Most candidates were able to state the reasons for preserving timber.  However, they failed to:

• state the reasons for using widening joints;
• sketch loose tongue and groove joints
• name the timber suitable for making the given items for specific purposes.

The expected response to question 2 is as given below:

2(a)      Reasons for preserving timber

            -           to prevent insect attack
            -           to prevent fungi attack
            -           to protect the timber from other wood destroying agents
            -           for durability
            -           to prevent distortion in timber (e.g. cupping, warping)
            -           to prevent the timber from deterioration.

  (b)      (i)         Reasons for using widening joints
                        -           to obtain wider boards
                        -           to obtain stable boards
                        -           to enhance surface decoration

            (ii)        Sketch of loose tongue and groove joint

(c)        Suitable timber

• Mahogany, teak, walnut(cedar), mansonia, afromosia
• Iroko, teak, abura, kusia, danta  
• Obeche, silk wood/cotton tree                                                               
• Iroko,abura, teak.