Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate - Social Studies Examination 2025 Notes

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate - Social Studies Examination 2025 Notes

Examination Overview

This examination paper consists of two main sections:

  • Section A: Four questions, all of which must be answered.

  • Section B: Three questions from optional areas of the syllabus, from which only one must be answered.
    The total number of questions to be answered is five: four from Section A and one from Section B.

Instructions

  1. Answering Format: All answers must be written in the spaces provided within the booklet. Margins are not to be written on.

  2. Response Development: When explanations, suggestions, proposals, or reasons are required, responses should be fully developed to cover the necessary detail.

  3. Planning: Students are advised to take time to read through the paper and plan their responses.

  4. Rewriting Answers: If additional space is needed, utilize the extra lined pages provided at the back, ensuring to indicate the question number clearly.

Section A: Individual, Family and Society

Question 1

  1. (a) Definitions
       - (i) Bigamy: Define the term 'bigamy' and cue in 2 marks.
       - (ii) Legal Separation vs Divorce: Explain the difference between 'legal separation' and 'divorce', worth 2 marks.

  2. (b) Functions of Family: Outline TWO functions of the family, for a total of 4 marks.

  3. (c) Preparing for Parenthood:
       - (i) Suggest THREE actions that Maia and Sanjay should take as they prepare for parenthood (6 marks).
       - (ii) Explain why EACH action suggested in (c)(i) is likely to be successful, for an additional 6 marks.
         - Explanation 1: [Detailed explanation of Action 1]
         - Explanation 2: [Detailed explanation of Action 2]
         - Explanation 3: [Detailed explanation of Action 3]

Question 2

  1. (a) Definitions
       - (i) Define 'formal group' (2 marks).
       - (ii) Outline ONE difference between a 'primary group' and a 'secondary group' (2 marks).

  2. (b) Causes of Conflict: Describe TWO likely causes of conflict within social groups (4 marks).
       - 1.
       - 2.

  3. (c) Actions for Group Cohesion:
       - (i) Suggest THREE actions Abiola may take to improve cohesion within the group (6 marks).
       - (ii) Explain why EACH action is likely to be successful (6 marks).
         - Explanation 1: [Details of Action 1]
         - Explanation 2: [Details of Action 2]
         - Explanation 3: [Details of Action 3]

Question 3: Sustainable Development and Use of Resources

  1. (a) Definitions
       - (i) Define 'infant mortality' (2 marks).

  2. (b) Data Sources: Identify TWO sources for population statistics in a country (2 marks).
       - 1.
       - 2.

  3. (c) Population Distribution Factors: Outline TWO factors affecting population distribution within a country (4 marks).
       - 1.
       - 2.

  4. (d) Government Assistance Using Statistics:
       - (i) Suggest THREE ways population statistics could assist a government in addressing community needs (6 marks).
       - (ii) Explain why EACH way is likely to be successful (6 marks).
         - Explanation 1: [Details pertaining to Way 1]
         - Explanation 2: [Details pertaining to Way 2]
         - Explanation 3: [Details pertaining to Way 3]

Question 4: Regional Integration

  • Write an essay on the role of CSME in facilitating regional integration which incluincludes:
      - Define 'regional integration'.
      - Explain differences between a developing country and a developed country.
      - Describe TWO challenges CARICOM countries face.
      - Suggest THREE ways CSME might address these challenges and explain the potential success of each.

Section B: Options

Choose one question from this section.

Communication

  • Write an essay involving:
      - Define the term 'medium of communication', providing an example.
      - State TWO ways technology has influenced Caribbean communication.
      - Outline ONE disadvantage of government media ownership.
      - Suggest THREE ways media can promote Caribbean integration (with explanations).

Consumer Affairs

  • Write an essay including:
      - Define 'disposable income'.
      - State THREE advantages of thrift for consumers and THREE benefits of saving with credit unions.
      - Suggest THREE actions to practice thrift (with explanations).

Tourism

  • Write an essay about:
      - Define 'eco-tourism' and provide reasons for diversifying tourism in the Caribbean.
      - Explain TWO potential harms the tourism industry poses to coral reefs.
      - Suggest THREE actions that hotel owners may take to foster local and tourist relationships (with explanations).

Conclusion

  • Ensure that your responses are thorough and detailed. Remember to adhere to the instructions on space allocation and marking schemes provided in the question booklet. Stay organized and logical in your argumentation and explanations to maximize your marks.

Remember to follow the guidelines strictly to avoid any potential loss of marks.