Observation

Majority of the candidates’ performed well in this question. Some of them stated further the origin of batik from Java, Indonesia. In (b) (i) many candidates’ listed correctly the tools and materials for batik production. A few others listed more than the nine required in order to prove a point. While, in (b) (ii) some candidates mentioned the functions of batik production instead of its benefits which include: for clothing/apparel; income generation; source of employment etc.  Candidates’ should have responded thus:

(a)        Batik: 
It is a method of applying wax on fabric to prevent the absorption of dye and to create designs. The word batik is an Indonesian word, derived from the word “titik” or “tik” meaning “a little bit” or “a drop”.  This refers to the tiny drops of hot melted wax used on the design to resist the dye. 

(b)(i)    Cloth/fabric, wooden frame or a large table, Bowls/Bucket, Jug, Wax (e.g. 
starch paste or candle), Cardboard/ Foil/Newspaper, Tjanting, Spoon, Hand/Rubber gloves, Dye, Chemicals (e.g. caustic soda, hydrosulphite), Electric/Cold Pressing iron, Nose mask/guard, Brush/Foam, Boiling ring/Water heater, Mouth mask/guard, Apron/ Overall, Industrial/ain/Safety boot, Water, Pomade/Petroleum jelly, Soap/Detergent, Safety glasses/Sun shade, Scissors, Blade, Knife, Stamp, Cellotape/Masking tape, Thumb nail/Pin, Kettle etc.

(ii)     To generate income.
(ii)    Allow for self expression and creativity.
(iii)    For decoration.
(iv)     For clothing/apparel/Furnishing.
(v)    Creates job opportunity.