Question paper
WA1 Practice Paper
30 marks · 40 min · 6 pages
10 multiple-choice questions and structured questions with answer lines. Chapters 1–2.
Term 1G2 / G3
Sec 2 Science WA1 practice paper
WA1 is usually the first formal Science assessment of Sec 2. St Andrew’s Secondary’s 2026 plan starts the year with forces only. Other schools also include heat transfer by the end of Term 1. This paper covers both, so it matches the wider Term 1 set.
- 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.
Mark scheme
PROWA1 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.
What’s tested
Chapter 1 (application of forces and transfer of energy) and Chapter 2 (transfer of heat energy). A school that tests forces alone will not use every heat question. Check your assessment outline.
How to use this paper
- 1Print the paper, or open the PDF and write on paper.
- 2Set a timer for 40 min and work without notes.
- 3Mark your answers with the mark scheme, one point at a time.
- 4Redo every question you lost marks on, then revise that topic.
Preview
The first questions of Section A, as they appear on the paper.
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( )
A textbook lies still on a table. Which pair of forces on the book is balanced?
- Aits weight and the upward push from the table
- Bfriction and air resistance only
- Conly its weight
- Dthe push of the book on the table and its weight
- 2( )
Heat travels along a metal spoon standing in hot soup, but the spoon itself does not move. This transfer is
- Aconvection
- Bradiation through a vacuum
- Cconduction
- Devaporation
- 3( )
A student pushes a trolley. Which force acts against the motion of the wheels on the floor?
- Aweight
- Bfriction
- Cthe normal contact force
- Dupthrust
- 4( )
Two identical cans of water sit in the sun. One is painted matt black and one is shiny white. Which can warms faster, and why?
- Athe white can, because shiny surfaces are better absorbers
- Bboth cans warm at the same rate
- Cthe white can, because white surfaces emit more radiation
- Dthe black can, because matt black surfaces absorb radiation better
Revision checklist
- Describe balanced and unbalanced forces, and calculate a simple resultant.
- Use pressure = force ÷ area, and explain why a smaller area gives a higher pressure.
- Name conduction, convection and radiation, and say where each one happens.
- Compare good and poor conductors, and matt black surfaces with shiny ones.
- Sit this paper in 40 minutes and mark it with the mark scheme.
Exam tips
- A still object has balanced forces. A resultant force changes speed, direction or shape.
- Give the unit with a pressure or force calculation.
- Conduction is through a material. Convection needs a liquid or a gas. Radiation needs neither.
- A 2-mark “explain” needs two separate points.
Questions about the WA1
What is tested in Sec 2 Science WA1?
The first Sec 2 assessment is often forces (application of forces and transfer of energy). St Andrew’s Secondary sets an early paper on that chapter alone. Some schools also include transfer of heat energy before the end of Term 1. This practice paper includes both.
How long is the Sec 2 WA1 paper?
Formats vary by school. This practice paper has 30 marks and takes 40 minutes.
Are these the same chapters as Sec 1?
No. Sec 2 Chapter 1 is forces, which is topic 9 of the 2021 G2/G3 syllabus. Sec 1 Chapter 1 is The Scientific Endeavour.