0CONSUMER STUDIES
GRADE 12 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
SEPTEMBER 2017

MEMORANDUM

QUESTION 1 SHORT QUESTIONS 
1.1 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS 

1.1.1 C ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.2 B ✔(1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.3 B ✔(1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.4 B ✔ (1) Remembering Moderate 
1.1.5 D ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.6 A ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.7 A ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.8 D ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.9 A ✔ (1) Remembering Moderate 
1.1.10 B ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.11 A ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.12 A ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.13 B ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.14 C ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.15 A ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.16 C ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.17 C ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.18 B ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.19 B ✔ (1) Remembering Easy 
1.1.20 A ✔ (1) Applying Moderate (20 × 1) (20) 

1.2

1.2.1 F ✔ (1) 
1.2.2 E ✔ (1) 
1.2.3 H ✔ (1) 
1.2.4 G ✔ (1) 
1.2.5 I ✔ (1) 
Remembering, Easy (5 × 1) (5) 

1.3

1.3.1 B ✔ (1) 
1.3.2 G ✔ (1) 
1.3.3 H ✔ (1) 
1.3.4 C ✔ (1) 
1.3.5 D ✔ (1) 
Remembering, Moderate (5 × 1) (5) 

1.4

1.4.1 Food security ✔(1) 
1.4.2 Food additives ✔(1) 
1.4.3 Organic foods ✔ (1) 
1.4.4 Radiation ✔ (1) 
1.4.5 Genetic modified foods ✔(1) 
Remembering, Moderate (5 × 1) (5) 

1.5

A ✔ (1) 
B ✔ (1) 
E ✔ (1) 
F ✔ (1) 
G ✔ (1) 
(In any sequence) Understanding, Moderate (5 × 1) (5)

[40]

QUESTION 2 THE CONSUMER 
2.1 2.1.1 Guarantee 

• A guarantee is a promise in writing that the quality and durability of a  product or service will meet certain standards and that if the product  or service does not satisfy the terms of the guarantee, you will be  refunded. 
  OR
• A guarantee is an assurance that a product will remain in working order  for a particular length of time. A guarantee is a promise from the  manufacturer that they will sort out any problems with a product or  service within a specific fixed period of time.
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

2.1.2 Inflation 

• Is the rise in prices of goods and services, measured over a specific  period, and subsequently a drop in purchasing power of money.
  OR
• It is the average increase in prices of goods and services in a year.
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

2.2 2.2.1 Explain the meaning of phishing 

• Any fake e-mails/websites, phone calls pretending to be the bank or  a financial institution. Designed to steal your money by getting your  personal information or sending a link to retrieve personal  information. 
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

2.2.2 Give THREE ways to protect yourself against phishing. 

• If you suspect an e-mail is fake or spam, delete it without opening it.
• Keep anti-spam and antivirus software up to date on your  computer.
• Never give your personal details by e-mail.
• Never open attachments on e-mails that claim to come from your  bank – they could contain spay word that could track your  keystrokes and gather your personal information.
• Check your bank and credit card account statements regularly.
• If you think that you may have provided financial information such  as credit card number to a phisher, contact your financial  institution or credit card company immediately. 
• Make sure that you use legitimate websites/e-mails/phone calls.
• Antivirus programmes secure insecure  websites/spam/codes/pin/passwords used.
  Remembering, Easy (Any 3) (3)

2.3 2.3.1 Describe the type of goods referred to in the scenario.

• Grey good/parallel goods ✔ are goods that have been imported ✔ into the country through unofficial or unauthorised ✔ distribution  channels. These goods are not illegal goods ✔
  Application, Moderate (3) 

2.3.2 Identify the type of tax Shaun pays when he purchases  cigarettes. 

• Excise tax/Sin tax ✔
  Remembering, Easy (1) 

2.3.3 Explain the reasons why this type of tax is paid by consumers  such as Shaun. 

• To decrease  the amount of people that smoke because it is a  health risk ✔
  Remembering, Moderate (2) 

2.4 2.4.1 Name TWO items from the scenario that is exempted from value  added tax (VAT). 

• Maize meal
• Maize rice 
• Samp
  Remembering, Easy (Any 2) (2) 

2.4.2 Discuss how the information in the scenario will affect  consumers’ household budget. 

• Drought may lead to the maize meal, maize rice and samp  (grains) shortages which will lead to increased prices✔
• Manufacturing factories may close down due to shortage of grains  to process✔which will lead to job losses
• This can result in consumers having less disposable income to  purchase grains/other items/luxuries 
• The weak rand may also result in increased imported grain prices  that will put further strain on household budgets
  Analysing, Difficult (Any 3) (3)

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QUESTION 3 FOOD AND NUTRITION 
3.1 Name TWO foods that cause allergies. 

• Peanuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, soya beans, wheat
  Remembering, Easy (Any 2) (2) 

3.2 State THREE benefits that organically grown food may have for the  natural environment. 
Organic farmers use natural pesticides to protect the environment. 

• They concentrate on the sustainable use of resources.
• It improves the soil quality/prevents soil pollution.
• It reduces air pollution as very little or no fuel is used to manufacture  organic fertilisers.
• Protects the water supply. Water remains cleaner because there are no  run-off poisonous chemicals into the water.
  Understanding, Easy (Any 3) (3) 

3.3 “Food irradiation is a technology used to improve the safety of food  products such as herbs”. Discuss FOUR reasons why this statement is  true.  

• Food is treated with short light or radio waves to improve the safety,  acceptability and shelf life.
• The rays penetrate deep into the  food/killing/eliminating/reducing/destroying unwanted bacteria/harmful  organisms/insects in food therefore reduced food spoilage.
• The waves pasteurised and lengthen/extend the shelf life of food.  Unwanted bacteria/organisms are destroyed.
• It protects people from food-borne diseases.
• Herbs are safe to use. Herbs can have a high level of bacteria/insect  contamination during production, but after irradiation they are safe to use.
  Applying, Difficult (Any 4) (4) 

3.4 Compare milk allergy with lactose intolerance. 

Deduct one mark if not answered in table format.
Understanding, moderate
3.5 Explain why coronary heart disease is referred to as lifestyle disease.

• It is a disease related to a high intake of saturated fats, especially trans fat  in junk foods.
• People consume food that contains many hidden fats, that they do not  realise they are eating.
• There are many lifestyle factors that contribute to the disease such as poor  diet that leads to obesity/overweight, lack of physical activity, excessive  alcohol intake, smoking, stress. 
  Understanding, moderate (Any 3) (3)

3.6 Answer the following questions on cholesterol. 
3.6.1 Describe high cholesterol. 

• High cholesterol develops when excessive amounts of cholesterol ✔ high density lipoproteins are deposited in the arteries. ✔ This will  narrow/block the arteries increasing the risk of cardiovascular  disease. ✔
  Remembering, Easy (3) 

3.6.2 Describe how regular checking of blood cholesterol levels can  benefit a person suffering from high cholesterol. 

• Cholesterol accumulates slowly/largely unnoticed/no symptoms,  therefore regular checks are necessary to create awareness, and  only then the condition can be managed. ✔
• High cholesterol may be genetic/hereditary and regular check-ups  may reveal the condition. ✔
  Understanding, moderate (Any 3) (3) 

3.6.3 State FOUR dietary guidelines to manage high cholesterol.

• Control the amount of fat/saturated fat/egg yolks/organ  meats/some seafood consumed on daily basis. ✔
• Eat lots of fibre/soluble fibre/oat bran/legumes.✔
• Eat lots of fruit and vegetables as they contain very little fat, but a  great deal of vitamins, mineral, fibre, anti-oxidants. ✔
• Reduce high-fat dairy products/use low-fat dairy products.✔
• Avoid hidden fat in your diet, e.g. processed foods containing  fat. ✔
  Understanding, moderate (Any 4) (4)

3.7 Differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. 

 Understanding, Easy  (4) 
3.8 Scenario 
3.8.1 Explain how the disease could have been transmitted. 

• The bacteria are spread through the air, when an infected person  coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. People breathing the same air for  prolonged periods. (2)
  Applying, Difficult 

3.8.2 Analyse the impact of the vegetable and fruit on Tammy’s  health. 

• Tammy should consume five to six portions of fruit and  vegetables daily. ✔
• The vegetables from their garden will help Tammy in her recovery  period. ✔
• Spinach/oranges/carrots/cabbage provides vitamin A and is an  anti-oxidant which keep Tammy’s lining of her lungs and intestine  intact. ✔ This makes it difficult for the germs to enter the body ✔ and causes infection.
• Oranges/tomatoes/carrots provide vitamin C which helps Tammy  to recover from infections.
• Cabbage provide zinc ✔ which protects the immune system ✔ and iron is important as it helps with the formation of red blood  cells ✔ and prevent anaemia/keep the blood healthy ✔ and plays  a role in a healthy immune system. ✔ (Any 7)
  Conclusion: The vegetables and fruit will be beneficial/impact  positively on Tammy’s health ✔ (1) (8)
  Analyse, Difficult 

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QUESTION 4 CLOTHING 
4.1 Define the following terms: 
4.1.1 Retrospective fashion 

• Retrospective fashion refers to clothes that imitate the style of a  previous era. ✔✔
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

4.1.2 Organic textiles 

• It is natural fibres that have been grown without any pesticides and  toxic materials, preserving the health of humans and the  environment. ✔✔
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

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4.2 Explain how fashion is influenced by technological developments.

• Technological developments in the textile industry accelerate fashion  change, e.g. improved elasticity or minimal care requirements. ✔
• Developments in the manufacturing industry, e.g. improved knitting and  sewing machines have speeded up the manufacturing process, saving time  and money. ✔
• Easier communication allows latest fashion trends to be viewed all over the  world. ✔
• Improved distribution methods bring new fashion garments to stores within  days. ✔
  Understanding, moderate (Any 3) (3) 

4.3 Describe what a basic working wardrobe is. 

• A basic working wardrobe is the outfits/garments you wear to work that is  suitable for the work environment. ✔
• All the clothing items ✔ you choose to wear to work ✔ specific clothes  suited for the daily tasks/work.
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

4.4 Discuss why fashion cycles overlap. 

• Fashion cycles overlap because consumers are bored with the old trend. ✔
• Fewer consumers wear the old trend as the interest is decreasing.✔
• A new trend is introduced/begins/launched/celebrities are photographed  wear the trend. ✔
• Fewer consumers wear the old trend, until no one wears it any more. ✔
• While the old trend declines, interest in the new trend increases. ✔
• By the time a new fashion trend has established itself and is well on its way  to its peak. ✔
  Understanding, Easy (Any 3) (3)

4.5 Explain why it is important to buy quality clothes when you choose  clothes for work. 

• If you buy quality items from the start, they will last longer. ✔
• It is a much better investment plan than buying cheap clothes. ✔
  Remembering, Moderate (2) 

4.6 Read the following information and give your opinion that the role  appearances play in the world of work. 

• Clothes will send a message to customers about the type of work and the  company one work for. The corporate dress code will also include personal  hygiene and posture to give a better impression when working with  customers. ✔
• If one wears appropriate clothes the employer and customers will have  confidence in one and ones work because one shows that one is  professional at work. ✔
• If one dress according to the corporate rules it will show the employer that  one is serious about and respects ones work. ✔
• Less is more – simple, but classy thus more clothes are not always better  than less classy clothes. ✔
• A sophisticated corporate look commands respect. ✔
• One is judged on physical appearance – a corporate uniform ensures a  standardised company image. ✔
  Analysing, moderate (6)

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QUESTION 5 HOUSING 
5.1 Explain the following terms: 
5.1.1 Transfer duty 

• It is a government tax on the property to transfer it into your name  and is based on the amount to the Receiver of Revenue. ✔ It is  based on the value of the property. ✔
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

5.1.2 Transfer fees 

• It is paid to the attorney who oversees the transfer process of the  property. ✔✔
  Remembering, Easy (2) 

5.2 Name THREE cost items that must be included in a mortgage bond  repayment. 

• Payment of capital (amount borrowed) ✔
• Interest ✔
• Homeowner’s comprehensive insurance/monthly instalments ✔
• Homeowner’s premium ✔
• Administration cost ✔
  Remembering, Easy (Any 3) (3) 

5.3 Give the information that must appear on a contract for a builder and  owner to sign. 

• A detailed breakdown of all costs, including building and legal cost. ✔
• The exact dimensions or size of the house, according to house plan. ✔
• The date by which the building should be completed. ✔
• The statement of the guarantees provided to ensure that any structural  defects, roof leaks will be fixed. ✔
• The dates and way in which payments are to be made. ✔
• A cancellation clause laying down the conditions under which the contract  can be cancelled or suspended. ✔
• The consequences if either the builder or owner does not fulfil their part of  the agreement. ✔
• The specification list attached to the plan, which describes all the materials,  finishes and fittings to be used in the construction of the house. ✔ (Any 4) (4)

5.4 Scenario 
Identify and explain the type of ownership of the Buys family:  
5.4.1 When they bought the house in a new town 

• Full-title ownership ✔
  Remembering, Easy 
•  The Buys family – the legal owner ✔ of the entire property – the  land and all the structures on it ✔
  Application, Easy (3) 

5.4.2 When they bought the flat 

• Sectional title ownership ✔
  Remembering, Easy
• Section title – lawful ✔ owner of a unit or section of a building.
  The sectional title holder also owns a share of all common  properties, including lifts, passages, stairways, garden areas and  pool. ✔
  Application, Easy (3) 

5.5 Discuss FOUR advantages of renting the apartment. 

• A tenant pays a fixed amount over a specific period. ✔
• A tenant does not pay land and property tax. ✔
• A tenant is not responsible for the maintenance of the property
• A tenant can run a business from the unit if he or she obtains permission  from the property owner and the municipality. ✔
• From the start, both parties know exactly what is expected it is the  conditions of the lease agreement. ✔
• It is easy to move after giving due notice. ✔
• A tenant can have fewer monthly expenses than a house owner, for  example, tenants do not have to pay homeowners insurance. ✔
• Renting is more affordable for people who cannot afford to buy a home. ✔
  Remembering, Easy (Any 4) (4) 

5.6 Name FOUR advantages of owning a flat in a secured complex.

• They are the legal owners of the property – can leave in the will for their  children. ✔
• The owner has a sense of security and independence. ✔
• Living in a complex could be safer. ✔
• They can use all common areas in the complex. ✔
• The owner has less administration to do. ✔ 
• They can sell the flat at a profit to buy another house.✔
• The homeowners association administers the property of the sectional tile  block, which means less responsibility for the family. ✔
• They can make changes to the property. ✔
  Applying, Easy (Any 4) (4)

5.7 Explain why this house is ideal for this family. 

• The house has three bedrooms/big enough/suitable for the family’s  needs/privacy for the members. ✔
• It is safe – alarm and safety gates. ✔
• It is close to the school – save on transport cost; it is also convenient if the  children participates on extramural activities. ✔
• The shopping centre is nearby, it is convenient for shopping and they will  also save on transport cost. ✔
• The shopping centres also has entertainment for the family. ✔
  Application, Moderate (Any 3) (3)

5.8 The Buys family intend buying a vacuum cleaner. 

Dust retention – 1,5 litres dust capacity Use less energy  Washable filter  Antibacterial protection  Extends to reach into awkward corners  Smooth running wheels are designed to  prevent damaging of delicate surfaces

5.8.1 Explain why this vacuum cleaner is considered to be  environmentally friendly. 

• The dust retention prevent the dust in the air ✔ therefore reduces  air pollution.
• It uses less energy, therefore has a low impact on the carbon  footprint. ✔
• Due to the low energy usage it reduces the need for fossil fuels to  burn ✔ in order to create electricity. 
• Anti-bacterial protection prevent release of dust mites into the air ✔ leaving the air cleaner, makes it a healthier option.
  Applying, Moderate (Any 4) (4) 

5.8.2 Evaluate the suitability of this vacuum cleaner to clean a three  bedroom house with tile floors as well as carpeted floors. 

• The 1,5 litre dust capacity makes it large enough✔
• It can extend to reach awkward corners✔ therefore the need to  move furniture around is reduced ✔ this reduced the human  energy consumption. ✔
• The smooth running wheels make it possible to move it around  with the least amount of resistance ✔ and it causes the least  amount of damage to surfaces✔
• Suitable to clean carpets and tiles, it is not necessary to have two  different machines. ✔
• The washable filters reduces the need to replace the filter  therefore saving money in the long-term.✔
• Use less electricity and results in reduced electricity bill ✔ (Any 7)

Conclusion:

• The vacuum cleaner is suitable for a three-bed  roomed house  (1) (8)
  Evaluate, Difficult

[40]

QUESTION 6 ENTREPRENEURSHIP 
6.1 Name FOUR reasons for packaging products. 

• To protect the product ✔
• Keep the product safe and hygienic ✔
• It could act as a silent/attract the attention of the consumers ✔
• Well-designed packaging can reflect well on a business image ✔
  Remembering, Easy (4) 

6.2 Explain mark-up with regard to small business practices. 

• The amount/percentage added to the cost price✔ of goods to cover overhead  expenses✔/still leave money for profit. (2) 

6.3 State THREE benefits of training unskilled workers. 

• Better quality work is delivered ✔
• Increased motivation ✔
• Increased work satisfaction ✔
• Ability to work independently ✔
• Increased productivity ✔
• Reduction of waste ✔
• Acquisition of new skills/knowledge ✔
  Remembering, Easy (Any 3) (3) 

6.4 6.4.1 Target market 

• People who need a quick breakfast ✔
• People who skipped breakfast ✔
• Those who want a low kilojoule option ✔
  Application, Moderate (Any 2) (2) 

6.4.2 What is the importance of keeping to the product specification?

• Ensures that the customer will always get a good quality  product ✔
• Ensures standardisation/a certain standard is  maintained/product ✔
• Will always have the same appearance taste ✔
  Remember, Easy (Any 2) (2) 

6.4.3 Marketing Plan 

• Promotion ✔ – Website ✔
• Price ✔ – R23,80 per unit ✔
• Product ✔ – Breakfast biscuit (mini breakfast biscuit) ✔
• Place ✔ – from home ✔ (not rental premises)
  Applying, Moderate (8) 

6.4.4 Customer relations 

• Wendy has valued the input from her clients ✔
• She will be able to maintain a quality product ✔
• By listening to their needs and responding to their needs she has  ensured loyal customers to her brand ✔
• Word of mouth ✔
  Applying, Easy (Any 3) (3)

6.4.5 Information on label 

• Brand name ✔
• Trade name ✔
• Ingredient list ✔
• Contact details ✔
• Portion size ✔
• Allergens ✔
• Serving suggestion ✔
• Storage instruction ✔
• Price of the product ✔
• Net quality of contents ✔
• Date stamp
  Applying, Easy (Any 4) (4) 

6.5 Calculation 
6.5.1 Calculate the selling price of a bouquet. Show ALL calculations.

• Selling price = production cost + mark-up
  = (R120,00 + R80,00) ✔ + 75% of R200
  = R200,00 + R150,00 ✔
  = R350,00
  Applying, Moderate (3) 

6.5.2 Calculate the profit on this specific product for this month if she  sold 40 bouquets during this period. 

• R150,00 × 40 ✔ = R600,00 ✔
  Applying, Moderate (2) 

6.5.3 Analyse how a financial feasibility study will assist Jamé to  determine the sustainable profitability of her business. 

• Main purpose of a feasibility study is to discover the strengths and  weakness of an existing or new business. Janey’s strength is that  she took over an existing business or new business ✔  She has a  passion✔ for flower arrangements and good human skills. ✔ She  has a vision for the shop. ✔
• Know all the cost ✔ involved, because she is a financial manager  and realise all the expenditure
• Estimate potential sales, she looked at opening another section ✔ and supplying undertakers with bouquets. 
• She will know how much profit they will make every month. ✔
• She will not need any start-up capital as she took over an existing  business. ✔
• She will know the type of return on investment (profit) can be  expected. ✔ (Any 6) 

Conclusion:

• A financial feasibility study will help her to determine  the cost and the selling price of a product  accurately. ✔ (1)
  Evaluating, moderate (7) 

[40] 
TOTAL: 200