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Gantsi Senior Secondary school
Social Studies Department
Revision Questions (2017)
Topic one: Research Methods

1. Explain the importance of carrying out a research. (8)

2. State three factors that a researcher should consider before selecting a research topic.
(3)
3. Outline five steps that the researcher can do with the data after collecting it. (6)
4. Outline any six common steps of a research process. (6)
5. State four weaknesses of interview as a method of data collection. (4)
6. State four strengths of questionnaire as a method of data collection. (4)
7. Give four problems commonly encountered by researchers when trying to gather
information from respondents. (4)

Topic two: Environmental Concepts and Concerns

1. Explain four effects of pollution on the environment. (8)

2. Discuss two impacts of global warming on the environment. (6)
3. Explain four ways of sustaining the environment. (8)
4. Discuss how Environmental Impact Assessment is important. (6)
5. Explain the importance of the Swamps to human life in Botswana. (6)
6. Describe four ways in which local communities care for the environment. (8)
7. Evaluate the roles government in conservation of the environment in Botswana. (8)

Topic three: Population Dynamics

1. Discuss any two socio-economic factors that can lead to increased fertility rate. (6)
2. Explain four negative impacts of rapid population growth on the environment. (8)
3. Describe the importance of population census. (6)
4. Explain four negative impacts of rural-urban migration on the destination area. (8)
5. Discuss three possible solutions to rapid population growth on the environment. (9)
6. Explain four causes of conflicts over the use of natural resources. (6)
7. Discuss three ways of addressing conflicts arising from the use of scarce resources.
(9)
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Topic four: The family

1. Explain the importance of socialisation at family level. (6)

2. Explain the role of the family in addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS. (8)
3. Discuss how the issue of gender inequality can be addressed at community level. (6)
4. Discuss three changes that have taken place in families in Botswana. (9)
5. Describe four issues that threaten the family as a social unit in Botswana. (8)
6. Explain the role of the church in promoting family life. (6)
7. Evaluate the role of government in promoting family life in Botswana. (8)

Topic five: Nation-building

1. Discuss three political impacts of Mfecane wars on Batswana. (9)

2. Discuss the roles played by Batswana dikgosi in preservation of the lands of
Batswana during the colonial period. (9)
3. Explain how the 1934 proclamations reduced the powers of Tswana dikgosi. (8)
4. Discuss how the Legislative Council prepared Batswana for independence. (9)
5. Explain the importance of nation-building. (6)
6. Discuss three challenges faced by Botswana in nation-building. (9)
7. Evaluate the role of NGOs in promoting nation-building in Botswana. (8)

Topic six: Governance

1. Explain four characteristics of good governance in Botswana. (8)

2. Outline six stages of law-making in Botswana. (6)
3. Discuss the role of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime in promoting
good governance in Botswana. (9)
4. Evaluate the roles of opposition parties in promoting good governance in Botswana.
(8)
5. Discuss three strengths of Botswana’s electoral system. (9)
6. Explain the functions of the executive branch of government. (6)
7. Describe three main features of Botswana’s constitution. (6)

Topic eight: Citizenship

1. Describe four ways in which a person can acquire citizenship of Botswana. (8)
2. Outline six qualities of a good citizen. (6)
3. Outline six roles of the state to its citizens. (6)
4. Discuss three ways in which women can promote participatory democracy in
Botswana. (6)
5. Discuss three ways in which government can promote peace between Botswana’s
diverse ethnic groups. (9)
6. Discuss three impacts of HIV/AIDS as a global crisis. (9)
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7. Evaluate the roles of the UN peace-keeping forces in promoting peace. (8)

8. Evaluate the impacts of globalisation on Batswana. (8)

Topic nine: International Relations

1. Discuss how any three principles guide Botswana’s foreign policy. (9)
2. Explain how international relations are important. (6)
3. Explain four roles played by Botswana in international relations at regional level.
(8)
4. Discuss three challenges faced by Botswana in international relations.
(8)
5. Explain four ways in which countries promote international relations. (8)
6. Discuss three roles of International Court of Justice in promoting peaceful
relations. (9)
7. Explain how Botswana benefits from international relations at regional level. (6)

Topic ten: Cultural diversity in Botswana

1. Discuss cultural changes that have taken place in Botswana since independence. (9)
2. Evaluate the importance of culture. (8)
3. Discuss three gender disparities resulting from cultural practices. (9)
4. Discuss three ways of promoting one’s culture internationally. (9)
5. Explain how Botswana culture promotes the following principles:
a. Democracy (6)
b. Unity (6)
6. Discuss three ways of addressing gender imbalances resulting from cultural practices
in Botswana.
(9)

Topic eleven: Economic Development in Botswana.

1. Explain four factors that contribute to economic development. (8)

2. Explain how the mining sector contributes to Botswana’s economic development.
(8)
3. Explain the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector in Botswana. (6)
4. Discuss three ways in which corruption undermines Botswana’s economic
development. (9)
5. Evaluate the role of government of Botswana in promoting economic
diversification. (8)
6. Explain three global factors that have an impact in Botswana’s economic
development. (6)
7. Explain how the youth can promote economic diversification. (6)
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Topic twelve: Education and human resource development in Botswana.

1. Explain the importance of traditional education. (8)

2. Explain the differences between modern and traditional education. (6)
3. Discuss the role of education in promoting economic development. (6)
4. Discuss three challenges faced by people who are self employed in Botswana. (9)
5. Evaluate the role of government in promoting human resource development in
Botswana. (8)
6. Suggest four strategies that can be used by government to create employment for the
youth. (8)
7. Explain how the disabled should be catered for in Botswana’s education system. (6)

PAST BGCSE SOCIAL STUDIES EXAMINATIONS (2006-2011)

2006

1. a. Assess the impacts of terrorism as a global crisis. (10)

b. Discuss the importance of NGOs in promoting democracy in Botswana. (10)

2. a. Explain five ways in which government promotes economic diversification in Botswana.

(10)

b. Discuss five ways in which mining contributes to the economy of Botswana. (10)

3. a. Explain how colonialism led to the formation of early nationalist movements. (10)

b. i. Outline the roles played by Batswana dikgosi in preventing a take-over by the British
South Africa Company in 1895. (5)

ii. Discuss the role played by Bogosi institution in nation building. (10)

4. a. Evaluate the effects of international migration in Botswana. (10)

b. Explain five factors that can lead to high population growth. (10)

5. a. Describe how government is formed in Botswana. (8)

b. Outline eight qualities of a good citizen. (8)

c. Explain why international relations are important. (4)

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2007
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1. a. Examine the impacts of rapid population growth on available resources. (10)

b. Discuss five effects of rural urban migration on rural areas. (10)

2. a. Discuss how the youth can help to address the problem of unemployment in rural areas.
(6)

b. Evaluate the contribution of NGOs in nation-building. (14)

3. a. Discuss three advantages and three disadvantages of Botswana’s first past the post
electoral system. (12)

b. Explain why there is voter apathy in Botswana. (8)

4. a. Discuss with examples how culture promotes gender disparities in Botswana. (10)

b. Assess how globalisation has negatively affected the economy of Botswana. (10)

5. a. Discuss the impacts of desertification. (10)

b. Discuss five ways in which government of Botswana is encouraging peace and

harmony among ethnic groups in Botswana. (10)

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2008

1. a. Discuss the factors that influence the division of labour in a modern society. (10)

b. Describe the role of the family in addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS. (10)

2. a. Explain five ways in which globalisation has impacted negatively on Batswana. (10)

b. Explain five possible solutions to rapid population growth. (10)

3. a. Show with examples, how culture promotes the following principles of nation-building:

i. Unity (2)
ii. Botho (2)
iii. Democracy (2)
iv. Development (2)
b. Explain six factors that influence economic growth. (12)

4. a. Explain how transparency promotes good governance. (10)

b. Analyse the significance of the following national symbols in nation-building:

i. National flag (4)

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ii. National Anthem (3)

iii. Coat of arms (3)

5. a. Explain the importance of traditional education. (10)

b. Assess five ways in which the tourism industry has positively contributed to the
economy of Botswana. (10)

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2009

1. a. Describe five causes of conflicts over the use of natural resources. (10)

b. Describe five socio economic factors that influence population growth. (10)

2. a. Discuss five ways in which international relations are important. (10)

b. Discuss five challenges faced by Botswana in international relations. (10)

3. a. Discuss five challenges faced by manufacturing industries in Botswana. (10)

b. Describe five possible solutions to challenges faced by manufacturing industries in

Botswana. (10)

4. a. Discuss the factors that led to the British declaration of a protectorate over
Bechuanaland. (10)

b. Describe the characteristics of a non- democratic government. (10)

5. a. Explain why socialisation is an important aspect of the child’s upbringing. (10)

b. Evaluate the importance of culture. (10)

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2010

1.a. Discuss the significance of intermarriages across ethnic groups. (4)

b. Explain the role of the family in addressing issues of sex education. (6)

c. Evaluate the impacts of changing family systems in Botswana. (10)

2. a. Using examples, discuss how Tswana culture encourages gender disparities. (10)

b. Evaluate the contribution of Emang Basadi in nation-building. (10)

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3. a. According to the Ministry of Education, all Batswana have equal access to education.
Assess this with particular reference to the disabled learners in Botswana. (10)

b. Discuss the role of education in promoting economic development. (10)

4. a. Al Qaeda is regarded as an international terrorist organisation. Discuss the impacts of

terrorism in the world. (10)

b. Discuss five challenges faced by Botswana in her efforts to develop international

relations. (10)

5. a. Explain two challenges faced by the mining sector of the economy of Botswana. (4)

b. Using three examples evaluate the significance of global economic forces on the
economy of Botswana. (6)

c. Assess the role of the government of Botswana in economic diversification. (10)

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2011

1. a. Explain three challenges of self-employment in Botswana. (6)

b. Discuss three ways in which agriculture contributes to the economy of Botswana. (6)

c. Evaluate the role of government in promoting agriculture. (8)

2. a. Some dikgosi, like Kgosi Kgafela, have reintroduced initiation schools to revive
traditional education.

i. Explain how this type of education is important to culture in Botswana. (6)

ii. Discuss the importance of cultural tolerance in Botswana. (6)

b. Assess the social impacts of globalisation in Botswana. (8)

3. a. The rapid increase of Zimbabweans into Botswana has directly affected Botswana.

i. Explain any three factors that could have forced Zimbabweans to migrate into
Botswana. (6)

ii. Evaluate how this type of migration has economically benefitted Botswana. (6)

b. Describe four causes of conflict over the use of natural resources. (8)

4. a. Discuss three challenges faced by Botswana in international relations. (6)

b. Explain three principles that guide Botswana in her international relations. (6)
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c. Evaluate four ways in which NGOs promote human rights in Botswana (8)

5. a. Contrast Botswana’s constitutional democracy with Swaziland’s monarchy. (6)

b. When people in power or authority act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain,
economic development is negatively affected.

i. Discuss three ways in which this type of practice affects economic development. (6)

ii. Explain four ways in which the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime promotes
good governance in Botswana. (8)

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2012

1a. Explain the roles of the following branches of government:

i Executive
ii Legislature (6)
c. The spirit of nationalism brought changes in the lives of Africans. Discuss how
nationalism affected the lives of Batswana. (8)

2a. Explain three ways of acquiring citizenship in Botswana. (6)

b. Explain three traditional attributes of Batswana citizens. (6)

c. Discuss how the UN peace-keeping forces help to sustain human dignity. (8)

3(a) Explain the importance of education in promoting economic development. (6)

(b) Explain the steps to be taken by individuals when health rights have been violated. (6)

(c) Assess the effects of global economic forces on the economy of Botswana. (8)

4 (a) Using examples, show how the Hardveld has influenced the economic activities of
people living there.

(b) A woman’s fertility rate is influenced by both socio-economic and cultural factors.
Explain three factors that can lead to increased fertility rate. (6)

(c) Explain the importance of population policy. (8)

5. (a) Using examples, show how elements culture differ from one group to another in
Botswana. ( 6)

(b) Discuss how Tswana culture promotes gender disparities in Botswana. (6)
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(c) Media has an influence on people’s way of life. Evaluate ways through the media has
influenced the Setswana culture. (8)

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2013

1. a. Explain three social factors that can lead to an increase in population. (6)
b. Explain three effects of high population on available resources. (6)

c. Discuss four possible measures that can be taken to reduce rapid population
growth. (8)

2 a. Explain three ways in which the 1934 Native Tribunal Proclamation reduced the
powers of dikgosi and the kgotla as judicial institutions. (6)
b. Explain the contributions made by Batswana dikgosi in preserving the lands of
Batswana from the period of Mfecane up to the time when Bechuanaland attained
independence. (6)
c. Assess four political impacts of Mfecane wars on Batswana. (8)

3. a. Explain three principles that guide Botswana’s foreign policy. (6)

b. Explain any three roles played by Botswana in international relations at regional level.
(6)
c. Assess four roles of the United Nations in promoting world peace. (8)

4. Culture is our heritage; a nation without a culture is a lost nation.

a. Explain the importance of culture in Botswana. (6)
b. Explain three ways in which culture promotes the principle of Botho. (6)
c. Assess the impacts of globalisation on Tswana culture. (8)

5. In recent years the government of Botswana has invested a lot in addressing the problem of
shortage of skilled labour.
a. Explain the importance of education. (6)
b. Outline six challenges faced who are self employed in Botswana. (6)
c. Assess four roles of government in promoting human resources development in Botswana.
(8)
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2014
1.a. Explain the importance of the Kgalagadi desert to human life in Botswana. (6)
b. The Okavango swamps are one of Africa’s most preferred tourist destinations. Discuss
three ways in which people can mismanage the swamps. (6)
c. Evaluate four roles of Non-Governmental in promoting environmental conservation in
Botswana. (8)
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2 a. Suggest three ways of addressing each of the following issues at family level:
i. Gender inequality
ii. HIV/AIDS (6)
b. Assess three roles of religious organisations in promoting family life. (6)
c. Assess four changes that have taken place in family systems in Botswana since
independence. (8)

3a. Explain three ways in which citizenship is acquired in Botswana. (6)

b. Botswana is a multi-ethnic state. Explain three ways of promoting peace amongst
Botswana’s diverse ethnic groups. (6)
c. Assess four roles played by the United nations’ Peace-keeping forces in sustaining human
life, dignity and peace. (8)

4 a. The spirit of nationalism brought changes in the lives of Africans. Discuss how
nationalism affected the lives of Batswana. (6)
b. According to the Independent Electoral Commission, a large number of eligible voters
neither vote nor register for elections. Outline any six reasons for voter apathy in Botswana.
(6)
c. Evaluate the roles of opposition parties in promoting good governance in Botswana. (8)

5a. Explain any three factors that contribute to economic development. (6)
b. Discuss challenges faced by the Agricultural sector in Botswana. (6)
c. The mining sector contributes the most to Botswana’s foreign exchange earnings.
Evaluate government’s efforts in promoting economic diversification in Botswana. (8)
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2015

1. Scientific research has shown that there is a gradual rise in the temperature of the
atmosphere.

a. Explain three ways in which the rise in temperature negatively affects the
environment. (6)

b. Explain three ways in which the rise in temperature can be controlled. (6)

c. Assess four ways in which people in rural areas contribute to environmental care.
(8)

2. Botswana’s electoral system is known as First Past The Post.

a. Explain two strengths of this electoral system. (4)

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b. Assess the roles of the office of the Ombudsman in promoting good governance in
Botswana. (8)

c. Evaluate the role of Botswana government in promoting nation building. (8)

3. a. Outline six qualities of a responsible citizen. (6)

b. Describe three different levels of citizenship in Botswana. (6)

c. Describe the significance of the following Botswana national symbols in building

responsible citizens.

i. National flag

ii. Coat of arms

4. Culture refers to a way of life of a particular group of people.

a. Describe two basic aspects of culture and give two examples for each. (6)

b. Explain three ways in which Tswana culture promotes the principle of unity. (6)

c. Describe four ways of promoting Setswana culture locally. (8)

5. a. Explain three challenges faced by the tourism sector in Botswana. (6)

b. Explain three ways in which corruption undermines Botswana’s economic

development. (6)

c. Evaluate the role of the private sector in promoting human resource development in
Botswana. (8)

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2016

1. In 2005 the Botswana government introduced an Environmental Impact

Assessment act to address the challenges of environmental degradation.

a. Describe the roles of NGOs in environmental care in Botswana. (6)

b. On 22 June 2014, the Okavango delta was inscribed as the 1000th world
heritage site. Explain three ways in which local farmers may mismanage the
Okavango delta. (6)

c. Assess the role of Environmental Impact Assessment in promoting

environmental care. (8)

2. Botswana is described as a shining example of democracy in Africa.

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a. Outline six major steps taken in the formation of government in Botswana. (6)

b. Explain three main features of Botswana’s constitution. (6)

c. Assess the extent to which the constitution of Botswana limits the powers of
government. (8)

3. a. Explain the impacts of HIV/AIDS on the economy of Botswana. (6)

b. Describe three strategies of promoting peace among Botswana’s diverse ethnic

groups. (6)

c. Assess the role of the International Red Cross in promoting human life, dignity
and peace in the world. (8)

4. a. Explain three challenges facing the agriculture sector in Botswana. (6)

b. Discuss three ways in which young people contribute to Botswana’s economic

development. (6)

c. Assess the impacts of global economic factors on Botswana’s economic

development. (8)

5. a. Explain three challenges facing self-employed people in Botswana. (6)

b. Explain three ways in which gender disparities caused by culture can be

addressed. (6)

c. Evaluate the role of the Botswana government in human resource development. (8)

2017

1. a. Describe three negative impacts of human activities on the environment. (6)

b. Explain three negative effects of rural urban migration on rural areas. (6)

c. Discuss the role of the government of Botswana in controlling rural-urban

migration. (8)

2. a. Explain any three ways that show the role of the youth in nation-building in Botswana.
(6)

b. Explain how self-reliance as a national principle contributes to nation-building. (6)

c. Around 1850 until 1895, the British South Africa company threatened to take over
Bechuanaland. Assess the role of missionaries to protect Bechuanaland. (8)

3. a. Explain the role of Amnesty International in sustaining human life. (6)

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b. Explain the role played by Botswana in international relations beyond the African
continent. (6)

c. Assess the impacts of HIV/AIDS in Botswana. (8)

4. a. Using any three elements of culture, describe the traditional lifestyle of the Basarwa. (6)

b. Describe three ways in which Tswana culture promotes the principle of Botho. (6)

C. Assess the impacts of globalisation on the Tswana culture. (8)

5. a. Explain how the mining sector contributes to economic development. (6)

b. Outline six steps in logical order, that one may take if his or her rights as a consumer are
abused.

c. Evaluate the efforts made by the private sector in order to help diversify the economy of
Botswana. (8)

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