Lesson List

01 CIVIL MODULE ONE QUESTION & ANSWERS

01 NOVEMBER 2024 PAST PAPERS

02 CIVIL MODULE TWO QUESTION & ANSWERS

03 CIVIL MODULE THREE QUESTION & ANSWERS

01 NOVEMBER 2024 PAST PAPERS

About Lesson

Diploma in civil module one November 2024 past papers question and answer

SECTION A: INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

1. (a) Distinguish between analog computers and digital computers.

Analog computers process continuous data (e.g., temperature, speed) and are mainly used in scientific and industrial applications.
Digital computers process discrete (binary) data and are used for general-purpose computing such as office work and gaming.

(b) Explain each of the following terms in relation to computer software:

(i) Compatibility

The ability of a software program to run on different hardware or operating systems without modification.

(ii) Portability

The ease with which software can be transferred and used on different computing environments with minimal changes.

(c) List two functional units of the central processing unit of a computer.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Control Unit (CU)

2. (a) State two options that will appear when a computer user presses the following combination of keys on a computer running on a Windows operating system: Ctrl + Alt + Del.

Task Manager
Lock Screen

(b) Describe two ways in which an airline company may use ICT to enhance its operations.

Online booking systems: Passengers can book and pay for tickets online, improving convenience.
Flight tracking and scheduling: Real-time updates on departures and arrivals help optimize scheduling and efficiency.

(c) Explain each of the following features found in a presentation package:

(i) Animation

Movement effects applied to text, images, or objects in a slide to enhance visual appeal.

(ii) Slide transition

Visual effects that occur when moving from one slide to another, improving presentation flow.

3. (a) A school bursar has the following fields in a table in his database: name_of_birth, admission_number, fees_paid, has_scholarship.

(i) Identify the field that is most appropriate for a primary key.

admission_number (since it uniquely identifies each student).

(ii) State the data type that is appropriate for each of the fields.

name_of_birth → Text/String
admission_number → Number
fees_paid → Currency
has_scholarship → Boolean (Yes/No)

(b) Distinguish between a pasteboard and the printable area in desktop publishing.

Pasteboard: The area outside the printable margins used to hold elements temporarily.
Printable area: The portion of the document that falls within the printer’s capability to print.

4. (a) Identify six formatting features applied on the table.

Bold text
Borders
Cell shading (background color)
Text alignment (centered, left, right)
Font size and style variations
Merging of cells

(b) Explain each of the following terms as used in data security:

(i) Data encryption

The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.

(ii) Audit trail

A record of all changes and actions performed on data for tracking and security purposes.

5. (b) Describe each of the following network topologies:

(i) Bus topology

All devices are connected to a single central cable; failure in the cable can disrupt the network.

(ii) Star topology

Each device connects to a central hub or switch; failure in one connection does not affect others.

SECTION B: COMMUNICATION SKILLS

6. (a) State three sender-oriented factors that may contribute to communication breakdown during an oral conversation.

Poor articulation or pronunciation
Use of complex or unclear language
Lack of confidence or nervousness

(b) Outline three consequences of poor public relations in an engineering firm.

Loss of client trust
Negative company reputation
Reduced employee morale

(c) Highlight three criteria that a paragraph should meet to be considered well developed.

Unity (focuses on one main idea)
Coherence (logical flow of ideas)
Adequate development (enough supporting details)

(d) Identify three types of information that should be contained in the title page of an investigative report.

Title of the report
Author’s name
Date of submission

(e) State three ways in which the management of an organization may motivate employees through effective communication.

Providing clear and timely feedback
Encouraging open discussions and suggestions
Recognizing and appreciating employee efforts

(f) Rewrite the following paragraph punctuating it correctly:

One day, while walking together up a hill, I said to Magdaline, “Do you not desire to be in your own country again?” “Yes,” she said.

7. (a) Highlight four ways in which courtesy may be demonstrated in letter writing.

Using polite language (e.g., “Kindly,” “Please”)
Addressing the recipient appropriately (e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam”)
Using a respectful closing (e.g., “Yours sincerely”)
Ensuring proper grammar and spelling

(b) Explain three benefits that an individual may derive from intrapersonal communication.

Helps with self-reflection and personal growth
Improves decision-making skills
Enhances emotional regulation and stress management

8. (a) State four contributions of the agenda to the success of a meeting.

Provides a structured discussion plan
Ensures all key points are covered
Helps manage time effectively
Keeps participants focused

(b) Outline three differences between upwards communication and horizontal communication.

Upward communication: From lower levels (employees) to higher levels (management).
Horizontal communication: Between colleagues at the same organizational level.
Upward communication: Used for reporting and feedback.
Horizontal communication: Used for collaboration and teamwork.
Upward communication: Can be formal.
Horizontal communication: Often informal.

(c) State three indicators of a poorly summarized passage.

Missing key points from the original text
Lack of logical flow or coherence
Excessive repetition or unnecessary details

SECTION C: ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION

9. (a) State four advantages of salaried employment.

Guaranteed monthly income
Job security and benefits (e.g., health insurance)
Career growth opportunities
Predictable work schedule

(b) Outline six types of information found in the business description section of a business plan.

Name and nature of the business
Location of the business
Business ownership structure
Mission and vision statements
Target market
Products/services offered

10. (a) List four personal traits of a successful entrepreneur.

Creativity and innovation
Risk-taking ability
Self-discipline
Persistence and determination

(b) Explain three guidelines that an entrepreneur should follow when using the brainstorming technique to generate a business idea.

Encourage free thinking without criticism
Allow all participants to contribute ideas
Focus on quantity before evaluating quality

11. (a) Identify four internal sources of finance available to an entrepreneur.

Personal savings
Retained earnings from the business
Sale of business assets
Contributions from family or friends

(b) Explain three ways in which a business enterprise may demonstrate its responsibility to its employees.

Providing fair wages and benefits
Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment
Offering training and career development opportunities

12. (a) Highlight four factors that may account for the failure of a new business.

Poor financial management
Lack of proper market research
Ineffective marketing strategies
Mismanagement or poor leadership

(b) Explain three social factors that may promote entrepreneurial development in a country.

Strong support networks (e.g., business mentorship programs)
Availability of training and education in entrepreneurship
Positive cultural attitudes towards business ownership

SECTION B: PHYSICAL SCIENCE

5. (a) (i) What are the types of water hardness?

Temporary hardness is caused by dissolved bicarbonates and can be removed by boiling.
Permanent hardness is caused by dissolved sulfates or chlorides and requires chemical treatment.

(ii) How do stalactites and stalagmites form?

They form from mineral deposits as water drips in caves, with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites growing from the floor.

(b) (i) What are three properties of acids?

Acids have a sour taste, turn blue litmus paper red, and react with bases to form salts and water.

(c) (i) What is the relationship between monomers and polymers?

A monomer is a single unit that can chemically bond with other monomers to form a polymer.

6. (a) (i) What factors determine the speed of sound in solids?

The density and elasticity of the solid material affect the speed of sound.

(b) What are the frequency and wavelength of a sound wave?

Frequency is the number of wave cycles per second.
Wavelength is the distance between two successive wave peaks.

7. (a) (i) What are the laws of refraction?

The laws state that:
1. The incident ray, refracted ray, and normal all lie in the same plane.
2. The ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is a constant (Snell’s Law).

(ii) How does a prism disperse white light?

A prism refracts different colors of light at different angles due to varying wavelengths, creating a spectrum.

(b) (i) What are the three types of radioactive emissions?

Alpha ( $αalpha$ ), Beta ( $βbeta$ ), and Gamma ( $γgamma$ ) radiation.

8. (a) (i) What are atoms and molecules?

Atoms are the smallest units of matter.
Molecules are two or more atoms chemically bonded together.

(ii) What are three properties of covalent compounds?

They have low melting points, do not conduct electricity in solution, and are often insoluble in water.

(b) (i) What is reduction and an oxidizing agent?

Reduction is the gain of electrons.
An oxidizing agent is a substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons.

(c) (i) What is molarity?

Molarity is the concentration of a solution expressed in moles of solute per liter of solution.

SECTION A: STRUCTURES I

1. (a) Define the following terms used in structures:

(i) Poisson’s ratio

It is the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain when a material is subjected to axial loading.

(ii) Modulus of elasticity

It measures a material’s ability to resist deformation under stress, indicating its stiffness.

(iii) Modulus of rigidity

It defines a material’s resistance to shear deformation when subjected to shear stress.

(iv) Bulk modulus

It measures a material’s resistance to uniform compression.

2. (a) What is horizontal shear stress distribution in a beam?

It describes how shear stress varies across a beam’s cross-section due to applied forces.

(b) What is the joint resolution method in structural analysis?

It is a technique used to determine forces in truss members by analyzing equilibrium at each joint.

3. (a) Define the following terms:

(i) Shear force

It is the internal force parallel to a section of a beam due to applied loads.

(ii) Bending moment

It is the internal moment at a beam section due to applied loads, causing bending.

4. (a) What are the four assumptions in the theory of simple bending?

The beam material is homogeneous and isotropic.
The beam cross-section remains plane and perpendicular to the neutral axis.
The modulus of elasticity is the same in tension and compression.
The applied loads act perpendicular to the beam’s longitudinal axis.

SECTION B: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

5. (a) (i) What are two functions of concrete cover to reinforcement?

Protects steel reinforcement from corrosion.
Provides fire resistance to structural elements.

(ii) What are four design requirements for good formwork?

Strong enough to withstand dead and live loads.
Rigid to maintain shape without deformation.
Easy to remove without damaging the concrete.
Reusable for multiple projects.

6. (a) What are five objectives of seasoning timber?

Reduce moisture content to improve strength.
Minimize shrinkage and warping.
Improve resistance to decay and insects.
Reduce weight for easier handling.
Enhance workability and durability.

(c) What are the types of bituminous materials?

(i) Native asphalt

Naturally occurring bitumen deposits, used for waterproofing.

(ii) Cut-back bitumen

Bitumen dissolved in solvents, used for road surfacing.

(iii) Asphalt

A mixture of bitumen and aggregates used in paving roads and waterproofing.

7. (a) (i) Describe the following building stones:

(I) Granite

Composition: Igneous rock containing quartz and feldspar.
Characteristic: Hard, durable, and resistant to weathering.
Use: Used for flooring and monuments.

(II) Basalt

Composition: Fine-grained igneous rock.
Characteristic: Dense, dark, and strong.
Use: Used for road construction and concrete aggregates.

(III) Slate

Composition: Metamorphic rock from clay minerals.
Characteristic: Easily split into thin layers.
Use: Used for roofing and wall cladding.

(ii) What are four advantages of artificial stones over natural stones?

Uniformity in size and shape.
Easier to manufacture and transport.
Can be customized for specific applications.
Higher strength and durability than some natural stones.

8. (a) (i) What are the tests conducted on cement?

(I) Consistency test

Determines the required water content for a standard cement paste.

(II) Fineness test

Measures the particle size of cement to assess its grinding quality.

(III) Soundness test

Ensures cement does not expand excessively after setting.

(ii) What are four properties of cement?

Good setting and hardening properties.
High compressive strength.
Resistance to weathering and chemical attack.
Good bonding with aggregates.

(b) What are the effects of elements on iron?

(i) Four effects of silicon on iron:

Increases resistance to oxidation.
Improves strength and hardness.
Reduces ductility.
Enhances electrical resistivity.

(ii) Two effects of phosphorus on iron:

Increases hardness and strength.
Reduces toughness and impact resistance.

(c) What are the three functions of heat treatment in steel?

Improves hardness and wear resistance.
Enhances toughness and ductility.
Relieves internal stresses to prevent cracking.

SECTION A: SURVEYING I

1. (a) What is contour interpolation?

It is the process of estimating contour lines between known points with surveyed elevations.

(b) How are contour lines drawn?

Contours are drawn by connecting points of equal elevation to represent terrain features.

2. Leveling exercise using the height of collimation method

Height of collimation method:
1. Find the instrument height by adding the back sight to the benchmark RL.
2. Deduct foresights from instrument height to get RLs.
3. Apply arithmetical checks: (∑BS – ∑FS = Last RL – First RL).
Profile Drawing:
- Use the given scales (1:1000 horizontal, 1:200 vertical).
- Plot the RLs against chainage distances to get the longitudinal profile.

3. (a) Define the following leveling terms:

(i) Back sight

The first staff reading taken at a known point to establish the instrument height.

(ii) Line of collimation

The imaginary horizontal line from the instrument’s crosshairs.

(iii) Foresight

The last staff reading taken on an unknown point to determine its RL.

(iv) Level surface

A surface perpendicular at all points to the direction of gravity.

4. (a) Field procedure for “repeated alignment” in chain surveying

Place ranging rods at both ends of the line.
Observer stands behind one rod to align intermediate points.
Adjust positions iteratively until all points form a straight line.

(b) Four common types of surveys

Topographical survey – Maps natural and man-made features.
Engineering survey – Supports design and construction projects.
Hydrographic survey – Maps underwater terrain and water bodies.
Cadastral survey – Defines land boundaries for legal purposes.

(c) Difference between plane and geodetic surveying

Plane Surveying: Assumes the earth’s surface is flat; used for small areas.
Geodetic Surveying: Considers the earth’s curvature; used for large areas.

SECTION B: WORKSHOP TECHNOLOGY I (MECHANICAL)

5. (a) Procedure for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Lay the person on their back.
Open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin.
Pinch the nose, cover their mouth with yours, and give two breaths.
Observe chest rise and repeat at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute.

(b) Four employer roles in health and safety compliance

Provide a safe working environment.
Conduct risk assessments and training.
Provide safety equipment and protective gear.
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

(c) Procedure for facing using a lathe machine

Secure the workpiece in the chuck.
Select an appropriate tool and set speed.
Move the tool towards the workpiece until it lightly touches.
Feed the tool inward to create a smooth, flat surface.

6. (a) Four principal parts of a drilling machine

Base – Supports the machine and provides stability.
Column – Vertical support for the spindle and table.
Spindle – Holds and rotates the drill bit.
Table – Surface where the workpiece is positioned.

(b) Six comparisons between up milling and down milling

Feature	Up Milling	Down Milling
Cutting direction	Against tool rotation	With tool rotation
Surface finish	Rougher	Smoother
Tool wear	Higher	Lower
Chip formation	Starts thin, ends thick	Starts thick, ends thin
Cutting force	Higher, pulling workpiece	Lower, pushing workpiece
Power required	More power	Less power

7. (a) Four reasons for preventive maintenance

Reduces unexpected breakdowns.
Increases equipment lifespan.
Improves safety in operations.
Ensures consistent performance.

(b) Four components of a centrifugal pump (with sketch)

Impeller – Rotating component that increases fluid velocity.
Casing – Encloses the impeller and directs fluid flow.
Suction Pipe – Draws fluid into the pump.
Delivery Pipe – Discharges fluid at high pressure.

8. (a) Five differences between two-stroke and four-stroke petrol engines

Feature	Two-Stroke Engine	Four-Stroke Engine
Power cycle	One revolution per cycle	Two revolutions per cycle
Efficiency	Less fuel-efficient	More fuel-efficient
Moving parts	Fewer moving parts	More moving parts
Lubrication	Oil mixed with fuel	Separate lubrication system
Durability	Shorter lifespan	Longer lifespan

(b) Five types of chisels

Flat chisel – Used for general metal cutting.
Cross-cut chisel – Used for narrow slot cutting.
Round-nose chisel – For making grooves and curved cuts.
Diamond-point chisel – Used for fine detailing.
Cape chisel – Used for cutting keyways and slots.

SECTION A: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION I

1. Kenya Building Code By-laws for Foundations

Q: Explain the Kenya building code by-laws in relation to the design of the following:
(i) simple strip foundation;
(ii) stepped strip foundation;
(iii) wide strip foundation;
(iv) deep strip foundation.

A:
(i) Simple Strip Foundation – A continuous strip of concrete supporting load-bearing walls, typically used for stable soils.
(ii) Stepped Strip Foundation – Used on sloping ground, where the foundation is built in steps to maintain stability.
(iii) Wide Strip Foundation – A wider version of the strip foundation to distribute load over a larger area in weak soils.
(iv) Deep Strip Foundation – Extends deeper into the ground to reach stable soil layers and may include reinforcement.

Q: Describe a simple sump pumping method of groundwater control.
A: A pit is excavated at the lowest point of the site, allowing groundwater to collect. A submersible pump is used to remove the accumulated water and direct it away from the site.

Q: A building measuring 5m x 8m is to be built on level ground. List the steps followed in its setting out.
A:

Clear the site of obstacles.
Establish reference points using pegs.
Measure and mark out the building’s perimeter.
Ensure corners are 90 degrees using a square.
Check diagonal measurements for accuracy.
Excavate foundation trenches.

2. Bonding and Construction Components

Q: Define bonding and state three purposes.
A: Bonding is the arrangement of bricks or blocks in a wall to provide stability.
Purposes:

Ensures wall strength.
Distributes loads evenly.
Prevents weak joints from aligning.

Q: State the main function of an attached pier.
A: Provides additional support to a wall by distributing loads and preventing lateral movement.

Q: Differentiate between balloon and platform frames.
A:

Balloon Frame: Vertical studs extend from the foundation to the roof, reducing horizontal joints.
Platform Frame: Constructed floor by floor, allowing easier assembly and stronger horizontal stability.

3. Fireplaces and Building Code Regulations

Q: Describe the following:
(i) fireplace;
(ii) flue;
(iii) surrounds.

A:
(i) Fireplace – A built-in structure used for heating, made of bricks or stone.
(ii) Flue – A passage in the chimney that allows smoke and gases to escape.
(iii) Surrounds – Decorative parts around a fireplace, often made of wood, stone, or metal.

Q: Explain Kenya Building Code By-laws governing the construction of the following:
(i) fireplace hearths;
(ii) chimney stacks.

A:
(i) Fireplace Hearths – Must extend at least 300mm in front and 150mm on the sides of the fireplace opening.
(ii) Chimney Stacks – Should extend at least 1m above the highest point of the roof.

SECTION C: CONSTRUCTION PLANT

1. Pumps and Safety Rules

Q: State four considerations for selecting a pump for a construction site.
A:

Required flow rate.
Type of liquid to be pumped.
Depth and site conditions.
Portability and ease of maintenance.

Q: Describe a submersible pump.
A: A pump designed to operate underwater, used for removing water from construction sites, basements, and deep excavations.

Q: List five types of excavating machines.
A:

Backhoe Loader
Crawler Excavator
Dragline Excavator
Bulldozer
Scraper

Q: Outline five safety rules when operating a hoist on a construction site.
A:

Inspect lifting gear before use.
Do not exceed the hoist’s load capacity.
Ensure proper communication between operators.
Keep the area below the hoist clear.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

2. Concrete Mixing and Grading Equipment

Q: Describe a tilting drum concrete mixer.
A: A concrete mixer with a drum that tilts forward to discharge the mixed concrete, commonly used for medium-scale construction.

Q: State five advantages of moving large volumes of concrete using a pump and pipeline.
A:

Faster concrete placement.
Reduces labor costs.
Can reach high or difficult locations.
Minimizes formwork congestion.
Ensures uniform concrete distribution.

Q: Describe the following types of graders:

Four-wheeled
Six-wheeled

Four-wheeled grader – Smaller and used for light grading tasks, with limited traction.
Six-wheeled grader – Larger and more stable, suitable for heavy-duty grading tasks.