Grade 9 · CAPS

Grade 9 Development of the Self in Society

Life Orientation practice questions and a worked example

Grade 9 Development of the Self in Society covers sexual behaviour and sexual health, including the risk factors, consequences and prevention of unhealthy sexual behaviour and teenage pregnancy, alongside the personal, family and community factors that shape lifestyle choices. Practice questions here work through a real case study on teenage pregnancy and an assignment on high-risk behaviour — identifying risk factors, explaining consequences, and giving practical advice grounded in the scenario.

Worked example

1.2 Explain five risk factors leading to unhealthy sexual behaviour and the possible consequences of this type of behaviour.

Answer & explanation

High-risk behaviour includes unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, and drug abuse — it is a lifestyle that places someone at risk of a particular condition, illness or injury. HIV/AIDS specifically is transmitted through body fluids such as blood and semen, most commonly through unprotected sex or drug users sharing needles. The consequences of this behaviour include contracting sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, and can lead to death.

1. Unprotected sex is a major risk factor as it increases the chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can lead to unwanted pregnancies. 2. Having multiple sexual partners increases exposure to STIs and complicates emotional relationships, which can lead to stress and anxiety. 3. Drug abuse often impairs judgment, leading to risky sexual behaviour such as unprotected sex or sex with strangers. 4. Peer pressure can lead individuals to engage in sexual activities before they are ready, increasing the risk of STIs and emotional distress. 5. Lack of education about sexual health can result in misinformation and risky behaviours, as individuals may not understand how to protect themselves. The consequences of these behaviours include STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and emotional or physical harm.

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Development of the Self in Society

Question 1 of 3

Read the case study before you answer the question. Look at the mark allocated to the question — it will guide you as to how much you should write. South Africa Concerned Over Rising Teen Pregnancy Rates Health experts were concerned over the growing teen pregnancy rates in South Africa. Sixteen-year-old Thandi is four months pregnant and among a jump in teenage pregnancies that are up 21% across South Africa in recent years, also raising fears of increased HIV infections among sexually active youths. "I found out I was pregnant two months ago. I haven't told anyone yet, only my boyfriend. He thinks I am joking," Grade 9 learner, Thandi, said shyly. She said she had unprotected sex with her boyfriend of eight months many times before her pregnancy because she trusted him. She had never tried oral contraceptives and only used condoms when she could find one. "I am going to try my best to hide my pregnancy so that I can continue learning. If I tell my parents, they are going to force me to leave school," she said. She wants to avoid embarrassing her family, who like many in South Africa believe that becoming a mother marks the end to childhood, and therefore to education. South Africa has the world's largest HIV-positive population, with 5,7 million of its people infected with the virus. That creates an added threat that has prompted health officials to rethink AIDS and pregnancy prevention programmes targeted at the youth. The concentration of poverty, unemployment and poor education can push girls to get into relationships with older men for financial reasons, adding to the pregnancy problem. (Source: AFP – adapted and shortened from an article by VR Sreeraman, 8 April 2011) 1. What are health experts worried about? (2)

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Common mistakes

Mixing up a 'risk factor' (something that makes unhealthy sexual behaviour more likely, e.g. peer pressure) with a 'consequence' (what happens as a result, e.g. an unwanted pregnancy or an STI) — a common source of lost marks in this topic. Also, giving a general answer like 'be safe' instead of the specific, practical prevention steps the question asks for.

Aligned to CAPS Grade 9 Life Orientation — Development of the Self in Society. Curriculum source: CAPS for Senior Phase, Department of Basic Education.