BECE - Basic Education Certificate Examination The Environment and Sustainability Questions and Answers

Question 1

A factory near a village has been dumping its untreated chemical waste directly into a nearby river. What is the MOST likely immediate consequence of this action?

Accepted Answer

The population of fish and other aquatic life in the river will die.

Answer

Untreated chemical waste is a major form of water pollution. These chemicals are often toxic and consume the oxygen in the water, leading to the death of fish, plants, and other organisms that live in the river, thereby destroying the aquatic ecosystem.

Question 2

The '3Rs'—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—are important principles for managing waste. Which of the following actions is the best example of 'Reduce'?

Accepted Answer

Carrying a personal shopping bag to the market.

Answer

The principle of 'Reduce' focuses on decreasing the amount of waste generated in the first place. By carrying a personal shopping bag, one avoids taking new plastic bags from the seller, thus reducing the amount of plastic waste that will need to be managed later. Using an old tyre is 'Reuse', collecting bottles for new products is 'Recycle', and mending a uniform is also a form of 'Reuse'.

Question 3

A community located at the foot of a hill has recently started experiencing frequent, severe flooding and soil erosion during the rainy season. Which human activity is the most probable cause of this problem?

Accepted Answer

Extensive cutting down of trees on the hillside for firewood and charcoal.

Answer

This activity is an example of deforestation. The roots of trees and other vegetation hold the soil together and help absorb rainwater. When trees are cut down, especially on a slope, the soil becomes loose and is easily washed away by rain (erosion). The increased water runoff, no longer slowed by the forest, rushes down the hill, causing floods in the community below.

Question 4

All of the following are renewable resources EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

crude oil

Answer

Crude oil is a fossil fuel, which is a non-renewable resource. It was formed from the remains of ancient organisms over millions of years and cannot be replaced within a human lifespan. Sunlight, trees (which can be replanted), and water (which is replenished through the water cycle) are all considered renewable resources.

Question 5

Improper disposal of human waste and household refuse in a community can block drains and contaminate water sources. This situation is most likely to lead to an outbreak of which disease?

Accepted Answer

Cholera

Answer

Cholera is a waterborne disease caused by bacteria that thrives in conditions of poor sanitation. It spreads rapidly when people consume food or water contaminated with faecal matter. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, Tuberculosis is airborne, and HIV/AIDS is spread through bodily fluids.

(BECE) Basic Education Certificate Examination Practice Test

(BECE) Basic Education Certificate Examination Practice Test

BECE - Basic Education Certificate Examination The Environment and Sustainability Questions and Answers