CXC CSEC Building Technology — Paper 2 (Structured and Extended Response)

Total marks: 90 · Duration: 135 minutes

Instructions to candidates

Answer ALL questions in Section A and Section B, and ONE question in Section C.
Credit is given for accurate knowledge, correct technical terms, clear explanation and use of sketches where helpful.
Calculators may be used.

Paper

Section A — Materials and Processes (40 marks)

1. (a) State the difference between hardwood and softwood, giving one example of each. (4 marks) (b) Explain what is meant by seasoning timber and give two reasons why it is done. (4 marks) (c) Name two defects found in timber and describe how each affects its use. (4 marks)

2. (a) List the ingredients used to make concrete. (3 marks) (b) Explain why concrete is reinforced with steel. (3 marks) (c) Explain the purpose of curing concrete. (2 marks)

3. (a) Define a course and a bond in bricklaying. (2 marks) (b) Explain why the vertical joints in a brick wall are staggered. (2 marks) (c) Name two tools used by a bricklayer and state the use of each. (4 marks)

Section B — Services, Drawing and Safety (25 marks)

4. (a) Explain the function of a trap (U-bend) in a drainage system. (3 marks) (b) State why drainage pipes are laid with a slight slope. (2 marks)

5. (a) Name the three conductors in a domestic circuit and give the colour and function of each. (6 marks) (b) Explain the purpose of a fuse or circuit breaker. (2 marks)

6. (a) State two items of personal protective equipment (PPE) and what each protects. (4 marks) (b) Describe the steps of a simple risk assessment on a construction site. (4 marks) (c) State two ways good housekeeping improves site safety. (2 marks)

Section C — Extended Response (answer ONE question, 25 marks)

7. Describe how a simple concrete strip foundation is constructed, from excavation to curing, and explain the purpose of a foundation. (25 marks)

8. Discuss sustainable (green) construction, describing three green building practices suitable for the Caribbean and explaining their benefits. (25 marks)

Mark Scheme (key points)

1 (a) hardwood = broad-leaved/deciduous (e.g. mahogany); softwood = coniferous (e.g. pine), with examples (4). (b) seasoning = drying to reduce moisture (2); reasons: stability, strength, resists rot/warping (2). (c) two defects (warping, knots, splits) with effects (4). 2 (a) cement, water, aggregate (3). (b) steel provides tensile strength which concrete lacks (3). (c) curing keeps it moist so cement hydrates and gains strength (2). 3 (a) course = one horizontal layer; bond = overlapping pattern (2). (b) staggered joints spread the load / strengthen the wall (2). (c) two tools (trowel, spirit level, line) with uses (4).

4 (a) the water seal in the trap stops foul drain gases entering the building (3). (b) so waste flows away by gravity / prevents blockage (2). 5 (a) live (brown, carries supply); neutral (blue, completes circuit); earth (green/yellow, safety) (6). (b) breaks the circuit on overload to prevent overheating/fire (2). 6 (a) two PPE items with what each protects (4). (b) identify hazards → assess risks → control measures → review (4). (c) prevents slips/trips/falls; keeps exits clear (2).

7 / 8 — Extended response (25, levels):

Level 4 (19–25): Detailed, correctly sequenced answer with accurate technical terms and clear explanation (e.g. excavate → reinforcement/formwork → pour and compact → cure; purpose = spread the load). For Q8, three relevant practices with developed benefits.

Level 3 (13–18): Good description with minor gaps.

Level 2 (7–12): Some correct points, limited sequence/explanation.

Level 1 (1–6): Few relevant points.

Sample Answers with Examiner Commentary

Question 7 — Sample Answers

Grade I (Distinction) answer (extract) "The purpose of a foundation is to spread the load of the building safely onto the ground so that the structure does not sink or settle unevenly. To construct a strip foundation, the position is set out and a trench is excavated to a depth suited to the soil and load. Any steel reinforcement and formwork are then placed where needed. Concrete (cement, aggregate and water) is poured and compacted to remove air pockets and ensure it is solid. Finally, the concrete is cured — kept moist for several days — so the cement hydrates and the foundation gains full strength before the walls are built on it." Mark: 23/25. Examiner commentary: The purpose is stated and all the stages are correctly sequenced with accurate technical terms (excavation, reinforcement, compaction, curing). This detailed, well-explained answer is firmly Level 4.

Grade III (Pass) answer (extract) "You dig a trench and fill it with concrete to hold the wall up. The concrete has to dry before you build on it." Mark: 11/25. Examiner commentary: The basic idea is correct but underdeveloped — there is no mention of compaction, reinforcement/formwork, proper curing (not just 'drying'), or a clear statement of how a foundation spreads the load. Developing each stage would reach Level 3/4.

Question 5(a) — Sample Answer