Social Studies Mock Exam 2020: Paper two- Marking Key

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

 Death of plants and animals due to dumping of poisonous substances e.g. animals may drink
water containing toxic chemicals resulting in death.
 Outbreak of human diseases that result from pollution of water such as bilharzia and cholera
(Air pollutants can worsen respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis and bronchitis)
 Exposure of leaves to air pollutants can breakdown the waxy coating that helps prevent
excessive water loss and damage from diseases, pests, drought and frost.
 Land and water pollutants reduce the beauty of the land.
 Excess gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere contribute towards global
warming.
1 mark for a point 1 mark for its expansion (total 6)

b. Explain the importance of Environmental Impact Assessment in preservation of the

environment. (6)
 Helps planners to identify problems that are likely to emanate from development projects and
address them before the physical implementation.
 Gives planners a chance to include people in decision making. Consultation with other
stakeholders and beneficiaries is important as it may cultivate a spirit of ownership and
responsibility among local people.
 Leads to long lasting projects as likely negative impacts are identified before implementation.
Planning of the project will ensure that likely negative impacts that lead to the collapse of the
project are addressed in advance.
 Helps planners to identify the priorities of people. This can facilitate exchange of views, ideas and
perceptions. Ordinary people can express their opinions which are critical in planning for the
project.
 Planners can acquire important ideas or information from people on how to mitigate problems.
Through EIA investigators can acquire information which is critical to the success or failure of the
project.
 Leads to conservation of both natural and manmade resources as it promotes sustainable
development by ensuring that land is used only to its capacity.
1 mark for a point 1 mark for its expansion (total 6)

c. Evaluate the contributions of NGOs in protection of Botswana’s natural resources. (8)

Positives
 Advise the government on formulation of environmental conservation policies.
 Conserve important natural resources i.e. they protect endangered species of plants and
animals and control depletion of non-renewable resources such as minerals.
 Give local communities technology and information that is environmentally friendly.
 Sponsor workshops concerned with environmental education.
 Educate communities about proper use of natural resources.
 Carryout research on environmental protection and conservation of resources e.g. Somarelang
Tikologo

1
Negatives
 government can ignore some of their advices
 Mostly based in urban areas and not accessible to rural areas
 They have limited financial resources to fulfil their mandate
 Poor monitoring of some projects resulting in failure/limited human resources on the ground
(1 mark for a point 2 marks for expansion, 1 mark for conclusion (positive or negative) –
max 8 marks)

2.a. Explain three social factors that can lead to increased fertility rates. (6)
 Religion: Some churches like Roman Catholic do not allow their members to use artificial
contraceptives such as pills and condoms. As a result members of such churches are likely to have
more children.
 Lack of Education: Less developed countries experience a high fertility rate due to a large number
of uneducated people who generally have little or no knowledge about the use of contraceptives
and family planning hence increased fertility rates.
 Preference for a particular sex: Some families may want to have a certain number of boys or girls.
If they fail to have the preferred sex ratio they will continue to bear children with the hope that
they will achieve the desired number of boys or girls. This often results in larger numbers of
children than initially planned for.
 Early childbearing or early marriages: When women bear children at an early age they are likely
to have more children by the time they reach menopause.
1 mark for a point and 1 mark for its expansion- total 6 marks

b. Discuss two factors that can lead to forced migrations. (6)

 Poor infrastructure: some areas are characterised by untarred roads, limited and often too
expensive shops, poor telecommunication networks etc. These factors often force people to
migrate to other areas for better facilities and services.
 Unemployment: certain areas offer the least employment opportunities as they are not
developed. For instance, in rural areas most people are engaged in small scale agriculture which
is unreliable because of low rainfalls. On the other hand other areas are more industrialised and
offer better employment prospects.
 Natural disasters e.g. drought, floods , diseases: for instance, subsistence farming is the
backbone of many areas especially rural areas and therefore if rains are inadequate there are
poor harvests and finally starvation. The entire population suffers leading to forced migrations.
 Poor medical facilities: some areas have little health posts or clinics which may not provide all
services leading to referral of some patients to hospitals in urban areas. Frequent referral may
lead to permanent migration to urban areas/Poor educational facilities:Tertiary schools may not
be available in some areas and people who want to further their studies would have to relocate
to urban areas or other developed settlements.
 Wars/political instability/religious intolerance: this may force people to migrate to those areas
they think their lives will not be under threat.
1 mark for a point, 1 mark for expansion and 1 mark for conclusion.

2
 c. Assess the impacts of high population on urban areas. (8)
Positives

 Enhances market: due to increased numbers of people many businesses will find a
lucrative market/increased purchasing power hence increased profits for urban-based
businesses
 Promotes development of urban areas- as the population increases government will
forced to provide basic infrastructure such as roads, hospitals to cater for the increase in
population. This will ultimately lead to the development of the urban area as opposed
to rural areas.
 Exchange of skills and technology: due to large numbers of people who possess different
skills and technology there will be exchange of skills amongst the people (increased
productivity) and this will stimulate growth of different industries.
 Increased labour force; lead to an abundance of people meaning industries will be
having a large pool of manpower to choose from. As a result the best people for the job
will be employed hence increased productivity.
Negatives
 Shortage of land: As population grows land does not grow. A high population needs land for
various purposes such as farming, creation of settlements and industries. Population growth
results in too many people scrambling for limited available lands which will result in rapid
depletion and degradation of resources such as vegetation, water and soil.
 Urbanisation: Many people will move from rural to urban areas in search of better living
standards. As a result there is going to be overcrowding in towns which will lead to problems
such as traffic congestion, overuse of resources and pressure on resources.
 Development of slums/squatter camps: When population increases beyond control there
will be shortage of housing which will force people to establish illegal settlements called slums
or squatter camps. Squatter camps are usually characterised by poorly planned houses,
unsanitary surroundings and high level of pollution (water, land, air and noise).
 Pollution: A high population will increase amount of waste in the environment. Drinking
water is often contaminated due to leakage from sewage pipes/improper sanitation and this
may give rise to various diseases such as cholera and bilharzia. Some industries also have a
habit of discarding untreated waste in unauthorised areas which also pollutes the land, air
and water. It is also costly for the district or town council to clean up contaminated
surroundings.
 Overuse and extinction of resources: Increased population may lead to more exploitation of
resources in order to maintain the ever-growing population. Some resources like minerals are
non-renewable and therefore if finished take millions of years to regenerate. This will
compromise the ability of the future generation to benefit from the same resources.
Population increase leads to over-harvesting of natural resources such as phane and
fuelwood. Some plants and animal species can end up being extinct due to over-use.
 Rise in unemployment: A high population will increase the number of unemployed people
and thus increase the number of dependents who will pressurise the working population’s
budget. Unemployment will also give rise to social ills such as prostitution, crime and street

3
 children. The government’s budget will be overstretched as it will be forced to support
destitutes.
 Shortage of basic amenities: A high population will put pressure on limited schools, clinics
and hospitals. The number of teachers, doctors and nurses may not be enough to satisfy the
needs of the high population. The government will have to provide more health and
educational facilities which may lead to reduced investment in other important economic
sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
 Land use conflicts: A high population may create conflicts over the use of some resources.
For instance, illegal settlements on the outskirts of large towns may create conflicts between
the squatters and the town council. Due to shortage of land people may end up creating
settlements on agricultural land and thus creating conflicts with affected farmers.
1 mark for point, 2 marks for expansions and 1 mark for conclusion, total 8 marks

3. a. Explain the contributions of Tswana dikgosi in the preservation of their lands during the
threats of takeover and incorporation. (6)
 During the colonial period Dikgosi successfully resisted efforts by the British to incorporate
Bechuanaland into the Union of South Africa. They openly criticized the British and wrote petitions
against incorporation to the High Commissioner in Cape Town.
 In 1895, upon hearing about British’s plan to handover Bechuanaland to the BSACo, Kgosi Khama
III, Bathoen and Sebele went to England to protest against the handover.
 Dikgosi managed to enlist the support of humanitarian organisations, British public and politicians
who managed to convince the British colonial government not to handover the protectorate.
 In 1936 Tshekedi Khama and Bathoen tried to sue the colonial government for introducing new
proclamations that reduced the powers of dikgosi. They were not successful but their complaints
led to some positive changes in the new laws.
 During the threats of assimilation and takeover Dikgosi managed to enlist the support of British
missionaries who acted as advocates against whatever negative developments were planned
against Botswana.
 Some dikgosi like Khama III refused to sign any treaties or agreements with the Boers and the
BSACo.
1 mark for a point and 1 mark for its expansion , total 6 marks

b. Discuss two ways in which the Legislative Council (LEGCO) prepared Batswana for
independence.
 Gave Batswana a chance to make laws and change government policies.
 Gave Batswana political and leadership experience in the running of the protectorate.
 Batswana successfully used LEGCOas a forum to end colonial rule.
 LEGCO formed the basis for formation of political parties which led the country to independence.
 Promoted nationalist sentiments which resulted in the formation of early nationalists movements
that had a common goal.
1 mark for a point and 1 mark for its expansion and 1 mark for conclusion, total 6 marks.

4
c. Assess the roles played by individuals in promoting Nation Building in Botswana. (8)
Positives
 Respecting the rights of other citizens.
 Forming organisations that will promote interaction between various ethnic groups e.g.
Kamanakao and Mbungu wa kathimana
 Upholding the constitution and policies of the nation.
 Influencing or educating members of their own tribes about the importance of nation building.
 Taking part in activities aimed at developing the nation.
 Protecting the country from external and internal enemies.
 Using resources in a sustainable manner.
Negatives
 Violation of law by some individuals resulting in conflicts with the government and other
stakeholders
 Some individuals may practice tribalism which has the potential to divide the nation
 Corrupt practices by certain individuals which can bring down the economy of the country
 Some individuals connive with foreigners to commit some crimes in the country which
compromises the security of other citizens.
1 mark for point, 2 marks for expansion and 1 mark for conclusion, total 8 marks
(there should be positive and negative evaluation)

4. a. Describe three functions of the President of Botswana as the head of the Executive
branch of government. (6)
 Sign all approved bills so that they become laws.
 Appoint ministers and senior government officials e.g. ambassadors, chief justice, police
commissioner, army commander etc.
 Prerogative of mercy i.e. can give clemency (stop accused from being executed).
 He supervises vice president, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials to ensure
that they perform their assigned duties.
 Acts as country’s representative and chief spokesperson in the community of other countries i.e.
he is the country’s chief diplomat.
 Negotiates and concludes treaties with other countries on behalf of the nation.
 He is the commander in chief of the armed forces.
 He performs ceremonial tasks such as receiving dignitaries from other countries and conferring
honours to those who have rendered meritorious service to the country.
1 mark for a point and 1 mark for its expansion, total 6 marks

b. Explain three roles of the Judiciary as a branch of government in Botswana. (6)

 Interpreting the law since some laws are unclear.
 Application of the law to concrete cases.
 Judging criminal and civil cases.
 Settlement of disputes among individuals and some political systems.
 Enforcing laws and punishing those found guilty of criminal offences.
1 mark for point and 1 mark for expansion, total 6 marks

5
c. Evaluate the roles of the Independent Electoral Commission in promoting good governance
in Botswana. (8)
Positives
 Facilitates the formation of a democratically elected government by giving people a chance to
elect their leaders/Conducts and supervises elections and ensures that elections are transparent,
free and fair.
 Conducts national referendum which gives information on the views of the nation regarding a
particular issue/policy
 Is independent from government and so ensures democracy and transparency.
 Educates the public about elections to ensure that voters have knowledge and skills on the
electoral process.

Negatives

 It is not entirely independent as it falls under the Office of the President which has control over
the institution
 The Director of IEC are appointed by government and this makes their fairness and impartiality
questionable.
 IEC cannot make major electoral reforms without approval by the government.
 The IEC does not have the power to settle electoral disputes; instead electoral matters are taken
to the High Court.
1 mark for a point, 2 marks for expansion and 1 mark for conclusion, total 8 marks.
5. a. Explain three ways of promoting peace amongst political groups in a democratic state
like Botswana. (6)
. Political Groups

 Give people equal opportunities to vote and to stand for positions of responsibility.
 Education and tolerance/acceptance of other people’s political opinions to avoid wars e.g. wars
between ZANU PF and MDC in Zimbabwe (Mugabe versus Tsvangirai).
 Promote justice and equality for all people.
 Having regular and fair elections across all regions.
1 mark for a point 1 mark for its development, total 6 marks

b. Discuss two roles played by Botswana in international relations at regional level. (6)
 Through membership of regional organisations such as SADC and SACU Botswana has contributed
a lot to the development of the Southern African region. Botswana’s sector responsibility in SADC
is agricultural research, livestock production and animal disease control. The headquarters of
SADC are in Gaborone, Botswana.
 Botswana has some trade relations with other countries in the region. This facilitates exchange of
goods and other important commodities with other nations.
 It facilitated peace keeping missions in the region, for example in Mozambique (1992) and Lesotho
(1998).

6
  Botswana is one of those countries that criticised South Africa’s apartheid policies that denied the
majority of its citizens human rights and freedoms. She is also vocal in condemning those leaders
who abuse the rights of people.
 Botswana government gave political asylum to citizens of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
during the struggle for liberation in those countries in the 1980s.
 Sending election observers to SADC memberstates where elections are conducted, sent election
observers to Zimbabwe in June 2018 .
1 mark for point, 1 mark for development and 1 mark for conclusion, total 6 marks

c. Evaluate the roles of Amnesty International in promoting human life, dignity and peace.
(8)
Positives
 Ensuring that prisoners are treated justly, especially those jailed for political and religious
reasons.
 Persuading governments to end capital punishment and all forms of torture
 Making public the names of those countries that abuse human rights.
 Campaigns for transparency in elections.
 Campaigns against dictatorship and bad governance.
 Campaigning for the rights of minorities throughout the world.
Negatives
 biased in dispensation of its mandate, for instance, it is reluctant to take action against big powers
like USA
 Has little control or limited powers over other countries’ political affairs, e.g. failed to take action
against Botswana after Marietta Bosch’s capital punishment.
 does not have the power to take direct action against countries that violate human rights but can
only recommend remedial action such as sanction to other organisations like United Nations
 Limited monitoring of human rights abuses due to its small personnel, i.e. does not have offices
or personnel in many countries.