Opening Statements: Chairperson: Good morning/afternoon, everyone!

Welcome to our
debate on the topic, "Should single-use plastic be banned to reduce ocean pollution?"
We have two groups representing the affirmative side and two groups representing the
negative side. Each group will present their arguments, followed by rebuttals and a
conclusion. Let's begin with the opening statements from the affirmative side.

Affirmative Group 1: Speaker 1: Thank you, Chairperson. We firmly believe that single-
use plastic should be banned to reduce ocean pollution. Our planet is facing a severe
environmental crisis, and one of the biggest culprits is plastic waste. By banning single-
use plastics, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our
oceans, protecting marine life and preserving our ecosystems.

Affirmative Group 2: Speaker 2: Thank you. In addition to the environmental impact,

banning single-use plastics will also encourage the development of sustainable
alternatives. We have seen successful examples of biodegradable or reusable options
that can effectively replace single-use plastics. By implementing a ban, we can stimulate
innovation and create a market for such eco-friendly alternatives.

Negative Group 1: Speaker 3: Thank you, Chairperson. While we acknowledge the

problem of ocean pollution, we believe that banning single-use plastic is not the most
effective solution. Plastic bans may lead to unintended consequences, such as the
increased use of other non-biodegradable materials. Additionally, proper waste
management systems and education about recycling could be more practical and
sustainable approaches to tackle the issue.

Negative Group 2: Speaker 4: Thank you. We also argue that instead of an outright ban,
promoting responsible consumption and recycling habits would be a more realistic and
achievable goal. Educating people about reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste
can have a significant impact. Banning single-use plastics might be too extreme,
considering the convenience they offer in certain situations.

Rebuttals: Chairperson: Thank you for the opening statements. Now, each group will
have the opportunity to present rebuttals. Please keep them concise.

Affirmative Group 1: Speaker 1: The negative side suggests focusing on recycling, but it's
important to note that recycling alone is not enough. A vast majority of plastic waste is
not recycled and ends up in landfills or the ocean. Banning single-use plastics would
force us to find sustainable alternatives and decrease our reliance on plastic altogether.
Negative Group 1: Speaker 3: We understand the importance of finding alternatives, but
an outright ban might not be practical for certain industries that heavily rely on single-
use plastics, such as medical and food packaging. Rather than banning them, we should
explore more responsible production and disposal methods to minimize the impact on
the environment.

Conclusion: Chairperson: Thank you all for your arguments. Now, each group will
present a brief conclusion to summarize their position.

Affirmative Group 2: Speaker 2: In conclusion, banning single-use plastic is a necessary

step to combat ocean pollution. By doing so, we can protect marine life, encourage
innovation, and promote a sustainable future for our planet.

Negative Group 2: Speaker 4: To conclude, while we agree that plastic pollution is a

pressing issue, an outright ban on single-use plastics may not be the most effective
approach. By focusing on responsible consumption, recycling, and sustainable
production methods, we can achieve a balance between environmental preservation and
practicality.

Chairperson: Excellent job, everyone! I appreciate the thought-provoking arguments

from both sides. Remember, the goal of this activity is to encourage critical thinking and
develop your skills in presenting and countering arguments. Well done!

Note: Make sure to allocate specific time limits for each section, including opening
statements, rebuttals, and conclusions. Also, consider allowing for a Q&A session or a
discussion among students after the debate to encourage further engagement and
reflection.