CONSUMER STUDIES
GRADE 12 
AMENDED SCE PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
MAY/JUNE 2018

MEMORANDUM 

QUESTION 1: SHORT QUESTIONS
1.1
1.1.1 A✔  Remembering, easy (Focus, p.166; Successful, p. 184) (1)
1.1.2 C✔ Understanding, easy (Focus, p.165; Successful, p. 181) (1)
1.1.3 B✔  Remembering, easy (Focus, p.169-171; Success, p. 190-191) (1)
1.1.4 C✔  Understanding, easy (Focus, p. 106; Successful, p. 128) (1)
1.1.5 A✔  Remembering, moderate (Focus p. 83; Successful p. 74) (1)
1.1.6 C✔  Understanding, easy (Focus, p. 89; Successful, p. 103) (1)
1.1.7 A✔  Remembering, moderate (Focus, p. 84; Successful, p. 100) (1)
1.1.8 B✔  Analysing, difficult (Focus p. 80; Successful p. 93) (1)
1.1.9 B✔  Applying, moderate (Grade 11) (1)
1.1.10 D✔  Applying, moderate (Grade 11) (1)
1.1.11 B✔ Remembering, easy (Focus, p. 120; Successful, p. 139) (1)
1.1.12 A✔  Understanding, moderate (Focus, p. 120; Successful, p. 304) (1)
1.1.13 C✔  Remembering, easy (Focus, p. 128; Successful, p. 146) (1)
1.1.14 D✔ Understanding, moderate (Focus, p. 136; Successful, p. 153) (1)
1.1.15 C✔  Remembering, moderate (Focus, p. 156; Successful, p. 161) (1)
1.1.16 D✔ Understanding, moderate (Focus, p. 37; Successful, p.19) (1)
1.1.17 B✔ Remembering, easy (Focus, p. 29; Successful, p. 28) (1)
1.1.18 A✔  Remembering, moderate (Focus, p.16; Successful, p. 21) (1)
1.1.19 C✔  Applying, moderate (Focus, p.37; Successful, p. 38) (1)
1.1.20 D✔  Understanding, moderate (Focus, p.8, 13; Successful p.11) (1)
1.2
1.2.1 E✔  (Focus, page 82; Successful, page 94) (1)
1.2.2 D✔  (Focus, page 79; Successful, page 93) (1)
1.2.3 F✔  (Focus, page 77; Successful, page 86) (1)
1.2.4 C✔  (Focus, page 71; Successful, page 78) (1)
1.2.5 A✔  (Focus, page 75; Successful, page 89) (1)
 Remembering, easy
1.3
1.3.1 Contract✔  (Focus, page 155; Successful, page 169) (1)
1.3.2 Exemption clause✔ (Focus, page 156; Successful, page 173) (1)
1.3.3 Guarantee✔ (Focus, page 175; Successful, page 158) (1)
1.3.4 Grey goods/parallel imports✔ (Focus, page 158; Successful, page 176) (1)
1.3.5 Stokvel✔ (Focus, page 161; Successful, page 177) (1)
1.3.6 Tiered-level scheme/multilevel marketing scheme✔ (Focus, page 162; Successful, page 179) (1)
Remembering, easy (3) moderate (3)
1.4

B✔ 
D✔ 
H✔  (Any order) (3)

Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 123; Successful, page 141)
1.5
1.5.1 D✔ and H✔ (2)
1.5.2 A✔ and F✔ (2)
1.5.3 C✔ and G✔ (2)
Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 49-50; Successful, page 50)[40]

QUESTION 2: THE CONSUMER 
2.1 State the beginning and end dates of an income tax year. 

• 1 March to 28(/29) February✓ (1)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 163; Successful, page 180) 

2.2 Name the institution that collects tax. 

• South African Revenue Service (SARS)✓ (1)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 163; Successful, page 181) 

2.3 Name the TWO types of direct income tax. 

• Pay as you earn (PAYE)✓ 
• Provisional tax✓ (2)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 163; Successful, page 181) 

2.4.1 Define the term inflation. 

• Inflation is the average increase in prices✓ of goods and services  in a year/country.✓ (2)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 167; Successful, page 184) 

2.4.2 Name the instrument that is used to determine inflation. 

• Consumer price index (CPI).✓ (1)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 167; Successful, page 185) 

2.4.3 Explain why it is better for David to have a fixed interest instead of  a fluctuating interest on his study loan. 

• The fixed interest amount will not change✓over the number  of years even if the interest rate increases.✓ Fluctuating  interest amount will fluctuate/increase and decrease over the  number of years✓ as the interest rate increases and  decreases.✓ Fixed interest means that he can stick to his  budget/ budget more precisely.✓Fluctuating interest makes it difficult to stick to his budget if the interest rate increases.✓   (Any 3) (3) 

Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 167; Successful, page 184)
2.4.4 Explain why David buys the bed on an instalment sale transaction and the television on a lay-by agreement. 

• He finds it difficult to live within the means/limitations of his  budget, therefore he has to buy on credit/could not pay  cash.✓  
• David could afford a deposit towards the bed✓ and a deposit  towards the television.✓ 
• He needs the bed immediately✓ to sleep on therefore he  buys it on instalment sale in order to take it home✓ and use it  while he pays the remaining balance in monthly instalments✓ over a period of time. 
• David does not need the television urgently✓ and buys it on  lay-by. The television will remain in the shop until he pays  the final instalment.✓ Only then will he take the television  home.✓ This is a cheaper payment option than instalment  sale as no interest is paid.✓ (Any 6) (6) 

Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 148; Successful, page 162; 171) 
2.5 Discuss the interrelationship between the value of money, inflation and the  South African Reserve Bank. 

• Inflation means that prices increase✔ and the value of money  decreases.✓ People have less disposable income.✔ The higher the rate  of inflation, the less the consumer can purchase with the same amount  of money/inflation decreases the purchasing power of money.✔ 
• The South African Reserve Bank uses the CPI to set the level of interest  rates/repo rate in the country.✔ 
• If the interest rate on savings is lower than the inflation rate, the saved  money becomes less valuable/worth less/can buy less.✔ (Any 4) (4)
  Analysing, difficult (Focus, page 167; Successful, page 185) [20]

QUESTION 3: FOOD AND NUTRITION 
3.1.1 Name the TWO types of cholesterol. 

• Low density lipoprotein (cholesterol)✔ 
• High density lipoprotein (cholesterol)✔ (2)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 74; Successful, page 84) 

3.1.2 Explain the difference between the two types of cholesterol. 

• Low-density lipoprotein is the dangerous/bad✔ cholesterol. High density lipoprotein is the good✔ cholesterol.  
• Low-density lipoprotein builds up in the arteries/found in the fat  deposits.✔ High-density lipoprotein gathers up excess cholesterol and  transports it to the liver.✓ 
• Low-density lipoprotein causes the gradual narrowing of the blood  vessels.✔ High-density lipoprotein is broken down and excreted.✔ 
• Low-density lipoprotein contributes to heart disease,✓ while high density  lipoprotein lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.✓ (Any 2 x 2) (4)
  Remembering, moderate (Focus, page 74; Successful, page 84) 

3.2 Write a paragraph to discuss why genetically modified crops may save the  world from starvation in the future. 

• Genetically modified crops may save the world from starvation in the future  as crops may have an increased resistance to disease/insects,✔ drought✔ and fluctuations in temperature,✔ which makes it possible for crops to be  grown in regions with low agricultural productivity.✔ The crop yield is  greater/food is more plentiful✔ and more people can be fed. Production  costs may be lower/food is cheaper,✔ so more people can afford food.✔  Food products made from genetically modified crops have a longer shelf  live/better quality products,✔ so there will be less food wastage.✔  Genetically modified foods have a better nutritional value✔ so people can eat  less and are still well nourished.✔ (Any 6) (6) 

Applying, difficult (Focus, page 103; Successful, page 123) 
NOTE: Deduct ONE mark if not written in paragraph format.

3.3.1 Name THREE different types of additives in the dish. 

• Antioxidants✔ 
• Flavouring✔ 
• Colorant✔ 
• Preservative✔ (Any 3) (3)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 93-94; Successful, page 113-114) 

3.3.2 State ONE concern about the use of sodium nitrite. 

• It may be carcinogenic/causing cancer.✔ 
• It may cause allergies.✔ (Any 1) (1)
  Remembering, moderate (Focus, page 94; Successful, page 114) 

3.3.3 Explain the function of sodium nitrite in this dish. 

• Lengthens/prolongs the shelf life of the food✔ by  
• Preventing or slowing down the spoilage caused by micro organisms/bacterial growth/protecting it against deterioration  caused by micro-organisms.✔ 
• Preserves the desirable colour and flavour.✔ (Any 2) (2) Understanding, easy
  (Focus, page 94; Successful, page 113) 

3.3.4 Explain why cow’s milk, wheat, gluten and egg are separately listed  on the label. 

• They are listed separately so that consumers can easily  recognise✔as they may cause allergic reactions✔that could be severe/life threatening.✔ (Any 2) (2) 

Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 79; Successful, page 92) 
3.3.5 Identify the ingredient that has been treated with short waves to  eliminate or reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria and other  harmful organisms. 

• Mustard powder.✔ (1)
  Understanding, easy (Focus, page 105; Successful, page 127) 

3.3.6 Suggest TWO guidelines that must be followed by a consumer  before eating this dish to prevent the transmission of food-borne  diseases. 

• Wash hands thoroughly✔ before handling/opening/heating  the dish. 
• Heat to a high enough internal temperature/heat properly.✔ (2)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 87-88, Successful, page 103,106, 108, 109)

3.3.7 Explain why this dish is suitable for the management of  osteoporosis. 

• The dish contains milk that is rich in calcium✓ and cheddar cheese that is high in calcium.✓ 
• The calcium will contribute to strengthening the  bones/increase bone mass✓ and slow down/reduce bone  loss.✓ 
• The milk contains vitamin D✓ and the cheddar cheese  contains vitamin D✓ which assists with the absorption of  calcium.✓ 
• The dish contains protein which is necessary for normal  collagen synthesis✓ and this will strengthen the bones.✓  (Any 6) (6) 

Applying, moderate (Focus, page 76; Successful, page 90) 
3.3.8 Suggest a side dish to be served with this dish to make it more  suitable for a consumer who has high blood cholesterol levels. 

• Steamed/grilled/roasted vegetables✓ 
• Fresh salad (with no creamy dressing such as mayonnaise)✔  (Any 1) (1) 

Applying, moderate (Focus, page 75; Successful, page 85) 
3.3.9 Evaluate the suitability of this dish for a consumer who wants to  manage obesity.  

• The dish is high in energy/kilojoules✔ which is not good if a  person wants to lose weight.✔ 
• The dish is fairly high in refined carbohydrates/starch (pasta)✔ that contributes to the energy value.✔ 
• The dish contains no sugar✔ which is good as sugar provides  unnecessary kilojoules.✔ 
• The dish has a low fibre content✔ which is not good✔ as fibre  slows down digestion/delays a feeling of hunger.✔ 
• The dish contains bacon/cheddar cheese that is high in fat/  dish has a high fat content.✔ This will not contribute to  weight loss as fat provides many kilojoules.✔ 
• The dish contains very little/no vegetables.✔ (Any 9) 
• Conclusion: The dish is not suitable✔ for a consumer who  wants to manage obesity due to the high fat content. (1) (10)  

Evaluating, moderate (Focus, page 83; Successful, page 98) [40]

QUESTION 4: CLOTHING 
4.1 Name TWO economic factors that have an influence on fashion change. 

• Recession✔ 
• Depression✔ 
• Consumer income/wealth/poverty✔ 
• Inflation✔ (Any 2) (2)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 49; Successful, page 53) 

4.2 Explain the term sustainable textiles. 

• Textiles that are grown/produced/manufactured in an environmentally  friendly way.✓ 
• Made from a renewable resource such as a plant that yields a good  crop✓ and requires little water/resources are not depleted/permanently  damaged when the product is manufactured.✓ 
• Few chemicals are used✓ during the growth of the plant and the  processing of the textile. 
• At the end of the life of the textile it does not become useless waste.✓  The product is decomposed/biodegradable✓ or it can be separated to  be reused as raw materials for new products.✓ (Any 3) (3)
  Remembering, moderate (Focus, page 62-63; Successful, page 68) 

4.3 Discuss THREE guidelines for the choice of colour when selecting garments  for a working wardrobe.  

• The neutral colours (black/grey/navy/beige/cream/brown) go well with  many other colours.✔ 
• Most of the basic garments should be in neutral colours/start with a  basic colour.✔ 
• A scarf/belt/jewellery in colour can improve an outfit/give it a fresh  look/add interest.✔ 
• Choose colours that complement your complexion/skin tone/  colouring.✔ 
• Black is a serviceable choice/black can be used for formal and smart  wear as well.✔ (Any 3) (3)
  Understanding, easy (Focus, page 57; Successful, page 59, 61)s 

4.4 Discuss the role of technology in fashion change. 

• The development of new textiles brings/accelerates changes✔ in  fashion. 
• New fabrics with new characteristics such as improved elasticity/ stretch  fabrics✔ brought changes in the style/fit of garments.✔This made body hugging garments comfortable and allowed free  movement,✔encouraging fashion change. 
• Biotechnology✔ and nanotechnology✔ opened up a range of fabrics  with special characteristics✔ for specific purposes, such as  sportswear✔this promoted new fashion and thus change. 
• Developments in the manufacturing industry, for example, computerised  pattern-design methods✔ and improved knitting/sewing machines,✔ have speeded up the manufacturing process✔and the desire for new  items causing fashion change. 
• Easier communication✔ has an impact on fashion changes. The latest  overseas fashion trends can immediately be viewed via reality TV  programmes/social media (Facebook)✔ promoting fashion change.  
• Improved distribution methods (faster moving transport/computerized  stock systems/delivery strategies/courier services)✔ bring new fashion  garments to our stores within days✔thus promoting fashion change. (Any 5) (5)

Understanding, difficult (Focus, page 51; Successful, page 54) 
4.5.1 State whether this outfit mainly represents fashion fads, fashion  classics or contemporary fashion. 

• Fashion classics✔ (1)
  Applying, easy (Focus, page 49; Successful, page 51) 

4.5.2 Give TWO reasons for your choice in 4.5.1 

• The items are timeless/continually accepted/last for many  seasons/remain popular over a long period.✔ 
• Characterised by simplicity.✔ 
• Considered tasteful.✔ (Any 2) (2)
  Applying, easy (Focus, page 49; Successful, page 51) 

4.5.3 Suggest TWO changes to this outfit to make it more suitable for a  man with a professional job who is meeting new clients. Give a  reason for each suggestion.  

T-shirt: 

• Change T-shirt to a shirt with buttons and a collar.✔ 
• Will make the outfit more formal/less informal/more  professional.✔  

Shoes: 

• Change the shoes to brown/black shoes.✔ 
• Will make the outfit more formal/less informal/more  professional.✔ (2 x 2) (4) 

Evaluating, moderate (Focus, page 59; Successful, page 61-62) [20]

QUESTION 5: HOUSING 
5.1
5.1.1 Define the term lease.  

• The contract/agreement✔ between a property owner/  landlord✔ and a tenant.✔ (3) 

Remembering, easy (Focus, page 117; Successful, page 137) 
5.1.2 Suggest THREE cost implications that should be included in a  lease. 

• Paying for own water and electricity consumption✔ 
• Paying for own waste removal✔ 
• Amount of rent✔ 
• Deposit amount✔ (Any 3) (3)

Remembering, easy (Focus, page 118; Successful, page 138) 
5.2 State where a title deed is registered. 

• Deeds office✓ (1)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 128; Successful, page 146) 

5.3 Name FIVE ways in which an employer can support an employee in acquiring a house. 

• Rent out company-owned houses/at a lower rent to employees.✔ 
• Provide monthly housing allowance/subsidy.✔ 
• Subsidise part of the interest on an employee’s home loan.✔ 
• Offer guarantees to lenders on an employee’s housing loan.✔ 
• Help an employee to use his/her pension/provident fund as collateral for  a loan/arranging a home loan.✔ 
• Help with relocation costs.✔ 
• Provide housing consumer education and advice to employees.✔ 
• Help employees by buying building material in bulk.✔ 
• Pay wages/salaries that will enable the employee to pay rent/save  towards buying a house.✔ (Any 5) (5)
  Remembering, easy (Focus page 132; Successful page 150) 

5.4 Explain how paying a deposit influences each of the following when a  property is bought: 
5.4.1 Bond registration fees 

• If a deposit is paid, the bond will be less than the selling  price.✔ This means that the bond registration fees will be  less.✔ (2) 

Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 127; Successful, page 146)
5.4.2 Transfer fees 

• Transfer fees will be the same✔ as they are paid on the selling  price of the property,✔ not on the amount of the bond.✔ (3)
  Understanding, difficult (Focus, page 128; Successful, page 146) 

5.5 Discuss why buying a house may be better than building a house. 

• Building can cost more✔ than buying a house. 
• It is expensive to start a new garden/additional cost to start a garden  after construction is finished✔ while the garden is already established  when a house is bought.✔ 
• When buying a ready-made house, the buyer can see the layout/ structure/design of the house,✔whereas he/she may have difficulty  visualizing what the newly built house will look like once completed.✔ 
• Occupying a bought house will take less time than waiting for a house to  be built.✔ 
• If the building work is delayed, the owners may experience a great deal  of discomfort/stress✔ while you know beforehand when you can  move/occupy a house when you buy.✔ 
• Delaying can lead to escalation in building costs which can lead to  financial stress.✓ 
• Managing a building project can be very complicated as quality control  can create a lot of problems✔ 
• Building can be a very time-consuming process.✔ 
• Most new neighbourhoods with open plots are on the outskirts of the  city, far from the city centre/CBD/schools/stores, etc.✔ 
• The house must fit the building codes/regulations of your local  authority.✔ (Any 7) (7)
  Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 121; Successful, page 138)

5.6 Compare the washing machines with specific reference to: 
5.6.1 Washing capacity for a family of five members (2)
5.6.2 Human energy consumption (4)
5.6.3 Water consumption (2) 

Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 137, 143-144; Successful, page 157-158) 
5.7 Validate the statement: “There is an increased demand for rental properties  across South Africa.” 

• Renting is more affordable in the short term✔ for the following reasons:
• Rent is initially lower than bond repayments.✔
• It is cheaper to rent in the short term as tenants have fewer financial responsibilities than home owners.✔ Often tenants do not pay for property rates and taxes,✔ home owner’s insurance,✔ bond insurance✔ or maintenance.✔ 
• Rent is fixed for a specific period✔ and this makes financial planning easier/more predictable.✔
• The interest rate/repo rate has been high✔ and bond repayments are thus less affordable than it used to be.✔
• It is difficult to get a mortgage bond/home loan due to the National Credit Act.✔
• Inflation is high✔ and consumers have less money to save for deposits✔ or for bond repayments.✔ This makes renting more attractive. 
• Movement in job availability demands less need to settle in one place for a length of time. ✔ (Any 8) (8)
  Analysing, difficult (Focus, page 118; Successful, page 137)  [40]

QUESTION 6: ENTREPRENEURSHIP 
6.1 Define the term mark-up. 

• A mark-up is the percentage/amount added to the cost price✔ to cover  overheads/make a profit.✔ (2)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 36; Successful, page 39) 

6.2 State FOUR requirements of packaging. 

• It must be eye catching/attract the consumer’s attention.✔ 
• Should stand out from other similar products/brands on the same  shelf.✓ 
• Should suit the product/convenient size.✔ 
• Should be strong/well designed/convenient/easy to handle.✔ 
• Easy to place on shelves of different retailers.✓ 
• It must be airtight if goods are likely to absorb moisture.✔ 
• Should protect the product/be safe/hygienic.✓ (Any 4) (4)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 30; Successful, page 29) 

6.3 Name TWO components that make up the production cost of a product. 

• Raw material.✔ 
• Overheads/overhead costs.✔ (2)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 36-37; Successful, page 35-38) 

6.4 Name FOUR ways in which producers can ensure that their products do not  have a negative effect on the environment. 

• Use raw materials wisely. ✔ 
• Reduce waste/food waste/waste from packaging/recycle waste. ✔
• Reduce/eliminate the use of poisonous chemicals/toxic waste. ✔ 
• Use solar energy/use electricity wisely/sparingly. ✔ 
• Use water sparingly. ✔ (Any 4) (4)
  Remembering, easy (Focus, page 24-25; Successful, page 25) 

6.5.1 Frieda takes pride in producing quality products. Explain how she  achieves quality products. 

• There are no defects in the products/the curtains fit the  windows/the customers are satisfied.✔ 
• She inspects the products during production at various  stages of stitching and ironing.✔ (2)
  Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 16; Successful, page 22)

6.5.2 Explain the best way to maintain the industrial sewing machine to  ensure continued curtain production. 

• Preventative/routine maintenance✔ means  
• that the industrial sewing machine will be serviced  regularly/parts will be checked and replaced regularly✔ 
• to prevent unexpected breakdowns in production/  unscheduled maintenance.✔ (3)
  Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 25; Successful, page 25) 

6.5.3 Describe how Frieda benefited financially as she progressed from  an unskilled worker to a skilled worker.  

• Frieda was originally an unskilled worker✔ with low level/no  knowledge of fabrics/measuring and sewing curtains/no  skills.✔  
• She received a very poor salary.✔ 
• After years of informal training✔she became a skilled  worker/gained knowledge of fabrics/measuring and sewing of  curtains.✔ 
• She became an expert/experienced✔ in curtain making. 
• She could than work independently/on her own✔and perform work of a high standard/good quality work/workmanship.✔ 
• As her skills improved her salary increased. ✔ (Any 6) (6)
  Understanding, moderate (Focus, page 10, 25; Successful, page 11) 

6.5.4 Describe why Frieda’s business has a competitive edge. 

• She charges her customers a slightly lower price✔ than her  competitor/curtain shop.✔ 
• She gave customers personal/individual attention✓ by giving  advice on suitable fabrics/possible curtain styles✓ for their  individual needs.✓ 
• By buying good quality fabrics for her customers✔ 
• Accurate measuring window sizes✔at customer’s homes  (Any 4) (4)
  Applying, moderate (Focus, page 8; 13; Successful, page 11)

6.5.5 Discuss the following factors that contributed to the success of  Frieda’s business. 

(a) Availability of human skills: 

• She had a colleague✓ who trained her informally and  she gained/improved her measuring/fabric knowledge/ sewing skills to make curtains.✔ (2) 

(b) Availability of workspace: 

• She set up a functional sewing room in an empty  bedroom in her house.✔ (1) 

(c) Customer appeal: 

• Customers received personal advice regarding their  curtaining needs.✔  
• Customers paid less for labour than other curtaining  outlets.✓ (2)
  Applying, difficult (Focus, page 10-13; Successful, page 16-20) 

6.5.6 Give valid reasons why Frieda’s business can become a  sustainable profitable business. 

• She made the curtains herself, thus saving on labour costs.✔ 
• She does not need to pay rent for a work space as she works  from home.✔ 
• She inherited existing customers/her target market  increased✔ therefore her business is growing and making a  profit.✔ 
• She started getting huge discounts from the factory fabric shop✔ thus paying less for fabrics✔and making a bigger  profit.✔ 
• After she started giving out business cards/promoting her  business/product/service✔she got even more customers  which further increased her profit.✔ 
• She got a contract with a national hotel.✔ 
• Word of mouth – her colleague referred clients to her.✓   (Any 8) (8)
  Analysing, moderate (Focus, page 35; Successful, page 34) 

[40] 
TOTAL: 200