RAMOJA SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
REVISION BOOKLET
AN APPROACH TO HIGH ORDER THINKING QUESTIONS SAMPLES
FORM 1
1. Discuss the various elements of the physical environment (3marks)
SOIL: This is the uppermost layer that covers the earth surface. This element of the physical
environment is very important to human and animal life since it is where most human activities
take place. There are three types of soil and each type serves a special function e.g. loam soil is
good for agriculture.
2. Analyze the socio-economic factors that lead to an unsustainable
environment(3marks)
DEFORESTATION: this is the practice of cutting down of trees leaving the soil uncovered.
This practice leads to unsustainable environment in the sense that those hazards such as soil
erosion can easily take place therefore removing the away the top soil which maybe fertile for
plant growth e.g. areas that are mostly exposed to deforestation end up becoming deserts.
3. Assess the influence of the environment on traditional lifestyles in different
zones(3marks)
AVAILABILITY OF WATER: Areas around the Chobe and Okavango usually experience and
receive high amounts of rainfall in year about 500mm-600mm. this good amount of rainfall
ensure that there is good supply of water throughout. This availability of water has influenced
people around those areas to engage in activities such Agriculture and fishing which they use to
feed their families and sell the surplus.
4. Analyze the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the management of natural
resources in Botswana(3marks)
CONSERVATION: the use of taboos and totems has promoted conservation of the environment
especially animal species. Locals are prohibited not to eat some animals for certain reasons and
believes. The myths and prohibition have ensured that the concerned animals are conserved and
their lifespan being prolonged. For example, Bakwena do not eat a crocodile and this means the
life of a crocodile is highly protected amongst Bakwena.
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5. Discuss factors affecting water resources in Botswana
HIGH TEMPEATURES: Botswana is a semi-arid country which means that Botswana is mostly
covered by desert therefore experience hot wet summers and cool dry winters. This has resulted
to high evaporation rates with little or no precipitation in some years. Due to little or no rainfall
most of the rivers and dams in Botswana are very dry therefore reducing the supply of water.
6. Assess water conservation practices in Botswana
WATER RESTRICTIONS: The government of Botswana has come up with very strict measures
of water usage especially during drought seasons. For instance, people are not allowed to water
their gardens or wash their cars using hosepipe. These restrictions have helped a lot since most
use water cautiously and save the little available water.
7. Analyze the implications of customary marriage, civil marriage and religious
marriage on the rights and responsibilities of married couples.
MARITAL POWER: in customary marriage the husband was the head of the family and such
made all the necessary decisions on behalf of the family without consultation of the wife. His
decisions were considered to be final. This created a sense of superiority complex that also
brought forth misuse and abuse by most husbands.
8. Discuss the factors that influence family size
FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES: the use of modern contraceptive methods such pills have
allowed people to have fewer children. Families especially the working class usually has few
children due to the fact that they spend most of their time at work unlike non-working families.
9. Discuss the rights and responsibilities of family members
ACCESS TO BASIC HUMAN NEEDS: Family members have the right to basic human needs
such as clothes, food, shelter and water. Parents in particular should at all times take the
responsibility to take care and ensure that their children have basic needs at all times. Parents
who are not working can always have access to government programmes such the Social and
Community Development schemes(S&CD).
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10. Assess the current challenges facing the family including HIV/AIDS and ways of
addressing them.
POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT: inability to afford basic human needs due to limited
access to funds or source income has been the thorn of pain amongst many families especially in
rural areas. This problem has been worsened by unemployment especially among young people.
Considering all these challenges the government is compelled to intensify and come up with
poverty eradication strategies so as to alleviate poverty especially amongst people in rural areas.
11. Discuss the role of the family in conserving natural resources
AFORESTATION: this refers to the growing of planting of trees. Families can ensure that they
conserve the environment by always planting trees and taking care of existing ones. This will
help in maintaining air circulation the environment. This also protects the environment from
depletion.
12. Discuss the role and status of men and women in the traditional society.
(Men)
FAMILY HEADSHIP: traditionally men were expected to be the head of their families. This
simply meant that they led their families in important decisions and activities. They gave the
family direction and guidance.
(Women)
FAMILY CARETAKERS: women were traditionally expected to be the care takers of their
families. This entails them performing certain family duties such as cleaning, cooking etc. by
performing their duties the families were well taken care of.
13. Discuss the cultural practices that discriminate against men and women
(Men)
PAYMENT OF BRIDE PRIZE: culturally men are expected to pay the bride prize when getting
married. This was perceived to be unifying factor and sign of gratitude. However, this cultural
practice discriminated especially men who were incapacitated to marry. This denied them chance
to raise and start their families
(Women)
WIFE INHERITANCE (Seyantlo): Culturally women were expected marry their late husband’s
brother. This practice did seek the consent or approval of the wife, rather it was an obligation.
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This practice violated and did not cater for the feelings and well-being of the wife rather it
treated women as some kind of property.
14. Evaluate attempts to promote gender equity in Botswana.
LEGISLATION: the government of Botswana has made sure that they enforce laws that address
any form of discrimination in the society. The laws ensure that there are no gender disparities in
the society. For example, the marital law was amended to accord both men and women equal
chances in the marriage.
15. Discuss the various sources of historical information
DOCUMENTARY SOURCES: these are books, magazines and pamphlets that contain
historical information particularly information on important events. Mostly these events are
documented by eye witnesses.
16. Discuss the socio-economic, political and technological developments in Egypt and
Mesopotamia.
RELIGION: The Mesopotamians believed in many Gods and showed different ways of worship
and respect to them. Religion promoted tolerance and mutual respect among people in
Mesopotamia.
17. Discuss the importance of national principles
SELF RELIANCE: Botswana adheres and promotes the principle of self-reliance among
Batswana. This is evidenced by many activities and programmes that are performed at societal
level. This principle is important since it empowers Batswana to stand for themselves and be able
to do some things without the influence.
18. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of Botswana’s mixed economic model
(Benefits)
INCREASED REVENUE: the mixed economic model allows Batswana and foreign people to
establish business of different calibers. This helps to boost the already existing government
business. By this business existing side by side it helps the collected revenues to increase.
(Disadvantages)
CORRUPTION: Mixed economic usually opens opportunity to everyone and this leads to
corrupt practices such as bribery and nepotism. The awarding of tenders is usually one of the
most the evident practices that lead to corruption.
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19. Analyze the effects of HIV/AIDS on Botswana’s economy
LOWER PRODUCTIVITY: HIV/AIDS usually leads to lower productivity since the affected
people may not fully engage themselves and apply all their energies on their work. They also
spend a lot of time on taking their medication and going for checkups.
20. Evaluate the impact of economic development on the lives of people of Botswana
EMPLOYMENT CREATION: economic development has facilitated establishment of various
sectors in the country which has led to creation of employment for Batswana. The government
continues time and again to create employment for people in Botswana. This helps people to earn
a living affords them an opportunity to source basic human needs.
21. Discuss the dangers of corruption and economic crime to Botswana’s economy.
LOSS OF REVENUE: the country will continue to lose a lot of money if the rate of crime and
corruption continues to increase. Ultimately if lots of money is lost due to crime and corruption,
the country’s developments and projects will continue to be derailed.
22. Evaluate the importance of agriculture to Botswana’s economy
SOURCE OF INCOME: agricultural sector has been one of the pillar sectors since independence
in terms of generating income for the country. This has been made possible by the exportation of
beef and beef products. Botswana exports quantities of beef to Europe making a good turnaround
in the countries revenues.
23. Analyze options available for Agricultural diversification
HORTICULTURE: this refers to the growing of vegetables and ornamental products.
Horticulture has been highly promoted to support other existing branches such as agronomy
which has been the main source of food in the country.
24. Evaluate the government policies for promoting agriculture in Botswana.
NAMPAAD: this is government policy that is aimed at promoting dairy farming and the sale of
dairy products. Many farmers in Botswana are venturing into dairy farming reducing more focus
from beef production. Currently the country is making steady progress in driving towards
sufficiency of dairy and dairy products.
25. Analyze the effects of mining on the development of the country.
DESTRUCTION OF THE TOP LAYER: mining results in the destruction of the top layer as
minerals are extracted. The destruction of the top layer makes it difficult for any other activity to
take place in the destructed earth surface.
26. Analyze the impact of the mining industry on the environment
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POLLUTION: mining leads to air pollution. During the processing of minerals toxic substances
are released in to the atmosphere causing contamination to the air we breathe. For instance, the
copper nickel mine in Selibe Phikwe emitted a lot of toxic gases which were not good for the
health of people
FORM 2
27. Discuss the importance of mountains, rift valleys craters, lakes and deltas to
humanity.
TOURISM: most of the landforms are a source of tourist attraction in their countries since most
of them possess special features which are only peculiar to them. This makes it interesting for
viewership of those who are not natives of the particular area. Through tourism local people will
be employed and their country will also generate income.
28. Discuss the characteristics of the Tundra
CLIMATE: The Tundra experiences very cold temperatures which can even reach negative 70
degrees Celsius. The Tundra also experiences very little or no rainfall. Mostly the Tundra is
covered by Ice polar caps which even make it very cool.
29. Discuss the causes and effects of climate change
GLOBAL WARMING: this refers to the increase in the earth temperatures over a period of time
usually very hot temperatures. Global warming leads to the drying of the water sources which
can lead to death of plants and animals.
30. Discuss how various elements of culture bring about individuals’ identity
LANGUAGE: this refers to the spoken language of a group. Through local languages natives of
a particular area are able to communicate with ease and create the spirit of self-belonging.
Language creates mutual understanding and sense of patriotism to the individual.
31. Discuss the economic potential of culture
SOURCE OF INCOME: various elements of culture can be used to generate money. For
instance, traditional food can be sold to people especially foreigners. Botswana Craft in
Gaborone is one outlet that specializes in traditional food and attracts a lot of customers.
32. Evaluate the importance of culture
IDENITY: culture brings identity to an individual and the country at large. Through various
cultural elements such as dress, language individuals have an identity and are distinct from other
groups. Culture brings societal distinction among people.
33. Discuss the factors that influence the location of settlements
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SOIL TYPES: most people in Botswana prefer to reside in areas or places where there are loam
soils. They prefer such as areas because most of them are farmers and survive on farming. For
instance, many people in Botswana are found in the eastern margin because of the soil fertility
there.
34. Discuss the opportunities and challenges of rural and urban life
(Opportunity in rural areas)
AVAILABILITY OF LAND: Rural areas have enough land since they are most few in
population. This few numbers accords them an opportunity to acquire both farming and
residential lands unlike in urban areas where land is very scarce.
(Challenge in urban areas)
HIGH RATE OF CRIME: urban areas are mostly vulnerable to high rate of crime. This high rate
of crime is mostly influenced by assets, infrastructure, technology and resources which mostly
attract the attention of young people. The high cost of living in urban areas is also a catalyst of
criminal activities in urban areas.
35. Analyze the link between rural and urban areas
PERSONAL RELATIONS: most of the young people stay in urban areas due to employment
and educational engagements. They only stay there temporarily for duration of their education
and employment and during holidays and when their contracts expire, they go back to rural
areas.
36. Discuss the causes of conflicts of the Mfecane wars
COMPETITION FOR FERTILE PRODUCTIVE LAND: around 1800 the region around the
Mhlathuzi area was struck by drought which resulted in most areas being dry and inhabitable for
agricultural activities. This made survival very difficult for people. Therefore, the people around
the Nguni areas competed for the little productive land in order to survive.
37. Discuss the effects of the Mfecane wars
DISPLACEMENT AND LOSS OF IDENTITY: the Mfecane wars resulted in some groups
being forced out of their original lands or places birth. They fled away for their safety from the
larger groups. Some of the groups they fled away to as far as Botswana.
38. Discuss the activities and effects of the early missionaries and European traders
(Missionaries)
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EVANGELISATION: the main reason for the coming of missionaries according to various
sources was to spread the word of God. Missionaries such Robert Moffat and David Livingstone
stayed among Batswana and opened churches to preach and teach the word of God.
(Traders)
ESTABLISH MARKETS: many of the European traders came to Africa to solely find and set up
markets for their products. They also wanted markets that could provide them with raw materials
in order for them produce goods which they ultimately sold back to Africans.
39. Discuss the terms of the Berlin Conference of 1884
ABOLISHMENT OF SLAVE TRADE: one of the major reasons for the Berlin Conferences was
for the Europeans to stop slave trade which was still practiced by some European countries on
Africans. This was perceived as ruthless and inhuman practice.
40. Discuss the relations between the Boers and Batswana between 1835-1895
HOSTILE AND BRUTAL: the relationship between the Boers and Batswana was very hostile
and brutal around 1895. The Boers attacked and killed many Batswana. The main reasons for
this brutality were to exploit, and solicit African land especially fertile productive land.
41. Analyze the factors leading to the declaration of a protectorate
MISSIONARY PRESSURE: colonial government was under severe pressure of the missionaries
who were already in Bechuanaland. The missionaries were to do their work without any
disturbance, so they exerted pressure on their government to protect Bechuanaland. This would
help safeguard their interests.
42. Discuss the attempts and subsequent reactions to transfer Bechuanaland.
INCORPORATION TO THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA: the British government wanted to
incorporate Bechuanaland to South Africa around 1810. The leaders of Bechuanaland at that
time felt the decision was undermining their integrity and leadership as a country so they refused
to the transfer.
43. Discuss the reasons for and effects of the 1934 Native Administration.
REDUCING THE POWERS OF DIKGOSI: the 1934 Native Administration Proclamation
wanted to reduce the powers of the Dikgosi by not allowing them to execute some of their
traditional responsibilities such as allocation of land. Dikgosi felt undermined and powerless
with regards to the decision so they protested against such.
44. Discuss the development and effects of the rise of nationalism
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EMERGENCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES: nationalism is the desire of a country to rule itself.
Around 1960 Batswana desired more and more to lead themselves. This desire led to the
formation of political which had different mandates to the people. The first political was
therefore formed in 1959.
45. Discuss the rights and responsibilities of HIV/AIDS people.
TAKING MEDICATION: people who are HIV positive have the right to proper medical
attention and treatment. They also in turn have the responsibility to take their medication
properly as prescribed by the doctor.
46. Discuss the major multilateral trade agreements that Botswana has with other
countries.
SACU: Botswana has signed an agreement with South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho.
This agreement is solely made to allow free and flexible movement of goods within member
states. The customs duty charged are very low among member countries.
47. Discuss attempts to promote industrial development
BOTSWANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: Botswana government has established BDC
as an effort to promote industrial development. Botswana Development Corporation finances and
assists big businesses to improve or to establish new wings.
48. Analyze the importance of transport and communication to the economy
SOURCE OF INCOME: Various sources of transport and communication are important sectors
of the country’s economy. Transport facilitates ease movement of goods and services.
Communication networks on the other hand make accessibility of goods and services easier and
flexible.
49. Discuss the various road safety measures
TRAFFIC FINES: Botswana government has enacted some laws that govern the usage of roads
e.g. restriction in speed. Ignorance or disobedience of these rules and regulations usually results
in heavy transport fines to the offenders or perpetrators.
50. Assess the prevalence of road accidents in Botswana.
INCREASE IN MORTALITY RATES: over years road accidents have continuously been on the
rise leading to much mortality. This has impacted negatively on the economy and livelihoods of
many people. Families have suffered a great ordeal of losing breadwinners. Much mortality has
been recorded during holidays.
51. Evaluate the importance of tourism in Botswana
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SOURCE OF INCOME- The tourism sector is one of the fastest sectors that are developing in
the country and generates a lot of revenue in the country’s economy. The government has also in
turn shown a lot of input in the tourism industry by investing a lot of money on it.
52. Evaluate attempts to promote ecotourism
TOURISM BOARD-The government has established a tourism board that sets out the rules and
regulations regarding the tourism sector. The tourism board also comes up with strategies of
enhancing the ecotourism in the country especially empowering societies and giving them ways
of how they will benefit as a society.
53. Analyze the land use conflict/competition between humans, livestock and wild life.
Humans and livestock
Use of natural resources- both livestock and humans depend on their environment for natural
resources for instance people especially in rural areas use grass for thatching their houses and
animals on the other hand need grass for consumption. This pose conflict especially during times
of drought.
Livestock and wild animals-Both livestock and wild animals depend on nature for survival.
However, some of the wildlife kills and eats domestic animals. Hyenas, leopards and lions are
carnivores they eat meat as a way of survival.
54. Assess the negative and positive effects of tourism on the environment
Negative
LAND POLLUTION- Some activities like poaching can lead to pollution. The materials and
ingredients used to make bullets may not be conducive for the environment.
55. Evaluate attempts made to promote Botswana’s tourism
MARKETING-the government of Botswana has engaged in rigorous campaign to promote
tourism through the use of billboards, television and other technological innovations to boost the
tourism sector. Many people from close and abroad now know the tourism of our country
through various media
56. Evaluate efforts being made to address mismanagement of the world environment
International Agreement- Countries have signed various agreements such as the Kyoto
Protocol,the Geneva Conference as a way of curbing and dealing with some issues such as
pollution and deforestation.
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57. Discuss factors influencing population growth
Migration- this means the movement of people from one place to another.As a result of people
moving from one place to another places such as towns and cities may experience large numbers
of people residing in them and very few in rural areas
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