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100+ Free LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) Practice Questions

Prepare for the Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education — Design and Technology (Syllabus 0189) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) Exam

0189

Official ECoL syllabus code

ECoL LGCSE Design and Technology syllabus

2 h 30 min

Paper 1 duration (tools, materials, processes)

ECoL LGCSE Design and Technology syllabus

50% / 50%

Paper 1 written / Paper 2 project weighting

ECoL LGCSE Design and Technology syllabus

60 + 40

Design folio + artefact marks (Paper 2)

ECoL LGCSE Design and Technology syllabus

Oct/Nov only

Examination session availability

ECoL LGCSE Design and Technology syllabus

Not private

Unavailable to private candidates

ECoL LGCSE Design and Technology syllabus

M150

2026 practical fee per practical subject (school entry)

ECoL examinations fees 2026

A*–G

LGCSE letter grade scale (U ungraded)

ECoL LGCSE grading and reporting

ECoL LGCSE Design and Technology (0189) is Lesotho’s secondary qualification in design problem-solving and resistant materials. Assessment is 50% Paper 1 (tools, materials and processes, 2 h 30 min) and 50% Paper 2 design project (folio 60 + artefact 40). Examined in the October/November series only and not available to private candidates. Grades A*–G; Grade C or better is commonly treated as credit. The 100 questions on this page are an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official written-paper or coursework simulation.

Sample LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In the LGCSE design model, what is the FIRST stage when starting a problem-centred design activity?
A.Producing the final working drawing
B.Identifying and researching the need or problem
C.Evaluating the finished artefact
D.Ordering all workshop materials
Explanation: Design begins by identifying the need or problem, researching it, and determining requirements for a design brief. Realisation, evaluation and material ordering come later after analysis and development of a proposed solution.
2Which document is a short, clear statement of what is to be designed and the problem it will solve?
A.Design specification
B.Gantt chart
C.Design brief
D.Cutting list
Explanation: A design brief states the problem and what the designer intends to achieve without prescribing one fixed solution. The specification later lists detailed measurable criteria, while charts and cutting lists support planning and manufacture.
3What is the MAIN purpose of a design specification?
A.To advertise the finished product
B.To list detailed criteria the solution must satisfy
C.To replace the need for workshop safety rules
D.To record only the colour scheme of a product
Explanation: A design specification sets out detailed criteria such as function, size, materials, safety, cost, aesthetics and ergonomics. It guides development and provides the baseline for testing and evaluation of the finished artefact.
4A student interviews market traders in Maseru and measures their stall space for a storage unit. Which research type is this?
A.Secondary research only
B.Primary research
C.Historical research only
D.Abstract theoretical research
Explanation: Primary research collects original first-hand data through interviews, observation and measurement. Secondary research uses existing published sources such as books, websites or catalogues.
5Why should a design specification include measurable statements where possible?
A.So the product can be objectively tested against the brief
B.So sketches are no longer needed
C.So only one material can ever be used
D.So evaluation can be skipped after manufacture
Explanation: Measurable criteria (for example maximum mass, load capacity or target cost) allow objective testing of the artefact against the original specification. Vague statements make fair evaluation difficult.
6During idea generation, what approach best supports creative problem solving?
A.Rejecting all unusual ideas immediately
B.Producing many varied ideas before critical selection
C.Making only one sketch and starting manufacture
D.Copying a commercial product with no analysis
Explanation: Idea generation aims to explore a wide range of possible solutions before critical evaluation and development. Premature rejection or single-path thinking limits innovation.
7In LGCSE design, synthesis mainly involves which activity?
A.Combining researched information and ideas into a developing solution
B.Discarding the design brief completely
C.Only sanding the finished product
D.Writing the final examination timetable
Explanation: Synthesis brings together analysis, research and generated ideas toward a developed proposal with materials, sizes and construction methods. It bridges analysis and realisation.
8Why is a production plan (often as a flow diagram) important before making an artefact?
A.It organises processes, tools, materials and critical stages in a logical sequence
B.It replaces the need for any safety checks
C.It guarantees a Grade A* without further work
D.It is only used for electronic products
Explanation: A production plan sequences practical processes and clarifies critical stages so realisation is organised and safer. It does not replace safe working habits or guarantee a grade.
9After making an artefact, evaluation should primarily check performance against which document?
A.A classmate’s project only
B.The original design specification and brief
C.A random colour chart
D.The school sports fixture list
Explanation: Objective evaluation tests the artefact against the specification and brief set at the start, then proposes improvements. Comparison only with peers or unrelated lists does not show whether the need was met.
10The design process is described as non-linear mainly because designers often:
A.Loop back to reappraise the need and refine earlier stages
B.Never change their first idea
C.Ignore resources available for realisation
D.Skip evaluation whenever possible
Explanation: Design frequently loops back so the nature of the need, constraints and likely effects can be reappraised as ideas develop. Forward links also remind designers of resources and consequences at early stages.

About the LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) Exam

LGCSE Design and Technology (0189) develops problem-solving, graphical communication, and practical workmanship with wood, metal and plastics. Candidates study tools, materials and processes in a timed written paper and complete a themed design project (folio plus manufactured artefact) moderated by ECoL, with strong emphasis on workshop safety and Lesotho cultural and environmental context.

Assessment

Paper 1 Tools, materials and processes (2 h 30 min, 100 marks, 50%): Part A ten short-answer questions (28 marks); Part B Section 1 Tools and materials (choose 2 of 3 × 18 marks) and Section 2 Processes (choose 2 of 3 × 18 marks). Paper 2 Design project coursework (50%): design folio 60 marks + artefact 40 marks; theme set by ECoL in January for November examinations.

Time Limit

Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes; Paper 2: design project over two terms

Passing Score

Letter grades A*–G (U = ungraded); Grade C or better is commonly treated as credit-level performance

Exam Fee

Not available to private candidates. School candidates register through centres; 2026 ECoL school packages range from M2120 (6 subjects) to M3370 (11 subjects), with M150 practical fee per practical subject. Confirm on examscouncil.org.ls. (Examinations Council of Lesotho (ECoL))

LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) Exam Content Outline

20%

Design Method and Design Content

Need identification, research, design brief, analysis, idea generation, development, production planning, realisation and evaluation; functional, aesthetic, human, economic and environmental factors; designer responsibility and technology in Lesotho society.

12%

Graphics and Communication

Sketching, orthographic and pictorial drawing, exploded and sequential views, dimensioning, scale, colour and annotation for design folio communication.

25%

Materials — Wood, Metal and Plastics

Classification and properties of timbers and manufactured boards, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, thermoplastics and thermosets; selection and finishes for manufactured artefacts.

25%

Tools, Practical Processes and Construction

Marking-out and hand/machine tools; cutting, shaping, joining and finishing processes for wood, metal and plastics; workmanship and process planning.

10%

Supporting Technologies

Structures, mechanical principles, levers, linkages, cams, gears, pulleys and simple control applications in products.

8%

Workshop Safety and Evaluation

Hazards, PPE, safe machine use, and objective testing of artefacts against specifications with proposals for improvement.

How to Pass the LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Letter grades A*–G (U = ungraded); Grade C or better is commonly treated as credit-level performance
  • Assessment: Paper 1 Tools, materials and processes (2 h 30 min, 100 marks, 50%): Part A ten short-answer questions (28 marks); Part B Section 1 Tools and materials (choose 2 of 3 × 18 marks) and Section 2 Processes (choose 2 of 3 × 18 marks). Paper 2 Design project coursework (50%): design folio 60 marks + artefact 40 marks; theme set by ECoL in January for November examinations.
  • Time limit: Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes; Paper 2: design project over two terms
  • Exam fee: Not available to private candidates. School candidates register through centres; 2026 ECoL school packages range from M2120 (6 subjects) to M3370 (11 subjects), with M150 practical fee per practical subject. Confirm on examscouncil.org.ls.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

LGCSE Design & Technology (0189) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practise identifying the design-process stages: need, analysis, development, realisation and evaluation — and how looping back revises the brief.
2Learn hardwood vs softwood vs manufactured board; ferrous vs non-ferrous metals; thermoplastic vs thermoset plastics, with common workshop examples.
3Name marking-out and cutting tools correctly (try square, marking gauge, tenon saw, hacksaw, scriber, centre punch) and match each to wood, metal or plastics tasks.
4Sketch first-angle and third-angle orthographic layouts and isometric views with clear dimensioning before the written paper.
5Build a production-plan habit: sequence processes, list tools, note safety checks, and plan tests against the original specification.
6Treat workshop safety as examinable knowledge: PPE, guards, correct holding devices, and hazard awareness for machines and adhesives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LGCSE Design and Technology (0189)?

It is the Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education syllabus for Design and Technology, developed by the National Curriculum Development Centre in collaboration with the Examinations Council of Lesotho (ECoL). It assesses design problem-solving, graphics, materials (wood, metal, plastics), practical processes and a design project artefact.

How is LGCSE Design and Technology assessed?

Candidates take two compulsory components, each worth 50%. Paper 1 is a 2 hour 30 minute externally assessed written paper on tools, materials and processes (100 marks). Paper 2 is a design project coursework (design folio 60 marks and artefact 40 marks), internally assessed and externally moderated. The project theme is set by ECoL and issued to schools in January for the November series.

Can private candidates enter LGCSE Design and Technology?

No. The official syllabus states that 0189 is not available to private candidates. Candidates need school workshop facilities to complete the design project artefact.

What grades are awarded for LGCSE Design and Technology?

LGCSE uses letter grades from A* to G, with U for ungraded. There is no single published numeric percentage pass mark. Grade C or better is commonly treated as credit-level performance for progression.

Are these official ECoL examination questions?

No. These are original English-language multiple-choice study questions aligned to LGCSE Design and Technology (0189) content. Official assessment uses short-answer and structured written questions plus a design project, not this MCQ format.

Which materials must candidates study?

Candidates study metal, plastic and wood, treating one material as their first discipline, with good working experience of a second and some knowledge of the third. Supporting technologies such as simple control, electronics, pneumatics and mechanical principles may also appear in projects.