A SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES AND SUGGESTED REMEDIES FOR OVERCOMING THESE WEAKNESSES.

Generally, candidates displayed several weaknesses which included inability to provide correct answers, spelling errors, poor expression and a lack of knowledge in the basic principles of Foods and Nutrition. These weaknesses were especially displayed in the several mistakes made in questions 1 and 5(c).

In question 1 (a), candidates were unable to state the meaning of baking powder and the three components of baking powder. They were unable to give the meaning of baking powder as a chemical raising/leavening agent used to make flour mixtures light and fluffy / a chemical agent added to flour mixtures to aerate/increase the volume/size/make it lighter/porous. Majority of candidates made a bad attempt at stating the meaning as they were unable to describe it as a chemical compound. Also, many candidates could not write the word raising correctly and they spelt it as rising. Candidates’ lack of knowledge was further exhibited in question 1 (b) and (c) where they could not explain the action of baking powder in flour mixtures and the ways of incorporating air into flour mixtures.

Question 5 (c) also proved difficult for candidates as they were unable to list the four parts of a refrigerator and give examples of food items that can be stored in each part.

Candidates should strive to understand the subject; they should study hard, prepare for examinations and also work on their command of English Language. Also, candidates should be mindful of the use of shortened words and abbreviations in writing and they should endeavour to make their handwriting legible.