Grade 12 Life Orientation CAT – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, laws, concepts, and exam verbs from the Grade 12 Life Orientation CAT preparation guide. Use them to review definitions and reinforce understanding of stress management, conflict resolution, communication, change, fitness, assessment, human rights, media, environmental responsibility, mission statements, lifestyle diseases, labour legislation, workplace practice, and examination terminology.

Stress

The feeling that arises when situations are difficult, challenging, or frightening and you believe you cannot cope.

Eustress

Positive, short-term stress that energises and prepares the body for action.

Distress

Negative, unhealthy stress that exceeds coping ability and may cause illness or depression.

Any event, person, or circumstance that triggers a stress response.

Stressor

Physical stressor

Stress caused by bodily harm such as violence or sexual abuse.

Environmental stressor

Stress triggered by factors like extreme weather, noise, or pollution.

Personality stressor

Stress experienced because certain people are more prone to stress reactions than others.

Social stressor

Stress arising from interactions with others, e.g. peer pressure.

Emotional stressor

Stress generated by feelings such as fear of failure or relationship problems.

Cortisol

A stress hormone produced by fear that can lead to anxiety when secreted in excess.

Adrenalin (Epinephrine)

A stress hormone that prepares the body for physical reaction to threat.

Meditation

A relaxation technique using deep breathing and mental focus to reduce stress.

Assertiveness

The skill of expressing feelings and rights firmly and politely without aggression.

Stress journal

A personal record of stressors and responses used to identify patterns and coping strategies.

Conflict

A disagreement, opposing viewpoint, or struggle for power between people.

Interpersonal conflict

Conflict that occurs between two or more individuals.

Intrapersonal conflict

Conflict that occurs within oneself.

I-statement

A communication tool that expresses feelings by starting with ‘I’, e.g. “I feel…”

Compromise

A conflict-resolution outcome where each side gives up something to reach a middle ground.

Mediation

A dispute-resolution process in which a neutral third party helps people reach agreement.

Effective communication

Exchange of messages that is clear, respectful, empathetic, and correctly interpreted.

Active listening

Listening attentively without judgment and showing understanding verbally and non-verbally.

Personality (communication factor)

The stable patterns of behaviour, attitudes and reactions that influence how someone communicates.

Attitudes and values

Personal beliefs about what is right or important that affect communication and relationships.

Acceptance of responsibility

Taking accountability for one’s actions and duties, essential for trustful communication.

Rite of passage

A ritual marking the transition from one stage of the life cycle to another.

Positive aspect of change

An advantage such as new opportunities, excitement, or personal growth that arises from change.

Negative aspect of change

A disadvantage such as stress, insecurity, or fear associated with change.

SMART goal

A fitness or study goal that is Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Results-based, and Time-bound.

Cardiovascular endurance

The ability of the heart and lungs to deliver oxygen to muscles during prolonged activity.

Flexibility

The range of motion around a joint.

Muscular strength

The maximum force a muscle can exert against resistance.

Muscular endurance

The ability of a muscle to contract repeatedly without fatigue.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A ratio of weight to height (kg/m²) used to classify underweight, normal, or overweight.

Warm-up

Light exercise performed before activity to increase blood flow and reduce injury risk.

Cool-down

Gentle exercise after activity to return heart rate to normal and prevent stiffness.

Low-impact exercise

Activity that keeps at least one foot on the ground, reducing joint stress (e.g. walking).

High-impact exercise

Activity where both feet leave the ground, increasing injury risk (e.g. running).

Orientation (sport)

A navigational activity requiring fitness and teamwork to move from point to point with a map.

Assessment

A continuous, planned process of gathering information on learner achievement.

Formative assessment

Assessment during learning that gives feedback to improve performance; not necessarily for marks.

Summative assessment

Assessment at the end of a period to judge overall achievement and award marks.

Self-assessment

When learners evaluate their own work and learning progress.

Study skills

Tools and techniques such as flashcards, mind maps, or mnemonics used to learn material.

Study strategies

Plans for studying, including scheduling, organising space, and prioritising tasks.

Study styles

Preferred personal approaches to learning, e.g. visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic.

SR3 (SQ3R) method

Study method: Survey, Read, Recall/Recite, Review.

Unemployment

The condition of being willing and able to work but unable to find a job.

Youth unemployment

Joblessness affecting people aged 15–34, often due to inexperience and skills mismatch.

Volunteering

Giving time and skills freely to benefit others without expecting payment.

Entrepreneurship

Creating and running a business venture to satisfy needs and earn profit.

SARS (South African Revenue Service)

Government agency responsible for tax collection and customs enforcement in South Africa.

Income tax

A compulsory levy on individual or company earnings that funds public services.

Tax threshold

The annual income level below which a person pays no income tax.

Corruption

Abuse of power for personal gain, including bribery and embezzlement.

Fraud

Intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain.

Embezzlement

Fraudulently taking money or property entrusted to one’s care.

Nepotism

Favouring relatives in employment or promotion regardless of merit.

Cronyism

Favouring friends or close associates in employment or contracts.

Human rights

Fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to every person, protected by the Constitution.

Human-rights violation

Any act that infringes or denies basic human rights.

Responsible citizenship

Being aware of, respecting, and promoting human rights while obeying laws and contributing to society.

Xenophobia

Unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners, considered a human-rights violation.

Campaign

A planned series of actions aimed at achieving a specific social or political goal.

Project (human-rights context)

Planned activities undertaken to improve conditions or address rights issues.

Event (rights)

An organised occasion such as a march, festival, or conference highlighting human-rights matters.

Electronic media

Information platforms requiring electricity, e.g. TV, radio, internet, social media.

Print media

Information published on paper, e.g. newspapers, books, magazines, pamphlets.

Censorship

Control or suppression of information by authorities, limiting freedom of expression.

Freedom of expression

The right to hold opinions and communicate ideas without undue restraint.

Hate speech

Communication that advocates hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion and incites harm.

Propaganda

Biased information used to influence opinions or promote a political cause.

Sensationalism

Media practice of using shocking stories to provoke excitement and boost sales.

Investigative journalism

In-depth reporting aimed at uncovering information hidden from the public.

Whistle-blower

A person who exposes illegal or unethical activities within an organisation.

Press Code

Ethical guidelines for South African journalists covering accuracy, fairness, and public interest.

National Water Act

South African law regulating water resource management to ensure access to clean water.

National Health Act

Legislation setting rules for healthcare services and quality standards in South Africa.

NEMA (National Environmental Management Act)

Framework law promoting environmental protection, conservation, and pollution control.

Consumer Protection Act

Law safeguarding consumers’ rights to safe products and fair business practices.

Impact study

An assessment that measures how a programme or action affects people or environments.

Social justice

Fair distribution of resources and opportunities, aiming to correct past inequalities.

Personal mission statement

A concise written description of one’s core values, goals, and strategies for life.

Values

Beliefs and principles that guide personal behaviour and decisions.

Belief system

A framework of religious, cultural, or philosophical convictions shaping attitudes and actions.

Ideology

An organised set of beliefs and ideas about how society should operate.

Environmental responsibility

The ethic of caring for and protecting the natural world through sustainable behaviour.

Lifestyle disease

A non-communicable illness linked to habits such as diet, inactivity, or substance abuse.

Hypertension

Chronically high blood pressure, a major lifestyle-related health risk.

Diabetes mellitus

A condition where blood glucose levels are abnormally high due to insulin problems.

Obesity

Excessive body fat accumulation posing health risks.

Cardiovascular disease

Illnesses involving the heart and blood vessels, often linked to lifestyle choices.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease of the lungs, considered a lifestyle-related illness due to living conditions.

Hepatitis B

A viral infection causing liver inflammation; can become chronic.

Osteoporosis

A disease where bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue.

Psychological factor

Mental or emotional element that influences health, e.g. stress or low self-esteem.

Cultural practice

A customary activity or belief passed down within a community, e.g. rites or taboos.

Gender imbalance

Unequal representation or treatment of genders in a context such as employment or sport.

Poverty

Lack of sufficient income and resources to meet basic needs like food and shelter.

Labour Relations Act (LRA)

South African law governing employer-employee relations, unions, and dispute resolution.