Life Orientation Grade 12 Ncs Study Notes Final
Life Orientation Grade 12 Ncs Study Notes Final
GRADE 12 NCS
STUDY NOTES
STRESS
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What is stress? Stress is what we feel in situations we find difficult, challenging or even
frightening. When we feel we can’t cope with the situation.
What is good stress? Stress that makes you ready for action as it gives you adrenalin and
energy. E.g. When you have to stand in front of the class and speak. It is for a short term and
you can have sweaty palms and a dry mouthy or butterflies in your tummy.
What is bad stress? If the stress is more than you can cope with, it is unhealthy. You may
become ill, unhappy and depressed. You are not able to do your task as well as you could.
You will have headaches or will not be able to sleep.
What is a stressor? A stressor is anything, event or person that causes stress. It is the things
that trigger stress
Symptoms of stress:
Types of stressors:
Physical: caused by physical harm, such as violence and sexual abuse.
Personality bases: people who are more prone to stress than others.
Social: caused by the people around you e.g. peer pressure.
Why is it important to manage stress? Your body produce cortisol and adrenalin. These are 2
stress hormones. Cortisol is the hormone produced by fear, results in anxiety. Adrenalin- is
the hormone that prepares the body to react physically to a threat. If you fail to manage your
stress your body can produce too much of the hormones for too long. The stress will damage
your body and change to chronic
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• Physical
• Emotional
Types of • Environmental
stress • Social
• Dry mouth
• Sweaty palms
Signs and • Butterflies in stomach
symptoms • Upset stomach
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Poor management/poor planning by
Supervisors or managers.
Lack of skills from other workers.
Incompetent workers
Jealousy
Autocracy by management
Understaffed
Poor benefits
Low salary
How to manage stress ( NB!!!! For long questions in exam)
Behaviours, techniques, strategies and examples of ways in which
stress can be managed:
What are values? It is the things that you choose and that are important to you in
your life. It is not the things your parents or friends decide to be important. You must
choose them out of your own free will. It is the things you are proud of and are
happy to tell the world about.
Your values have been influenced by everything that you have had contact with in
your life: your parents, your friends, your life experiences, your access to media and
your conscience. For you to become a mature adult, you need to develop your own
value system. It is the code by which you live your life.
It gives control and structure or purpose to your life. It guides you into the future. It
help you to achieve your aims and goals
Your belief system is the way you try to understand the world and your place in it. It
is also your set of beliefs about what is right and wrong, true and false. Your belief
system may be based on the teachings of a formal religion or may be part of your
cultural belief system.
Religion
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Your religion is what you believe and who or what you worship. Religions usually
have moral codes, rituals and ways of behaving towards others. Religion is based
on faith and a belief in
Ideologies are an organised set of beliefs, values and ideas. They are the way
you believe you should live in the world and the way society should operate.
Political ideologies include democracy, communism, nationalism, and fascism.
Your lifestyle is how you live your life on a daily basis. For example, you may
exercise regularly, eat healthy food, practise safe sex, and not drink alcohol so
that you care for you physical well-being and health.
Environmental responsibility
If you take your responsibility towards the environment seriously, you know you
need to treat nature with respect. You do not do anything that is harmful to the
nvironment, such as litter or chop down trees, without planting new trees. You
recycle and get involved in environmental clean-up campaigns.
Your goals for studies and career choices are your plans for the future, the steps
you need to take to achieve your later goals in life. For example, your goal may be to
have a good job and to own your own house in ten years’ time..
To have a vision about your future gives you a direction about who you want to be or
what you want to achieve in 5 to10 years’ time, even in 30 years’ time. You vision is
your dream. It is a mental picture of what the future will or could be like. It is what will
make your life exciting and fulfilling. Make your vision ambitious. It doesn’t
necessarily have to be practical. It may even seem a bit crazy now. Dream big! A
mission statement is more practical; it focuses on your actions, behaviour, and plans
to achieve your dream.
What is assessment?
Why assess?
It identifies how you cope with new knowledge, content and skills.
and helps
Formative assessment: happens when you are working on something
you and your teacher work out how you are coping.
chapterSummative assessment: this happens at the end of a term,
or project. It measures how you manage over a period of time.
Self-assessment: you assess yourself.
Studying methods and planning
As your read you recall what you have read by asking and answering
questions to yourself
Review: put what you have read in a mind map
If you battle start from the beginning or where you got lost.
Planning is important so that you have enough time to study all the work
efficient and effective.
Prioritizing your daily activities. For example is watching your
favourite program going to add value to your life and help you pass
examinations.
Is having sufficient sleep important to concentrate in class.
Prepare yourself for an exam
Start studying long before the time.
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Make sure you sleep enough
Practise past papers. It will help you to understand what they expect of you.
Eat a breakfast before a exam
Get to the venue on time
Remember all your equipment like pens, calculators etc.
properly.
The key to writing a good essay is to understand the instructions
What does the examiner want?
Night before exam Get enough sleep – you cannot write if you are tired
Prepare all the equipment you might need like calculators etc.
Check the time and place you will need to write exams again
Day of exam • eat a good breakfast or meal-you cannot concentrate on
an empty stomach
• visualise yourself being successful
• arrive in time and go to the bathroom
• avoid discussing the work with friends because this will
confuse you ore make you nervous
The following are some points to keep in mind to present the paper well:
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1. Hand Writing – Keep the hand writing legible. If the examiner cannot read
your writing you will lose marks. Do not do too much scratching around on
the paper. This really makes the paper look dirty.
2. Margins - Draw margins on both side of the paper. This is generally very
important that your answers are in the centre of the answer paper and
visible properly. The best time to do it is the time when you get the answer
sheets and before you get the question paper, so this does not waste any
time of attempting the paper.
3. Figures – Generally you can draw figures with pen. But preferably draw them
with pencil. Generally a free hand diagram would do in an engineering paper
but when done with a pencil is much easier to correct and change than a one
drawn with pen. And it looks much neater.
4. Rough Work – Do not do rough work of any kind just next to the sum. Do
the rough work in the margin. Or you could just mark the last page as rough
work and do all the rough work there.
5. Sub Question – All the sub question of a question should be attempted in a
sequential order. If you do not know a sub question leave appropriate place
for it .Do not attempt the sub question anywhere else. This would be highly
irritating for the examiner. He might not even check that answer.
All these small things do not take up a lot of time during the paper but if not done
they make the paper untidy. Due to this the examiner might not be able to read
exactly what you have written and it might affect your marks drastically. So do keep
these tips in mind.
analyse Break up into separate parts and discuss, examine, interpret, explore and investigate each
part. Say how each part is important. Explain how the parts are linked or related.
apply Use in practical way. When you apply you show in a practical way what your understanding
is. Use your knowledge and understanding of the topic to make it relevant to a situation,
issue or problem.
assess Judge or estimate the nature, quality or value of something. Make a value judgement that
you justify by giving reasons.
calculate You need to get to an answer by using numbers. You will add, subtract, multiply or divide
numbers to reach an answer.
comment Give your opinion on, explain or criticise. Make a judgement based upon the evidence.
compare Look at two or more things. Identify similarities and differences. See how they are the
same, and how they are different. Focus more on similarities than differences.
contrast Focus on the differences between two or more things. Show them in opposition to each
other.
create Put together ideas or parts to develop an original idea; engage in creative thinking; offer a
novel or new suggestion or item.
criticise You need to make judgements to show your own ideas and evaluation.
critically Show approval or disapproval, or find mistakes or faults, and merits or good aspects; give
analyse reasons.
define You need to give the exact meaning of the term or words. Definitions are short and exact.
This is not a discussion.
describe Give an account of something where you recall what you have learned or state what you
observed.
determine Find out the facts. For example, determine how many learners in Grade 11 do physical
exercise more than four times a week.
discuss Write about something; compare a number of possible views about an issue or problem.
Debate, consider, and argue the issues. Include comparisons and contrasts, look at pros
and cons. Say what you think about the topic. Give a full answer in sentences, not just a
list in point form. Always give a conclusion.
do you Give your OWN opinions about an issue or problem. Pay attention to the reason you give
think and arguments you offer; you will not be given marks just for an opinion. Provide well-
reasoned or logical reasons for your opinions, based on facts.
evaluate Give your own opinion and /or the opinions of others. Give evidence to support your
evaluation. Give an indication of the amount, quality or value of something. Compare a
number of possible views about an issue or problem. Make judgements based on facts.
examine Carefully look at something and in detail so you can comment on it. Break down an issue
or problem into smaller parts to understand it. Then explain what you have learned.
explain Give details, describe, make clear, make it understandable. Make something plain or
simplify. Describe in detail so that it can be understood. Always give examples when you
are asked to explain.
identify Recognise and name someone or something; to say who or what they are.
illustrate Give realistic examples. Explain very clearly. You can use examples and comparisons.
interpret Show your understanding of the topic, comment on it, give examples. Describe
relationships, explain the meaning.
in your This asks you what you think about something or feel about something. For example, in
opinion your opinion do the youth do enough to celebrate Youth Day on the 16th of June?
list Give a short list of the points. State in the shortest way. Be brief. Do not discuss or write an
essay. Usually you write items one below the other in a list.
match Find things that go together; find things that are similar or connected to each other.
measure Find the size, quantity, etc. of something. Judge the importance, value or effect of
something
mention Write about something without explaining. There should be no detail; keep it brief.
outline Summarise, describe main ideas and core points, concepts or events. Give an overview.
suggest Give possible reasons or ideas. These must be believable; they do not necessarily have to
be proven to work.
summarise Give a very short and brief account. Include a short conclusion. Do not give unnecessary
details.
UNEMPLOYMENT NB for
exam!
What is unemployment?
These notes should not replace any teaching but should assist learners in their preparation for the final exam in
September. This is only a summary of the core content Page 13
When you are willing to work, ready for work and desperately wanting a job, but
cannot get work because there are just not enough jobs around for everyone.
Buyers
down.
look for cheap imports and local people lose jobs as factories close
When there are many unemployed people, fewer goods are produced and fewer
services are provided.
Investors become scared to invest their money because they may lose it, as not
enough people will buy their goods or use their services
In difficult economic conditions in the world or recession there will be
less money available to spend on luxuries such as holidays, travel, hotel
accommodation and eating out in restaurants. There will be less money to
shop for luxury goods such as gifts. So hotels, restaurants and gift shops
may go out of business. This leads to further unemployment, because the
people, who work there, will then also be without work.
Graduates’ beliefs in how much they are worth in the job market may lead them
to ignore lower- paying jobs, which may be the only jobs available
High costs of employment, so firms hire fewer people who do more work
Jobseekers become discouraged and give up trying
Lack of job search skills and information
Mechanisation and computers reduce the number of people needed for jobs
Higher demand than supply; meaning there are more job applicants than jobs
available
There are specific reasons for youth unemployment. The reasons include:
A job provides satisfaction, support and hope and fulfilment. Unemployment affects
the unemployed not only financially, but also personally and socially.
You will lose self esteem, self-respect and motivation.
We have a loss of our sense of purpose in life
Conflict in families
Divorce or abuse of the unemployed person
We feel we are losing control over our life
Stress and uncertainty and depression
Boredom and lack of motivation
Increase of debt.
Drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse
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problems,
Increased violence and abuse. In families where there are money
the chances of domestic violence and abuse are increased
Relationships will be affected.
Can lead to crime and social instability
Causes poverty
Less taxable income for government and less money to spend on education,
hospitals, police and road.
Hunger and Homelessness
Lack of education and training
Crime
Exploitation
Human trafficking
HIV and Aids
Child abuse
Exclusion and loneliness Possible
Section C
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Community work: Community work means you do something to benefit your
community or a community in need. It is also a form of volunteering, but you
concentrate on the needs of your community. The work is usually paid for by
government or an NGO, or a religious-based organisation. For example, you may
help to feed orphans or help to make a community peace garden.
Informal jobs are usually short term. For example, you may wash cars, do
gardening, sell newspapers, make clothes, or sell fruit or sweets at the taxi rank
or next to the school. Some people prefer informal employment due to its
flexible hours. This allows them to balance family responsibilities. Others find
this is the only work they can do to survive.
Entrepreneurship and other employment options may be the best way to earn
money. The more jobs that are created the better for everyone. Draw up and
business plan and see if you have a workable solution.
When you earn a salary, part of your income is taxed. This means that when you
look at job application adverts, the amount you see is not the full amount you will
earn, as tax will be deducted. When you receive any income tax is deducted. You
must register at SARS.
Income tax is the government's main source of income. Income tax is a tax levied
on all income and profits received by a taxpayer. This includes individuals,
companies and trusts. It is every citizen’s duty to pay tax. Without income tax, there
will be no services, such as roads, hospitals and schools, and the government
could not function.
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Even if you are an entrepreneur or an informal worker, you have a duty to pay
income tax if you earn more than R63 556 a year. If you earn less than this or are
unemployed, you are said to be below the tax threshold. Our government is
making it easier for small business and entrepreneurs; you don’t have to pay the
same amount of tax as big corporations. But do your citizen’s duty and pay tax! If
you don’t pay tax, you contribute to unemployment because the government can’t
create employment opportunities as there is not enough money to do so.
What is an entrepreneur?
Good salary
Status
Working hours
Working conditions
Benefits of the job e.g. pension, medical aid, children study for free
Availability of jobs
Suits my personality
Suits my interest/skills and values
I have a contact in the field, friend, parent who will give me a job.
Inherited - continue with the family tradition
Influence from parents , peers
It is a high skill job with lots of opportunities for work after study
Any other suitable reason why you want to pursue a career or job
TERM 2
Initiating, building and sustaining relationships
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Positive communication leads to positive relationships. Our ability to communicate
with others will determine the success of our relationships with them
Communication is about understanding others and communicating our feelings,
beliefs and attitudes to them.
Initiate relationships: You will be in a new place next year. You might not know
anybody. So it will be up to you to start new friendships. A good way to break the ice
when you meet new people is to make sure you hear their names. Ask them about
their names or what they mean. Then ask them a little about themselves because
people do like to talk about themselves.
• You can also start a conversation by talking about neutral subjects if the
person is shy. Try to remember the name of the person, so the next time you
see them, they feel special because you remembered them.
• Be willing to share a little about yourself, but don’t talk about yourself all the
time. Avoid boasting or showing off. People don’t like braggers.
• Keep up to date with the latest news and topics that people are discussing. If
people find you are informed and interesting, they will enjoy talking to you.
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Build and sustain positive relationships with good communication
and listening skills.
There are different factors that can affect how well we communicate. Your feelings,
what you believe and your attitude are all part of who you are. If you communicate
your feelings and show your humanity, then people can understand you better.
Your beliefs are part of who you are, and it is important to express them. It is
important that you are free to communicate these aspects. However, never hold
and express beliefs and attitudes that go against our constitutional values. Express
your feelings, beliefs and attitudes, but avoid imposing or forcing them on others.
Every person is entitled to have his or her own views.
partPersonality: The way you act, behave, and react and your attitudes all form
of your personality. Remember that we all act in a certain way in a certain
situation.
Sometimes a shy person is seen as boring and uninteresting until you get to
know him or her. Other people are extraverts and they might intimidate you with
their way of communication. Other people hide behind their “weaknesses” by
seeking attention all the time and they need to be the centre of attention.Your
own personality will determine whether you are attracted of put off by the other
persons way of communicating.
areAttitudes and values: If you have an attitude (you think and act) that you
better than others, if will affect communication. If you think that only your
ideas, beliefs and values are right and you do not show respect, you will not be
a good
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listener and you will not allow others to freely express their views. This will
block communication between you and other people and can lead to conflict.
Responsible citizenship
Responsible citizenship means that you do your duty as a citizen, you fulfil your
responsibilities, and do what is right or expected of you as a citizen. You:
If you evaluate your position on discrimination and human rights violations, you
analyse your own viewpoints, behaviour, opinions and attitudes towards these
issues. You consider your position by taking the Bill of Rights into account.
Bill of Rights
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to be treated equally;
to have dignity and self-respect;
to have your own opinion and views and to follow any religion you chose;
to express your ideas,
views and opinions freely, as long as they don’t violate the rights of others;
to live and work in a healthy environment;
to be treated fairly at work;
to speak any language you chose
to have access to basic health care.
Discrimination
If you discriminate against others, you treat them unjustly, unfairly, and
unequally because they are, or you think they are, different from you
The role of the media in a democratic society: electronic and print media:
Electronic media are any media that need electricity or batteries, such as the
Internet and emails, websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, radio, TV, film and DVDs.
Examples of when the media do not fulfil their roles responsibly include:
Most media make money from advertisements and sponsors. The media
therefore aim to satisfy the interests of their advertisers. These may not
be the same as the interests of the public. They may withhold information or
give biased reports, to satisfy their sponsors.
News entertains rather than informs. Some media are filled with gossip,
scandals, sex and violence rather than facts.
Political news is often more about personalities, than about politicians’ work
and contributions. Media publicise the scandalous private lives of politicians
and their families, which have nothing to do with their work.
The lives of famous stars are made difficult by the paparazzi who invade their
privacy. The media are like vultures when celebrities are in trouble; they
persecute rather than protect them.
The media sometimes exaggerate dangers and make people afraid for no
reason.
News and interpretations of events may be biased, incomplete or incorrect.
The information in the printed press, radio and TV has been selected from a
large pool of information. Somebody, somewhere, made a decision on what was
necessary to tell the public and what not. What is not told may be just as
important as what is told.
Freedom of expression means that you can express your ideas and opinions freely
through speech, writing, and other forms of communication. Freedom of
expression is a basic right in a democratic society, and it applies to everyone,
including individuals and the media. People may not express viewpoints that
violate the rights of others.
BILL OF RIGHTS
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What is the Bill of Rights?
It is the rights of all people who live in South Africa called the Bill of Rights.
Statutory rape: When a person has, or tries to have unlawful sex with a
person under the age of consent (16 years)
Sex with a child under the age of 12 years: Sex with a child under the
age of 12 years, whether or not they consent, is seen as rape.
Acquaintance rape: Forced sex by someone the victim knows
When a person has or tries to have sex with a person under the age of 16 with
or without consent it is rape.
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In most societies men have more power than women. The gender power roles are
traditional in that they are followed by generation after generation.
Sexual harassment is the main way in which abuse of power takes place in
the workplace. In most cases men are abusing their power over women.
Facts:
Most victims know the rapist.
Most rape victims thought it could never happen to them.
Victims of rape are afraid of getting hurt or killed. They are often paralysed
with shock and cannot move or speak.
Men of all sexual orientations can be raped .
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COMMUNITY PROJECTS
It is factors that cause ill health, accidents, crises and disasters. It includes
environmental hazards like pollution and waste dumps, radiations, floods, fires
and damage cause by draughts.
Poverty leads to people having fewer choices about where they live, as they may
be forced to live in polluted environments.
Environmental issues
These are issues where things in the environment affect the people who live in
its health.
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The physical, mental, social and emotional effects of long-term participation
Reduces health
costs