CONSUMER STUDIES
GRADE 12 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 
1. This question paper consists of SIX questions. 

2. ALL the questions are COMPULSORY and must be answered in the  ANSWER BOOK. 
3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this  question paper. 
4. Start EACH question on a NEW page. 
5. You may use a calculator. 
6. Write only in black or blue ink. 
7. Pay attention to spelling and sentence construction. 
8. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTIONS 

QUESTION 1: SHORT QUESTIONS 
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.  Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question  number (1.1.1–1.1.20) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.21 D. 
1.1.1 A renewable form of electrical energy: 

1. Burning coal 
2. Fossil fuels
3. Wind energy 
4. Nuclear power (1) 

1.1.2 Excise duty is paid on … 

1. 100% orange juice. 
2. sweetened beverages. 
3. pasteurised milk. 
4. matured wine. (1) 

1.1.3 James bought a second-hand television set from his neighbour.  The contract clearly stated that his neighbour would not be  liable if the television set gave any problems. This is an example of … 

1. an exemption clause.
2. grey goods.
3. a cooling-off period. 
4. unfair business practice. (1) 

1.1.4 An antioxidant which strengthens the immune system of a person  with HIV/Aids: 

1. Calcium 
2. Helium 
3. Selenium 
4. Sodium (1) 

1.1.5 The nutrient required to boost the absorption of iron by the body: 

1. Calcium 
2. Vitamin C 
3. Vitamin D 
4. Potassium (1) 

1.1.6 An advantage of organic foods: 

1. Greater crop yields  
2. Lower production costs 
3. Pest resistant  
4. Healthier products (1)

1.1.7 A/An … is the food additive that prevents the ingredients in ice  cream from separating. 

1. emulsifier
2. bleaching agent
3. gelatinisation agent 
4. preservative (1) 

1.1.8 The cost of a portion of maize meal increased by 43,7% between  April 2015 and April 2016. This price increase could have a serious  negative impact on … 

1. food imports. 
2. genetically modified foods. 
3. organic foods. 
4. food security. (1) 

1.1.9 The similarity between the number of people wearing haute  couture and obsolete fashion is that … 

1. fashion examples are expensive. 
2. few people are seen wearing the fashion. 
3. most people do not know the fashion. 
4. they occur at the end of the fashion cycle. (1) 

1.1.10 ONE of the careers below has the largest influence on your choice  of clothing for a working wardrobe: 

1. Banker 
2. Medical doctor 
3. Interior decorator 
4. Waiter in a restaurant (1) 

1.1.11 A government employee may be able to secure government  assistance to buy property by means of … 

1. a policy. 
2. a subsidy. 
3. government insurance. 
4. settlement grants. (1) 

1.1.12 The principle that aims at creating appliances that anybody can  use: 

1. Decorative design 
2. Functionality 
3. Sustainability 
4. Universal design (1)

1.1.13 A once-off fee charged by a bank for setting up a home loan: 

1. Conveyancing fees 
2. Initial cost 
3. Registration fee 
4. Service fee (1) 

1.1.14 The label below informs a consumer about the … of an appliance. 

1. energy-efficiency  
2. environmental impact 
3. cost-effectiveness 
4. water consumption (1) 

1.1.15 An economical vacuum cleaner that would be the best buy for a  consumer with limited storage space but a large area to clean: 

1. Cylinder vacuum cleaner 
2. Hand-held vacuum cleaner 
3. Stick vacuum cleaner 
4. Upright vacuum cleaner (1) 

1.1.16 The factor that influences the efficient production of quality  products: 

1. Customer relations 
2. Delivery strategies 
3. Stock control 
4. Sustainable consumption (1) 

1.1.17 The factor that ensures that products are always the same: 

1. Adhering to specifications 
2. Careful controlling of finances 
3. Planning production 
4. Tidy workplace (1)

1.1.18 The statement that explains a production plan: 

1. Total time required to calculate the cost of producing a product
2. Listing the raw materials needed to make the product 
3. Measurements that are required to ensure a quality product
4. Controlled pace of work from start to finish of production (1) 

1.1.19 Market research is important because it … 

1. determines the consumers' preferences. 
2. ensures that the product will be profitable. 
3. enables the entrepreneur to choose a maintenance plan.
4. shows where the entrepreneur can find more products. (1) 

1.1.20 The factor that contributes to the failing of some entrepreneurs: 

1. Having a passion for the business 
2. Occasionally giving customers credit 
3. Putting in long working hours 
4. Copying the selling price from competitors (1) 

1.2 Give ONE word/term for each of the descriptions below. Write only the word/term next to the question number (1.2.1–1.2.4) in the ANSWER BOOK,  e.g. 1.2.5 cash sale 
1.2.1 Jenna Jewellers Company imports watches through unofficial  distribution channels (1) 
1.2.2 After paying for the shoes that Normia ordered online, she discovered  that the company does not exist (1)
1.2.3 Eddie, a teacher, bought a set of saucepans after a salesperson gave  a demonstration at the school. When looking at his budget he decided  to cancel his order within three days of purchasing. (1) 
1.2.4 Consumers pay money into a common bank account on a monthly  basis. At the end of the year they buy groceries and share among  them. (1) 
1.3 Choose the correct word(s) in brackets. Write only the word(s) next to the  question number (1.3.1–1.3.3) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.3.4 savings. 
1.3.1 A (semi-skilled/skilled) worker works independently and produces  high quality products. (1) 
1.3.2 Renting premises forms part of the (fixed/variable) cost of a business. (1) 
1.3.3 To determine if an entrepreneur should proceed with a business  he/she should do (quality control/a feasibility study). (1)
1.4 Choose the housing option in COLUMN B that matches the description in  COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–F) next to the question number  (1.4.1–1.4.4) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.4.5 G. 

(4 x 1) (4)
1.5 Study the pictures below and answer the question that follows. 

[Source: www.woolworths.co.za] 
Select FOUR CORRECT statements regarding the dresses above. Write only the  letters (A–H) next to the question number (1.5) in the ANSWER BOOK. 

1. Dress 1 is most likely to be a fashion fad. 
2. Dress 2 is most likely to be a fashion fad. 
3. Dress 4 is the best example of a classic style. 
4. Dress 3 is the best example of a classic style. 
5. Dress 1 is the least suitable for professional wear. 
6. Dress 4 is the least suitable for professional wear. 
7. Dress 4 will create the illusion that the woman is bigger. 
8. Dress 2 will take the emphasis away from the middle and hips. (4)

1.6 Study the list of ingredients below and answer the question that follows. 

Select FIVE CORRECT statements regarding the pasta salad above. Write  only the letters (A–J) next to the question number (1.6) in the ANSWER  BOOK. 

1. The salad has a low fat content. 
2. The salad has a high mono-unsaturated fat content. 
3. It is suitable for a person with high blood cholesterol. 
4. It may help to prevent and manage osteoporosis. 
5. The bacon/macon may contain an additive that could cause cancer.
6. The salad may help to prevent and manage anaemia. 
7. The salad is suitable for a person with a milk allergy. 
8. It is not suitable for a person with gluten intolerance. 
9. A person with lactose intolerance can eat the salad.  
10. The cucumber will assist with the strengthening of the immune system. (5) [40]

QUESTION 2: THE CONSUMER 
2.1 Read the information below and answer the questions that follow. 

2.1.1 Define the term inflation. (2) 
2.1.2 Describe the effect of inflation on the purchasing power of the rand, as predicted in the extract above. (2) 
2.1.3 Name TWO ways in which the government obtains income tax  from middle-income consumers. (2) 
2.1.4 Fuel tax/levies are paid by consumers for every litre of petrol or  diesel that they buy. Explain what fuel tax/levies are used for. (1) 
2.1.5 Explain how the increase in the petrol and diesel price will  contribute to the challenges South Africans have to put food on the table. (3)
2.2 Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows. 

Describe TWO ways in which Neo can prevent water pollution. (2)
2.3 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 

2.3.1 Name TWO household municipal services that are provided, other  than electricity. (2) 
2.3.2 Explain whether Jake is a responsible consumer or not. (2) 
2.3.3 Analyse to what extent any TWO parties in the scenario above  have fulfilled their responsibilities regarding municipal services.  (2 x 2) (4) [20]

QUESTION 3: FOOD AND NUTRITION 
3.1 Give FIVE nutritional guidelines to manage hypertension. (5)
3.2 State FOUR causes of iron-deficiency anaemia. (4) 
3.3 Write a paragraph to explain the effect of high glycaemic index (GI) foods and  low glycaemic index (GI) foods on blood glucose levels. (4) 
3.4 Read the information below and answer the questions that follow. 

Explain reasons for the exchange of the foods above: 
3.4.1 Potato crisps exchanged with popcorn (2)
3.4.2 Butter exchanged with canola oil for food preparation (4)
3.4.3 White, refined flour exchanged with brown, wholewheat flour (2) 
3.5 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow. 

3.5.1 Identify the food-borne disease that the learners and staff  developed. (1) 
3.5.2 Recommend the treatment that the affected learners and staff must  receive. (4) 
3.5.3 Suggest FIVE ways in which the learners and staff could have  become infected. (5)
3.6 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow. 

3.6.1 Name the disorder Sonia suffers from. (1)
3.6.2 Analyse how the following will assist Sonia in recovering: 

(a) Psychological treatment (4) 
(b) Nutritional education and treatment (4) [40]

QUESTION 4: CLOTHING 
4.1 Name FOUR factors that influence fashion change. (4)
4.2 State TWO characteristics of the peak stage of the fashion cycle. (2)
4.3 Explain the importance of versatile items for a working wardrobe. (2) 
4.4 Discuss how your knowledge of standard fashion trends, classic fashions and  fashion fads can be applied when you plan a basic working wardrobe. (6) 
4.5 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow. 

Analyse how the summer will influence John's choice of clothing with specific  reference to: 
4.5.1 Weather conditions (4) 
4.5.2 Colour of clothing (2) [20]

QUESTION 5: HOUSING 
5.1 Give FIVE ways in which employers can give housing support to their  employees. (5) 
5.2 Explain TWO types of insurance payable by homeowners but NOT by  tenants. (2 x 2) (4) 
5.3 Study the advertisement below and answer the questions that follow. 

5.3.1 Identify the type of home ownership in the advertisement above. (1)
5.3.2 Explain the term transfer duty. (3)
5.3.3 Give a reason why no transfer duty is payable if a flat is bought. (2) 
5.3.4 Use the information in the advertisement and explain what the levy  will be used for. (4) 
5.3.5 Discuss the validity of the statement below: 
Invest in a housing development that offers profitable long-term  rewards. (8)
5.4 Study the information below and answer the questions that follow. 

5.4.1 Name THREE responsibilities that a consumer must adhere to  after this convection microwave oven has been installed in his/her  kitchen. (3)
5.4.2 Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows. 

Evaluate the suitability of the convection microwave oven for this  young working adult. (10) [40]

QUESTION 6: ENTREPRENEURSHIP 
6.1 State THREE pricing strategies that a business can use. (3)
6.2 Name THREE functions of advertising in a business. (3)
6.3 Explain the purpose of stock control in a business. (3 x 2) (6)
6.4 Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow. 

6.4.1 Name FOUR items of information that should be on the label of the  packaging for the chargrilled meat. (4) 
6.4.2 Give FOUR reasons why Lungi's business has a competitive edge. (4) 
6.4.3 Explain why Lungi is particularly strict about the hygiene of his  workers. (2) 
6.4.4 Lungi prefers routine/preventative maintenance to corrective  maintenance for the machinery in the butchery. Discuss the  consequences of EACH of the following maintenance methods: 

1. Routine/preventative maintenance  (2)
2. Corrective maintenance (2)

6.4.5 Read the information below and answer the questions that follow. 

A customer buys meat for a party of 10 people at her house.  
Calculate the selling price for 10 of EACH of the following:  

• Sausages
• Chicken 
• Beef steak  

Show ALL calculations. (6) 
6.4.6 Analyse the requirements of the potentially profitable business  opportunity that contributed to the profitability of Lungi's business. (4 x 2) (8) 

[40] 
TOTAL: 200