Basic 8 · Social Studies · Term Revision
Term Revision in Social Studies
In this topic you will recall and summarise what you have learned this term about the environment, family life and sense of purpose, and practise end-of-term questions.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall key ideas about the environment and energy
- Recall key ideas about family, community and human rights
- Answer end-of-term assessment questions
What you already know
- All topics covered in Social Studies this term
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Revision
- Sub-strand
- Term Revision
Introduction
The term began with our rivers and energy, then moved on to the family. Let us bring these ideas together.
1. Environment Summary
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| causes of water pollution | galamsey, waste, farm chemicals, industry |
| effects | disease, loss of fish, high water costs |
| solutions | enforcement, jobs, sanitation, education |
| why conserve energy | saves money and resources, protects the environment |
| how | switch off, use LED bulbs, service vehicles, plant woodlots |
| institutions | EPA, Water Resources Commission, Energy Commission, PURC |
2. Family Life Summary
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| family systems | nuclear and extended |
| functions | reproduction, socialisation, economic support, protection |
| challenges | poverty, divorce, domestic violence |
| inheritance | matrilineal (Akan), patrilineal (Ewe, Ga, Dagomba) |
| the law | PNDCL 111; a will helps prevent conflict |
| protection | DOVVSU, Social Welfare, LEAP |
3. Linking Causes and Effects
Social Studies questions often ask about causes, effects and solutions. To prepare, make a three-column table. For water pollution, one cause is galamsey, its effect is a muddy and poisoned river and a solution is to create alternative jobs and enforce the law. For family disputes, a cause is the absence of a will, an effect is broken relationships, and a solution is to make a will. Apply the same method for each topic.
4. Using Ghanaian Examples
Examiners value local examples. Do not just say "rivers are polluted." Instead, name the Pra or the Birim. Do not just say "laws protect children". Name the Children's Act. Mention real institutions like the EPA or DOVVSU. Using real names and figures shows that you have understood the subject and can apply it. Keep a list of laws and institutions, and revise this regularly.
5. Key Terms to Remember
Check that you can explain each of these terms in one sentence: pollution, galamsey, conservation, efficiency, socialisation, lineage, intestate and will. If you cannot, go back to your notes. Then test yourself by writing a real example beside each term, such as the River Birim for pollution or an LED bulb for efficiency.
New words
- cause
- What makes something happen.
- effect
- The result of a cause.
- solution
- A way of solving a problem.
- institution
- An established organisation.
Summary
- Water pollution and energy waste have clear causes and solutions.
- Families have many functions and face real challenges.
- Link causes, effects and solutions, using Ghanaian examples.
Class activity: Cause and Effect Table
- Draw three columns.
- Add one cause, effect and solution per topic.
- Compare with another group.
You need: Map of Ghana, Local newspaper, Printed photographs of a Ghanaian community
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Galamsey mainly causes…
- A. water pollution
- B. more rain
- C. more fish
- D. lower prices
Show answer
Answer: water pollutionEnvironment.2. The Akan are…
- A. matrilineal
- B. patrilineal
- C. nomadic
- D. island dwellers
Show answer
Answer: matrilinealInheritance.3. LED bulbs save energy.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueEfficiency.4. An extended family has many ______.
Show answer
Answer: relativesFamily.5. State two functions of the family.
Show answer
Answer: Socialisation and protection.Any two.6. Write one cause, one effect and one solution of water pollution.
Show answer
Answer: Galamsey; muddy rivers; alternative jobs and law enforcement.Analysis.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Revision
- Sub-strand
- Term Revision
Introduction
The final part of the term asked how you can serve your community. Let us review this and look ahead to the holidays.
1. Sense of Purpose Summary
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| individuals | interdependence, rights and duties |
| qualities | honesty, patriotism, tolerance |
| decision-making | chiefs, assemblies, consensus, steps |
| volunteerism | free service; benefits to community and volunteer |
| human rights | Chapter 5; CHRAJ; rights have limits |
2. Sample Questions
Sample question 1
State three ways in which human rights contribute to national development.
- Healthy and educated citizens work productively.
- Fair treatment reduces conflict.
- Free speech holds leaders accountable.
Answer: Productive citizens, peace and accountability
Sample question 2
Explain two reasons why it is important to involve people in community decision-making.
- People support and protect projects that they helped plan.
- People with different needs contribute useful knowledge.
Answer: Greater support and better decisions
3. Examination Skills
Read the question, then underline the key word. "State" asks for short points. "Explain" asks for reasons. "Discuss" asks for more than one side. Plan your points before you write. Each point should be in its own short paragraph, starting with a clear statement, followed by an example.
4. Preparing for the Vacation
The vacation is a good opportunity to use what you have learned. Keep water clean and save energy at home. Help your family and attend community events. Take part in a clean-up or another volunteer activity. Be careful with strangers and on the roads, and tell your parents where you go. Read and rest well, so that you can return ready for next term.
5. Key Terms and Laws
Be ready to explain interdependence, consensus, volunteerism and human rights in your own words. Learn the laws and institutions that you have met, including Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution, the Children's Act, the Domestic Violence Act, CHRAJ and the NCCE. Remember that an institution is more useful in an answer if you also say what it does.
6. Stay Curious
Read a newspaper or listen to the news during the vacation, and link what you hear to the term's topics.
New words
- discuss
- To talk about more than one side.
- accountability
- Answering for one's actions.
- patriotism
- Love and care for one's country.
- vacation
- A holiday from school.
Summary
- Sense of purpose covers community, decisions, service and rights.
- Answer using clear points with examples.
- Use the vacation to rest, help and serve.
Class activity: End-of-Term Quiz
- Answer ten mixed questions.
- Mark your answers.
- Write a vacation plan.
You need: Map of Ghana, Local newspaper, Printed photographs of a Ghanaian community
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which word asks for more than one side?
- A. discuss
- B. list
- C. name
- D. state
Show answer
Answer: discussCommand word.2. CHRAJ deals with…
- A. human rights
- B. football
- C. farming
- D. banking
Show answer
Answer: human rightsCommission.3. Volunteers work without pay.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueDefinition.4. General agreement within a group is ______.
Show answer
Answer: consensusDecision.5. Give two qualities of a good community member.
Show answer
Answer: Honesty and tolerance.Any two.6. Plan a short answer to "Discuss the value of volunteerism."
Show answer
Answer: Give benefits for the community and volunteer, plus a challenge and an example.Exam skill.
Homework
- Write a plan for your vacation that includes community service.