MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NAMIBIA SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE

AGRICULTURE
SPECIMEN PAPER 2 AND
MARK SCHEME
ORDINARY LEVEL
GRADES 11 – 12

THESE PAPERS AND MARK SCHEMES SERVE TO

EXEMPLIFY THE SPECIFICATIONS IN THE LOCALISED
NSSC AGRICULTURE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

2006
Ministry of Education
National Institute for Educational Development
Private Bag 2034
Okahandja
Namibia

© Copyright NIED, Ministry of Education, 2005

NSSCO Agriculture Specimen Paper Booklet Grades 11-12

ISBN: 99916-58-92-0

Printed by NIED

Publication date: 2005

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paper 2: Specimen Paper ..........................................................................................................1

Paper 2: Mark Scheme ............................................................................................................19

 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC)

AGRICULTURE: ORDINARY LEVEL

PAPER 2
SPECIMEN PAPER

TIME: 2 Hours

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the space at the top of this page.
Answer all questions. Write your answers in the space provided on the question paper.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.

This question paper consists of 17 printed pages [Turn over

1
SECTION A
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

1. (a) The diagram shows two fields

Field A has been tilled
Field B was not tilled

Field A Field B

(i) Which field will lose most water ? ……………………….………….. [1]

(ii) State the effect tillage has on the soil structure in field A.

………………………………………………………………………………..…
……………………………………………………………………….. [2]

(b) State the effect on a plant when water loss exceeds water uptake?

……………………………………………………………………………………..…
………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………….……………………………………………. [1]

(c) The graph shows the population growth in Namibia from 1990 to 2000 and the
expected growth to 2005.

Millions
2
POPULATION

1.5

1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

YEARS
(i) Suggest how the increase in population size might affect agricultural practice

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………... [2]

2
(ii) Complete the line on the graph from 2000 to 2010 to show the possible effect
of HIV and AIDS on the population size

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………… [1]

(iii) Describe the impact of HIV and AIDS on health costs to be incurred by farm
labourers

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………….. [3]
Total [10]

3
2. (a) The diagram shows an experiment to test the pH of soil.

At the end of the experiment the colour of the indicator paper was red.

(i) What does this colour indicate?

…………………………………………………………………………... [1]

(ii) State why knowledge of soil pH is important for the crop farmer.

…………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………... [1]

(iii) Suggest how a farmer could change the pH of the soil.

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….... [1]

(b) The diagram shows a soil profile

4
 (i) State two ways why horizon A is important for plant growth?

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………….…………………………………. [2]

(ii) Name an environmental factor that can cause damage to horizon A.

……………………………………………………………………...…… [1]

(c) Describe how a named organism contributes to soil formation in horizon B.

……………………………………………………………………………….………
……………………………………………………………………….………………
……………………………………………………………….………………………
………………………………………………………………………………. [3]

(d) Explain how horizons C and D are changed by rainwater.

………………………………………………………………………………….……
……………………………………………………………………………..…………
………………………………………………………………………..………………
………………………………………………………………………………….. [3]

Total [12]

5
3. (a) The diagram shows a bean plant and a bean flower.

(i) How is this flower pollinated? Give a reason for your answer.
method ………………………………………………………………

reason ………………………………………………………..……... [2]

(ii) What do X and W become after fertilisation?

X ………………………………………………………………

W ………………………………………………………………. [2]

(b) The table lists three processes that take place in different parts of the bean plant leaf.

Process Parts
photosynthesis palisade cells
respiration whole leaf except cuticle
transpiration stomata

(i) State a reason why photosynthesis only takes place in palisade cells.

……………………………………………………………….………... [1]

(ii) State a reason why respiration takes place in the whole leaf apart from the
cuticle.

………………………………………………..……………………... [1]

(iii) Bean plants were grown in a field, part of which was shaded by trees. State
with a reason which bean plants would lose most water by transpiration, those
in the open or those in the shade.

…………………………………………………………………………………
….………………………………………………………………………. [1]

6
(vi) Explain how bean plants control their rate of transpiration.

………………………………………………………………………….………
……………………………………………………………………….. [1]

(v) What role does osmosis play in transpiration ?

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………... [2]

Total: [10]

7
4. (a) The photograph shows a farmer spraying the crops.

(i) State one precautionary measure that the farmer in the photograph should take.

………………………………………………………………………… [1]

(ii) Give two safety measures that should be taken with the sprayer once spraying
has ceased.
1. …………………………………………………………………

2. ……………………………………………………………….… [2]

(b) The diagram shows the mouth parts of two insect pests.

8
 (i) State how insect A:
Feeds on the crop……………………………………………………….. [1]

Damages the crop…………………………………………………….…. [1]

(ii) State how insect B:

Feeds on the crop……………………………………………………… [1]

Damages the crop……………………………………………………... [1]

(iii) Ladybirds eating insect A is a method of biological control.

Suggest a reason why this might not be successful in reducing this pest.

……………………………………………………………………………..……
………………………………………………………………..…….. [1]

(c) The table shows the effect of different control treatments on four crop pests.

Biological Control Chemical Control Cultural Control

pest number on plant pest number on plant pest number on plant
Pests before after before after before after
treatment treatment treatment treatment treatment treatment
Locust 21 18 23 6 28 0
Aphid 155 78 150 7 157 150
Stalk 10 8 12 1 11 3
Borer
Leaf 54 50 49 7 60 40
miner

State two conclusions about pest control that can be made from this data.

………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………....………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………… [2]

Total [10]

9
5. (a) The diagram shows a domestic pig that has been bred by artificial selection from a
wild boar.

wild boar domestic pig

(i) What is meant by artificial selection?

…………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………… [1]

(ii) State three qualities a farmer might select for when breeding pigs.

…………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………... [3]

(b) In pigs the allele for black coat, B, is dominant over the allele, b, for white coat.

(i) Explain what is meant by;

dominant …………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………

allele …………………………………………………………………
………………………………………..…………………... [2

(ii) A farmer has a pure breed black boar and a white sow. Show with a genetic
diagram what colour the piglets would be from this cross.

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………... [3]
10
(iii) If these black piglets were crossed would it be possible to produce a white
piglet ? Give a reason for your answer.

…………………………………………………………………………... [1]

Total: [10]

11
6. (a) The diagram shows a farm with four paddocks. The farmer owns 64 cattle.
These cattle move in paddocks every 3 weeks.

Paddock 4 direction of movement Paddock 3

4 hectares 4 hectares

+++
+++ dam

Paddock 1
4 hectares
+ mill Paddock 2
4 hectares

(i) Which farming system is carried out on this farm?

……….…………………………………………………………………... [1]

(ii) List three advantages of this system?

1. …………………………………………………………………….
2. …………………………………………………………………….
3. ………………………………………………………………….…. [3]

(iii) State two factors that will influence the carrying capacity of the farm.

1. ………………………………………………………………………
2. ………………………………………………………………….. [2]

(iv) Calculate the stocking rate for the whole farm. Show your working.

………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………..……
……………………………………………………………………………..……
….…………………………………………………………………….. [2]

(v) Explain why continuous grazing could encourage the building up of organisms
causing diseases to animals.

………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………..……
……………………………………………………………………………..……
….…………………………………………………………………….. [2]

Total [10]

12
7. (a) In Namibia ovens, like the one in the picture below are used to cook food.

Lid with glass sheet

cardboard box

(i) What is the source of energy when using the oven?

………………………………………………………………………… [1]

(ii) Suggest two reasons why using these ovens would benefit the environment.

1. …………………………………………………………………..
2. ……………………………………………………………………. [2]

(b) The milking shed below is made of local material.

(i) State two advantages of using local materials to build milking sheds.

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………… [2]

13
(ii) Suggest two factors that should be considered when choosing a site for the
milking shed.

………………………………………………………………………………..…
…..………………………………………………………………………………
…….…………………………………………………………………… [2]

(iii) Learners are required to make a concrete floor for this milking shed. Describe
the procedure to be followed while using simple tools to mix the concrete.

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………….……... [3]

Total: [10]

14
8. (a) The table shows part of the financial accounts relating to a poultry project on a farm
in Karibib.

Expenditure N$ Income N$
Day old chicks 10 000 Sale of eggs 60 000
Egg boxes 25 000 Sale of old chickens 21 000
Chicken food 41 000
Chicken medicine 30 000
Total Expenditure Total Income

(i) State whether the farmer obtained a profit or loss. Show your working.

………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………… [2]

(ii) Suggest two other possible expenditures for the project.

……………………………………………………………………..…. [2]

(iii) Land is a most valuable resource. Suggest how the farmer can make a profit
with a small amount of land.

………………………………………………………………………………...…
……...……………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………...…
………………………………………………………………………… [2]

(iv) Mention any two possible sources of credit from which this farmer could have
obtained assistance to establish the project.

………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………. [2]

Total: [8]

15
 SECTION B

(Essay questions)

Answer any two questions. Use labelled or annotated diagrams where they help to make your
answers more easily understood. Provide your answers on additional sheets of papers.

9. (a) Construct a table to show how clay and sand soils differ in :

(i) their properties

(ii) their composition [7]

(b) Discuss the methods used to reduce the damage to soil from rain water. [3]

(c) Explain how soil pH can affect plant growth. [5]

Total: [15]

10. (a) Describe the structure of the digestive system for a named non-ruminant animal (not
poultry) [6]

(b) Discuss the importance of enzymes in the process of digestion. [3]

(c) Livestock on the farm are kept for different purposes which need different rations.
For an animal you have studied explain how the composition of their rations relates
to the animal’s purpose and condition. [6]

Total: [15]

11. (a) Describe the role of male and female hormones in the reproductive systems of a
named ruminant. [7]

(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of artificial insemination. [3]

(c) Explain how breeding cycles can be managed to increase the yield from a named
farm animal. [5]

Total [15]

16
12. For a cereal root crop that you have studied answer the following:

(a) Describe the soil, climatic conditions and fertiliser use required for growing the
crop. [6]

(b) Discuss the importance of cultivar selection. [3]

(c) Explain how the crop is affected:

(i) by weeds [2]

(ii) by diseases… and [2]

(d) Suggest the best methods of controlling the weeds and diseases [2]

Total [15]

Total Marks: [110]

17
Acknowledgement

The Ministry of Education acknowledge the assistance of the University of Cambridge Local
Examination Syndicate and other sources in granting permission to use resources and ideas
towards the production of this specimen questions, notably:

1. Question 3 (a) The diagram of a bean plant taken from the textbook “Agriculture in
Context Grade 8” by W. Berkelman et al Fig.6.6 on page 146. The second diagram of a
bean flower was taken from the IGCSE question paper I “0600/1 9 November 2000
question 10”, page 5.
2. Question 4 (a) The photograph of crop spraying was taken from the book “ Agriculture
for Southern Africa” by R. I. Elliot et al Fig.10.25 on page 40. ISBN 0-00322232-2.
3. Question 4 (b) The diagrams were taken from the prescribed book “ O-Level Agriculture”
by G.Owen Fig. 7.5 page 101. ISBN 0-582-65103-4.
4. Question 5 (a) The diagrams IGCSE question paper “0600/1 11 November 1999
question 27.
5. Question 7 (a) Diagram taken from “Fun with the Sun” Enviroteach Fig. No. 6 on
page 18.
6. Question 7 (b) Diagram taken from the textbook “ Agriculture for Southern Africa” by
R.I.Elliot et al Fig.30.42 on page 191.ISBN 0-00322232-2.

18
 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC)

AGRICULTURE: ORDINARY LEVEL

PAPER 2
MARK SCHEME

Question 1:

1. (a) (i) field A [1]

(ii) break up soil
expose the moisture [2]

(b) wilting [1]

(c) (i) more food will be produced /needed

more land required for cultivation [2]
(ii) curved line [1]
(iii) small income obtained will be spent on caring for the sick; income spent on
caring for AIDS orphans; the resultant living conditions of farm labourers will
thus deteriorate; [3]

Total: [10]

Question 2:

2. (a) (i) acid [1]

(ii) to be able to know which crop to grow [1]
(iii) add lime; add ammonium sulphate; add manure (any one) [1]

(b) (i) hold water; contains lots of humus; contain air ( any two) [2]
(ii) wind; water (any one) [1]

(c) allow plant roots/termites/worms; mode of action;

reference to results e.g. mixing of soil levels [3]

(d) carbon dioxide combine with rain water; forming carbonic acid,
that falls on rocks and cause rocks to dissolve. [3]

Total: [12]

19
Question 3:

3. (a) (i) insect pollinated; because of bright petals/ scented petals/

presence of nectar/ thicker stigmas inside the flower [2]
(ii) X- seeds;
W- fruit [2]

(b) (i) chloroplasts/ chlorophyll present [1]

(ii) all living cells need energy/cuticle dead cells [1]
(iii) those in the open [1]
(iv) by opening and closing stomata [1]
(v) ensures movement of water from roots to the cells of the leaf
and out into the air through the stomata or transpiration stream [2]

Total: [10]

Question 4:

4. (a) (i) wear protective clothing [1]

(ii) clean after use; check nozzles to prevent clogging;
lubricate moving parts to prevent any rust (any two) [2]

(b) (i) pierce and suck; can transmit diseases/take plant food [2]
(ii) biting and chewing; reduce the surface area for photosynthesis [2]
(iii) ladybird will not get them all [1]

(c) chemical control is best or more effective; correct control method for correct
pest [2]

Total: [10]

Question 5:

5. (a) (i) selection by human being of certain features followed by breeding of those
chosen livestock. [1]
(ii) confirmation; size; progeny; fertility (any three) [2]

(b) (i) dominant: a member of a pair of allele which shows its characteristics (on
the phenotype) whatever other allele is present;
allele: different forms of genes [2]
(ii) parental phenotype: pure breed black bore X pure breed white sow;
parental genotype: BB X bb
offspring genotype: Bb, Bb, Bb, Bb
offspring phenotype: all black [3]
(iii) yes, because they all carry a recessive allele for a white colour [1]

Total: [10]

20
Question 6:

6. (a) (i) rotational grazing [1]

(ii) prevent overgrazing/disease and pests /compaction /erosion /grass recovers and
re-grow/maintain food source (any three) [3]
(iii) soil fertility; rainfall; vegetation change; climate (any two) [2]
(iv) 64 cattle
6 hectares

64
16 = 4:1 [2]

(v) This happens when there was no resting period to break the life cycle of the
disease causing organisms such as flatworms and ticks [2]

Total: [10]

Question 7:

7. (a) (i) sun/solar [1]

(ii) reduce pollution; reduce deforestation [2]

(b) (i) easily available; cheaper [2]

(ii) direction of wind; distance from the farm house;
distance from the water supply; firmness of the ground (any two) [2]
(iii) put gravel, sand and cement in one heap; turn the heap with a spade
to make a second heap; turn the heap back again to its first position
and mix thoroughly; now open the heap to form a ring of dry mixed concrete;
pour water into the middle of the ring to wet all the concrete;
lift the dry mixture from the outside and let it fall into the middle until the
water has disappeared; mix the wet concrete thoroughly with spades; add a
little water as you do this if the mixture looks dry; [3]

Total: [10]

Question 8:

8. (a) (i) loss

total expenditure exceeds total income (show calculations) [2]
(ii) buildings; equipment;
transport; wages; (any two) [2]
(iii) keeping less animals on the land; improve the land by adding
more fertilisers; making use of improved varieties; (any two) [2]
(iv) banks; an agricultural financial company; merchant credit,
private credit (any two) [2]

Total: [8]

21
Question 9:

9. (a)

Soil characteristics Sand soil Clay soil

(i) Composition
(ii) Properties
large soil particles small soil particles
big air spaces small air spaces
less fertile highly fertile
course texture fine/smooth texture
single grain structure blocky or plate structure
easy to cultivate/light soil difficult to cultivate/heavy
good drainage poor drainage
poor water retention good water retention
well aerated poorly aerated
light in colour dark in colour

[Marks distribution 3/4 or 4/3 = [7]

(b) - cover the soil with essential crop plants so that the plant roots can hold the
soil together;
- plough through the contour lines;
- construct contour ridges;
- leave plant residues on top of the soil after harvesting to reduce the pressure
of rain drops on the soil;
- maintain the correct carrying capacity of livestock to prevent overgrazing;
- avoid deforestation [3]

(c) - crops grow well at a particular range of pH;

- availability of soil nutrient depend on the soil pH;
- bacteria in soil works well at the optimum pH of 5.5-7.8;
- pH determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil; [5]

Total: [15]

Question 10:

10. (a) oesophagus/gullet;

stomach;
small intestine; ileum/duodenum/jejunum;
ref. pancreas/liver
large intestines; caecum/colon/rectum
appendix; bowl [6]

(b) - speed up digestion;

- food such as carbohydrates/large molecules are broken by enzymes into
simple substances/ glucose or small molecules; [3]

22
 (c) - maintenance ration : ration fed to animals to stay healthy; animals do not
become fat nor thin or lean;
- production ration : extra food given to animals in order to produce or achieve
additional output/performance;
e.g. cattle: meat, milk, breeding (bulls);
pigs: meat, breeding (boar)
poultry: meat, eggs
sheep: meat, good fleece of wool
goat: meat, milk, mohair [6]

Total: [15]

Question 11:

11. (a) named ruminant

testosterone - cause the animal to mature/grow to a larger size;

- encourage the male sex urge;
- enables mating to take place;
- helps the accessory glands to develop;
- helps secondary sex characteristics to develop;

oestrogen - keep oestrus cycle working;

- helps secondary sex characteristics to develop such as body shape
- helps oviducts and uterus to carry out their functions easily;
- encourages the female urge and makes her more receptive to the
male;

progesterone - helps to prepare the uterus for an embryo and stops any more
eggs being released during pregnancy; [6]

(b) advantages:
- safer for the female;
- allow the use of exotic breed;
- costs of keeping many bulls is reduced;
- sperms may be used even after bull’s death;

disadvantages:
- requires skilled inseminator
- difficult to detect heat periods; [4]

(c) named farm animal

- all animals need to be in good condition at mating;
- all females should be mated at the same time to enable young ones to be born when
fresh grass is available and the mother is producing more milk;
- to be born when needed for marketing [5]

Total: [15]

23
Question 12:

12.
e.g. (a) maize

soil: - grows on a variety of soil but prefers a deep, well drained

loamy soil with a pH of 5.5-7;
climate: - summer crop; prefers hot sunny days; needs regular supply of
water especially at the time of tasselling and silking;
fertiliser use: - basal dress by applying 400kg/ha of 2:3:2 (22); top dressing by
applying more or less 120kg/ha of LAN within six weeks of
planting; [6]

(b) high yielding cultivar; short growing season; resistant to pests and diseases [3]

(i) weeds: - compete with maize for space, light, water, and
nutrients; [2]
(ii) diseases: - cob and tassel smut- attack cobs;
maize stripe and maize streak - attack leaves and is spread by plant
hoppers; [2]

(d) Control weeds by using cultural methods, e.g. clean seeds, early planting, crop
rotation
Control diseases by crop rotation, used dressed seeds, farm infected plants, use
cultural methods by planting resistant crops. [2]

Total: [15]

Grand Total: [110 marks]

24
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