Moral Values and Social Issues
What the domain tests
This domain tests moral values, ethical decision-making and understanding of social issues affecting Malawi.
Core ideas
- Moral values include honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, compassion, integrity, courage and umunthu. They guide behaviour even when no law forces it.
- Social issues include corruption, gender-based violence, child marriage, early pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, HIV and AIDS, unemployment, street children and bullying.
- Values and laws work together. Corruption is both immoral and illegal; child marriage violates rights and the law. Some issues are moral but not criminal, such as gossip or laziness.
- Good answers name the issue, explain its causes and effects, and suggest realistic action by individuals, families, schools, chiefs, churches, mosques and government.
- Integrity means doing the right thing when nobody is watching. Accountability means explaining your actions and accepting consequences.
Worked example
A clerk asks for a bribe to process a birth certificate. A strong answer says the clerk is corrupt, the parent should refuse and report the matter to a supervisor or the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and the office should display fees publicly. Reasoning: the answer identifies the moral wrong, the legal offence and a practical remedy.
Traps that cost marks
Do not blame only one group, such as "young people", for social problems. Do not confuse morality with legality. Do not suggest violence as a solution. Do not ignore the role of community leaders and institutions.