Life Orientation Grade 10 | 2025 Final Exam Revision 1

Life Orientation Grade 10

Get free Life orientation grade 10 study resources: Including Life orientation grade 10 Notes, Life orientation grade 10 study guides, Life orientation grade 10 past exam papers, to ace your final exams.”

Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow:

Mary is in Grade 10 and wants to study to be a civil engineer one day. She always dreamt of building roads and bridges in their remote village in Limpopo to give the village access to the world outside.
Her mother said that she should just finish Grade 12 and find a job as a secretary at the local mine, because being a civil engineer is a man’s job.
Her father said that people, especially men, would never trust a bridge built by a woman and that the people of the local government would never employ her to do a man’s job.
60% of the girls in Mary’s class are single parent mothers, receiving grants and do not plan to study or find a job after finishing school. They all plan on marrying rich men who will take care of them for the rest of their lives.
Mary’s brother is studying with the help of a bursary from the local mine. His parents save all the extra money to support him, because they believe he will support them one day when they are old.

Question

Explain the meaning of stereotyping relating to the above scenario and give two examples to show your understanding of the term.

A set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially an idea that is wrong.
This describes stereotyping as a fixed and often incorrect belief about people or things. In Mary’s situation, the belief that civil engineering is only a man’s job is a stereotype that unfairly limits her opportunities because of her gender. Stereotypes like this prevent individuals from pursuing careers they are capable of and passionate about.

People that have a fixed idea about what other people are capable of and who should do what type of work.
This explanation emphasizes how stereotyping assigns roles and skills based on narrow assumptions. Mary’s mother believes she should become a secretary instead of an engineer because of her gender, showing how stereotypes can restrict people’s ambitions and enforce unfair gender roles. These fixed ideas often ignore individual talents and interests.

Examples: Primary school teachers must be ladies. Man should not do domestic work.
These examples illustrate common stereotypes. The belief that primary school teaching is only for women excludes men who can excel in education, while the idea that men should not do domestic work unfairly limits men’s participation in household responsibilities. Such stereotypes reinforce rigid gender roles that do not reflect modern realities or individual abilities.

Question

In which career field would a civil engineer be?

A civil engineer works within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) career field. This area involves applying scientific and mathematical principles to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure like roads and bridges. Mary’s dream to build roads and bridges fits perfectly within STEM, which is a vital field for innovation and development.

Question

List two reasons why you think people have these stereotypes and provide two suggestions how we can change such stereotypes.

Two reasons why people may have these stereotypes:
Traditionally certain jobs were kept for certain genders.
Historically, society assigned jobs based on gender roles, with men dominating fields like engineering and women confined to caregiving or clerical work. This long-standing tradition has influenced perceptions, making it harder for people to accept individuals working outside these “accepted” roles.

The way we are brought up.
Socialization from an early age shapes our views on what is appropriate for men and women. Families, schools, and communities often teach children to follow gender-specific roles, which reinforces stereotypes and limits personal choice and potential.

Two suggestions how we can change such stereotypes:
Expose different sexes to different careers.
By encouraging boys and girls to explore a variety of careers, we break down gender barriers. Showing girls in engineering and boys in caregiving roles helps challenge outdated beliefs and opens minds to equal opportunities based on interest and ability, not gender.

Treat and respect everyone as an individual.
Recognizing people for their unique talents rather than their gender helps dismantle stereotypes. Educating society through schools and media about the harm caused by stereotyping promotes respect, acceptance, and fairness in career choices and beyond.

Question

Provide Mary with three suggestions on how she can deal with her financial challenges.

Mary must work hard and maintain good marks throughout her school career.
Strong academic performance is essential because it increases her chances of qualifying for scholarships and bursaries, which can help fund her studies. Good grades show dedication and potential to those who offer financial aid.

She should start doing research on bursaries and scholarships available for the course she would like to study.
Actively seeking out financial support options is crucial. Many organizations, including companies and government programs, provide bursaries specifically for students in STEM fields. Early research can uncover opportunities that Mary might otherwise miss.

She can also do job-shadowing which will help her to learn more about her intended career.
Job-shadowing provides practical experience and insights into civil engineering, helping Mary build connections and skills. It can also motivate her by confirming her career choice and may open doors to mentorship or part-time work related to her field.

She can also find part-time jobs in her spare time which will enable her to save money to pursue her intended career.
Working part-time helps Mary gain financial independence and savings for her studies. It also teaches valuable life skills like time management and responsibility, which will support her in overcoming financial barriers while pursuing her education.

Good reading habits will help you to find the information you need and to understand and remember what you read.

Question

Distinguish between scanning and skimming as methods of reading.

Scanning is when you move your eyes quickly over the reading material until you find the piece of information you are looking for.
Scanning is a fast-reading technique used to locate specific information without reading every word. You might use scanning when looking for a particular date, definition, or fact. Your eyes move quickly down the page until you identify the exact detail you need. This method is useful when you already know what you’re searching for and don’t need to understand the full context.

Skimming is when you look quickly at the headings and at the main ideas in each paragraph to get a general idea of the reading material.
Skimming helps you get the overall meaning of a text without reading it in full. You focus on headings, subheadings, and the first or last sentences in each paragraph to identify the central ideas. Skimming is useful when you’re previewing a chapter, reviewing content, or deciding whether a text is worth a deeper read.

Question

Name study methods that can enhance effective studying.

Note taking / Summaries / Mind mapping
Effective studying can be strengthened through note taking, writing summaries, or using mind maps. Mind mapping, for example, visually connects ideas, helping learners organize information clearly and understand relationships between topics. Summaries help you rephrase content in your own words, making it easier to remember, while note taking keeps you engaged and focused during lessons or reading.

Question

Study techniques are important skills to acquire if learners want to improve their performance at school. Explain ways how learners can improve the following skills:

Listening

Listen with your ears, but also with your eyes as you watch the speaker/s and see how they are talking.
Listening is not just about hearing words—it also involves observing the speaker’s body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These visual cues can help you understand the message more clearly and improve focus, especially in lessons or group discussions.

Make notes by writing only the keywords so that you are still able to listen properly.
Writing down only keywords helps you stay engaged without losing track of what the speaker is saying. It allows you to concentrate on the message and capture important ideas without being distracted by trying to write everything word for word.

Keep on asking yourself questions such as: what does this mean? Where does this fit into what I already know?
Self-questioning deepens understanding by encouraging you to connect new information to what you already know. It helps you listen with purpose, making it easier to remember and apply the information later.

In your own words, repeat what the speaker has said to check if you have understood.
Rephrasing what you’ve heard using your own words is an effective way to confirm that you’ve fully understood the message. This technique improves your active listening and helps identify any parts you might have misunderstood or missed.

Memory

Make summaries and learn them by repeating them while you are walking, standing in queues, or bathing.
Repetition while doing daily activities turns idle time into study opportunities. By summarizing and repeating your notes aloud in casual settings, you reinforce memory through both movement and auditory repetition.

Close your eyes and make a picture of what you are trying to remember.
Visualization helps to store information in your brain more effectively. Creating mental images allows you to “see” the information later when you need to recall it, especially for subjects like Life Sciences or History where concepts are easier to remember with pictures.

Set up your own test or mock exam and try to answer the questions.
Practising with mock exams prepares your brain to retrieve information under exam conditions. It highlights what you know well and what needs more revision, while also building your confidence and reducing anxiety before real tests.

Question

Suggest and explain to a classmate / friend ways on how to organize and manage his/her time effectively in order to improve his/her results.

Setting goals. By setting goals you will create proper targets and won’t be able to fall off schedule.
Setting clear, realistic academic goals helps you stay focused and motivated. When you know exactly what you want to achieve, such as improving your maths marks or completing a project by a certain date, it’s easier to plan your tasks and avoid unnecessary distractions. Goals give your study sessions purpose and help you measure your progress.

Draw up a study timetable or schedule. Having a timetable helps you to divide subjects into time frames and to keep to that schedule.
A well-planned timetable ensures that all your subjects and tasks get enough attention. It allows you to balance your study time and avoid last-minute cramming. When you follow a consistent study schedule, you develop discipline and reduce stress, especially before tests and exams.

Take regular short breaks. Make time for breaks in your schedule to do stretching and relaxation exercises.
Breaks are essential to avoid mental fatigue and keep your brain fresh. Short breaks between study sessions allow your mind to rest and recharge, making it easier to concentrate when you return. Physical movement or relaxation during breaks also improves your energy and focus.

Keep all the things that help you study in one place, so that you don’t waste time that can be used for studying.
Being organised saves time. When your books, notes, stationery, and devices are kept in one place, you won’t waste time searching for them. This keeps your study sessions focused and productive, allowing you to make the most of the time you’ve planned.

Get rid of time wasters. Keep away from those things that stop you from studying in order to get all the work done as planned.
Distractions such as phones, social media, noise, or even friends who interrupt your study time can reduce your productivity. By identifying and avoiding these time wasters, you create a better environment for learning. Staying disciplined in avoiding distractions ensures that your time is used effectively and your academic results improve.
Life Orientation Grade 10 | social and environmental responsibility 2
Get free Life orientation grade 10 study resources: Including Life orientation grade 10 Notes, Life orientation grade 10 study guides, Life orientation grade 10 past exam papers, to ace your final exams.”
Question
Explain the statement: While poverty exists, there is no true freedom.
While people live in poverty, they cannot reach their full potential, can’t choose what they want to eat, career, education etc.
Poverty limits the basic choices that most people take for granted. Individuals trapped in poverty are unable to freely decide what they eat, where they study, or which careers to pursue. Their lives are driven by survival rather than ambition. Without access to resources and opportunities, they are denied the freedom to explore their talents or pursue goals that would lead to a better life.
Poverty creates hardship and people do not have the same choices as those living in better circumstances.
Life in poverty is filled with constant challenges, such as poor living conditions, hunger, and lack of access to quality education or healthcare. These hardships leave poor individuals with fewer choices and less control over their lives. Unlike those in wealthier environments, their decisions are limited by what they can afford, not by what they truly desire.
Poverty affects the ability of people to be better or to choose where they live, study or work.
People who are poor often don’t have the luxury of choosing a safe neighbourhood, a good school, or a fulfilling job. They settle for whatever is available, even if it’s dangerous or unproductive. This restricts their development and personal growth. Without the means to change their environment, they remain stuck in difficult situations.
Living in poverty creates crime and people are not safe.
In many areas, poverty drives people to commit crimes out of desperation. Communities affected by poverty often face high crime rates, making them unsafe. The lack of basic services and job opportunities creates frustration and desperation, which in turn fuels criminal activity. This further limits people’s freedom, as they live in constant fear and insecurity.
Question
What is the impact of the drought and access to water on the poor?
Poor people cannot buy water if there is no water.
During droughts, water becomes scarce and expensive. Wealthier households might be able to buy bottled water or pay for water delivery, but poor communities cannot afford these options. As a result, they go without water or rely on unsafe water sources, which puts their health and dignity at risk.
Drought can lead to job loss and poor economic growth – impacting poor people.
Many poor people work in farming or informal sectors that are heavily dependent on water. When there is a drought, crops fail and farming jobs disappear. The economic slowdown affects small businesses and informal traders, making it harder for the poor to earn a living and feed their families.
Leads to undernourishment and malnutrition, illnesses.
Drought affects food supply, which leads to rising food prices. Poor families cannot afford nutritious food, leading to undernourishment, especially among children. This can cause long-term health problems and reduce their ability to learn, grow, and be productive members of society.
Some people have little/limited access to water.
In many poor communities, there is limited access to water infrastructure. Residents often depend on a single shared tap or unreliable water sources. This lack of access forces them to make difficult choices about when and how to use water—choices that compromise hygiene and health.
When one tap is shared by many people and used for drinking and washing, the water can get polluted.
Shared water sources in poor communities often become contaminated due to overuse and lack of sanitation. When the same tap is used for drinking, cooking, and washing, the risk of spreading diseases increases. Poor families are then exposed to waterborne illnesses, making poverty even harder to escape.

Question

Give ONE practical suggestion for addressing these problems in South Africa by individuals, communities, businesses and government.

Individuals

Work hard in school.
By dedicating themselves to education, individuals—especially young people—gain the knowledge and qualifications needed to access better jobs and break the cycle of poverty. Education opens doors to careers that offer stability and income, reducing long-term dependence on social support.

Grow own vegetables.
Starting a home or backyard garden helps individuals cut down on food expenses and ensures access to fresh, nutritious food. This is particularly useful during times of drought or rising food prices. It also teaches self-reliance and healthy eating habits.

Volunteer.
Volunteering allows individuals to contribute positively to their community, build valuable skills, and network with others. It also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, which can lead to personal growth and even future job opportunities through experience gained.

Communities

Start community gardens.
Community gardens provide a shared space for residents to grow food together, improve food security, and reduce household grocery costs. They also bring people together, strengthen community relationships, and create a sense of pride and responsibility among members.

Prevent overpopulation through awareness.
Communities can host educational campaigns on family planning and reproductive health to help residents make informed decisions about the size of their families. Managing population growth ensures that limited resources like water, land, and housing are more equally shared and sustainable.

Businesses

Offer skills training.
Businesses can help reduce poverty by running training programmes that teach practical and in-demand skills such as plumbing, coding, sewing, or welding. This empowers people with the ability to find employment or start small enterprises of their own.

Support intrapreneurs.
By encouraging innovation from within, businesses can empower employees to develop new ideas and improve services or products. Supporting intrapreneurship creates career advancement opportunities and fosters job satisfaction, which contributes to a stronger economy and more resilient communities.

Government

Encourage responsible family planning to prevent overpopulation.
Government can launch nation-wide education programmes about contraception and reproductive choices. By reducing unplanned pregnancies, the strain on healthcare, education, and water resources is lessened, allowing for better quality of services for all.

Promote entrepreneurship and give start-up loans.
By supporting small business development with training and affordable loans, the government can create jobs, stimulate the economy, and reduce poverty. Entrepreneurship turns job seekers into job creators, especially in rural or underdeveloped areas.

Limit social grants to six months.
Temporarily limiting social grants encourages recipients to seek employment or start income-generating projects. While support is still offered in emergencies, it shifts the focus from dependency to personal responsibility and long-term solutions.

Limit child grants to two children.
Restricting child support grants encourages parents to consider their financial readiness before growing their families. This measure can promote more sustainable family planning and reduce the burden on public resources, while still supporting the most vulnerable.

Question

The benefits of physical and/or recreational activity.

Builds healthy bones and muscles
Engaging in regular physical activity strengthens the bones and muscles, especially in growing children and teenagers. This support system of the body becomes more resilient, reducing the risk of fractures and promoting healthy development.

Improves muscular strength and endurance
Recreational activities such as playing sports, doing push-ups, or riding a bicycle help to build stronger muscles. Over time, these activities increase endurance, allowing the body to perform physical tasks for longer periods without getting tired easily.

Reduces the risk of developing chronic disease risk factors
Active lifestyles help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. This reduces the likelihood of developing diseases such as heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, which are often linked to inactivity.

Reduces stress and anxiety
Exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain called endorphins. These chemicals help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and emotional well-being.

Prevents obesity and helps to manage weight
Regular exercise burns calories and speeds up the metabolism, which helps to prevent weight gain. This is particularly important in today’s world where processed foods and screen time are common.

Question

How physical activity can improve school achievement.

Allows you to concentrate and focus better
When learners exercise regularly, it boosts brain function and focus. This means they are more attentive in class, absorb more information, and make fewer careless mistakes.

Makes you feel fresh and energized before you start studying
Exercise improves blood flow and energizes the body. This makes learners feel refreshed and ready to begin schoolwork or revision with a clear and active mind.

Refreshes your mind and helps you to think clearly
Being physically active helps remove mental fatigue. It gives the brain a break from academic stress and allows fresh ideas and better problem-solving.

Allows good oxygen flow to your brain
When the body moves, the heart pumps faster, sending more oxygen-rich blood to the brain. This sharpens thinking and memory—skills essential for learning and school success.

Helps you to feel more relaxed
A relaxed mind is more open to learning. Physical activity reduces tension and anxiety, which helps learners stay calm during tests or stressful academic moments.

Part of a balanced lifestyle
Having a balanced routine that includes exercise, rest, and study helps learners manage their time and responsibilities more effectively. It builds good habits that lead to long-term academic success.

Question

Describe the different aspects of fitness which should be included in an exercise programme and give an example of each aspect.

Cardiovascular fitness
This involves continuous, movement-based exercises that raise the heart rate and improve endurance. Examples include jogging, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking. Cardiovascular fitness strengthens the heart, improves breathing, and supports participation in sports and daily activity.

Muscular resistance fitness
This type of fitness focuses on building muscle strength by working against resistance. Activities such as lifting weights, push-ups, and sit-ups improve muscle tone and physical strength. It’s useful for maintaining posture, lifting objects, and increasing power in sports.

Muscular endurance fitness
Muscular endurance is the ability to perform repeated movements or sustain activity for long periods. Activities like long-distance running, hiking, or triathlons are examples. This helps learners stay active throughout the day without getting tired quickly and is essential for sports and stamina.

Flexibility fitness
Flexibility involves stretching the muscles and increasing the range of motion in joints. Exercises such as yoga, gymnastics, or dancing improve balance, prevent injuries, and reduce muscle stiffness. It is also calming and promotes physical relaxation.

QUESTION 6

Helping the Community; Helping Yourself

“Young people in our country are really defining agendas, they are really passionate about their causes. Young people may not have disposable income but they are certainly way above the rest of us in terms of volunteering.”
— Gill Bates, CEO of Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa

LeadSA hero Murendi Mafumo is tackling water supply challenges in Africa and restoring both human dignity and the right to sufficient water through the use of innovative technology.

Question

Write a well-structured mini-essay about volunteering. In your essay, discuss the following points:

Describe four ways in which being involved in volunteer work can help a person in their own career and career choices.
Evaluate whether the needs of your community and your country should influence your choice of career.
Explain how critical thinking skills and creative constructive thinking skills can contribute to becoming a responsible citizen.

Volunteering is more than just a good deed; it is a powerful tool for both personal transformation and national progress. By stepping into roles that serve the community, individuals not only uplift others but also develop themselves in ways that formal education and daily routine often do not allow. It becomes a form of education that nurtures the mind, shapes the heart, and awakens the civic duty that lies within all of us.

One of the most personal but impactful benefits of participating in community work is how “the more you help others, the better you feel about yourself.” This simple truth reflects a deep psychological effect. Helping others improves self-awareness and boosts self-esteem, which plays a critical role in shaping confidence toward one’s study and career. People who feel good about themselves are more likely to believe in their abilities and to pursue their academic and professional goals with determination and courage.

In addition to this personal growth, volunteering helps people “become more politically and civic aware.” As they register to vote, join community development initiatives, and act as contributors to the greater good, they begin to understand the real dynamics of society. This awareness gives direction to their academic path—people begin to know what to study to help build South Africa. This form of civic consciousness is crucial because it connects personal career choices to the broader needs of the country.

Equally important, volunteering closes the gap between academic work and the real human needs in society. Often, education can feel abstract or disconnected from everyday life. But when theory is applied to solve practical problems, it provides motivation by connecting theory and practice. A learner who sees how scientific knowledge can clean water for a rural village, for example, gains a deeper sense of purpose in their studies and a clearer picture of how their education can serve real people.

Moreover, volunteering brings clear psychological benefits. It has been shown to increase positive feelings and mental health, while also decreasing depression and stress. In a time where many people, especially the youth, face mental health challenges, this emotional uplift is a significant advantage. Feeling useful and connected through volunteering creates a healthy, resilient mindset that supports all other areas of life.

Volunteering also strengthens the social fabric of both individuals and communities. It helps to increase bonds among learners and with the community, fostering a spirit of unity and care. Through service, one develops concern and care for others, and gains a sense of connectedness of being. It also teaches how to embrace diversity, as volunteers often work with people from different backgrounds, learning tolerance, empathy, and cooperation.

On a more practical level, volunteering contributes to significant skills development. Volunteers improve their communication skills, time management, project management, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These are essential tools for any career and build a strong foundation for leadership and teamwork. Such experiences prepare individuals for the workforce far beyond what textbooks can provide.

All these personal and practical benefits naturally raise an important question: Should the needs of your community and your country influence your choice of career? The answer is a thoughtful and resounding yes. You should gain the skills with respect to the needs of your country, not only for employment but to serve a larger cause. Every student must try to connect his or her work with the social and economic situation in the country. If, for example, you are great in marketing and writing, think how your career may promote your country—whether by spreading awareness, uplifting voices, or raising charity funds that save human lives. Ultimately, a career is not only about making money; it’s about helping people too.

Lastly, to become a truly responsible and impactful citizen, one must develop both critical thinking and constructive thinking skills. Constructive thinking skills refer to the ability to think in helpful, positive, and optimistic ways, which are essential when working to build a better South Africa. Meanwhile, critical thinking enables you to think clearly, to compare and to be reasonable, helping you to avoid emotional biases and instead be objective and see what is needed to be done. These two ways of thinking complement each other and guide responsible decisions that lead to meaningful action.

In conclusion, volunteering is not a side activity—it is a vital part of personal and social growth. It boosts self-confidence, builds essential skills, aligns our careers with national needs, and strengthens our sense of purpose. More importantly, it turns us into thinkers and doers who care, act, and lead. In a world that needs thoughtful, active citizens, volunteering is not just helpful—it is essential.

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Life Orientation Grade 10 | 2025 Final Exam Revision 1