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Term 1G2 / G3Draft — pending teacher review

Sec 1 Science WA1 practice paper

WA1 is usually the first formal Science assessment of the Sec 1 year, held towards the end of Term 1. It checks the practical foundations — fair tests, lab safety, apparatus and measurement — and often the physical properties of matter.

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Total marks
30
Time
40 min
Covers
Chapters 1–2
Format
10 MCQ + 4 structured

The paper and mark scheme

Set out like a school paper, with a separate mark scheme for checking.

Question paper

WA1 Practice Paper

30 marks · 40 min · 6 pages

10 multiple-choice questions and structured questions with answer lines. Chapters 1–2.

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Mark scheme

PRO

WA1 Practice Paper — mark scheme

Answers · Marking points · 3 pages

Model answers with a mark for each creditworthy point — for marking at home or in class.

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What’s tested

Commonly Chapter 1 (The Scientific Endeavour) and Chapter 2 (Exploring Diversity of Matter by Physical Properties). Each school sets its own scope, so check your school’s assessment outline.

  1. 1The Scientific EndeavourTheme 1Notes & quiz
  2. 2Exploring Diversity of Matter by Physical PropertiesTheme 2 · Diversity of MatterNotes soon

How to use this paper

  1. 1Print the paper, or open the PDF and write on paper.
  2. 2Set a timer for 40 min and work without notes.
  3. 3Mark your answers with the mark scheme, one point at a time.
  4. 4Redo every question you lost marks on, then revise that topic.

Preview

The first questions of Section A, as they appear on the paper.

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Section A: Multiple choice[10 marks]

Answer all questions. For each question, write the letter (A, B, C or D) of the correct answer in the brackets provided.

  1. 1

    A student records how the temperature of hot water changes as it cools over 10 minutes. Which pair of instruments does she need?

    1. Athermometer and stopwatch
    2. Bthermometer and electronic balance
    3. Cruler and stopwatch
    4. Dmeasuring cylinder and thermometer
    ( )
  2. 2

    A measuring cylinder contains 45.0 cm³ of water. A stone of mass 27.0 g is lowered into the water and the reading rises to 55.0 cm³. What is the density of the stone?

    1. A0.37 g/cm³
    2. B0.49 g/cm³
    3. C2.7 g/cm³
    4. D10 g/cm³
    ( )
  3. 3

    A bottle shows a hazard symbol of a flame over a circle. What does this symbol mean?

    1. Aflammable
    2. Boxidising
    3. Cexplosive
    4. Dcorrosive
    ( )
  4. 4

    Why is the luminous flame used as the “safety flame” when a Bunsen burner is not being used for heating?

    1. AIt is the hottest flame.
    2. BIt produces no soot.
    3. CIt uses no gas.
    4. DIt is easy to see.
    ( )

Revision checklist

  • Name the parts of the Bunsen burner and compare the luminous and non-luminous flames.
  • Learn the common hazard symbols, with one matching precaution for each.
  • Practise naming the independent, dependent and controlled variables in unfamiliar experiments.
  • Practise reading scales on measuring cylinders, rulers and thermometers — and always write the unit.
  • For Chapter 2, practise density calculations (density = mass ÷ volume) and matching materials to uses by their properties.
  • Take the Chapter 1 quiz, then sit this paper in 40 minutes and mark it with the mark scheme.

Exam tips

  • Read all four options before choosing an MCQ answer.
  • Show your working and give a unit with every calculated answer.
  • Use the marks as a guide: a 2-mark “explain” needs two separate points.
  • Name a specific precaution — “be careful” scores nothing.

Questions about the WA1

What is tested in Sec 1 Science WA1?

Many schools test Chapter 1 (The Scientific Endeavour: fair tests, lab safety, hazard symbols, apparatus, the Bunsen burner and measurement) and some or all of Chapter 2 (physical properties of matter, such as density and conductivity). Your school’s Term 1 assessment outline gives the exact scope.

How long is the WA1 paper?

Formats vary by school. A WA paper is shorter than the end-of-year exam and usually mixes multiple-choice and structured questions. This practice paper has 30 marks and takes 40 minutes.

Is WA1 different for G2 and G3 students?

Under Full Subject-Based Banding, students take Science at the level they are placed in, and assessments are set for that level. This practice paper is written for G2 and G3 students.