2D and 3D shapes

Upper Primary 8 questions

What 2d and 3d shapes means

You learn to recognise common flat shapes and solid objects by their properties. This helps you answer questions about sides, faces, edges and corners, which are useful in class tests and problem solving.

What you will practise

Count sides on common 2D shapes correctly
Identify faces, edges and vertices on solids
Match shape names to their properties
Compare flat shapes with solid shapes
Use shape features to answer short questions

Before you start

You should already know basic shape names such as square, rectangle, triangle and circle. It also helps if you can count carefully and use simple comparison words like more and fewer.

Not confident yet? Work through Angles first.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

How many sides does a hexagon have?

Answer: 6

Working: A hexagon has 6 sides ("hex" means six).

Common mistakes to avoid

Mixing up sides with corners on flat shapes. Count the straight lines only.
Counting curved parts as sides. A circle has no straight sides.
Confusing faces and edges on solids. Faces are flat surfaces, while edges are the lines where faces meet.
Missing one side or edge when counting. Point to each part as you count.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 4 to 6 syllabusGroundwork for the BECE

This topic normally appears in the upper primary geometry strand, often before work on area, perimeter and angles. It supports school-based assessment and builds the foundation for later BECE geometry questions.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.