How to answer questions
At this stage questions are divided into three parts
Part A
Part B
Part C
Part A questions
Terms used in part A Questions are: State, Name, Give
Example:
- Trade
- Tribute
- Hunting and gathering
- Craftwork
- Mining
- Cattle herding
- Crop cultivation
Example:
- Pastoralism
- Raiding
- Tribute
- Cultivation
- Trade
- Hunting and Gathering
You can give more than six possible answers in part A in order to get maximum marks
Part B questions
Terms used in Part B questions Include Describe, Outline, Give, Explain
Students are required to provide points and provide explanations for those points.
To maximize your chances of obtaining the highest scores, you are encouraged to offer more than eleven points, accompanied by thorough explanations. By presenting a greater number of well-developed points, you demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic and showcase your ability to analyze and articulate ideas effectively.
Example 1: Outline the economic activities of the Ndebele State
Agriculture, The Zulu State relied heavily on agriculture as a primary economic activity. They cultivated crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, and beans. The fertile lands of the region allowed for successful farming and the production of surplus food.
Cattle herding, Livestock played a crucial role in the Zulu economy. Cattle, in particular, held significant cultural and economic value. They provided meat, milk, hides, and were used as a form of wealth and currency in trade and exchanges.
Trade and commerce, The Zulu State engaged in extensive trade with neighboring communities and coastal traders. They traded agricultural produce, livestock, and goods such as ivory, hides, and crafts. Trading routes were established, connecting the Zulu State with other regions.
Craftsmanship, The Zulu people were skilled in various crafts, including pottery, woodwork, beadwork, and weaving. These crafts served practical and cultural purposes, and some were traded with other communities.
Hunting and gathering, While not a primary economic activity, hunting and gathering provided supplementary resources for the Zulu State. They hunted wild animals for food, skins, and bones, and gathered wild fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants.
Ironworking, The Zulu State had skilled blacksmiths who produced tools, weapons, and ornaments using iron. Iron ore was mined and smelted to create these metal items, which were essential for agriculture, hunting, and defense.
Fishing and coastal activities, In coastal regions, fishing was an important economic activity for the Zulu people. They caught fish for consumption and trade, utilizing the rich marine resources available to them.
Tribute and taxation, The Zulu State collected tribute and taxes from subjugated communities and subjects. This provided a source of wealth and resources for the central authority.
Beekeeping, The Zulu people practiced beekeeping, utilizing honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products for consumption, medicinal purposes, and trade.
Mining, While not extensively practiced, the Zulu State had access to mineral resources such as gold and copper. These minerals were mined and utilized for local consumption and limited trade.
Pottery production, The Zulu people had skilled potters who produced pottery for domestic use and trade. Pottery items included storage vessels, cooking pots, and decorative pieces.
Tribute-based labor, The Zulu State employed a system of tribute-based labor, where conquered communities provided labor for agricultural activities, construction projects, and other economic endeavors, benefiting the Zulu economy.
Example 2: Outline the economic activities of the Ndebele State [12 marks]
Agriculture, The Ndebele State primarily relied on agriculture as the main economic activity. They cultivated crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, and beans to sustain their population and generate surplus for trade.
Livestock herding, Animal husbandry played a crucial role in the Ndebele economy. They reared cattle, goats, and sheep, which provided them with meat, milk, and hides. Livestock also served as a form of wealth and a means of exchange.
Trade and commerce, The Ndebele State engaged in extensive trade with neighboring communities and Arab merchants. They traded agricultural produce, livestock, and goods such as ivory, gold, and copper. Trade routes were established, connecting the Ndebele State to distant regions.
Metalworking, The Ndebele had skilled metalworkers who produced tools, weapons, and ornaments using iron and copper. These metal items were not only essential for their own use but also traded with other communities.
Craftsmanship, The Ndebele State had skilled craftsmen who produced various crafts, including pottery, beadwork, weaving, and woodworking. These crafts served both practical and aesthetic purposes and were also traded for goods and services.
Mining, The Ndebele State had access to mineral-rich regions, and mining activities were undertaken. They extracted gold, copper, and iron ore, which were used for local consumption and trade.
Hunting and gathering, Although not a primary economic activity, hunting and gathering played a supplementary role in the Ndebele economy. They hunted wild animals for food, skins, and bones, and gathered wild fruits and plants.
Tribute and taxation, The Ndebele State collected tribute and taxes from conquered communities and subjects. This provided a source of wealth and resources for the central authority.
Pottery production, The Ndebele State had skilled potters who produced pottery for domestic use and trade. Pottery items included storage vessels, cooking pots, and decorative pieces.
Fishing and aquatic resource utilization, In areas where rivers and lakes were present, fishing contributed to the Ndebele economy. They caught fish for consumption and trade, utilizing the aquatic resources available to them.
Beekeeping,: The Ndebele State practiced beekeeping, utilizing the bees’ honey, wax, and other bee-related products for consumption and trade.
Tribute-based labor, The Ndebele State employed a system of tribute-based labor, where conquered communities provided labor for construction projects, agriculture, and other economic activities, benefiting the Ndebele economy.
These economic activities collectively sustained the Ndebele State, providing them with food, resources, wealth, and opportunities for trade and commerce.
Part C questions
–Part C involves analysis ,assessment ,debate, evaluation ,examination. When answering Part C questions, there are two sides involved that is:
- the to a larger extent side[this is the judgement you give and support.
- the however side ,or on the other hand side, to some extend (balancing the answer)
- the to a larger extent carries more points than the other side
- students are encouraged to give as many points as they can on both sides for maximum points
Example: To what extent did people benefit from lron Age technology?
To a larger extent people benefited from iron Age technology .Iron tools were lighter than stone tools, Agriculture and Food Production, Technological Advancements, Defense and Warfare, Trade and Exchange, Societal Development, Cultural and Artistic Expression (Each point to be explained). However, Disruption of Traditional Practices (Communities reliant on older technologies, such as stone tools or bronze implements, might face challenges in adapting to the new iron tools and techniques. The shift to ironworking could displace traditional artisans and craftsmen, leading to the loss of specialized skills and cultural practices), Limited Access to Resources (on Age technology heavily relied on access to iron ore deposits and other essential resources. Communities situated in regions lacking these resources faced challenges in obtaining iron tools and goods)
