BECE 2021 RME Past Question and Answers
Answer all questions in this section.
Each question is followed by four options lettered A to D. Find the correct answer for each question.
1. Which of the following options is the main role of Asafo companies?
Solution: Asafo companies are traditional military groups in some Ghanaian societies, primarily responsible for defending the community, though they may also participate in ceremonies.
2. According to the Ewe myth on creation, Mawu could not create more human beings because
Solution: In the Ewe creation myth, Mawu (the creator) stopped making humans due to the scarcity of clay, the material used for creation.
3. Which of these creations of God provides security and protection for man?
Solution: Dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, often guarding homes and properties.
4. The Patriarch who took his brother's birth right and blessings was
Solution: In the Bible, Jacob deceived his brother Esau to obtain his birthright and their father Isaac's blessing (Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-29).
5. Proper use of leisure helps the individual to
Solution: Leisure activities are meant to refresh and entertain, helping to alleviate boredom and stress.
6. The Kundum festival is celebrated by the
Solution: The Kundum festival is a traditional harvest celebration of the Nzema people in Ghana.
7. Repentance promotes peace in society when the sinner
Solution: True repentance involves ceasing the wrongful behavior, which fosters peace and reconciliation.
8. In traditional societies, anything that is forbidden is regarded as
Solution: Taboos are prohibitions rooted in cultural or religious beliefs to maintain social order.
9. To cut down on funeral expenses, the family must
Solution: Early burial reduces costs associated with preservation and prolonged ceremonies.
10. The Gye Nyame symbol represents God's
Solution: "Gye Nyame" (meaning "Except for God") symbolizes the supremacy and omnipotence of God in Akan culture.
11. The extended family is important because it provides
Solution: Extended families offer guidance, support, and counseling to members, reinforcing communal values.
12. A courteous student is many a time
Solution: Courtesy involves patience and tolerance in interactions with others.
13. To achieve success in examination, one has to engage in
Solution: Diligence and consistent effort (hard work) are key to academic success.
14. Living a decent life can earn you
Solution: Decency in behavior garners respect from others in society.
15. Chastity before marriage ensures
Solution: Chastity fosters trust and mutual respect in marital relationships.
16. Healthy relationship among family members promotes
Solution: Strong family bonds nurture moral and spiritual growth in individuals.
17. The saying that money flies imply, money
Solution: The phrase highlights how quickly money can be depleted if not managed carefully.
18. One way of showing commitment to God is by
Solution: Engaging with religious texts demonstrates devotion and understanding of divine teachings.
19. To relax and recover lost energy, one needs to
Solution: Adequate leisure time is essential for mental and physical rejuvenation.
20. Muslims are to make pilgrimage to Mecca at least
Solution: Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is obligatory for every able Muslim at least once in their lifetime.
21. A practice that is common to the three major religions in Ghana is
Solution: Christianity, Islam, and Traditional African religions all emphasize regular prayer as a spiritual practice.
22. The Muslim woman puts on veil in order to
Solution: The veil (hijab) is worn for modesty and to limit public exposure, aligning with Islamic teachings.
23. Students obey the commandments of God to portray His
Solution: Obedience to divine commandments reflects God's love and guidance in believers' lives.
24. Good deeds are rewarded to
Solution: Rewarding good deeds motivates others to adopt positive behaviors.
25. Muslims believe that God's messages to his prophet were declared through His
Solution: In Islam, angels (e.g., Gabriel) are intermediaries for delivering divine revelations to prophets.
26. Greeting one another is good because it
Solution: Greetings foster goodwill and strengthen social bonds, promoting love and unity.
27. To communicate to the object of worship on behalf of someone, one has to offer a prayer of
Solution: Intercessory prayer involves pleading or praying on behalf of others.
28. Money must be carefully handed because it
Solution: The phrase "money flies" underscores the ease with which money can be lost or spent carelessly.
29. Girls who undergo puberty rites often get good husbands because responsible men
Solution: Puberty rites emphasize moral and cultural training, making participants more desirable partners.
30. People who are committed to the defense and development of the society are described as
Solution: Patriots are individuals dedicated to the welfare and progress of their nation.
31. The ban on noise-making before Homowo is to ensure that
Solution: The quiet period allows for spiritual reflection and preparation for the festival.
32. A situation that cannot result in death is
Solution: Fasting, when done correctly, is a temporary practice and not inherently fatal.
33. One virtue that can be emulated from the lives of Egya Ahor and Tweneboa Kodua is
Solution: These figures are celebrated in Ghanaian history for their diligence and sacrifices.
34. The rite which ushers the individual into adulthood is
Solution: Puberty rites mark the transition from childhood to adulthood in many cultures.
35. To become a successful leader, one must learn to be
Solution: Tolerance is crucial for leaders to manage diverse perspectives and conflicts effectively.
36. Failure to do classwork can affect one's performance and result in punishment such as
Solution: Reprimands are common disciplinary measures for academic negligence.
37. The seeds that fell along the path in the Parable of the Sower were
Solution: In the parable (Matthew 13:4), birds devoured the seeds on the path, symbolizing unresponsive listeners.
38. To avoid drug abuse, the student must
Solution: Peer influence is a major factor in substance abuse; avoiding negative associations is key to prevention.
39. At Eidul-Fitr, Muslims thank God for
Solution: Eidul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual growth.
40. Ghanaians can live together peacefully if they
Solution: Mutual respect for diverse religious beliefs fosters harmony in a multicultural society
1. (a) Narrate how God created lights according to the Bible.
(b) State four responsibilities of man towards God's creation.
Solutions for Question 1
(a) How God created lights according to the Bible:
On the first day, God created light while the earth was still formless, empty, and covered in darkness.
Before creation, the world was void, and darkness covered everything until God’s Spirit moved over the waters.
God commanded, "Let there be light," and light appeared.
He separated the light from the darkness, naming the light "day" and the darkness "night."
On the fourth day, God created the sun, moon, and stars to govern day and night.
The sun was assigned to rule the day, while the moon and stars illuminated the night.
These celestial bodies were also meant to mark seasons, times, and signs.
God observed that the light He made was good.
(b) Responsibilities of man towards God's creation:
Reproduction: Humans are tasked with procreation to ensure the continuation of life.
Farming: Cultivating the land provides food and resources necessary for survival.
Animal husbandry: Raising livestock supplies additional needs such as food, clothing, and labor.
Conservation: Protecting plant and animal species, as well as practicing afforestation, preserves biodiversity.
Environmental care: Preventing pollution of water bodies and maintaining cleanliness ensures sustainability.
2. (a) Outline four moral teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
(b) State four ways by which you can apply the moral teachings in (a) above in your daily life.
Solutions for Question 2
(a) Moral teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
Patience: Muslims should endure annoyances without anger.
Courage: Believers must face hardships with resilience, trusting in Allah.
Humility: Avoid arrogance and pride; remain modest in conduct.
Steadfastness: Rely on Allah during difficulties, maintaining faith.
Cleanliness: Maintain personal and environmental hygiene, especially before prayers.
Avoiding evil: Steer clear of sins like lying, theft, and violence.
Justice: Act fairly and bear witness with equity.
Mercy: Show kindness and compassion to others.
Chastity: Abstain from adultery and fornication to uphold dignity.
Controlling anger: Suppress rage and respond with calmness.
Respect for parents: Be charitable and dutiful toward parents.
Rejecting bribery: Avoid giving or accepting bribes, as both are condemned.
Truthfulness: Always speak the truth to please Allah.
Sincerity: Fear Allah and remain loyal in all actions.
Love: Treat others with the same care as oneself.
Faith: Believe in Allah, His angels, and His messengers.
Kindness: Assist the needy and show generosity.
Trustworthiness: Be reliable and honest in dealings.
(b) Application of the teachings in daily life:
Practice patience by tolerating others’ flaws without resentment.
Face challenges with courage, trusting Allah’s support.
Keep surroundings and body clean, especially before prayers.
Remain humble, avoiding boastfulness.
Depend on Allah during hardships without losing faith.
Treat everyone fairly, without bias.
Always speak the truth, even when difficult.
Help those in need with kindness.
Foster love and unity among peers.
Reject bribes and corrupt practices.
Manage emotions calmly when provoked.
Uphold the Five Pillars of Islam faithfully.
Forgive others and seek reconciliation.
Honor and respect parents.
Avoid immoral acts like adultery.
3. (a) State four factors that can be considered when choosing a name for a child.
(b) Explain four reasons for which naming ceremony is important in your community.
Solutions for Question 3
(a) Factors in choosing a child’s name:
Day of birth: Names may correspond to the weekday (e.g., Kwame for Saturday-born).
Family traditions: Ancestral or familial names may be passed down.
Circumstances of birth: Events or seasons (e.g., "Yeboah" for a child born on a Thursday).
Multiple births: Special names for twins or triplets (e.g., "Ata" for a twin).
Gender: Names are often gender-specific.
Birth order: Certain names denote position in the family (e.g., "Mensah" for a ninth child).
Religion: Names may reflect faith (e.g., Islamic or Christian names).
Ethnicity: Cultural or tribal names preserve heritage.
Virtues or aspirations: Names like "Nyamekye" (God’s gift) express gratitude.
Honoring figures: Children may be named after chiefs or respected individuals.
(b) Importance of naming ceremonies:
Formal introduction: Welcomes the child into the family and community.
Identity: Confirms the child’s name and human status.
Blessings: Invokes divine and ancestral favor for the child’s future.
Ancestral connection: Namesakes encourage emulation of virtuous ancestors.
Cultural preservation: Reinforces traditions and communal values.
Family legacy: Prevents family names from fading.
Social unity: Gathers relatives and friends, strengthening bonds.
Support for parents: Guests often contribute gifts or financial aid.
Moral foundation: Teaches values like truthfulness and hard work.
Legitimacy: Officially recognizes the child’s place in society.
4. (a) State four forms of greeting in your community.
(b) Identify four factors that should be considered when greeting someone.
(c) Highlight four moral benefits that can be derived from correct greetings.
Solutions for Question 4
(a) Forms of greeting:
Handshake: A common gesture to show respect and acknowledgment.
Hugging: Used among close friends and family to express warmth.
Waving: A friendly gesture, often from a distance.
Verbal exchange: Using phrases like "Good morning" or "How are you?"
Bowing/Kneeling: A sign of deep respect, especially to elders or authority figures.
Prostrating: Lying face down as a mark of reverence, often in traditional settings.
Squatting: A humble posture used in some cultures when greeting elders.
Saluting: A formal gesture, typically in military or disciplined environments.
(b) Factors to consider when greeting someone:
Age: Adjust the greeting based on whether the person is older, younger, or a peer.
Gender: Some cultures have specific greetings for men and women.
Time of day: Use appropriate phrases like "Good morning" or "Good evening."
Location: The setting (e.g., church, market, or home) may dictate the greeting style.
Authority: Show extra respect to leaders, chiefs, or religious figures.
Body language: Use the right hand or posture, as some cultures forbid certain gestures.
Familiarity: Tailor the greeting based on whether you know the person well.
Mood/Situation: Be sensitive to occasions like funerals or celebrations.
Religion: Respect religious customs, such as avoiding physical contact in some faiths.
(c) Moral benefits of correct greetings:
Cultural respect: Demonstrates adherence to societal norms and traditions.
Discipline and humility: Reflects good upbringing and moral training.
Peace and unity: Fosters harmony and reduces conflicts in communities.
Friendship: Strengthens relationships and encourages socialization.
Goodwill: Earns positive regard from others and opens doors for assistance.
Divine blessings: Elders and spiritual leaders may offer prayers or favors.
Trust: Eliminates suspicion and promotes mutual understanding.
Conversation starter: Eases communication and breaks the ice.
5. (a) Outline four benefits which Muslims can derive from their commitment to Allah.
(b) Explain four ways of demonstrating commitment in life.
Solutions for Question 5
(a) Benefits of commitment to Allah:
Closeness to Allah: Deepens spiritual connection and faith.
Inner peace: Provides comfort and joy amid life’s challenges.
Community bonds: Encourages fellowship with other believers.
Discipline: Instills punctuality through daily prayers and rituals.
Moral integrity: Guides adherents to live upright, virtuous lives.
Divine protection: Believers trust in Allah’s safeguarding.
Health and longevity: Cleanliness (e.g., ablution) promotes well-being.
Eternal reward: Ensures salvation and paradise in the afterlife.
(b) Ways to demonstrate commitment:
Duty fulfillment: Excel in responsibilities at school, work, or home.
Ethical living: Uphold honesty, hard work, and cooperation.
Social justice: Report crimes or corruption to authorities.
Environmental care: Maintain hygiene and protect natural resources.
National unity: Promote peace and respect among diverse groups.
Lawfulness: Support government policies and public property.
Resisting peer pressure: Avoid immoral acts despite external influences.
6. (a) Highlight four causes of substance abuse by students.
(b) Describe four ways in which substance abuse can be prevented.
Solutions for Question 6
(a) Causes of substance abuse:
Peer pressure: Influence from friends who use drugs.
Curiosity: Experimentation driven by adventure-seeking.
Family issues: Broken homes or neglectful parenting.
Stress: Emotional struggles like depression or low self-esteem.
Media influence: Glamorization of drugs in movies/music.
Accessibility: Easy availability of drugs in communities.
(b) Prevention measures:
Parental guidance: Provide love, supervision, and basic needs.
Education: Teach youth about drug dangers through campaigns.
Law enforcement: Strict penalties for drug dealers.
Rehabilitation: Support systems for recovery addicts.
Positive role models: Adults should abstain from drug use.
Recreational alternatives: Sports and arts to curb boredom.
7. (a) Identify four rules that are expected to be obeyed in your school.
(b) Explain four reasons for which hard work must be encouraged among people.
Solutions for Question 7
(a) School rules:
Respect teachers and prefects.
Participate in all school activities.
Avoid theft or vandalism.
Maintain punctuality and attendance.
(b) Importance of hard work:
Self-reliance: Reduces dependency on others.
Success: Leads to academic/career achievements.
Health: Keeps the mind and body active.
Divine favor: Aligns with God’s commandments.
8. (a) State four reasons for which cheating should not be encouraged in the community.
(b) Describe four functions which Religious Youth Organizations perform in your community.
Solutions for Question 8
(a) Reasons to discourage cheating:
Poor quality: Results in substandard work or services.
Unemployment: Unqualified hires displace skilled workers.
Corruption: Undermines trust in institutions.
Divine disapproval: Violates religious principles.
(b) Roles of Religious Youth Organizations:
Moral education: Teach values like honesty and love.
Leadership training: Prepare youth for future roles.
Community service: Organize clean-ups or charity work.
Spiritual growth: Encourage scripture study and prayer.