The Consumer: Rights & Responsibilities is one of 8 topics in the Grade 12 Consumer Studies CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which of the following best defines a "need" in Consumer Studies?
Something essential for survival or basic wellbeing, such as food or shelter
Something a person desires but is not essential, such as a designer handbag
Any product advertised on television
Any item that costs more than R500
Answer: Something essential for survival or basic wellbeing, such as food or shelter — A need is essential for survival or basic wellbeing (food, water, clothing, shelter), while a want is desired but not essential.
Easy
2. A rational consumer with limited income should generally:
Prioritise needs first, then use remaining income for wants
Always buy the cheapest item regardless of quality
Ignore needs and focus only on wants
Spend equally on needs and wants regardless of income level
Answer: Prioritise needs first, then use remaining income for wants — Rational consumer decision-making prioritises essential needs before allocating any remaining income to wants.
Easy
3. Give one example of an external factor (outside the individual) that can influence a consumer's buying decision.
Answer: advertising — External factors influencing consumer decisions include advertising, peer pressure, family influence, product availability and social media trends.
