LIFE ORIENTATION

TERMINOLOGY BOOKLET
GRADE 11

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 TOPIC: DEVELOPMENT OF THE SELF ON SOCIETY

TERMINOLOGY/CONCEPT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION
Abilities  These are natural/inborn qualities or characteristics that make you a unique individual
capable of doing certain things with your life for meaningful existence in the world. For
example, the unique ability of moving, hearing, seeing, talking, singing, running etc.
Examples of career-related abilities:
- Good communication skills.
- Critical thinking.
- Working well in a team.
- Self-motivation.
- Being flexible.
- Determination and persistence.
- Being a quick learner.
- Good time management.
Assertiveness  The ability to explicitly and respectfully express one’s feelings about what one wants,
feels, views, expects others to behave towards you etc. leading to an action being taken
in pursuance of what one believes in.

 This may also refer to the ability to:

 express one’s feelings, needs or desires openly and directly but in a respectful manner;

 stand up for one’s beliefs without putting down others in the process;

 Know what one wants and be able to take the necessary steps to achieve it within a specific
context.

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  Examples of assertive communication:

- "I completely understand what you're saying but I have to disagree”

- “I feel frustrated when you are late for meetings. ...

- “Could you explain the reasoning behind your decision, so I can try to understand what you're
doing”
Coercion  Being forced by someone to do something against your will.
Examples of coercion in relationships may include:
 Coercive control can happen in any type of intimate relationship and includes behaviors
such as insulting the other person, making threats, exerting financial control, and using sexual
coercion.
Examples of coercion in the work place:
 Coercive power is conveyed through fear of losing one's job, being demoted, receiving a
poor performance review, having prime projects taken away, etc. This power is obtained
through threatening others. For example, the manager of Sales threatens sales personnel to
meet their targets or get replaced/fired.
Coming out  Happens when people who are not heterosexual divulge to either friends, colleagues,
significant other, or family members about their sexual orientation. For example, one
may openly declare his/her sexual orientation to a pastor etc.
Conflict resolution  The ability to handle a hostile situation of friction between people calmly and peacefully.
 Disagreement can be normal and healthy, but when it develops into violence it becomes a
problem that needs more careful and calculated attention.
 Conflict resolution aims to use mutual respect and consideration to reduce or
eliminate destructive confrontation.
Coping with emotions  Coping refers to the ability to manage or deal effectively with an emotionally charged
situation or a
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 problem.
 Emotions are mental or instinctive feelings in response to internal or external stimuli.
 Emotions may be considered positive or negative.
 Emotions, regardless of their nature, they could be destructive if poorly handled or
constructive if successfully managed.
Effective communication  The ability to express oneself clearly and appropriately during interactions with other
people in any given circumstances.
 The ability to express yourself in ways that allow others to understand
your point of view/feelings/needs/ideas/intentions/understanding etc.
 Verbal or non-verbal communication is the essence of human relationships.
Emotional literacy  The capacity to recognize your own feelings and those of others enabling you to
effectively manage the negative effects of such feelings to maintain your internal stability
in relation to others.
Peer pressure  When your friends/peers/colleagues etc. influence you to do something that you do not want
to do.
Power  Is the influence/control that one person may exert on others for them to do certain things
they normally do not want to do.
 The use of negative manipulation and authority over another person.
Risky behavior  Behavior undertaken without regard/consideration of possible loss or injury, or
the negative consequences that may follow.
 Examples of such behavior may include:
- Driving under the influence of liquor
- Drug abuse
- Unsafe sex/promiscuity/prostitution etc.
Sexting  The exchange of self-generated sexually explicit images, through mobile picture message
or webcams over the internet.

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 TOPIC: DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

TERMINOLOGY/CONCEPT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION
Abuse  This is ill-treatment; insulting, ungracious and cursing language; aggressive physical actions
directed to
others with an intention to inflict emotional, physical or psychological pain
Affirmative action  This is a deliberate act of giving work opportunities to those from previously
disadvantaged/designated groups (black people, women and the disabled) as promoted
by the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1996).

 Act intended to redress the imbalances of the past to ensure representation of suitably
qualified employees from previously disadvantaged/designated groups (black people, women
and the disabled).

 Act of ensuring equal employment opportunity and equitable (proportional)

representation in all occupational categories and levels of the work force by designated or
disadvantaged groups in society.
Anarchy  A state of lawlessness and disorder, usually resulting from a failure of government or
irresponsible
individuals within communities.
Discrimination  is the unjust/unfair/unequal treatment of others because they are
from a different race/ethnicity/gender/sexual orientation/religion/or
other.
Delegate  a person appointed or elected to represent others.
 An act of giving somebody duties to perform on your behalf.
Dictatorship  a form of government where the ruler is law unto himself/herself or is not restricted by a
constitution, law or opposition).

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Electronic media  Virtual media that are viewed through videos and online articles
through electronic phones/TV/computers etc.
 it is any media that is powered by electricity or batteries, such as the Internet and e-
mails, websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, radio, TV, films and DVDs.
Equality  It is a condition reached through treatment of people in the same manner without

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 prejudicing/disadvantaging them based on their differences in terms of race, color of their
skin, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation etc.
 Being of similar standing to another.
Ideology  The doctrines, opinions, or way of thinking of a person, group of people, or nation based
on certain values, beliefs, attitudes, worldview, philosophy of life, cultural and or religious
beliefs etc. which inform their relationship with people, the world, the environment, deity
etc.
 A set of beliefs and values which strongly influences people's world views
Legislation  The act or law passed by parliament regulating how certain things in the country ought to
be done etc.
 A document that contains certain laws passed by parliament.
Print media  Media that are viewed/consumed through printed sources, such as newspapers,
magazines, pamphlets, brochures, posters and bill boards.
Mediation  A conflict resolution mechanism in which a neutral person is brought in to facilitate
resolution of conflict between two or more people.
Mob-rule  Control of a political situation by those outside the conventional or lawful realm,
typically involving violence and intimidation.
 Control or influence of people by those with nefarious motives against
established norms/rules/government/institution etc.
Opposition  A group of people (team) opposing you/competing against you.
 Individuals who act against you through the manner they relate/talk to you for certain
benefits.
Petition  A message submitted to government requesting a response from authority. The
petition concerns something that the public opposes or is unhappy about.
Public participation  Process in which the general public takes part in informing the manner in which certain
legislations or services are to be delivered/rendered to them by authority.
Stereotype  A fixed idea or impression that people hold about a specific group of
people/institution/establishment/behavior/beliefs/customs etc. which make them behave
weirdly/oddly towards others. It happens when certain characteristics of specific people
are generalised, not making
allowances for differences and individuality within that group.
Transparency  Being open and fair in your dealings, nothing is hidden.

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Worldview  The deep cultural influence of religion, beliefs and values that inform the manner
people view life/things/certain people etc.
Xenophobia  Specific form of discrimination/prejudice/hatred/dislike against foreign nationals/strangers or

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 unreasonable hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers.

TOPIC: SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

TERMINOLOGY/CONCEPT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION
Inhumane farming  Cruel way of treating animals on a farm-not providing adequate water or food/if animals are
methods confined in
inappropriate conditions.
Degradation  Loss of the productive capacity of the soil for present and future use.

Radiation  It is the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space
or through a
material medium. We are exposed to radiation every day. Ultraviolet radiation is harmful.
Inhumane  Treating something with cruelty or in a cruel way.
Soil erosion  Human activities such as overgrazing, deep ploughing, planting crops down a slope.
Water pollution  A condition that arises when dirty/poisonous substances are released to a water source
thereby spoiling the quality of water.
Air pollution  Caused by smoke from fires, petrol, burning oil, exhaust pipes and forest fires.
Land pollution  When dangerous substances (oil/waste/radiation material/poison etc.) are dumped
to the ground affecting the quality of soil.
Floods  Rain over a long time span/storms, flash floods and river dams overflowing or bursting
causing floods.
Fire  It pollutes the air, damages property, destroys land, people inhale smoke and get ill, can
damage power lines etc.
Disaster  A sudden accident or natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life.
Climate change  A change in global or regional climate patterns with the result that certain occurrences
expected at the certain time happen in other seasons. For example, summer starting
earlier than usual or heavy and
violent rain that affect human life and habitat.
Environmental issues  Includes climate change, pollution, environmental degradation & resource depletion
Global warming  A condition characterized by the depletion of natural & renewable resources.
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Recycling  Process of converting waste materials into new materials & objects

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Ecosystems  Communities or groups of living organisms that live in and interact with each other
in a specific environment
Sustainable use  The use of something in a way/at a rate that does not lead to its long term decline
Social issue (s)  Is a problem that negatively influence citizens within a society
Ill health  Poor physical or mental condition

TOPIC: CAREERS & CAREER CHOICES

TERMINOLOGY/CONCEPT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION

Admission Requirements  The specific minimum criteria an institution of higher learning uses to accept potential
students
Admission Point Score (APS)  A score calculated on the basis of achievement, used by universities to determine
if a potential student qualifies for a programme they offer.

National Senior Certificate  A high school leaving certificate

National Benchmark Tests  Assessments for first year applicants into higher education institution, designed to
(NBTs) measure the applicant’s ability to transfer understanding of Academic literacy,
Quantitative literacy and Mathematics to the demands of tertiary coursework

Bursary  An amount of money given to a needy student to help pay for tertiary studies.
You do not pay back a bursary, but may be required to work for the company
which awarded you the bursary.
Study loan  Money that is borrowed from a financial institution for study purposes, only to be
paid back with interest upon completion of the study period.
Learnership  Allows you to earn while you learn. You study the theory at college and practice
what you have learnt in a real job.
Scholarship  Some companies, businesses and organisations award a once-off monetary grant if a
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student

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 performs well in sport/studies.
Sector Education and Training  A body established under Skills Development Act with the purpose to contribute to the
Authorities (SETAs) improvement of skills in South Africa.
Obligation  An action to which a person is morally or legally bound.
Competencies  The ability to do some things successfully.
Ethics  A set of value laden principles that guides a person’s behavior.
Job  Being employed and getting paid for work done. It does not necessarily require
qualifications or
skills.
Career  An occupation (trained and qualified for) that you have for a larger part of your life.
Job advertisement  An announcement/notification of an open job position
Application letter  A letter to provide information about your skills and experience to a potential
employer
Curriculum vitae (CV)  A short-written description of your education, qualifications, previous jobs and
sometimes your
personal interests, that you send to a potential employer when looking for a job
Testimonial  A letter testifying to someone’s character and qualifications
Job shadowing
 The opportunity to observe a person at work, usually afforded to someone who is
interested in a similar career.
Informal jobs  Jobs that are not registered with the Department of Labour/South African Revenue
Service
(SARS) or the jobs that fall outside the formal economy or jobs that fall in the
informal sector of the economy.
Part-time jobs  A form of employment that carries fewer hours in a week than a full-time job

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Project  Any undertaking carried out individually or by a group of people, involving research
or design that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim

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Administration Skills  Qualities that help you complete tasks related to managing a business or an office.

Interview skills  The ability to interact with the interviewer and to articulate your thoughts in a
manner that makes you stand out.

Work ethics  A set of principles and norms which guides an employee's behavior.

Responsibility  Having a duty to deal with something or having to look after someone.

Accountability  Being able to explain/justify/take responsibility for/answer to any actions you are
responsible for
Interview  A meeting of people, face-to-face or online, especially for consultation, where
one person questions the other to gain information, particularly for purpose of
employment.
Socio-economic conditions  The financial circumstances / background a group of individuals in a society are faced
with.
Skilled labour  Workers who have special skills that they can use in their work environment.

Semi-skilled labour  Workers who have some skills that can enable to perform certain tasks in the work
environment.
Unskilled labour  Workers who do not have the skills to enable them to perform special work duties

Expectancy  The state of hoping that something will happen.

Reality  What is actually happening or what exists as compared to what is hoped for.

Perseverance  Being persistent and not giving up doing something regardless of the
difficulties being encountered.

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Job suitability  Being able to keep a job for an extended period of time
 Having the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, attitudes, know-how for the
kind of job at stake.

TOPIC: STUDY SKILLS

TERMINOLOGY/CONCEPT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION

Creative thinking  The ability to think of and explore the possibilities of doing a task or dealing with a
problem in more than one way. It may involve coming up with a new idea or
trying out a new or more challenging way of doing a task or approaching a
problem/creative thinking is to generate new ideas to solve a problem.
Critical thinking  The ability to think through situations adequately, weighing up the advantages and
disadvantages so as to be able to make appropriate decisions concerning one’s own
or other people’s environment / it involves making judgments about the causes of a
problem.
Criticize/critique/  Examination writing skill that is used to make judgements that will show your
evaluate/critically analyses (as understanding and analysis of a topic.
an examination writing skill)

Literacy  The ability to read and write.

Long term memory  Where you generally store remembered information.

Scanning  Involves reading something quickly to get a general idea

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Skimming  Involves reading something quickly to get the main idea, without paying attention to
the details
Study strategy  The way a learner chooses to approach a specific task in view of the perceived
demands of the
task. A study strategy results from a study style.
Study style  Characterisation of a learner’s preferred way of approaching tasks

TOPIC: PHYSICAL EDUCATION

TERMINOLOGY/CONCEPT DEFINITION/EXPLANATION

Aerobic activity  Sustained exercise that stimulates and strengthens the heart and lungs, thereby
improving the body’s use of oxygen.
Body composition  Amount of fat mass compared to lean muscle mass, bone and organs.

Cardiovascular endurance  Ability of the heart and lungs to work together in providing oxygen and fuel to
the body during sustained physical activity.

Dehydration  When you lose too much water from your body.

Muscular endurance (as used in  It refers to the ability of the muscles to function over a long period of time.
physical activities)

Fitness log  A written record of progress / achievement in fitness activities.

Fitness  Is a measure of the amount of physical capability rather than a measure of well-
being / it is a result of physical action / good physical condition resulting from
exercise and proper nutrition
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Flexibility  The ability of each joint to move through the available range of motion for a specific
joint by
stretching the muscle.
Horizontal movement  Movement from side to side or left to right.
Hydration  Drinking enough fluids, especially water, to be healthy and in good condition.
Muscle endurance  The ability of a muscle group to perform at their maximum for long periods of time.
Muscular strength  The amount of force muscles can produce.

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