Consumer Studies Grade 12 P1 May June 2026 Single Choice

GRADE 12 CONSUMER STUDIES

Section A • Multiple-choice revision
Complete Questions and Answers Teaching Guide • 40 Questions

How to use this guide: Read each question and choose an option before opening the blue answer panel. Select SHOW ANSWER to reveal the correct answer and explanation. Use the controls below to open or close all answers.

The first paper is numbered 1.1.1–1.1.20. The second paper continues from 1.1.21–1.1.40.

PAPER 1: DBE MAY/JUNE 2026

Original Question 1.1 • Questions 1.1.1–1.1.20

1.1.1 Commercial banks borrow money from the Reserve Bank at the following rate: (1)
  1. A. Inflation rate
  2. B. Repo rate
  3. C. Prime interest rate
  4. D. Tax rate
SHOW ANSWER

Correct answer: B

The repo rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank lends money to commercial banks.

1.1.2 Mary received an e-mail asking her to change her bank password online, which is an example of a/an … scam. (1)
  1. A. Identity
  2. B. Work-from-home
  3. C. Phishing
  4. D. Lottery
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Correct answer: C

Phishing uses fraudulent messages, often pretending to come from a trusted organisation, to trick people into revealing personal or banking information.

1.1.3 The least sustainable sources that provide energy are … (1)
  1. A. Gas and coal.
  2. B. Gas and solar power.
  3. C. Solar power and wind power.
  4. D. Wind power and coal.
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Correct answer: A

Gas and coal are fossil fuels. They are non-renewable and their use contributes to pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions.

1.1.4 The financial responsibility of community members regarding their municipality is to pay … (1)
  1. A. Mortgage bonds and insurances.
  2. B. Insurances and taxes.
  3. C. Rates and taxes.
  4. D. Mortgage bonds and rates.
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Correct answer: C

Residents contribute to municipal services by paying rates and taxes; mortgage bonds and private insurance are not municipal charges.

1.1.5 Sam could not stop paying his gym membership fees for 12 months because he signed a contract which is a/an … (1)
  1. A. Legal agreement between two parties.
  2. B. Warranty to continue paying.
  3. C. Official promise for payment.
  4. D. Payment plan with credit card.
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Correct answer: A

A contract is a legally binding agreement between parties that sets out their rights and obligations.

1.1.6 … will enhance the absorption of iron. (1)
  1. A. Olive oil
  2. B. Almond milk
  3. C. Green tea
  4. D. Strawberries
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Correct answer: D

Strawberries contain vitamin C, which helps the body absorb non-haem iron from plant foods.

1.1.7 Learners could become infected with gastro-enteritis after … (1)
  1. A. Washing hands under running water.
  2. B. Playing with other learners.
  3. C. Sharing dirty eating utensils.
  4. D. Eating well-cooked food.
SHOW ANSWER

Correct answer: C

Dirty shared utensils can transfer disease-causing microorganisms from one person to another.

1.1.8 Eating pies and cakes could lead to the development of coronary heart disease because they are high in … (1)
  1. A. Trans fatty acids.
  2. B. Polyunsaturated fats.
  3. C. Amino acids.
  4. D. Monounsaturated fats.
SHOW ANSWER

Correct answer: A

Trans fatty acids can raise harmful LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

1.1.9 The substance intentionally added to foods to prevent rancidity: (1)
  1. A. MSG (Monosodium glutamate)
  2. B. Tartrazine
  3. C. Vitamin E
  4. D. Lecithin
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Correct answer: C

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps prevent fats and oils in food from becoming rancid.

1.1.10 Choose the snack that will be BEST to manage hypertension: (1)
  1. A. Dried sausage ('Droëwors')
  2. B. Yoghurt
  3. C. Cheese crackers
  4. D. Potato crisps
SHOW ANSWER

Correct answer: B

Plain yoghurt is generally lower in salt than processed snacks such as droëwors, cheese crackers and crisps.

1.1.11 Inflation is a/an … factor influencing fashion change. (1)
  1. A. Political
  2. B. Technological
  3. C. Economical
  4. D. Social
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Correct answer: C

Inflation affects prices and consumers’ purchasing power, so it is an economic factor influencing fashion.

1.1.12 The stage where a clothing item is NO longer available in most shops: (1)
  1. A. Peak
  2. B. Obsolete
  3. C. Introduction
  4. D. Decline
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Correct answer: B

An obsolete fashion item is no longer generally available in shops and has passed out of fashion.

1.1.13 A clothing item becomes … once it is accepted by a large group of people. (1)
  1. A. Fashion
  2. B. Style
  3. C. Retrospective
  4. D. Dynamic
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Correct answer: A

A style becomes fashion when it is accepted and adopted by a large group of people.

1.1.14 A/An … includes all conditions when purchasing a property. (1)
  1. A. Eviction clause
  2. B. Title deed
  3. C. Deed of sale
  4. D. Buyer agreement
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Correct answer: C

The deed of sale records the agreement and conditions on which the property is being bought and sold.

1.1.15 After an appliance has been bought and delivered, the seller must … (1)
  1. A. Honour the guarantee.
  2. B. Inspect the appliance.
  3. C. Provide consumer information.
  4. D. Provide training on using the appliance.
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Correct answer: A

The seller must honour the guarantee and the obligations that apply if the appliance develops a covered fault.

1.1.16 For a business to make a profit, it must add … to the total cost. (1)
  1. A. Labour
  2. B. A mark-up
  3. C. Interest
  4. D. Equipment
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Correct answer: B

A mark-up is added to the cost price to determine a selling price that can generate profit.

1.1.17 The … is NOT part of the marketing plan. (1)
  1. A. Point of sale
  2. B. Planning for production
  3. C. Pricing strategy
  4. D. Advertising of the product
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Correct answer: B

Production planning concerns how goods are made; point of sale, pricing and advertising are marketing activities.

1.1.18 Product specifications must include … (1)
  1. A. The cost of raw materials.
  2. B. Quality-control points.
  3. C. The size of the products.
  4. D. Marketing strategies.
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Correct answer: C

Specifications describe the product, including its dimensions or size, so that production meets the required standard.

1.1.19 … shows how money moves in a business over a period of time. (1)
  1. A. Start-up capital
  2. B. A budget
  3. C. Profit margin
  4. D. Cash flow
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Correct answer: D

Cash flow records the movement of money into and out of a business over a period.

1.1.20 … may hinder efficient production. (1)
  1. A. Sufficient workspace
  2. B. Clear product specification
  3. C. Unskilled workers
  4. D. Regular stock control
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Correct answer: C

Workers without the necessary skills may make errors, work more slowly and reduce production efficiency.

PAPER 2: EASTERN CAPE SEPTEMBER 2026

Original Question 1.1 • Questions 1.1.21–1.1.40

1.1.21 E-waste is the term used to describe the following: (1)
  1. A. Appliances that waste energy
  2. B. Discarded electrical appliances
  3. C. Energy-efficient appliances
  4. D. Unused economic appliances
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Correct answer: B

E-waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment, such as old appliances and devices.

1.1.22 Sin tax is charged on daily consumables such as: (1)
  1. A. Goods and services
  2. B. Alcohol and tobacco
  3. C. Liquor and cigarettes
  4. D. Sugar and chocolate
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Correct answer: B

Sin tax is a special tax imposed on products considered harmful to health, particularly alcohol and tobacco.

1.1.23 A power derived from the energy of falling water is called … power. (1)
  1. A. Irrigation
  2. B. Air
  3. C. Hydro
  4. D. High
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Correct answer: C

Hydroelectric power is generated by using moving or falling water to drive turbines.

1.1.24 A standard fashion stays in for … (1)
  1. A. A season.
  2. B. 2 to 3 years.
  3. C. Many seasons.
  4. D. 5 to 6 years.
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Correct answer: B

A standard fashion generally remains in fashion for about two to three years.

1.1.25 A clothing item that has a high demand, but lasts a very short time: (1)
  1. A. Standard trends
  2. B. Classic styles
  3. C. Style
  4. D. Fashion fad
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Correct answer: D

A fashion fad becomes popular quickly, has a short life cycle and disappears just as quickly.

1.1.26 The general direction a fashion style takes is called: (1)
  1. A. Fashion design
  2. B. Fashion fad
  3. C. Fashion trend
  4. D. High fashion
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Correct answer: C

A fashion trend describes the general direction in which fashion is moving.

1.1.27 The following textiles are eco-friendly: (1)
  1. A. Cotton and Linen
  2. B. Linen and Ramie
  3. C. Rayon and Hemp
  4. D. Hemp and Bamboo
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Correct answer: D

Hemp and bamboo are plant-based fibres that can be produced with comparatively low environmental impact, making them suitable examples of eco-friendly textiles.

1.1.28 One of the main concerns about genetically modified foods: (1)
  1. A. Allergic reactions
  2. B. High prices
  3. C. Low yields
  4. D. Poor quality
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Correct answer: A

A possible concern is that a genetically modified food could introduce or trigger an allergic reaction in some consumers.

1.1.29 Consumers enjoy food security when they … (1)
  1. A. Start a vegetable garden.
  2. B. Are grant recipients for 6 months.
  3. C. Take nutritional supplements.
  4. D. Eat adequate and safe food.
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Correct answer: D

Food security means having reliable access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.

1.1.30 The following type of food additives have a negative influence on the behaviour of some children: (1)
  1. A. Colourants
  2. B. Emulsifiers
  3. C. Gelling agent
  4. D. Stabilisers
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Correct answer: A

Some colourants have been associated with behavioural effects in sensitive children, which is why food additives are regulated and must be declared where required.

1.1.31 This disease is not transferred by contaminated water: (1)
  1. A. Hepatitis A
  2. B. Escherichia coli
  3. C. Tuberculosis
  4. D. Dysentery
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Correct answer: C

Tuberculosis is mainly spread through the air when an infected person releases bacteria in airborne particles, not through contaminated water.

1.1.32 A sell-by date means the … (1)
  1. A. Last date that the product is for sale.
  2. B. Same thing as an expiry date.
  3. C. Date that it is unsafe to eat.
  4. D. Product will be safe if stored correctly.
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Correct answer: A

A sell-by date indicates the last date on which the retailer should offer the product for sale; it is not automatically the same as an expiry date.

1.1.33 Which statement BEST describes how food labelling legislation benefits consumers? (1)
  1. A. It allows manufacturers to make unsupported health claims.
  2. B. It provides accurate product information so consumers can make informed choices.
  3. C. It removes the need for consumers to check ingredient lists.
  4. D. It guarantees that every food product is suitable for every consumer.
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Correct answer: B

Food labelling legislation requires important and truthful information to appear on food products. This helps consumers understand what they are buying, compare products and make informed choices.

1.1.34 The legal document that proves that the buyer is now the legal owner of the property is called the … (1)
  1. A. Lease.
  2. B. Deed of transfer.
  3. C. Title deed.
  4. D. Deed of sale.
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Correct answer: C

A title deed is the registered legal document proving ownership of the property.

1.1.35 Homeowners comprehensive insurance covers … (1)
  1. A. Your home against fire, floods and disasters.
  2. B. All content of your home.
  3. C. The homeowner’s life.
  4. D. The mortgage on your home.
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Correct answer: A

Homeowners comprehensive insurance covers the structure of the home against insured risks such as fire, floods and other disasters.

1.1.36 The least expensive method to pay for household appliance: (1)
  1. A. Instalment sale transaction
  2. B. Credit card
  3. C. Personal loan
  4. D. Cash
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Correct answer: D

Cash is generally the least expensive option because it avoids interest and credit-related charges.

1.1.37 A possible risk of overstocking: (1)
  1. A. Stock may become obsolete or damaged
  2. B. The business reputation may be harmed
  3. C. Production slows down
  4. D. Large orders go missing
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Correct answer: A

Excess stock may remain unsold for too long and become outdated, deteriorate or be damaged.

1.1.38 The price of products should be lowered … (1)
  1. A. When the demand is high and the supply slow.
  2. B. During the time of year when sales are high.
  3. C. When there is new, strong competition.
  4. D. When the cost of materials increases.
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Correct answer: C

A business may lower prices to remain competitive when a strong competitor enters the market.

1.1.39 The stages when a business could reach its best sale scenario: (1)
  1. A. 50% of the products are sold
  2. B. Quality products are produced
  3. C. Sales cover all expenses
  4. D. Fewer products are produced
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Correct answer: C

When sales cover all expenses, the business reaches its break-even point: the business earns enough revenue to cover its expenses.

1.1.40 A business can reduce its carbon footprint by using: (1)
  1. A. Inorganic materials
  2. B. Local raw materials
  3. C. Plastic packaging
  4. D. Synthetic cleaning agents
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Correct answer: B

Using local raw materials can reduce transport distances and the emissions associated with moving materials.

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