PSLE Social Studies

How to use PSLE Social Studies past papers

The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is the national examination taken at the end of primary school in Botswana.

Social Studies asks you to remember facts and also to explain how people, places and events are connected. Past papers show how examiners phrase questions and how detailed answers need to be.

Look for questions on history, geography, government and citizenship, and on maps, sources and data.

At primary level, short and regular practice works better than long sessions. Work through one paper section at a time, ideally with a parent, guardian or teacher who can help you understand the questions you miss.

Study tips

• Learn key terms, dates, places and names, and test yourself with short quizzes.
• Practise reading maps, charts and short sources, and write what each one shows.
• For longer questions, give a point, support it with an example, then explain why it matters.
• Link topics together, for example how location affects the way people live and work.
• Check the marks for each question. They tell you how many points to include.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Giving one point when the marks show that several are needed.
• Mixing up dates, names or places.
• Writing general statements without examples.

This is general study guidance and not an official syllabus. Always check your current syllabus and exam requirements with your school or the examination board.

Frequently asked questions