All Practice Exams
100+ Free BW PSLE Social Studies Practice Questions
Botswana Primary School Leaving Examination — Social Studies practice questions are available now; exam metadata is being verified.
✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
Not published by BEC Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free
Loading practice questions...
Same family resources
Explore More Botswana Primary School Leaving Examination
Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.
2026 Statistics
Key Facts: BW PSLE Social Studies Exam
100
Exam Questions
BEC PSLE Format
90 mins
Time Limit
BEC Guidelines
1895
Three Dikgosi Mission
Botswana History
30 Sept 1966
Independence Day
National Archives
5
National Principles
Kagisano Philosophy
Gaborone
SADC Secretariat Seat
SADC Treaty
The BEC PSLE Social Studies exam tests Standard 7 learners in Botswana on national history (Three Dikgosi, 1966 independence), traditional and modern governance (Kgotla, Parliament, Kagisano, Botho), physical geography (Kalahari, Okavango Delta), economic sectors (diamond mining, BMC beef production), and SADC regional cooperation headquartered in Gaborone. The 100 questions on this page are an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official BEC paper simulation.
Sample BW PSLE Social Studies Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your BW PSLE Social Studies exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Who were the earliest known human inhabitants of the area that is now modern-day Botswana?
A.The San (Basarwa)
B.The Batswana
C.The Bakgalagadi
D.The Ndebele
Explanation: The San, also known as Basarwa or Bushmen, are the earliest known indigenous inhabitants of Southern Africa, including Botswana. They lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers across the Kalahari for tens of thousands of years before Bantu-speaking pastoralists arrived. Their ancient culture and rock art remain a vital part of Botswana's heritage.
2During the Bantu migrations, which major language group settled in present-day Botswana to form the majority population?
A.Shona
B.Sotho-Tswana
C.Khoisan
D.Zulu
Explanation: The Sotho-Tswana people migrated into Southern Africa during the Bantu expansion, eventually splitting into various sub-groups including the Tswana merafe (tribes) of Botswana. They brought iron-working, crop cultivation, and cattle pastoralism to the region. Today, Batswana form the major cultural and linguistic group in the country.
3In which year was the Bechuanaland Protectorate officially declared by Great Britain?
A.1895
B.1966
C.1885
D.1920
Explanation: The Bechuanaland Protectorate was formally proclaimed by Britain in March 1885 following requests by Tswana Dikgosi and strategic British interests in Southern Africa. This protectorate status prevented annexation by neighbor Boer republics or German forces from South West Africa. It remained a British protectorate until full independence in 1966.
4Which three Tswana Dikgosi (Chiefs) famously traveled to London in 1895 to meet British officials?
A.Seretse Khama, Ketumile Masire, and Linchwe I
B.Sechele I, Moselekatse, and Lentswe II
C.Kgosi Kgafela, Kgosi Molefi, and Kgosi Bathoen II
D.Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I
Explanation: In 1895, Kgosi Khama III of the Bamangwato, Kgosi Sebele I of the Bakwena, and Kgosi Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse traveled to Great Britain. Their mission was to request direct protection under the British Crown rather than transfer control of Bechuanaland to Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company. Their campaign was successful, preserving Tswana territorial integrity.
5What was the PRIMARY goal of the Three Dikgosi when they petitioned Queen Victoria's government in 1895?
A.To prevent Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company (BSAC) from taking over their land
B.To secure immediate political independence from Britain
C.To sign a military alliance against the Ndebele kingdom
D.To demand financial compensation for mineral discoveries
Explanation: The main objective of Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I was to stop the British government from handing administration of Bechuanaland over to Cecil Rhodes's British South Africa Company (BSAC). They feared losing their tribal lands, traditional authority, and governance structure under company rule. Their successful mission ensured Bechuanaland remained directly under the British Colonial Office.
6Which British Colonial Secretary met with the Three Dikgosi in 1895 and agreed to maintain direct Crown protection?
A.Winston Churchill
B.Joseph Chamberlain
C.Cecil Rhodes
D.Lord Kitcheko
Explanation: Joseph Chamberlain served as the British Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1895 when the Three Dikgosi visited England. After public support for the chiefs grew across Britain, Chamberlain agreed to maintain direct Imperial protection over Bechuanaland, requiring the chiefs to yield only a narrow strip of land for the railway line.
7Where was the administrative capital of the Bechuanaland Protectorate located prior to 1965?
A.Gaborone
B.Francistown
C.Mafikeng (Mafeking)
D.Pretoria
Explanation: Uniquely in colonial history, the administrative capital of Bechuanaland was located outside its own borders in Mafikeng (now Mafikeg/Mahikeng), inside South Africa's Cape Province. Imperial officials administered Bechuanaland from Mafikeng until 1965 when the new capital of Gaborone was constructed within Botswana ahead of independence.
8Why was Gaborone chosen as the new capital city of Botswana in the 1960s?
A.It was the largest industrial hub at the time
B.It was the ancestral village of the first President
C.It had the largest gold and diamond mines in the territory
D.It had access to water, railway infrastructure, and was on neutral tribal land
Explanation: Gaborone (formerly Gaberones) was selected as the new capital in 1962 because it was strategically situated along the railway line, had potential water supply from the Notwane River, and was on Crown land (Crown Land Reserve), making it tribally neutral. Construction began in 1964 and government offices moved from Mafikeng in 1965.
9On which exact date did Botswana achieve political independence from Great Britain?
A.30th September 1966
B.25th May 1963
C.1st January 1970
D.12th December 1965
Explanation: Botswana officially became an independent sovereign republic on 30th September 1966, ending 81 years of British protectorate rule. Every year, 30th September is celebrated nationwide as Botswana Day (Boipuso). Sir Seretse Khama was sworn in as the nation's first President.
10Who was the founding President of the Republic of Botswana?
A.Sir Ketumile Masire
B.Sir Seretse Khama
C.Festus Mogae
D.Ian Khama
Explanation: Sir Seretse Khama was the founding President of Botswana, serving from independence in 1966 until his death in 1980. He led the nation out of extreme poverty into one of Africa's most stable democratic and prosperous countries, establishing strong democratic institutions and prudent mineral management.
About the BW PSLE Social Studies Practice Questions
Verified exam format metadata for Botswana Primary School Leaving Examination — Social Studies is pending. The practice questions above remain available while official exam length, timing, passing score, fee, and administrator details are reviewed.