Foods and Nutrition Paper 2, WASSCE (SC), 2019

Candidates' Weakness

 

Candidates’ major weaknesses include their poor command of English language and a lack of mastery of the topics covered in the paper they seem to have little knowledge of the technicality of the subject and this was apparent in the numerous spelling mistakes and the manner the questions were answered.

Also, many candidates did not write within the spaces provided and some others cancelled out answers, making it difficult for examiners to see their answers. Candidates exhibited weaknesses while answering questions 1, 2 (c) and 3 (b).

In question 1, candidates were unable to give explanation of the factors that affect food habits. Majority of candidates could not state the principle underlying tea preparation in 2 (c), they also referred to cocoa products as tea.

Question 3 (b) was avoided by majority of candidates and those that answered it gave examples of flatware as chopping boards, trays, table mats and table cloths.

 

In order to overcome the weaknesses, teachers should endeavour to research and study before giving lectures and ensure a comprehensive teaching of the topics in the syllabus. In addition, they should pay diligent attention to the practical aspect of the subject and expose candidates to projects that will teach detailed rudiments of the subject.

This will enable candidates to reason deeply whenever they have to answer application questions that may seem not to have direct answers. Furthermore, teachers should prepare candidates on the appropriate techniques of answering questions especially in order to catch up on the new constrained approach to WASSCE papers. In the same vein, candidates should strive to have in depth knowledge of the subject; they should take advantage of technology for productive research on the subject matter; study hard, prepare for examinations and also work on their command of English Language.