ANNEXURE 1
NATURAL SCIENCES
FREE STATE EXAMINATION GUIDELINES
GRADE 8
2017
These guidelines consist of 18 pages.
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Assessment in Grade 8
2.1 Format of the question paper
2.2 Sequence of questions
2.3 Weighting of cognitive levels
2.4 Weighting of prescribed content
2.5 Skills in Natural Sciences
3. Question types in Natural Sciences
4. Action Verbs / Keywords Used In Natural Sciences questions
5. Conclusion
2
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
1. Introduction
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Natural Sciences
outlines the nature and purpose of the subject. This guides the philosophy underlying
the teaching and assessment of the subject in Grade 8.
The purpose of these Examination Guidelines is to:
Provide clarity on the depth and scope of the content to be assessed in the
Grade 9 June and November examinations
Assist teachers to adequately prepare learners for the examinations.
This document deals with the June and November examinations. It does not deal in
any depth with the School-Based Assessment (SBA).
These Examination Guidelines should be read in conjunction with:
The National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Curriculum and Assessment Policy
Statement (CAPS): Natural Sciences
The National Protocol of Assessment: An addendum to the policy document,
the National Senior Certificate: A qualification at Level 4 on the National
Qualifications Framework (NQF), regarding the National Protocol for
Assessment (Grades R–12)
The national policy pertaining to the programme and promotion requirements
of the National Curriculum Statement, Grades R–12
3
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
2. ASSESSMENT IN GRADE 8
2.1 Format of the question paper
Examination paper Content to be addressed
50 % Life and Living
June
50 % Matter and Materials
50 % Energy and Change
November
50 % Planet Earth and Beyond
Pape Duratio
Type of questions Total Date Marking
r n
Natural Sciences
Section A (Both examinable
knowledge strands)
Short questions - 20 marks
June OR Internal /
1 2 hours 100
Section B (Both examinable November Provincial
knowledge strands)
Structured questions - 80 marks
2.2 Sequence of questions
SECTION A
QUESTION 1:
Multiple-choice questions
One word / term
Match the column questions
The format of the examination paper can include the short question types mentioned
above. Other suitable short questions may be included in Section A.
Short questions will assess skills and knowledge across cognitive levels.
SECTION B
QUESTION 2 onwards:
Longer questions will assess skills and knowledge across cognitive levels.
4
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
2.3 Weighting of cognitive levels
The examination paper will include questions across all four cognitive levels. The
distribution of cognitive levels in Natural Sciences papers is given below.
Percentage
indicating the
proportion of
Cognitiv
Description low, middle
e level
and high
order
questions
Knowing science
1 Remembering/ Recall 40%
(Lower order questions)
Understanding Science Understanding/
2
Applying scientific Comprehension
knowledge
45%
3 (Middle order Applying and analysing
questions)
Evaluating, analysing,
synthesising scientific
Evaluating and creating
4 knowledge 15%
(synthesis)
(Higher order
questions)
5
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
2.4 Weighting of prescribed content
Life and Living:
Weighting
Topic Time
Mark
%
1. Photosynthesis
2 weeks 23 11
and Respiration
2. Interaction
and
5 weeks 55 28
interdependence
in the
enviroment
3. Micro -
2 weeks 22 11
organisms
Totals 9 weeks 100 50
Matter and Materials:
Weighting
Topic Time
Mark
%
1. Atoms 2 weeks 25 13
2. Particle model of
5 weeks 62 31
matter
3 Chemical
1 week 13 06
reactions
Totals 8 weeks 100 50
6
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
Energy and Change:
Topic Time Weighting
% Mark
1. Static electricity
1 week 12 6
2. Energy transfer
in electrical
systems 3 weeks 34 17
3. Series and
parallel circuits 2 weeks 20 10
5. Visible light
3 weeks 34 17
Totals 9 weeks 100 50
Earth and Beyond:
Topic Time Weighting
% Mark
1. The Solar
System 3 weeks 38 19
2. Beyond the
Solar System 3 weeks 38 19
3. Looking into
space 2 weeks 24 12
Totals 8 weeks 100 50
7
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
Energy and Change:
Topic Time Weighting
% Mark
1. Forces 2 weeks 22 11
2. Electric cells as
½ week 6 3
energy systems
3. Resistance 1 week 11 6
4. Series and parallel
2 weeks 22 11
circuits
5. Safety with
½ week 6 3
electricity
6. Energy and the
national electricity 1 week 11 6
grid
7. Cost of electrical
2 weeks 22 10
power
Totals 9 weeks 100 50
Earth and Beyond:
Topic Time Weighting
% Mark
1. The earth as a
1 week 12,5 6
system
2. Lithosphere 2 weeks 25 13
3. Mining and
2 weeks 25 12
resources
4. Atmosphere 2 weeks 25 13
5. Birth, life and death
1 week 12,5 6
of stars
Totals 8 weeks 100 50
8
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
All skills and application of knowledge learnt in Grade 7 are applicable to
assessment in Grade 8. Skills and knowledge from Grade 7 that may be assessed in
Grade 8 include the following:
2.5 Process Skills in Natural Sciences
The following are the cognitive and practical process skills that learners will be able
to develop in Natural Sciences.
1. Accessing and recalling information - being able to use a variety of sources
to acquire information, and to remember relevant facts and key ideas, and to
build a conceptual framework.
2. Observing - noting in detail objects, organisms and events
3. Comparing - noting similarities and differences between things
4. Measuring - using measuring instruments such as rulers, thermometers,
clocks and syringes (for volume)
5. Sorting and classifying - applying criteria in order to sort items into a table,
mind-map, key, list or other format
6. Identifying problems and issues - being able to articulate the needs and
wants of people in society
7. Raising questions - being able to think of, and articulate relevant questions
about problems, issues, and natural phenomena
8. Predicting - stating, before an investigation, what you think the results will be
for that particular investigation
9. Hypothesizing - putting forward a suggestion or possible explanation to
account for certain facts. A hypothesis is used as a basis for further
investigation which will prove or disprove the hypothesis
10. Planning investigations - thinking through the method for an activity or
investigation in advance. Identifying the need to make an investigation a fair
test by keeping some things (variables) the same whilst other things
will vary
11. Doing investigations - this involves carrying out methods using appropriate
apparatus and equipment, and collecting data by observing and comparing,
measuring and estimating, sequencing, or sorting and classifying. Sometimes
9
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
an investigation has to be repeated to verify the results.
12. Recording information - recording data from an investigation in a
systematic way, including drawings, descriptions, tables and graphs
13. Interpreting information - explaining what the results of an activity or
investigation mean (this includes reading and understanding maps, tables,
graphs).
A Translation Task requires learners to make sense of information
and convert the information into a different format e.g. from
information captured on a table into a graph format and or written
format.
14. Communicating - using written, oral, visual, graphic and other forms of
communication to make information available to other people
15. The Scientific Process is a way of investigating things about the world.
Scientists use this process to find out about the world and to solve problems.
The steps that make up the scientific process are not necessarily in order
(sequential), and may include:
Step 1: Identify a problem and develop a question. What is it you want to find
out?
Step 2: Form a hypothesis. A hypothesis is your idea, answer, or prediction
about what will happen and why.
Step 3: Design an activity or experiment. Do something that will help you test
your idea or prediction to see if you were right.
Step 4: Observe/note changes/reactions (e.g. through measuring), and record
your observations (e.g. onto a table). What were the results of your activity or
experiment? Write about what happened.
Step 5: Make inferences about the observations recorded in the tables,
graphs, drawings, photographs. Make some conclusions. What did you find
out? Do your results support your hypothesis? What did you learn from this
investigation?
10
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
3. Question types in Natural Sciences
SECTION A
THE KEY TO ANSWERING ANY QUESTION TYPE IN NATURAL
SCIENCES IS FOR THE LEARNER TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE
LANGUAGE USED IN THE QUESTIONS. VOCABULARY IS THE KEY
FACTOR. IF LEARNERS ARE ABLE TO MASTER THE TERMINOLOGY,
THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO ANALYSE QUESTIONS AND FORMULATE
RESPONSES.
HOW TO ANSWER MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Try to work out the answer without looking at the possibilities.
Read through the statement and all the options.
Underline the key words in the statement.
Cross out the options that are definitely wrong.
Read through the statement again and select the most appropriate
option from the options remaining.
Write down your answer and move to the next question.
Don't guess your answers; go back to the questions you were not sure
of at the end of the paper if there is time left.
Always attempt to answer a question. Never leave an open space!
THE KEY TO ANSWERING MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS IS
BEING ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE USED IN THESE
QUESTIONS.
HOW TO ANSWER MATCH THE COLUMN QUESTIONS
Read through the entire list of statements in Column A and all the
descriptions in Column B.
Read through each statement in Column A and find the best match in
Column B.
Tick off the answers in Column B in pencil so that you know that one
has already been chosen
11
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
Cross out the options that are definitely wrong or do not match any
statement.
First, do the ones you are sure of then go back to the ones that you are
not sure of and choose an answer from the remaining options.
Don't guess your answers. Go back to the questions you were not sure
of at the end of the paper if there is time left.
SECTION B
HOW TO ANSWER LONGER QUESTIONS
Read through the question, more than once if time allows it.
Underline the verb/action word. Make sure you identify the core of the
question.
Use the Fact, Explanation and Example Formula.
Fact: write down the fact.
Explanation: explain the fact in your own words.
Example: give your own practical example.
Look at the mark allocation as a guide of how many facts should be
included in your answer. Use scientific language and correct
terminology.
HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT INVOLVES
COMPREHENSION AND EXTRACTING DATA FROM MATERIAL
These types of questions involve understanding or comprehending the
information that is provided in the extracts from other textbooks,
scientific journals, newspapers and magazine articles. The extracts that
are given in the questions are relevant to Natural Sciences and its
application in everyday life situations. The questions that are set on
these extracts assess how well you understand the information in the
extract and how to interpret any data that the extract contains.
These are the important points to note when you are answering a
comprehension question:
Look at the heading and the pictures to get an idea of what the case
study/extract is about.
12
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
Read through the case study/extract carefully and slowly with
understanding before you look at any questions.
Read each question and underline the keyword/verb. All the
information that you will need to answer the questions will be in the
extract!
Take each question in turn and go back through the extract to find the
answer. You can use the wording in the extract to help you put the
answer together. Remember the answer to the questions must be
based on the information that is in the extract that you have been
given.
Read the case study/extract again and underline each of the keywords
in the case study/extract.
Now answer the questions. Pay special attention to action verbs.
Look at the mark allocation as a guide of how many facts should be
included in your answer.
HOW TO ANSWER DATA RESPONSE QUESTIONS
Look at the whole picture, table, graph or diagram. What do you see?
Look at the heading and the pictures, table, graph or diagram to get an
idea of the topic.
Look at any other symbols that may be important.
Read any text that is provided.
Read each question and underline the keyword/verb.
Read the graphs/diagram again and select the needed information.
Write down the answer and provide reasons for your answer.
Look at the mark allocation as a guide of how many facts should be
included in your answer.
SKILLS NEEDED WHEN ANSWERING DATA RESPONSE
QUESTIONS
Drawings and diagrams must:
13
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
Be drawn in pencil (using a sharp HB pencil to draw clear smooth lines).
Be labelled in ink.
Be large enough (at least half an A4 page) to see all the structures in the diagram.
Be positioned in the centre of the page.
Usually be two-dimensional (i.e. show length and width only)
Not be shaded.
Have a heading/caption.
Label lines must:
Be drawn in with a ruler (not hand-drawn).
Not cross each other.
Not have arrows at the end.
Touch the part/structure that is labelled.
Be on one side of the diagram if there are a few labels, otherwise both sides can be
used.
Be aligned neatly, preferably one label below another.
DRAWING OF TABLES
Action verb / keyword: TABULATE!
It has a heading above it.
It has two columns and number of rows can vary.
Each column has a heading.
The first column should indicate the independent variable (x–axis). (spasies
verander)
The next column or other columns, if applicable, should indicate the
dependent/responding variable (y–axis).
Each piece of information is in a different cell.
14
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
HOW TO DRAW ACCURATE GRAPHS:
Draw the graph with a ruler and a sharp pencil and write the labels in ink.
Choose the largest possible scale for the axis. The graph should fill the graph
paper.
Start the scale at zero. Divisions must be EQUAL in size. Count in ones,
twos, fives or tens, hundreds, etc. Avoid using a scale where one square
indicates 3 or 4 units. DO NOT just write down the values in the table as a
scale. If the values in the table range from for e.g. 1,84 to 7,89 the scale must
for e.g. start at zero and end at 8.
Label the axes with quantities and units.
When line graphs are drawn the following applies:
The independent variable (the one that varies in accordance to the chosen
independent values) goes on the x-axis. The dependent variable (the one that
varies in accordance to the chosen independent values) goes on the y–axis.
Plot the points with a pencil. Keep the points small. You can encircle points or
use crosses to show them clearly. Use a ruler to draw a best–fit straight line
with an equal number of points above and below the line.
Do not connect the points from point to point if you are working with a direct
proportionality; draw a straight line. When the points form a curve, draw the
best–fit smooth curve that encompasses as many points as possible.
15
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
4. Action Verbs / Keywords Used In Natural Sciences questions
Action
verb/ What is required of you
Keyword
Analyse Separate, examine and interpret
Used when a numerical answer is required. In general,
Calculate you should show your working, especially where two or
more steps are involved
Classify Group things based on common characteristics
Point out or show both similarities and differences
Compare
between things, concepts or phenomena
Give your personal opinion but make sure to support it
Comment
with relevant subject matter.
Define Give a clear meaning
State in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the
Describe main points of a structure / process / phenomenon /
investigation
To calculate something, or to discover the answer by
Determine
examining evidence
Differentiat Use differences to qualify categories; alternative
e keyword: distinguish
Discuss Consider all information and reach a conclusion
Explain Make clear; interpret and spell out
Identify Name the essential characteristics
16
Copyright reserved
Natural Sciences Grade 8 FSDoE
FSDoE 2017
Examination Guidelines
Label Identify on a diagram or drawing
Write a list of items, with no elaboration OR give facts in
List
point form
Mention Refer to relevant points
State something; alternative keywords: give, identify,
Name
mention
State Write down information without discussion
Suggest Offer an explanation or a solution
Tabulate Draw a table and indicate the answers as direct pairs
HOW TO TACKLE QUESTIONS IN NATURAL SCIENCES!
Unpack the question that is asked.
Underline the action verbs such as outline, analyse, evaluate, apply,
calculate, etc.
Know your key words of all topics.
Know how to use formulas for calculations and show all your workings.
(For e.g. when you have to draw a pie chart, etc.)
KNOW ALL YOUR CONTENT!
THINK about your answer, don’t just write down everything.
17
Copyright reserved
ANNEXURE 1
ANNEXURE A : PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS
