Design Literacy: Elements & Principles of Design is one of 9 topics in the Grade 12 Design 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. What is the term for the empty space around and between shapes in a design?
Negative shape
Positive shape
Tactile texture
A focal point
Answer: Negative shape — Shape can be positive (the actual shape itself) or negative (the empty space around and between shapes), both of which are part of the element of shape and form.
Medium
2. An unseen product design uses only variations in tone and shade of a single green across its entire form. Which colour scheme has been used?
A monochromatic colour scheme
A complementary colour scheme
A tertiary colour scheme
An analogous colour scheme using three separate hues
Answer: A monochromatic colour scheme — A monochromatic colour scheme uses variations in tone and shade of a single colour, as tested in unseen-example analysis questions in Section A: Design Literacy.
Easy
3. Which colours cannot be mixed from other colours and are described as primary?
Red, blue and yellow
Orange, green and purple
Black and white only
Complementary and monochromatic colours
Answer: Red, blue and yellow — Primary colours (red, blue and yellow) cannot be mixed from other colours; secondary colours are made by mixing two primary colours.
