2018 WAEC Agricultural Science Practical Questions
Below are Agricultural Science Practical Questions For WAEC 2018
Question 1
(a) State the major element contained in each of specimens A, B and C. [3 marks]
(b) Give three uses of specimens A and B. [6 marks]
(c) Explain three ways in which specimen C is important in agriculture. [3 marks]
OBSERVATION: This question was popular with the candidates. In lea), majority of the candidates were able to state the major element in specimens A (Potassium), B (Carbon) and C (Calcium). Further to this, most of the candidates could explain ways in which Specimen C (Calcium) is important in agriculture as demanded in l(c). However, many candidates were unable to describe the physical differences between specimens B (Carbon) and C (Calcium) as requested in led).
The expected answers include:
- Description of physical differences between specimens Band C
- Specimen B is black in colour while specimen C is creamy/white/light grey in colour
- Specimen C has distinct crystals and layers while Specimen B does not have
- Specimen B is amorphous while Specimen C is crystalline
- Specimen C is harder than Specimen B
- Specimen C is heavier than Specimen B
This question was well attempted by the candidates. In 3(a), some of the candidates were unable to
identity specimen M (Coconut), N (Sweet pepper) and 0 (Sweet orange) by their scientific name.
However, in 3(b)(i and ii), majority of the candidates could name pest and disease that attack the crop
from which specimen 0 (Sweet orange) is obtained and state the control measure for the pest and disease
mentioned. In addition to this, most of the candidates were able to mention the uses of specimen M
(Coconut) as demanded in 3(c).
Nevertheless, in 3(d), many of the candidates were unable to state methods of preserving specimen N
(Sweet pepper).
The expected answers include:
Identification of specimens M, N, and 0 by their common names and their scientific names
Specimen Common Names Scientific name
M Cocount Cocos nucifera
N Sweet pepper Capscium annum
O Sweet orange Citrus sinensis/citrus spp.
Methods of preserving specimen N (Sweet pepper)
Refrigeration
Prickling
Freeze-drying
Sun-drying/drying
Question 2
i. Mention the field operation that could be performed using specimens G, H, I and J. [1 mark]
ii. Name three other equipment that may be added to specimens G, H, I and J to perform the operation you have mentioned in 2(a) (i). [3 marks]
iii. State one precaution that should be taken when using specimen J. [1 mark]
State two uses of each of specimens K and L [4 marks]
State two structural differences between specimens K and L. [4 marks]
Mention two problems that could result from leaving specimen L on the field after use. [2 marks]
OBSERVATION: This question was fairly attempted by many candidates. In 2(a) (i), many candidates could mention the field operation that could be performed using specimens G (Ranging pole), H (Measuring tape), I (Pin) and J (Garden line). However, in 2(a) (ii), majority of the candidates could not name the other equipment that may be added to specimen G (Ranging pole), H (Measuring tape), I (Pin) and J (Garden line) to perform the operation mentioned in 2(a) (i). Similarly in 2(a) (iii), many candidates were unable to state the precaution that should be taken when using specimen J (Garden line).
a) Identify specimens M, N and 0 by their common names and their scientific names. [6 marks]
(b) (i) Name one pest and one disease that attack the crop from which specimen 0 is obtained. [2 marks']
(ii) State one control measure for each of the pest and disease mentioned [2 marks]
3(b(i). Mention three uses of specimen M. State two methods of preserving specimen N. [3 marks]
(a) Identify specimens M, N and 0 by their common names and their scientific names. [6 marks]
(b) (i) Name one pest and one disease that attack the crop from which specimen 0 is obtained. [2 marks']
(ii) State one control measure for each of the pest and disease mentioned [2 marks]
3(b(i). Mention three uses of specimen M. [3 marks]
State two methods of preserving specimen N. [2 marks]
OBSERVATION
The expected answers include:
Ways by which specimen P is adapted to survive in the host:
Head/scolex has suckers and hooks for firm attachment to host.
Head/scolex for sucking the nutrients and blood from host.
Has many segments/proglottids which have complete reproductive structures. These increase their survival.
They have both male and female reproductive structures, which favours self fertilization.
They secrete chemicals which ensure their freedom from digestive enzymes of host.
Nutrients are absorbed by all surfaces of the body/large surface area.
Formation of cysts around the bladderworm, ensuring the survival of the bladderworm in the reproductive cycle.
The proglottids contain several eggs which increase possibility of survival; even if several perish, many will still survive.
Body covered with tough cuticle which resists digestion by the host.
Question 4
(a) Identify specimens P, Q and R. [2 marks]
(b) Name the part of the host where each of specimens P, Q and Rean be found. [2 marks]
(c) Mention three ways by which specimen P is adapted to survive in the host. [3marks] .
(d) State three effects of specimen Q on the host. [3 marks]
(e) List four diseases transmitted by specimen R. [2 marks]
.(f) State four control measures of specimen R. [4 marks]
OBSERVATION: This question was popular with the candidates. In 4(a) and (b), majority of the candidates could identify specimens P (Tapeworm), Q (Liver fluke) and R (Tick) and name the part of the host where specimens P (Intestine of host), Q (Inside the liver/bile duct) and R (skinlhody of host) can be found. However, in 4(c), many of the candidates could mention ways by which specimen P (Tapeworm) is adapted to survive in the host. In 4( d), most of the candidates could state the effects of specimen Q (Liver fluke) on the host. In addition to this, in 4(e) and (f), majority of the candidates were able to list diseases transmitted by specimen R (Tick) and state control measures of specimen R (Tick).
The expected answers include: Ways by which specimen P is adapted to survive in the host: Head/scolex has suckers and hooks for firm attachment to host. Head/scolex for sucking the nutrients and blood from host. Has many segments/proglottids which have complete reproductive structures. These increase their survival. They have both male and female reproductive structures, which favours self fertilization. They secrete chemicals which ensure their freedom from digestive enzymes of host. Nutrients are absorbed by all surfaces of the body/large surface area. Formation of cysts around the bladderworm, ensuring the survival of the bladderworm in the reproductive cycle. The proglottids contain several eggs which increase possibility of survival; even if several perish, many will still survive. Body covered with tough cuticle which resists digestion by the host
Other equipment that may be added to specimens G, H, I and J to perform the operation
mentioned in 2(a) (i)
Leveling staff
Abney level
Theodolite
Prismatic compass
Gunter's chain/metric 'chain/engineer's chain
Offset staff/pin
Other equipment that may be added to specimens G, H, I and J to perform the operation mentioned in 2(a) (i)
Leveling staff
Abney level
Theodolite
Prismatic compass
Gunter's chain/metric 'chain/engineer's chain
Offset staff/pin
Precaution that should be taken when using specimen J (Garden line)
Do not drag/rub against rough surfaces/edges
Do not pull too hard when taking measurement to avoid damage/snapping
Properly tie to the pole to avoid accidental release when in use and to ensure accurate readings
Must be straight and horizontal for accurate measurements