New Curriculum Second Term Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs examination for SS 1

Class: SSS 1
Term: Second Term
Subject: Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 MARKS)
Instruction: Answer ALL 40 questions. Each carries 1 mark.

1. A trainee develops eye irritation during repeated soldering. Which measure most directly addresses an avoidable exposure? (a) Work closer to the joint for better visibility   (b) Improve fume extraction and keep the face away from rising fumes   (c) Switch off the smoke extractor while soldering   (d) Increase flux use without ventilation
2. Exposed mains wiring is discovered at an electronic-repair bench. What response should take priority? (a) cover the wire with paper and continue work   (b) move combustible packaging nearer the bench   (c) isolate the supply and report the hazard before work resumes   (d) hold the wire with bare fingers to locate the fault
3. The correct approach to a solder joint near heat-sensitive components is to ________. (a) hold the iron on the component as long as possible   (b) control heat exposure and use suitable tools and technique   (c) leave the iron resting on the circuit board   (d) pull the part out before solder softens
4. Which of these cleaning methods is NOT suitable for an electronic connector? (a) Pouring water directly into the powered connector   (b) Removing loose dust with appropriately controlled air   (c) Inspecting for debris before reconnecting   (d) Using a soft antistatic brush on isolated equipment
5. A screw drops inside a de-energised handset, beyond the reach of fingers. Which precision tool is the best choice? (a) a mains socket tester   (b) a heated soldering iron   (c) suitable insulated tweezers   (d) a liquid cleaning spray
6. The main reason to use an antistatic wrist strap when handling a memory module is ________. (a) to increase the heat output of a soldering iron   (b) to measure the voltage of the power adapter   (c) to reduce electrostatic discharge damage to sensitive components   (d) to prevent all chemical exposure
7. Which combination correctly identifies tools used to remove solder from a joint? (a) Soldering iron and liquid flux alone   (b) Desoldering pump and solder wick   (c) Insulated pliers and contact cleaner   (d) Tweezers and flux alone
8. A repair log lists 'software fault suspected'. The correct next action is to ________. (a) back up permitted data and follow the manufacturer's verified diagnostic procedure   (b) erase the device without customer consent   (c) bypass activation protection to test the phone   (d) replace the battery before observing symptoms
9. The main purpose of a daily workbench inspection checklist is ________. (a) to guarantee that devices will never fail   (b) to avoid recording missing tools   (c) to identify developing hazards before repair operations begin   (d) to replace every functional instrument
10. Which of the following procedures does NOT support safe repair work? (a) Opening a connected power supply before isolation   (b) Checking the tool's condition before use   (c) Keeping the work surface free of loose liquid   (d) Following the manufacturer's disassembly guide
11. The purpose of desoldering is to ________. (a) convert DC voltage into AC voltage   (b) increase a resistor's rated power   (c) make a circuit board waterproof with flux   (d) remove solder so a component or connection can be safely separated
12. All of these can increase workshop risks except ________. (a) keeping a clear, labelled emergency exit   (b) allowing loose liquids near powered equipment   (c) overloading a socket strip   (d) leaving sharp tools exposed
13. Which statement correctly distinguishes a flasher tool from a multimeter? (a) A flasher measures current without probes; a multimeter unlocks any phone   (b) A flasher handles supported firmware operations; a multimeter measures electrical quantities   (c) Both tools are used only for removing screws   (d) A multimeter rewrites firmware; a flasher measures resistance
14. After disassembling a phone, the technician cannot account for two screws. The correct response before reassembly is ________. (a) reassemble without inspecting the work area   (b) substitute random metal fragments   (c) check the labelled parts tray and locate the missing screws   (d) leave the loose screws inside the chassis
15. All of these are sound soldering safeguards except ________. (a) touching the iron tip to check its temperature   (b) allowing the workpiece to cool before handling   (c) using a heat-resistant iron stand   (d) wearing suitable eye protection
16. A PSU tester reports that a desktop power supply's output is absent. What is the most defensible conclusion? (a) The motherboard is certainly defective   (b) The power supply or its connection requires further testing   (c) The storage drive contains no operating system   (d) The monitor's brightness must be too low
17. All of these are effective hazard-reduction practices except ________. (a) labelling defective equipment   (b) disposing of sharp waste in suitable containers   (c) inspecting plugs before use   (d) placing combustible solvents beside a heated soldering station
18. A laptop slows under load and its ventilation path is clogged. Which maintenance plan addresses the suspected cause? (a) apply oil to the screen surface   (b) isolate power, remove dust safely and verify airflow   (c) flash the phone network software   (d) short the fan supply terminals
19. Workshop tools should be arranged primarily to ________. (a) make every screwdriver look identical   (b) maximise the number of loose cables across benches   (c) support safe access and prevent loss or accidental damage   (d) hide damaged equipment from inspection
20. Which of these tools is NOT intended for assessing electrical continuity? (a) A digital multimeter with continuity mode   (b) An analogue multimeter configured appropriately   (c) A flashlight   (d) A continuity tester
21. A newly soldered joint has a cracked surface and opens intermittently when moved. What defect best explains the evidence? (a) an oversized SIM card   (b) a poor or cold solder joint   (c) a missing software update   (d) a low network subscription balance
22. The main advantage of photographing cable routing before removing internal components is ________. (a) to measure battery voltage without a meter   (b) to prove that every component is electrically sound   (c) to support accurate reassembly and reduce connector errors   (d) to avoid following service guidance
23. An apprentice must change soldering tips. The correct safety decision is ________. (a) immerse the powered iron in water   (b) grip the energized tip with bare fingers   (c) pull the cable forcefully from the plug   (d) follow the manufacturer's cooling and isolation procedure
24. The phone’s observed symptoms must be checked against software status. Which information should a diagnostic computer provide? (a) only the installed screen firmware version   (b) supported software diagnostic reports and device status   (c) only its mobile-network subscription status   (d) only the remaining battery capacity without software logs
25. Soldering fumes persist near a workstation. Which improvement addresses the identified hazard most directly? (a) provide effective fume extraction and ventilation   (b) replace eye protection with bare hands   (c) close the windows and breathe near the joint   (d) increase soldering temperature to disperse fumes
26. A technician mixes screws from several phone models in one tray. Which organisation method most effectively prevents reassembly errors? (a) one unlabelled container for all screws   (b) leaving the screws in pockets   (c) labelled compartment trays organised by device and stage   (d) a magnetic pile beside the circuit board
27. A technician is preparing to inspect a device containing damaged battery cells. Which hazard deserves particular attention? (a) Short circuit and heat-related fire   (b) Reduced cellular receiver sensitivity   (c) Temporary display brightness reduction   (d) Intermittent audio distortion
28. Cleaning and reassembly do not resolve the recorded fault. Which action is technically defensible before releasing the device? (a) continue structured diagnostics and document the unresolved fault   (b) erase the repair record   (c) replace unrelated parts randomly   (d) mark the job as completed without disclosure
29. An adapter output fault is suspected. Which instrument provides a direct measurement of the DC supply voltage? (a) a desoldering wick   (b) a precision screwdriver   (c) a correctly configured multimeter   (d) a pair of tweezers
30. The ________ used for a replacement screen should identify the exact model and compatibility, not merely its appearance. (a) stock label or inventory record   (b) handset colour and display size alone   (c) current operating-system version alone   (d) battery model without screen part number
31. Regular maintenance records are most useful because they ________. (a) allow recurring faults and previously performed work to be traced   (b) eliminate the need for all tests   (c) guarantee unused parts never fail   (d) replace the manufacturer's wiring diagram
32. Which service sequence is technically sensible? (a) Apply mains power → immerse the board → open casing → test   (b) Replace components → touch the battery contacts → identify symptoms → clean   (c) Record symptoms → isolate power → inspect → clean or repair → reassemble → retest   (d) Delete customer data → remove all labels → close device → diagnose
33. The reason to return a hot soldering iron to its stand between joints is ________. (a) to test the continuity of every joint   (b) to cool the solder wire inside its reel   (c) to raise the supply voltage automatically   (d) to prevent contact burns and bench fires
34. Which combination best matches protective equipment to its purpose during electronic repair? (a) Wet cloth against static discharge; paper gloves against heat   (b) Eye protection against splashes and fragments; suitable gloves for handling hazards   (c) Earphones against electric shock; cotton wool against fire   (d) Sunglasses against solder fumes; metal rings against shock
35. ________ is required before attaching an antistatic strap to a repair work area. (a) An exposed live mains conductor   (b) A suitable verified grounding arrangement   (c) A wet metal floor   (d) A running soldering iron
36. A phone frequently disconnects during charging after pocket lint accumulates in the connector. The first safe servicing decision is ________. (a) short both connector pins to clear debris   (b) force a larger plug into the socket   (c) disconnect power and inspect the port before careful cleaning   (d) heat the battery until the lint melts
37. Which observation is the strongest evidence of poor routine workshop inspection? (a) Faulty devices are tagged separately   (b) A frayed extension lead remains in daily use despite visible damage   (c) Tool handles are cleaned after use   (d) A bench has numbered storage drawers
38. A technician must check whether a phone circuit board receives the expected DC supply. The appropriate meter configuration is ________. (a) DC-voltage measurement across the specified points   (b) AC mains range at the phone's speaker contacts   (c) resistance measurement on a powered board   (d) current measurement with leads placed directly across the supply
39. Which record is most useful when locating a precision screwdriver returned from a repair job? (a) An equipment catalogue without borrower details   (b) A tool sign-out register showing borrower and return date   (c) An unnumbered repair-sales receipt   (d) A customer repair-history report
40. Before a voltage test, an apprentice discovers cracked insulation on the probe. What action is required? (a) hold the damaged insulation with bare fingers   (b) remove the probe from service and replace it   (c) wrap the active probe tip in wet tissue   (d) increase the meter's test range and proceed

SECTION B: THEORY (30 MARKS)
Instruction: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO questions. Each question carries 10 marks.

Question 1
(a) State two hazards and a specific preventive measure for each in an electronic repair workshop. (4 marks)
(b) Explain how an antistatic wrist strap and extraction ventilation protect different parts of a repair activity. (6 marks)

Question 2
(a) A laboratory has mixed precision screws and defective test leads. Design a simple workshop organisation plan. (4 marks)
(b) Describe three entries that should appear in a tool sign-out register, explaining their importance. (6 marks)

Question 3
(a) A phone is not charging. Explain how a multimeter could be used safely to evaluate a specified DC supply before replacing components. (6 marks)
(b) Distinguish a flasher tool from a multimeter. (4 marks)

Question 4
(a) Differentiate soldering from desoldering and name one suitable consumable or tool for each. (4 marks)
(b) Outline a six-step servicing workflow for a dusty laptop that overheats. (6 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (b) Improve fume extraction and keep the face away from rising fumes
Question 2 – ✅ (c) isolate the supply and report the hazard before work resumes
Question 3 – ✅ (b) control heat exposure and use suitable tools and technique
Question 4 – ✅ (a) Pouring water directly into the powered connector
Question 5 – ✅ (c) suitable insulated tweezers
Question 6 – ✅ (c) to reduce electrostatic discharge damage to sensitive components
Question 7 – ✅ (b) Desoldering pump and solder wick
Question 8 – ✅ (a) back up permitted data and follow the manufacturer's verified diagnostic procedure
Question 9 – ✅ (c) to identify developing hazards before repair operations begin
Question 10 – ✅ (a) Opening a connected power supply before isolation
Question 11 – ✅ (d) remove solder so a component or connection can be safely separated
Question 12 – ✅ (a) keeping a clear, labelled emergency exit
Question 13 – ✅ (b) A flasher handles supported firmware operations; a multimeter measures electrical quantities
Question 14 – ✅ (c) check the labelled parts tray and locate the missing screws
Question 15 – ✅ (a) touching the iron tip to check its temperature
Question 16 – ✅ (b) The power supply or its connection requires further testing
Question 17 – ✅ (d) placing combustible solvents beside a heated soldering station
Question 18 – ✅ (b) isolate power, remove dust safely and verify airflow
Question 19 – ✅ (c) support safe access and prevent loss or accidental damage
Question 20 – ✅ (c) A flashlight
Question 21 – ✅ (b) a poor or cold solder joint
Question 22 – ✅ (c) to support accurate reassembly and reduce connector errors
Question 23 – ✅ (d) follow the manufacturer's cooling and isolation procedure
Question 24 – ✅ (b) supported software diagnostic reports and device status
Question 25 – ✅ (a) provide effective fume extraction and ventilation
Question 26 – ✅ (c) labelled compartment trays organised by device and stage
Question 27 – ✅ (a) Short circuit and heat-related fire
Question 28 – ✅ (a) continue structured diagnostics and document the unresolved fault
Question 29 – ✅ (c) a correctly configured multimeter
Question 30 – ✅ (a) stock label or inventory record
Question 31 – ✅ (a) allow recurring faults and previously performed work to be traced
Question 32 – ✅ (c) Record symptoms → isolate power → inspect → clean or repair → reassemble → retest
Question 33 – ✅ (d) to prevent contact burns and bench fires
Question 34 – ✅ (b) Eye protection against splashes and fragments; suitable gloves for handling hazards
Question 35 – ✅ (b) A suitable verified grounding arrangement
Question 36 – ✅ (c) disconnect power and inspect the port before careful cleaning
Question 37 – ✅ (b) A frayed extension lead remains in daily use despite visible damage
Question 38 – ✅ (a) DC-voltage measurement across the specified points
Question 39 – ✅ (b) A tool sign-out register showing borrower and return date
Question 40 – ✅ (b) remove the probe from service and replace it

Theory Marking Scheme
Question 1
(a) For each of two hazards (shock, fire, fumes, ESD, burns): identification (1), matching preventive measure (1). [4 marks]
(b) ESD strap correctly grounded reduces static damage to sensitive components (3); extraction ventilation removes inhalable solder fumes from the operator (3). [6 marks]
Question 2
(a) Labelled screw trays / parts bags (2), tag out and separately store damaged leads/tools (2). [4 marks]
(b) Any three explained: tool ID, user, job, date/time issued, condition issued, time returned, return condition; 2 marks each. [6 marks]
Question 3
(a) Isolate/check safety and select correct DC V range (2); connect probes across appropriate expected points without bridging contacts (2); compare observed reading with manufacturer specification and record (2). [6 marks]
(b) Flasher applies supported software/firmware processes with authorisation (2); multimeter measures electrical properties such as voltage, resistance and continuity (2). [4 marks]
Question 4
(a) Soldering makes an electrical joint using solder and an appropriate iron (2); desoldering removes existing solder using wick or pump (2). [4 marks]
(b) Award 1 each: document symptoms; power down/isolate; organise parts; open safely per instructions; remove dust from fans/vents with appropriate brush/air; reassemble and verify temperatures/airflow. [6 marks]