Environmental Issues & Ill-Health is one of 9 topics in the Grade 11 Life Orientation 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. The use of harmful substances in food production can pose health risks because:
Substances like certain pesticides or additives used beyond safe limits can harm consumers, particularly with prolonged exposure
All chemical substances used in farming are completely harmless in any amount
Food safety regulation has no real connection to consumer health
Only imported food can ever contain harmful substances
Answer: Substances like certain pesticides or additives used beyond safe limits can harm consumers, particularly with prolonged exposure — Harmful substances used beyond safe or approved limits in food production can pose health risks to consumers, particularly with prolonged exposure.
Easy
2. Soil erosion is best described as:
The loss of fertile topsoil due to water, wind or poor land management
An increase in soil fertility over time
A form of air pollution
A synonym for climate change
Answer: The loss of fertile topsoil due to water, wind or poor land management — Soil erosion is the loss of fertile topsoil due to water, wind or poor land management, which reduces agricultural productivity and can worsen poverty in farming communities.
Medium
3. Name ONE environmental hazard, other than soil erosion or pollution, listed in this lesson.
Answer: Radiation — Environmental hazards discussed include soil erosion, pollution, radiation, floods and fires, each with health, safety or livelihood consequences.
