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Swimming

20 Grade 8 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Swimming, with worked marking schemes. 20 questions are available on this topic in full.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    A learner swims on their back, moving the arms in an alternating windmill action while performing a flutter kick and keeping the face out of the water. Which stroke is this?

    A. Breaststroke

    B. Butterfly

    C. Front crawl

    D. Backstroke

    (1 mark)

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  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    A learner takes a shower before getting into the school pool. Why are swimmers asked to shower before entering the water?

    A. To keep the pool water clean and hygienic

    B. To remove the need for goggles

    C. To warm the pool water

    D. To make their strokes faster

    (1 mark)

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  3. Question 3

    4 marks

    Your school is starting swimming lessons at a community pool. As a Grade 8 learner, you are reminded that safety must come first before any stroke is learned.

    (a) State THREE safety rules a learner should observe at the swimming pool. (3 marks)

    (b) Explain why warming up before entering the water is important. (1 mark)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any THREE safety rules, for example: - Never swim alone; always swim under the supervision of a lifeguard, teacher or instructor. - Do not run on the wet poolside, as it is slippery and can cause falls. - Do not dive into shallow water or water of unknown depth. - Do not push, dunk or play rough games in the water. - Do not swim immediately after eating a heavy meal. - Learn and obey all pool rules and signs; enter the water gradually. (b) Warming up before entering the water raises the body temperature, loosens the muscles and joints, and improves blood circulation. This prevents muscle cramps and injuries (such as strains) while swimming.

  4. Question 4

    5 marks

    A Grade 8 class is going for their first swimming lesson at a local pool. Before they enter the water, the instructor emphasises safety.

    (a) State THREE safety rules the learners should observe at the swimming pool. (3 marks)

    (b) Explain why learners are advised NOT to swim immediately after eating a heavy meal. (2 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any THREE safety rules (1 mark each): - Never swim alone; always swim with a partner or under the supervision of a qualified instructor/lifeguard. - Do not run around the poolside (the wet floor is slippery and can cause falls). - Do not dive into shallow water or water of unknown depth. - Do warm-up exercises before entering the water. - Enter the water gradually rather than jumping in suddenly. - Do not push or play rough games in the water; obey the instructor. - Know your depth limit; non-swimmers stay in the shallow end. (b) Swimming immediately after a heavy meal can cause abdominal discomfort or stomach cramps, because the body diverts blood to the stomach for digestion. The discomfort can make swimming difficult and reduce performance, so learners are advised to wait a while until the meal has settled. (2 marks)

  5. Question 5

    4 marks

    A swimmer notices a classmate has swallowed water and is struggling near the edge of the pool.

    (a) State TWO safe ways a bystander can help without endangering themselves. (2 marks)

    (b) Explain why a weak swimmer should NOT jump in to rescue the struggling person. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any two (1 mark each): reach out with a hand/pole/towel from the poolside; throw a floating object (ring, rope, empty container) for the person to hold; call/shout for a lifeguard or adult help. (b) A panicking, struggling person may grab and pull the rescuer under, so both may drown; therefore reach or throw rather than enter the water, especially if you are not a strong or trained swimmer (2 marks).

  6. Question 6

    1 mark

    A learner is learning a swimming stroke in which both arms move together over the water and the legs perform a 'dolphin kick'. Which swimming stroke is being described?

    A. Front crawl (freestyle)

    B. Backstroke

    C. Breaststroke

    D. Butterfly

    (1 mark)

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  7. Question 7

    1 mark

    Before a swimming lesson at the school pool, the teacher explains safety rules to the learners. Which of the following is the most important safety practice to observe?

    A. Eating a heavy meal just before swimming

    B. Diving into water of unknown depth

    C. Never swimming alone and always having a lifeguard present

    D. Swimming during a thunderstorm

    (1 mark)

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  8. Question 8

    4 marks

    During a lesson, learners compare two strokes: the breaststroke and the front crawl.

    (a) Describe the arm action of the breaststroke. (2 marks)

    (b) State ONE way the leg (kick) action of breaststroke differs from that of the front crawl. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

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  9. Question 9

    1 mark

    A poolside notice lists rules. Which rule most directly reduces the risk of drowning for weak swimmers?

    A. Swim only in the afternoon

    B. Never swim alone; always swim with a partner or under supervision

    C. Enter the pool head first only

    D. Always wear goggles

    (1 mark)

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  10. Question 10

    6 marks

    A Grade 8 class is beginning a swimming unit and the instructor stresses water safety and confidence.

    (a) State THREE water-confidence skills a beginner should learn before attempting a full stroke. (3 marks)

    (b) Explain why each of these skills is important for a beginner. (3 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any three (1 mark each): entering/getting into the water safely, floating (front and back), breath control/blowing bubbles, submerging/opening eyes, gliding, treading water/recovering to standing. (b) A matching reason for each (1 mark each), e.g. floating builds confidence and lets a tired swimmer rest and stay safe; breath control lets the swimmer breathe rhythmically without panic; gliding teaches body position for efficient movement; recovering to standing lets a beginner stop safely.

  11. Question 11

    1 mark

    During swimming, front crawl is generally regarded as the fastest of the common strokes. What feature of the front crawl mainly makes it fast?

    A. A slow frog-like whip kick

    B. Continuous alternating arm pulls combined with a steady flutter kick

    C. Both arms recovering over the water at the same time

    D. Swimming on the back with the face up

    (1 mark)

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  12. Question 12

    1 mark

    A swimming instructor describes a stroke where the swimmer lies face down and performs alternating overarm movements with a flutter kick. Which stroke is being described?

    A. Breaststroke

    B. Backstroke

    C. Front crawl (freestyle)

    D. Butterfly

    (1 mark)

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  13. Question 13

    1 mark

    A teacher warns learners not to enter the pool immediately after eating a heavy meal. What is the main reason for this precaution?

    A. It can cause stomach cramps and discomfort in the water

    B. It slows down the chlorine

    C. It makes the water dirty

    D. It reduces buoyancy of the body

    (1 mark)

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  14. Question 14

    1 mark

    Learners are taught to warm up and do stretches before entering the pool. What is the main benefit of warming up before swimming?

    A. It replaces the need to shower

    B. It cools the body before the cold water

    C. It prepares the muscles and reduces the risk of cramps and injury

    D. It makes the water level rise

    (1 mark)

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  15. Question 15

    1 mark

    A swimmer sees another learner struggling in the water. According to safe rescue practice, what should a bystander do FIRST?

    A. Splash water to distract them

    B. Reach or throw a floating object to the person and call for help

    C. Ignore it and continue swimming

    D. Jump straight in and grab the person

    (1 mark)

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  16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Before entering deep water, beginners are taught to float and to recover to a standing position. Why is learning to float an important early swimming skill?

    A. It builds confidence and helps a swimmer stay safe and rest in the water

    B. It makes the swimmer move faster than any stroke

    C. It removes the need to learn any strokes

    D. It keeps the hair dry

    (1 mark)

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  17. Question 17

    6 marks

    A school is drawing up rules for its new swimming pool to keep learners safe.

    (a) Suggest FOUR safety rules that should appear on the poolside notice. (4 marks)

    (b) Give ONE reason why learners should warm up before entering the water. (2 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any four (1 mark each): never swim alone/always swim under supervision; do not run on the poolside; do not push or dunk others; shower before entering; do not swim immediately after a heavy meal; do not dive into shallow water; obey the lifeguard/teacher; know your depth and stay within your ability. (b) Warming up and stretching prepare the muscles for activity and reduce the risk of cramps and muscle injury in the cold water (2 marks).

  18. Question 18

    1 mark

    In a swimming lesson, a learner pulls both arms outward and together in a heart-shaped motion while performing a frog-like (whip) kick, with the head lifting to breathe at the front. Which stroke is being described?

    A. Butterfly

    B. Front crawl

    C. Breaststroke

    D. Backstroke

    (1 mark)

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  19. Question 19

    1 mark

    A learner wears a soft rubber ring and a life jacket during their first lesson. What is the main purpose of these items?

    A. To keep the swimmer warm only

    B. To provide buoyancy and keep the beginner afloat safely

    C. To make the swimmer sink for diving practice

    D. To help the swimmer swim faster in a race

    (1 mark)

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  20. Question 20

    1 mark

    Before a swimming lesson at the pool, the teacher insists every learner walks rather than runs on the poolside. What is the main reason for this safety rule?

    A. To save energy for swimming

    B. To prevent slipping and falling on the wet surface

    C. To keep the pool clean

    D. To warm up the muscles

    (1 mark)

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