Non-Metallic Materials

20 Grade 7 Pre-Technical Studies questions on Non-Metallic Materials, with worked marking schemes. 20 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Reusing an old plastic bucket to store grains instead of throwing it away is an example of:

   A. Manufacturing new plastic

   B. Rusting

   C. Recycling by melting

   D. Reusing to conserve the environment

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   4 marks

   State one suitable use for each of the following non-metallic materials, based on its properties: (a) glass (b) rubber (c) plastic (d) clay.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Glass - making windows/tumblers/bottles (transparent) (1). (b) Rubber - making tyres/shoe soles/elastic bands (elastic) (1). (c) Plastic - making buckets/basins/tanks/packaging (light, waterproof) (1). (d) Clay - making pots/bricks/tiles (mouldable when wet) (1). Total 4 marks. Accept any valid use per material.

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Which property makes rubber suitable for making tyres and shoe soles?

   A. It is hard and brittle

   B. It rusts easily

   C. It is elastic and flexible

   D. It is a good conductor of electricity

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   6 marks

   Explain three ways in which non-metallic materials differ from metallic materials.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three explained (2 marks each): Conductivity - non-metals are mostly poor conductors of heat/electricity while metals conduct well; Appearance - metals are usually shiny/lustrous while many non-metals are dull; Magnetism - metals such as iron are magnetic while non-metals are not; Malleability - metals can be beaten into shape while many non-metals like glass are brittle; Rusting - metals such as iron rust while non-metals do not rust. Award 1 for point + 1 for explanation. Total 6 marks.

5. Question 5

   1 mark

   A learner needs a material for the handle of a cooking pot so that it does not get too hot to hold. Which non-metallic material is MOST suitable?

   A. Plastic, because it is a poor conductor of heat

   B. Iron, because it conducts heat quickly

   C. Aluminium, because it heats up fast

   D. Copper, because it conducts heat well

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   Which non-metallic material is MOST suitable for making the handle of a cooking pot so that it does not get too hot to hold?

   A. Aluminium

   B. Copper

   C. Steel

   D. Plastic or wood

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   A learner is advised to handle broken glass carefully. This is MAINLY because glass is:

   A. Magnetic

   B. Brittle and has sharp edges when broken

   C. Elastic and stretchy

   D. A good conductor of heat

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   A craftsman needs a material that is transparent and can be moulded when heated to make drinking tumblers and windows. Which non-metallic material suits this?

   A. Timber

   B. Rubber

   C. Glass

   D. Leather

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   4 marks

   Give four examples of non-metallic materials commonly used in the home.

   (4 marks)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A farmer wants a cheap, light and waterproof material to make a water storage tank. Which non-metallic material is MOST appropriate?

    A. Wood

    B. Plastic

    C. Clay tile

    D. Cotton cloth

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    3 marks

    A learner is to make a project using wood. State three safety precautions to observe when working with wood and sharp tools.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three (1 mark each): keep tools sharp and use them correctly; cut away from the body; wear protective gear e.g. gloves/goggles where needed; keep the work area tidy; store tools safely after use; hold the wood firmly in a vice/clamp; ask the teacher when unsure. Total 3 marks.

12. Question 12

    4 marks

    Define the term 'non-metallic material' and give two general properties common to most of them.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Definition (2 marks): non-metallic materials are materials that are not metals and generally do not have metallic properties. Two properties (1 mark each): poor conductors of heat and electricity; not magnetic; do not rust; often dull (not shiny); many are brittle or flexible depending on type. Total 4 marks.

13. Question 13

    4 marks

    Plastic waste is a major environmental problem in Kenya.

    (a) State two problems caused by careless disposal of plastics.

    (b) Suggest two ways of managing plastic waste.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Two problems (1 mark each): blocks drainage causing floods; harms/kills animals that swallow it; pollutes soil and water; unsightly/litters the environment; does not decompose easily. (b) Two management ways (1 mark each): recycling into new products; reusing containers; reducing use of single-use plastics; proper disposal in designated bins; banning plastic carrier bags. Total 4 marks.

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    Which non-metallic material is traditionally moulded when wet and then fired to make pots and bricks?

    A. Plastic

    B. Rubber

    C. Clay

    D. Glass

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    Which of the following waste items would BEST be recycled to reduce environmental pollution?

    A. Used plastic bottles

    B. Clean air

    C. Sunlight

    D. Fresh drinking water

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Timber (wood) obtained from trees is used to make furniture mainly because it is:

    A. A good conductor of electricity

    B. Transparent

    C. Easy to cut, shape and join

    D. Magnetic

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    4 marks

    A learner is asked to choose between a wooden board and a plastic sheet for making a small kitchen chopping surface.

    (a) State whether wood and plastic are metallic or non-metallic materials. (2 marks)

    (b) Give one advantage of plastic over wood for use as a chopping surface in a kitchen. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    Which one of the following is a non-metallic material?

    A. Iron

    B. Plastic

    C. Copper

    D. Aluminium

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    A workshop needs a material to make a lightweight, waterproof basin that will not rust. Which non-metallic material is the best choice?

    A. Mild steel

    B. Plastic

    C. Copper

    D. Aluminium

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a common characteristic of most non-metallic materials?

    A. They are all metals in disguise

    B. They are always shiny and magnetic

    C. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity

    D. They conduct electricity very well

    (1 mark)

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