Textile Fibres

11 Grade 10 Home Science questions on Textile Fibres, with worked marking schemes. 11 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   4 marks

   Water hyacinth is a weed that chokes parts of Lake Victoria. It is now dried and woven into mats, baskets and furniture. Explain two benefits of using this fibre to make household articles. (4 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any two benefits, 1 mark for the benefit and 1 mark for a correct explanation (4 marks): - Clears the weed from the lake: this opens the water for fishing and boat transport and improves water quality. - Income and employment: local people, such as youth and women's groups, earn a living by harvesting, weaving and selling the articles. - Free, renewable raw material: it is readily available, which keeps the cost of articles low and makes them affordable for households. - Environmentally friendly: the articles are biodegradable and can replace plastic mats and baskets, reducing plastic waste. - Health: removing the weed reduces breeding places for mosquitoes and the snails that spread bilharzia. - Promotes creativity and local crafts: it builds skills and supports Kenyan-made products.

2. Question 2

   4 marks

   Explain two characteristics of wool that make it suitable for blankets used in cold highland areas such as Nyandarua. (4 marks)

   (4 marks)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A women's group in Kenya plans to extract linen fibre from flax they have grown. Which part of the flax plant will they process to obtain the fibre?

   A. Seed pod

   B. Leaf

   C. Root

   D. Stem

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   6 marks

   Draw a table to show one household article made from each of the following fibres and one characteristic of the fibre that makes it suitable for that article: sisal, cotton and acrylic. (6 marks)

   (6 marks)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Linen is preferred to most other fibres for making glass cloths because it

   A. stretches to wrap easily around the glasses

   B. resists creasing when washed and folded often

   C. becomes softer and weaker each time it is wet

   D. absorbs moisture and leaves no fluff behind

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   5 marks

   (a) State two safety precautions a learner should take when carrying out a burning test in the Home Science laboratory. (2 marks)

   (b) Describe three observations a learner would make when a sample of pure cotton is burnt. (3 marks)

   (5 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any two, 1 mark each (2 marks): - Hold the sample with tongs or forceps, never with the fingers. - Burn only a small sample over a non-flammable tray, tile or sand. - Keep flammable materials such as fabric, paper and spirit bottles away from the flame. - Tie back long hair and roll up loose sleeves. - Work in a well-ventilated room and do not inhale the fumes. - Keep water, sand or a fire blanket close by, and put out the flame immediately after the test. (b) Any three, 1 mark each (3 marks): - It catches fire easily and burns quickly with a bright yellow flame. - It does not melt or shrink away from the flame. - It gives off a smell like burning paper. - It continues to glow (afterglow) after the flame is removed. - It leaves a small amount of soft, light grey, feathery ash.

7. Question 7

   4 marks

   Describe how each of the following physical tests is carried out and what it shows about a fibre:

   (a) the crease test (2 marks)

   (b) the wet-strength test (2 marks)

   (4 marks)

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8. Question 8

   4 marks

   Polycotton, a blend of polyester and cotton, is widely used for school shirts in Kenya. Explain one advantage that each fibre contributes to the blended fabric. (4 marks)

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Polyester: any one advantage, 1 mark for the property and 1 mark for the explanation (2 marks): - Strength and durability: the shirt withstands frequent washing and rough wear. - Crease resistance: the shirt stays neat and needs little ironing. - Quick drying: the shirt can be washed and dried overnight. - Keeps its shape and does not shrink: the shirt fits well after many washes. Cotton: any one advantage, 1 mark for the property and 1 mark for the explanation (2 marks): - Absorbency: it absorbs sweat, so the shirt is comfortable in hot weather. - Coolness and air flow: it keeps the wearer cool during a long school day. - Softness: it feels comfortable against the skin. - Reduces static: the shirt clings less and attracts less dirt than pure polyester.

9. Question 9

   1 mark

   In a chemical test, a fibre sample placed in hot 5% sodium hydroxide solution dissolves completely. Which pair of fibres could the sample be?

   A. Viscose rayon or cotton

   B. Polyester or acrylic

   C. Cotton or linen

   D. Wool or silk

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    4 marks

    Distinguish between:

    (a) a fibre and a yarn (2 marks)

    (b) staple fibres and filament fibres (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    During a burning test, a fibre melts and shrinks away from the flame, gives off black, sooty smoke and leaves a hard bead that cannot be crushed. The fibre is most likely

    A. Polyester

    B. Wool

    C. Cotton

    D. Viscose rayon

    (1 mark)

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