Life Orientation Grade 12 - Class Notes (2021)

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering stress management, conflict resolution, relationships, study skills, assessment terminology, career planning, unemployment, labour laws, media, human rights, and personal development as outlined in the Life Orientation Grade 12 notes.

What is stress?

Stress is what we feel in situations we find difficult, challenging or frightening, when we feel we can’t cope.

What is good stress?

stress that prepares you for action, provides adrenaline and energy, and is usually short-term.

What is bad stress?

stress that you cannot cope with, is unhealthy, and can lead to illness, unhappiness or depression.

What is a stressor?

an event or a person, that triggers stress.

Name short-term stress symptoms.

faster breathing, faster heart rate, dry mouth, sweaty palms, and butterflies in the tummy.

Name long-term stress effects.

Long-term effects include high blood pressure, headaches, ulcers, and allergies.

What are the types of stressors?

Physical, Environmental, Personality-based, Social, and Emotional stressors.

Why is it important to manage stress?

To prevent the chronic production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to diseases like high blood pressure.

Which hormones are involved in the stress response?

Cortisol and adrenaline.

List common workplace stress factors.

Poor management/planning, lack of skills, poor work relations, poor work environment, understaffing, incompetent workers, jealousy, autocracy by management, demanding tasks, poor attitude of seniors, poor resources, and poor work ethics.

Name strategies to manage stress.

Meditation and deep breathing, regular exercise and healthy eating, limiting caffeine, avoiding illegal drugs/alcohol/tobacco, relaxation techniques, assertiveness training, coping skills like breaking tasks into smaller steps, reducing negative self-talk, and taking breaks.

What is meditation in stress management?

A natural method to relieve stress that calms the mind and often uses breathing exercises.

What is the purpose of a stress journal?

To identify regular stressors, recognize patterns, and track how stress is dealt with over time.

What are conflict resolution skills essential for?

To resolve disagreements and maintain healthy relationships through assertiveness and problem-solving.

How should you be assertive in a conflict?

State your problem clearly, explain which rights are being ignored, and avoid aggression.

What are I-statements?

Statements that express how you feel using “I” (for example, I feel upset when …).

What are key components of effective communication?

Listening attentively, showing empathy, not judging, understanding before responding, and speaking clearly without unnecessary emotion.

What factors influence effective communication?

Personality, attitudes/values, acceptance of responsibilities, appropriate expression of views and feelings, and respect for others.

What is involved in initiating and building relationships?

Hearing names, asking about others, discussing neutral topics, sharing about yourself in moderation, and avoiding bragging.

What are qualities of positive relationships?

Good communication, listening, empathy, mutual respect, unselfishness, ability to work in a team, understanding others, and being yourself.

Differentiate between effective and ineffective communication.

Effective communication includes listening, empathy, understanding, and clarity; ineffective communication involves not listening, judging, interrupting, and being overly emotional.

What is a rite of passage?

A ritual or ceremony marking the transition from one life stage to another in a culture.

What should a personal life style plan include?

Physical exercise, nutrition and weight management, outdoor recreation, sleep, healthy habits, abstention/safe sex, avoiding harmful substances, coping with change, emotional health, stress management, time management, conflict resolution, relationships and communication, volunteering/helping others, and study skills.

What does SQ3R stand for?

Survey, Read, Recall, Review – a study method to embed learning.

What is formative assessment?

Continuous, planned assessment to monitor progress and guide teaching and learning.

What is summative assessment?

Assessment at the end of a term or project to measure overall achievement.

What does the word ‘analyze’ mean in exam questions?

Break up into parts, discuss, examine, interpret, and explore how parts are linked.

What does ‘apply’ mean in exam questions?

Use knowledge in a practical way to relate it to a situation or problem.

What does ‘assess’ mean?

Judge or estimate the quality or value of something and justify with reasons.

What does ‘calculate’ mean?

Use numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to reach an answer.

What does ‘compare’ mean?

Look at two or more things to identify similarities and differences.

What does ‘discuss’ mean?

Write about ideas or viewpoints, compare options, and provide a conclusion.

What does ‘outline’ mean?

Summarise main ideas and core points to give an overview.

What does ‘explain’ mean?

Describe details clearly so something can be understood; provide examples.

What is the Bill of Rights?

A cornerstone of democracy; basic human rights that all people should enjoy and the state must respect.

What is the role of the media in a democracy?

To inform, educate, report on rights and safety, expose violations and corruption, entertain, and shape public opinion while being fair and reliable.

What are the major labour acts in South Africa?

Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act, and Skills Development Act.

Difference between affirmative action and employment equity?

Affirmative action ensures equal opportunities and representation; employment equity focuses on achieving representative numbers and may include plans and targets.

What are workers’ rights under the LRA?

Rights to choose a trade, to join a union, to strike, and to participate in collective activities.

What are basic conditions of employment?

Hours of work, overtime, meal breaks, leave, and other terms governed by BCEA and employment contracts.

What is work ethics?

A worker’s attitude toward their job and employer, including honesty, responsibility, reliability, and respectful behavior.

What are societal expectations in the workplace?

What society expects in behavior, aligning personal values with work culture and professional conduct.

What is a personal mission statement?

A description of you, your values, dreams, attitudes, and goals to guide future actions and choices.

What are lifestyle diseases?

Diseases caused by lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and risky behaviors; examples include cancer, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes.

Why is physical activity important for quality of life?

Long-term participation improves physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being and reduces health costs.

What is the difference between discrimination and human rights violations?

Discrimination treats people unfairly based on characteristics; human rights violations harm someone’s rights, dignity, or safety.

What is the role of the Bill of Rights in workplace and society?

Protects basic rights such as equality, dignity, freedom of expression, and access to health care; guides responsible citizenship.

What is the impact of corruption on individuals and communities?

Raises costs, reduces access to services, erodes trust, harms economies, and limits development and democracy.

What is meant by transition between school and post-school destinations?

Managing change through planning, seeking information, consulting trusted people, and adjusting positively to new circumstances.

What are the major components of personal environmental responsibility?

Treating the environment with respect, not littering, recycling, and participating in environmental clean-up campaigns.