BECE Social Studies 2018 Past Questions and Answers – Papers 2 & 1

 

JUNE 2018
SOCIAL STUDIES 2

ESSAY
1 hour

This paper consists of three sections: A, B and C.
Answer three questions only, choosing one question from each section.
All questions carry equal marks

Credit will be given for clarity of expression and orderly presentation of material.

SECTION A
THE ENVIRONMENT

Answer one question only from this section

1. (a) List five examples of natural disasters [5 marks]

(b) Outline five ways by which the physical environment can be protected from degradation [15 marks]

2. (a) List five characteristics of the North East Trade winds in Ghana. [5 marks]

(b) Describe five effects of the North East Trade winds in Ghana [15 marks]

 

SECTION B
GOVERNANCE, POLITICS AND STABILITY

Answer one question only from this section.

3. (a) (i) Define conflict management. [3 marks] (ii) List five sources of conflict in society [5 marks]

(b) Outline four effects of ethnic conflicts in Ghana [12 marks]

4. (a) List four ways through which Ghana co-operate with other nations [4 marks]

(b) Outline four reasons for which Ghana co-operate with neighbouring countries.
[16 marks]

 

SECTION C
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Answer one question only from this section.

5. Outline five ways by which State Owned Enterprises differ from Private Owned Enterprise [20 marks]

6. (a) State four ways by which the health needs of Ghanaians can be improved.
[8 marks]

(b) Outline four ways by which improved health of people can contribute to national development. [12 marks]

 

END OF PAPER 2 (ESSAY)

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JUNE 2018
SOCIAL STUDIES 2

ESSAY

ANSWERS

SECTION A
THE ENVIRONMENT

Answer one question only from this section

1. (a) List five examples of natural disasters [5 marks]

(i) flood torrential rain
(ii) hurricane / typhoon
(iii) tsunamis
(iv) volcanic eruption
(v) land slides
(vi) wildfire / bush fire
(vii) drought
(viii) avalanche
(ix) tornado
(x) earthquake
(xi) earth tremor
(xii) sink holes
(xiii) blizzards
(xiv) cyclonic storms
(xv) thunder storms
(xvi) hail stone
(xvii) heat wave
(xviii) water scarcity
(xix) limnic eruption
(xx) lightning

(b) Outline five ways by which the physical environment can be protected from degradation [15 marks]

(i) enforcement of legislation against degradation
(ii) use of appropriate farming methods, eg, contour ploughing, shifting cultivation
(iii) use of appropriate technology
(iv) setting up of conservation of forest
(v) public education
(vi) afforestation
(vii) re-afforestation
(viii) recycle of resources
(ix) using lesser known resources
(x) exploration of alternative energy sources
(xi) proper disposal of waste
(xii) use of bio-degradable materials
(xiii) proper waste management
(xiv) controlling of soil erosion
(xv) use of proper fishing methods
(xvi) forest reserves
(xvii) exploration of alternative sources of resources
(xviii) setting up of conservation agencies
(xix) controlled grazing
(xx) cutting down on consumption of limited resources
(xxi) reuse of physical resources
(xxii) green transportation, eg, the use of bicycles / walking, etc to reduce motor vehicle emission
(xxiii) rain water harvest
(xxiv) pursuing sustainable development goals/ policy
(xxv) environmental monitoring
(xxvi) implementing voluntary action on environmental education, eg, communal labour
(xxvii) keeping vehicles in good condition against emission of excessive smoke
(xxviii) using public transport instead of personal vehicles – to reduce number of motor vehicles on the road, in order to reduce emission
(xxix) environmental impact assessment before establishing industries
(xxx) avoiding the use of genetically modified organisms
(xxxi) partaking in programmes supporting environmental protection.
(xxxii) control of sand winning and mining activities
(xxxiii) planting of trees along water bodies
(xxxiv) setting firebelts
(xxxv) use of proper mining methods

2. (a) List five characteristics of the North East Trade winds in Ghana. [5 marks]

(i) Another name is the harmattan
(ii) They blow from the North east of Ghana to the South west of Ghana
(iii) They are usually dry / low relative humidity
(iv) The winds do not bring rains
(v) The winds carry dust along
(vi) They blow around November to February/March
(vii) They bring about hazy weather conditions – causing poor visibility
(viii) They are usually cold / have relatively low temperature
(ix) They are associated with movements of air pressure belts
(x) The cloud cover is low

(b) Describe five effects of the North East Trade winds in Ghana [15 marks]

(i) Causes poor visibility
(ii) Facilitates bush fires / wildfires
(iii) Causes the weather to be cold, dry and dusty
(iv) Prevents rainfall
(v) Causes volume of rivers and water-levels in dams to decrease
(vi) Creates dusty condition – uncovered item become dusty quickly
(vii) Causes discomfort on the eye, skin, nose and body
(viii) Promotes air pollution
(ix) Causes some rivers, streams and other water bodies to dry up
(x) Affects aircraft, rail and ship operations
(xi) Facilitates bush fires
(xii) Causes cracks on lips and feet, which can result in bleeding
(xiii) Enhance salt production
(xiv) Facilitates harvesting and drying of crops
(xv) Facilitates the acquisition of respiratory infections / diseases
(xvi) Facilitates drying of wet clothes and other items
(xvii) Reduces the favourable breeding conditions of mosquitoes
(xviii) Facilitates hunting of animals
(xix) Reduces pasture for animals

SECTION B
GOVERNANCE, POLITICS AND STABILITY

Answer one question only from this section.

3. (a) (i) Define conflict management. [3 marks] Various measures used to reduce tension during period(s) of misunderstanding to facilitate resolution.

(ii) List five sources of conflict in society [5 marks]

 property
 intolerance of people
 chieftaincy disputes / power struggle
 poor media reportage
 suspicion
 tribalism / ethnocentrism
 human rights abuse
 location of public facilities
 stereotyping / derogatory remarks
 greed / selfishness / covetousness
 partiality / injustice
 misrepresentation of facts / issues
 favouritism / nepotism
 Discrimination
 Land ownership

(b) Outline four effects of ethnic conflicts in Ghana [12 marks]

(i) loss of property
(ii) loss of lives
(iii) Prevents or slows down development
(iv) discourages local investments
(v) discourages foreign investments
(vi) creates instability / insecurity
(vii) destruction of infrastructure
(viii) intensifies ethnic hatred and bigotry
(ix) human rights abuses
(x) causes suffering among children and women
(xi) displacement of people and property
(xii) increase of government expenditure
(xiii) restriction of goods and services
(xiv) living with constant fear of attack
(xv) imposition of curfews / state of emergency
(xvi) economic activity becomes stagnant
(xvii) lead to famine
(xviii) lead to brain drain / loss of professionals
(xix) lead to emotional and psychological problems
(xx) retardation of education

4. (a) List four ways through which Ghana co-operate with other nations [4 marks]

(i) political cooperation
(ii) social cooperation
(iii) economic / trade
(iv) cultural
(v) educational
(vi) sports
(vii) military
(viii) technical

(b) Outline four reasons for which Ghana co-operate with neighbouring countries.

(i) sharing of common ideas / technical cooperation
(ii) fight common interest, eg, hunger, disease,
(iii) settlement of dispute
(iv) peace, unity and security
(v) co-existence / maintain friendly relationship
(vi) energy supply
(vii) common industrial and manufacturing projects
(viii) common banking and insurance facilities
(ix) improvement of transportation and communication network
(x) easy movement of goods and services
(xi) wider markets
(xii) promote cultural solidarity and sports
(xiii) solicit financial assistance
(xiv) relief assistance

 

SECTION C
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Answer one question only from this section.

5. Outline five ways by which State Owned Enterprises differ from Private Owned Enterprise [20 marks]

(i) state owned enterprise is set up by central governments while private owned enterprise is set up by private individuals
(ii) state enterprise is owned by the state, while private owned enterprise is owned by individuals / group of people
(iii) the motive of setting up state owned enterprise is to provide essential services to people at low prices, while the private owned enterprise is set up to make profit
(iv) state owned enterprises are controlled/managed by a board of directors appointed by the government, while private owned enterprises are controlled / managed by board of directors appointed by the shareholders / owners of the business.
(v) state owned enterprises are financed by government, while private owned enterprises raise capital by issuing shares / contributions from shareholders / financed on their own.
(vi) government bears the losses of state owned enterprises, while owners / shareholders bear losses of private owned enterprises.
(vii) government pays profit into consolidated account of state owned enterprises while private owned enterprises profits are paid to owners / shareholders
(viii) government interferes with operations of state owned enterprises, while government does not directly interfere with operations of private owned enterprises.
(ix) government provides subsidies for state owned enterprises while private owned enterprises pay taxes to government.
(x) huge capital is involved in the setting up and operations of state owned enterprises, while minimal capital is involved in the setting up and operations of private owned enterprises.
(xi) government influences pricing of products of state owned enterprises, while private owned enterprises fix their own prices
(xii) government may allow private partnerships in the setting up and operations of state owned enterprises, while private owned enterprises do not allow government partnership in setting up and operations
(xiii) State owned enterprise is established through the Act of parliament while private enterprise is established through the Registrar General’s Department.

6. (a) State four ways by which the health needs of Ghanaians can be improved. [8 marks]

(i) provision of potable water
(ii) health insurance schemes
(iii) improved nutrition
(iv) regular physical exercises
(v) public education on the need to seek scientific medical treatment
(vi) development of medical research centres
(vii) training and retraining of medical personnel
(viii) observing proper sanitation and environmental cleanliness
(ix) preventive health education
(x) first aid education
(xi) establishment of health centres
(xii) improvement of existing hospitals and clinic facilities
(xiii) improvement of remuneration of all categories of health workers
(xiv) NGO’s churches and donor agencies be encouraged to assist the health sector
(xv) provision of essential drugs to the hospital

(b) Outline four ways by which improved health of people can contribute to national development. [12 marks]

(i) ready and available human resource
(ii) saves income and accumulation of capital
(iii) reduces absenteeism from work
(iv) high human productivity
(v) increases life expectancy
(vi) reduces government expenditure on health
(vii) source of taxes for government
(viii) full utilization

 

END OF PAPER 2 (ESSAY) ANSWERS

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JUNE 2018
SOCIAL STUDIES 1

OBJECTIVE TEST
45 minutes

1. A common feature of people associated with the same ethnic group in Ghana is
A. name
B. occupation
C. clothes
D. language

2. The main benefit of tourism to Ghana is
A. political stability
B. inter-tribal marriage
C. foreign exchange
D. cultural change

3. The physical environment of Ghana can be protected through
A. recycling of waste materials
B. re-directing river channels
C. practising traditional farming
D. burning of industrial waste

4. When two air masses of different temperatures meet, the result is,
A. thunder and lightning
B. rain shadow zone
C. cyclonic rainfall
D. relief rainfall

5. Where did the Akans first settle during their migration?
A. Dormaa Ahenkro
B. Bono Manso
C. Denkyira
D. Asante Manso

6. The period which marks the beginning and the end of adolescence is
A. 12 – 19 years
B. 10 – 19 years
C. 10 – 14 years
D. 15 – 19 years

7. The social environment include
A. festivals, political parties and religious groups
B. festivals, churches and tourist sites
C. settlements, churches and rivers
D. settlements, festivals and political parties

8. An effect of land degradation is
A. bad farming practices
B. excessive quarrying
C. improper layouts
D. loss of soil fertility

9. An advantage of chastity to the adolescent is
A. avoiding contracting typhoid fever
B. gaining approval from adults
C. knowing blood group easily
D. getting the best school to attend

10. People who visit places of interest to enjoy the facilities are called
A. experts
B. travellers
C. tourists
D. socialites

11. The principle of separation of powers ensures that
A. political parties do not work together
B. the police and military do not work together
C. the president appoints different ministers
D. various organs of government work independently

12. A representation of the earth’s surface not drawn to scale is known as
A. map
B. plan
C. sketch
D. globe

13. The right to enjoy social amenities goes together with the responsibility of
A. attending communal labour
B. offering voluntary service
C. paying of taxes regularly
D. attending political meetings

14. The best way of settle disputes is through the
A. Electoral Commission
B. District Assembly
C. parliamentary committee
D. court system

15. State-owned enterprises provide
A. foreign exchange
B. unemployment
C. public service
D. insurance

16. A major reason for developing a good layout settlement is to reduce
A. free movement and ethnic conflicts
B. overcrowding and criminal activities
C. rural-urban migration and street hawking
D. truancy and illiteracy rate

17. If the scale of a map is 1 : 50,000 and the distance between two points on the map is 10 cm, what is the actual distance on the ground?
A. 2.5 km
B. 5.0 km
C. 10.0 km
D. 20.0 km

18. For a society to develop faster, there is the need for
A. progressive changes in its culture
B. indiscriminate exploitations
C. increase in population
D. decline in good health

19. Productivity increase in Ghana can be achieved through
A. showcasing Ghana’s rich culture
B. frequent absence from work
C. application of modern technology
D. lack of supervision

20. Conflicts that destroy lives and property must be prevented by
A. security agents
B. all citizens
C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
D. National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO)

21. The fundamental laws by which a country is governed is known as
A. bye-laws
B. legislative instruments
C. constitution
D. court ruling

22. The ocean that washes the coast of Ghana is the
A. Arctic
B. Atlantic
C. India
D. Pacific

23. Emotional characteristics of adolescents include the following except
A. worry
B. love
C. pimples
D. shyness

24. Which of the following practices is the best way of conserving Ghana’s forest?
A. Growing of cover crops
B. Replanting of trees
C. Promoting the use of charcoal
D. Deforestation

25. When a person uses an orthodox and traditional medicine together for the treatment of diseases, he is said to be practising
A. outmoded culture
B. cultural lag
C. cultural change
D. parallel culture

26. Motivation and supervision help in the efficient use of
A. human resource
B. national resource
C. mineral resource
D. capital resource

27. Tourism in Ghana promotes the growth of the
A. hotel industry
B. film industry
C. textile industry
D. health industry

28. The main work of the members of parliament under the 1992 constitution is to
A. execute laws
B. draw manifestos
C. interpret laws
D. make laws

29. An individual whose rights have been infringed upon seeks justice from the
A. court
B. president
C. police
D. teachers

30. Which of the following types of rock is suitable for road construction?
A. Marble
B. Granite
C. Slate
D. Quartzite

31. The human resource of a country refers to
A. skills and trade unions
B. teachers only
C. skills of workers and management
D. members of local councils only

32. Peaceful co-existence among ethnic group is important for
A. sustainable development
B. population growth
C. increasing government revenue
D. reducing crime in society

33. Which of the following was established to find the causes of the 1948 riots?
A. Justice Annan Committee
B. Watson Commission
C. Burns Commission
D. Coussey Commission

34. To sustain the operation of a business, one must
A. have a group of managers
B. join national pension schemes
C. produce quality goods
D. relate with businesses abroad

35. Land in most rural communities in Ghana is mainly used for
A. farming activities
B. recreational facilities
C. human settlements
D. football fields

36. A society may refuse to accept cultural change when the change
A. comes from people outside
B. conflicts with its traditions
C. comes from its members
D. is gradually introduced

37. One positive effect of colonization on Ghana is the
A. contribution to peace-keeping missions
B. engagement in national trade
C. foundation for infrastructural developments
D. excessive use of foreign goods

38. The Coussey Committee was set up by
A. Sir Alan Burns
B. Sir Gordon Guggisberg
C. Sir Arden Clarke
D. Sir Gerald Creasy

39. The main purpose of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is to
A. achieve economic integration
B. expand the size of West Africa
C. achieve political unity
D. achieve political freedom

40. Bush fires occur very often during the
A. rainy season
B. cold season
C. planting season
D. dry season

 

END OF PAPER 1 (OBJECTIVES)

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JUNE 2018
SOCIAL STUDIES 1

OBJECTIVE TEST
ANSWERS

1. D. language
2. C. foreign exchange
3. A. recycling of waste materials
4. C. cyclonic rainfall
5. B. Bono Manso
6. B. 10 – 19 years
7. A. festivals, political parties and religious groups
8. D. loss of soil fertility
9. B. gaining approval from adults
10. C. tourists
11. D. various organs of government work independently
12. C. sketch
13. C. paying of taxes regularly
14. D. court system
15. C. public service
16. B. overcrowding and criminal activities
17. B. 5.0 km
18. A. progressive changes in its culture
19. C. application of modern technology
20. B. all citizens
21. C. constitution
22. B. Atlantic
23. C. pimples
24. B. Replanting of trees
25. D. parallel culture
26. A. human resource
27. A. hotel industry
28. D make laws
29. A. court
30. B. Granite
31. C. skills of workers and management
32. A. sustainable development
33. B. Watson Commission
34. C. produce quality goods
35. A. farming activities
36. B. conflicts with its traditions
37. C. foundation for infrastructural developments
38. D. Sir Gerald Creasy
39. A. achieve economic integration
40. D. dry season

END OF PAPER 1 (OBJECTIVES) ANSWERS

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