Observation

This question was popular among candidates and many of them were able to state the uses of the farm tools as well as ways of maintaining wheelbarrow. However, most candidates could not describe the wheelbarrow but were stating its uses and functions.

The expected answers include:

1. (a) Uses of specimens A (Rake), C (Shovel) and D (Cutlass)

A (Rake)
- removing rubbish from the farm
- spreading manure
- levelling of soil surface
- breaking soil lump into smaller particles
- spreading grains and beans when sun-drying
- covering vegetable seeds when broadcasted
- removing stones from seedbeds

C (Shovel)
- transferring soil from one place to another
- harvesting of root/tuber crops
- light weeding on the farm
- excavation or digging of the soil
- loading materials into wheelbarrow
- making garden paths
- making mounds/heaps/ridges
- levelling the ground
- removing stones and rubbish
- mixing soil and cement together in constructing farm buildings

D (Cutlass)
- clearing and slashing bushes
- light digging like transplanting
- planting/sowing
- for weeding
- felling trees
- pruning tree crops
- digging holes for the fixing of fence poles
- harvesting crops like coconut, banana, pineapple, sugarcane

(b) Description of specimen E (Wheelbarrow)
- Consists of a large metal basin/container
- Has a metal wheel which is made of steel bearing and rubber tyre
- Has two short legs at the back for support while resting on the ground
- Has two long handles for pulling and pushing

(c) Ways of maintaining specimen E (Wheelbarrow)
- Wash and dry/clean after use
- Check the tyre pressure and inflate when necessary
- Tighten loose bolts and nuts regularly
- Paint the metal parts
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Lubricate moving parts/wheel bearing
- Replace damaged parts