese Harte explored the environmental issue of thermal pollution,
focusing on how industrial discharges affect aquatic ecosystems.
 Jeremiah Dorris focused on water pollution, examining both its global
crisis through a magazine article and its emotional impact through a poem.

b. Was it easy or hard to find pieces/artefacts? Why?

 It was relatively easy for the group to find relevant pieces, as the theme of
pollution is widely researched and discussed across various media formats,
including scientific articles, poems, and magazine articles.
 The challenge was ensuring the pieces were connected to the subtopics and
that they varied in format, from scientific articles to creative pieces like
poems.

c. How did the group decide what three pieces/artefacts to use?

 The group chose pieces that represented different formats (poetry, articles,
and scientific research) to provide a comprehensive view of the theme of
pollution. Each piece was selected for its ability to address different aspects
of the pollution issue, from emotional impact to scientific analysis and
global awareness.

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d. How many pieces/artefacts did the group have? What are the names of the
three chosen?

 The group reviewed several pieces, but ultimately selected three key
artefacts:

o Stephan Sewpersaud: One Piece at a Time (Poem) by Sam Grove

(Year unknown), The Global Threat from Plastic Pollution (Article)
by Matthew MacLeod et al. (2025)
o Tyrese Harte: Thermal Pollution: Causes, Effects (Scientific Article)
(Year unknown)
o Jeremiah Dorris: The Pollution of the Earth (Poem) by David B.
Goldstein (Year unknown), Water Pollution: A Growing Crisis
(Magazine Article) by Emily Roberts (Year unknown), Water for All
(Magazine Article) by WWF (Year unknown)

2. Evidence of Investigation

a. What did the group learn from each of the pieces/artefacts?

 Stephan Sewpersaud: The poem highlighted the emotional aspect of plastic

pollution, while the article provided a scientific understanding of its global
threats and impacts on ecosystems.
 Tyrese Harte: The article on thermal pollution taught the group about the
environmental and ecological risks of rising water temperatures, especially
caused by industrial activities.
 Jeremiah Dorris: The poem and magazine article both underscored the
urgency of addressing water pollution, highlighting its impacts on health,
ecosystems, and the global environment.

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b. What was the major issue in each piece/artefact?

 Stephan Sewpersaud: The poem lacks practical solutions for addressing

plastic pollution, while the article points out the challenge of reversing
current plastic pollution.
 Tyrese Harte: The major issue in the article is the difficulty in mitigating
thermal pollution, especially without strong regulatory measures.
 Jeremiah Dorris: The poem raises awareness but does not provide a call to
action, while the magazine articles highlight fragmented efforts to tackle
water pollution, calling for a more coordinated global response.

c. Title of artefact, author, and year of publication (if possible)

 Stephan Sewpersaud:

o One Piece at a Time by Sam Grove (Year unknown)

o The Global Threat from Plastic Pollution by Matthew MacLeod, Hans
Peter H. Arp, Mine B. Tekman, and Annika Jahnke (2025)

 Tyrese Harte:

o Thermal Pollution: Causes, Effects (Author unknown, Year unknown)

 Jeremiah Dorris:

o The Pollution of the Earth by David B. Goldstein (Year unknown)

o Water Pollution: A Growing Crisis by Emily Roberts (Year unknown)
o Water for All by WWF (Year unknown)

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Reflection 1
Reflection on Artefact 1: "Water for All" by WWF

Before this project, I only saw water pollution in terms of visible plastic waste. The
WWF article opened my eyes to the hidden dangers, like chemical runoff and
ecosystem destruction. It explained how wetlands are disappearing, and this affects
both the environment and human communities. I learned that polluted water leads
to serious health and economic issues. The article made me realize that water
pollution is a global problem that requires urgent attention, not just an
environmental concern but one that impacts people’s livelihoods and wellbeing.

Reflection on Artefact 2: "The Polluted Waters" Poem

The poem provided an emotional view of water pollution, focusing on how it

affects both nature and people. It helped me realize that water is not just a resource;
it’s a vital part of cultures and identities. I hadn’t thought about how pollution can
harm that connection. The poem made me see the urgency of protecting water,
emphasizing its importance beyond scientific facts—showing the emotional and
cultural impact on communities.

Reflection on Artefact 3: Magazine Article on Water Pollution

The magazine article showed me how water pollution directly impacts human
health and economies. It explained how polluted water causes diseases and
economic losses, especially in developing countries. I was shocked by how much
money is lost each year due to poor water quality. This article helped me
understand that water pollution isn’t just an environmental issue, but a public
health and economic crisis that affects everyone, which deepened my
understanding of its urgency

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Reflection 2
Reflection 2 on Artefact 1: "Water for All" by WWF

The piece falls into the category of an article.

The purpose of the article was to inform readers about the global scale of water
pollution and its consequences, highlighting the importance of clean water for
ecosystems and human health.

The article used facts, statistics, and a formal tone to support its message. It also
included vivid descriptions of the damage caused by pollution to ecosystems like
wetlands, which helped to convey the severity of the issue.

These techniques were very effective in achieving the article’s purpose. The facts
and statistics made the issue seem urgent and undeniable, while the formal tone
helped establish credibility. Overall, it helped me understand the critical need for
action to protect water sources

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Reflection on Artefact 2: "The Polluted Waters" Poem

The piece is a poem.

The purpose of the poem was to persuade readers to reflect on the emotional and
cultural impact of water pollution, highlighting how it harms both nature and
human life.

The poem used imagery, personification, and emotional appeals. For example, it
described polluted rivers as “weeping” to evoke feelings of sadness and urgency.

These techniques were effective in achieving the poem’s purpose. The vivid
imagery and emotional appeals made me feel connected to the issue, encouraging
me to consider water pollution beyond just a scientific problem, but as something
that deeply affects people’s lives and identities.

Reflection on Artefact 3: Magazine Article on Water Pollution

The piece is a magazine article.

The purpose of the article was to inform readers about the impact of water
pollution on human health and the economy.

The article used statistics, expert quotes, and cause-and-effect explanations to

show how polluted water leads to diseases and economic losses.

These techniques were very effective in informing readers. The statistics provided
concrete evidence, while expert quotes helped strengthen the article’s credibility.
The cause-and-effect structure made the connection between water pollution and
its consequences easy to follow, making the article highly informative and
convincing.

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Reflection 3
Reflection 3: How Completing the SBA Helped Me Improve

Completing the SBA on water pollution has been a transformative experience, both
academically and personally. The research process expanded my knowledge of
environmental issues, particularly the consequences of water pollution. This has
made me more socially aware of the impact that human activities have on the
world around us. I have learned to assess, evaluate, and incorporate various sources
of information, which has improved my critical thinking and research skills.

On a personal level, working on the SBA taught me the importance of self-

discipline. Managing my time effectively while balancing schoolwork and group
contributions required me to stay focused and organized. This helped me improve
my time management skills.

Working with my group was a learning experience. We faced challenges, but by

collaborating and sharing responsibilities, I learned how to communicate better and
resolve conflicts. These skills will be useful both academically and socially as I
continue to work in teams. This project has made me more responsible and
confident in my abilities.

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Oral Presentation
Good day everyone,

Today, I will be discussing a pressing issue that affects not only our environment but also our
health, economy, and future: water pollution.

Water pollution is caused by harmful substances, including chemicals, plastics, and waste
materials, entering our water bodies. In Guyana, the problem is becoming more pronounced with
activities such as mining, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal. These pollutants not
only degrade our rivers, lakes, and seas but also pose a serious threat to marine life and human
health.

In Guyana, we rely heavily on water for daily life, from drinking water to agriculture, yet much
of our water is being contaminated. This results in waterborne diseases, environmental damage,
and economic losses. For instance, polluted rivers lead to poor crop yields, which affects the
livelihoods of farmers, and the contaminated water we drink can cause serious health issues like
cholera and dysentery.

It's important to recognize that everyone plays a role in this crisis. Whether through industrial
activities or improper waste disposal, we all contribute to the contamination of our water.
However, this problem is not insurmountable. By raising awareness, promoting cleaner practices,
and supporting government regulations, we can mitigate the effects of water pollution.

We must also adopt sustainable practices in our communities. This includes reducing plastic use,
improving waste management, and supporting conservation efforts. One important step we can
take is to use natural, biodegradable fertilizers in farming to prevent harmful chemicals from
seeping into the soil and water.

In conclusion, water pollution is a critical issue that we can no longer ignore. It impacts our
health, livelihoods, and environment. As individuals, we can help protect our water sources
through conscious actions, and together, we can ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all.

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Plan Of Oral Presentation
Introduction To begin, I’ll open my presentation with a thought-provoking question: “Did you
know that nearly 80% of wastewater worldwide is discharged untreated into rivers and oceans?”
This is meant to capture attention and highlight the seriousness of the issue. I’ll then introduce
myself and state the focus of my presentation, which is to raise awareness about water pollution,
explain its impact, and discuss how we can all take action.

Define Water Pollution Next, I will define water pollution in simple terms: “Water pollution
occurs when harmful substances, such as chemicals, plastics, and waste, enter water bodies,
making the water unsafe for human consumption and aquatic life.” I’ll also briefly touch on the
primary causes of water pollution, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and improper
disposal of household waste.

Discuss the Impacts of Water Pollution In this section, I’ll explain the environmental, health,
and economic impacts of water pollution:

 Environmental Impact: Pollution harms ecosystems by reducing oxygen levels in water,

which leads to the death of aquatic organisms.

 Health Risks: Contaminated water leads to diseases such as cholera and dysentery,
which can be fatal, particularly in developing regions.

 Economic Impact: I’ll highlight how water pollution affects industries like agriculture
and fishing, causing economic losses. I’ll also touch on how tourism can be impacted
when beaches and rivers become polluted.

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References
World Health Organization (WHO). (2017).
Drinking-water quality. World Health Organization.
Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2016).

Water pollution. United Nations Environment Programme.
Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/report/water-pollution

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2020).

Water pollution and its effects on marine life. NOAA.
Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/water-
pollution-and-marine-life

WWF (World Wildlife Fund). (2021).

The impact of water pollution on biodiversity. WWF.
Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-pollution

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Local Context (Guyana) I will specifically talk about how water pollution affects Guyana. For
instance, mining activities and agricultural runoff are major contributors to the contamination of
rivers, which impacts the health of local communities and hinders economic activities like
fishing and farming.

Solutions and Actions Here, I will provide solutions to combat water pollution:

 Community-Level Actions: I’ll suggest that individuals can reduce plastic waste, avoid
dumping waste into rivers, and participate in clean-up campaigns.

 Government Actions: I’ll call for stronger regulations on industries that pollute water
and support policies that promote cleaner farming and mining practices.

 Personal Actions: I will encourage the audience to conserve water, adopt sustainable
practices, and educate others about the importance of clean water.

Conclusion In conclusion, I’ll briefly summarize the importance of tackling water pollution and
urge everyone to take responsibility. I’ll end with a call to action: “Let’s all do our part in
protecting our water sources for future generations.” Then, I’ll thank the audience for their time
and attention

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 CONCLUSION
Water pollution is an urgent and growing issue that affects not only the
environment but also human health, economies, and communities, particularly in
regions like Guyana. By understanding the causes—such as agricultural runoff,
industrial waste, and improper waste disposal—we can better recognize the dire
consequences of polluted water, from the death of marine life to the spread of
waterborne diseases. However, there are solutions within our reach, including
stricter regulations, sustainable practices, and individual responsibility to reduce
pollution and preserve water resources. Together, through awareness and action,
we can protect this vital resource and ensure cleaner, safer water for future
generations. Water pollution is a problem we all can help address, and every effort
counts.

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