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Primary 3 Science Semestral Assessment 2 (End of Year) Paper 4
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Science Primary 3
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI)
Subject: Science
Level: Primary 3
Paper: SA2 (Version 4)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Marks: 50
Name: _______________________
Class: Primary 3 _______
Date: _______________________
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
- Do not turn over this page until you are told to do so.
- Follow all instructions carefully.
- Answer all questions.
- For Section A, write your answers (1, 2, 3, or 4) in the brackets provided.
- For Section B and Section C, write your answers in the spaces provided.
- The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
- The total marks for this paper is 50.
SECTION A: Multiple-Choice Questions (20 marks)
For each question from 1 to 10, four options are given. Choose the correct answer and write its number (1, 2, 3, or 4) in the bracket provided.
1. Which of the following is a non-living thing? [2]
(1) Mushroom
(2) Bacteria
(3) Plastic ruler
(4) Yeast
2. Study the classification table below.
| Group X | Group Y |
|---|---|
| Rose plant | Mould |
| Hibiscus plant | Yeast |
| Bougainvillea plant | Mushroom |
What are the suitable headings for Group X and Group Y? [2]
| Group X | Group Y | |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Flowering plants | Fungi |
| (2) | Non-flowering plants | Fungi |
| (3) | Flowering plants | Bacteria |
| (4) | Non-flowering plants | Bacteria |
3. Four pupils made the following statements about living things.
- Ali: All living things can move from place to place.
- Bala: All living things reproduce.
- Cindy: All living things need air, food, and water.
- Devi: All living things grow.
Which two pupils made correct statements? [2]
(1) Ali and Bala
(2) Ali and Cindy
(3) Bala and Cindy
(4) Bala and Devi
4. The diagram below shows a plant.
<image_placeholder> id: Q4-fig1 type: diagram linked_question: Q4 description: A labelled diagram of a flowering plant showing roots, stem, leaves, and flowers. The plant has visible flowers with petals. labels: roots, stem, leaves, flowers values: N/A must_show: Clear distinction between plant parts; flowers must be visible with petals </image_placeholder>
Based on the diagram, which of the following statements is correct? [2] (1) It is a non-flowering plant. (2) It reproduces by spores. (3) It is a flowering plant. (4) It belongs to the fungi group.
5. Which of the following animals is classified incorrectly? [2]
| Animal | Group |
|---|---|
| (1) Frog | Amphibian |
| (2) Bat | Bird |
| (3) Salmon | Fish |
| (4) Snake | Reptile |
6. Study the flowchart below.
<image_placeholder> id: Q6-fig1 type: diagram linked_question: Q6 description: A flowchart for classifying living things. Start: "Is it a living thing?" → Yes → "Does it make its own food?" → Yes → "Does it produce flowers?" → Yes → "Flowering plant" / No → "Non-flowering plant". No (to make own food) → "Does it have hair/fur?" → Yes → "Mammal" / No → "Does it have feathers?" → Yes → "Bird" / No → "Does it have scales?" → Yes → "Fish/Reptile" / No → "Does it have 6 legs?" → Yes → "Insect" / No → "Others". labels: All decision boxes and outcome boxes as described values: N/A must_show: Clear flowchart structure with yes/no branches; all decision criteria and group names visible </image_placeholder>
An animal has hair on its body and feeds its young with milk. Which group does it belong to? [2]
(1) Bird
(2) Fish
(3) Mammal
(4) Reptile
7. Which of the following are characteristics of fungi? [2]
A. They reproduce by spores. B. They make their own food. C. They can be seen only under a microscope. D. They feed on dead or decaying matter.
(1) A and B only
(2) A and D only
(3) B and C only
(4) C and D only
8. The table below shows the characteristics of four things, P, Q, R, and S. A tick (✓) shows the presence of the characteristic.
| Characteristic | P | Q | R | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needs air, food, and water | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Grows | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Responds to changes | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Reproduces | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Which of the following is most likely a non-living thing? [2]
(1) P
(2) Q
(3) R
(4) S
9. Bacteria are different from fungi because bacteria __________. [2]
(1) reproduce by spores
(2) can be seen only under a microscope
(3) feed on dead or decaying matter
(4) make their own food
10. Which one of the following statements about microorganisms is correct? [2]
(1) All microorganisms are harmful. (2) All microorganisms can be seen with the naked eye. (3) Yeast is a microorganism used in making bread. (4) Bacteria are larger than fungi.
SECTION B: Structured Questions (20 marks)
Write your answers in the spaces provided.
11. The diagram below shows three things: a cat, a toy robot, and a potted plant. [4]
<image_placeholder> id: Q11-fig1 type: diagram linked_question: Q11 description: Three separate labelled pictures side by side: (a) a cat, (b) a toy robot with batteries, (c) a potted flowering plant with visible flowers. labels: Cat, Toy robot, Potted plant values: N/A must_show: Clear visual distinction between the three objects; cat appears alive, robot is clearly mechanical, plant has flowers </image_placeholder>
(a) Classify the three things into living and non-living things by completing the table below. [2]
| Living Things | Non-Living Things |
|---|---|
(b) State two characteristics of living things that the cat has but the toy robot does not have. [2]
12. Study the classification chart below. [4]
<image_placeholder> id: Q12-fig1 type: diagram linked_question: Q12 description: A classification chart with three main branches from "Living Things": "Plants", "Animals", "Fungi and Bacteria". Under Plants: "Flowering" and "Non-flowering". Under Animals: "Amphibians", "Birds", "Fish", "Insects", "Mammals", "Reptiles". Under Fungi and Bacteria: "Fungi (Mould, Yeast, Mushroom)" and "Bacteria". labels: All group names as listed values: N/A must_show: Clear hierarchical structure; all subgroups visible </image_placeholder>
(a) Write down one example of a non-flowering plant. [1]
(b) State two differences between fungi and bacteria. [2]
Difference 1: ____________________________________________________________ Difference 2: ____________________________________________________________
(c) A pupil saw an organism growing on a piece of damp bread. It looked like green fuzzy patches. Which group does this organism belong to? [1]
13. The table below shows the characteristics of four animals, A, B, C, and D. [4]
| Characteristic | Animal A | Animal B | Animal C | Animal D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body covering | Feathers | Scales | Hair | Moist skin |
| Breathes through | Lungs | Gills | Lungs | Lungs and skin |
| Reproduction | Lays eggs | Lays eggs | Gives birth to young alive | Lays eggs in water |
(a) Which animal (A, B, C, or D) is a mammal? [1]
(b) Which animal (A, B, C, or D) is an amphibian? [1]
(c) State one similarity between Animal A and Animal B in terms of reproduction. [1]
(d) Animal C gives birth to young alive. Name one other characteristic of mammals shown by Animal C in the table. [1]
14. The diagram below shows a mushroom. [4]
<image_placeholder> id: Q14-fig1 type: diagram linked_question: Q14 description: A labelled diagram of a mushroom showing cap, gills (under the cap), stalk, and spores (tiny dots) being released from the gills. labels: cap, gills, stalk, spores values: N/A must_show: Clear mushroom structure; gills visible under cap; spores shown as tiny dots releasing from gills </image_placeholder>
(a) The mushroom belongs to the group called __________. [1]
(b) The tiny dots released from the gills are called __________. [1]
(c) State the function of the part named in (b). [1]
(d) How does the mushroom obtain food? [1]
15. Ali found an unknown organism in the school garden. He observed the following: [4]
- It is green in colour.
- It grows in soil.
- It does not produce flowers.
- It reproduces by spores.
(a) Based on the observations, is the organism a plant or a fungus? [1]
(b) Give one reason for your answer in (a). [1]
(c) State one difference between this organism and a flowering plant. [1]
(d) Name one example of a non-flowering plant that reproduces by spores. [1]
SECTION C: Open-Ended Questions (10 marks)
Write your answers in the spaces provided.
16. The diagram below shows a fish and a dolphin. [5]
<image_placeholder> id: Q16-fig1 type: diagram linked_question: Q16 description: Two side-by-side labelled diagrams: (left) a typical fish with gills, fins, scales, streamlined body; (right) a dolphin with blowhole, flippers, smooth skin, streamlined body. Both in water. labels: Fish: gills, fins, scales; Dolphin: blowhole, flippers, smooth skin values: N/A must_show: Clear anatomical differences; fish with gills and scales, dolphin with blowhole and smooth skin </image_placeholder>
(a) State one similarity between the fish and the dolphin in terms of their body shape. [1]
(b) State two differences between the fish and the dolphin in terms of their body coverings and breathing methods. [2]
Difference 1: ____________________________________________________________ Difference 2: ____________________________________________________________
(c) The dolphin is a mammal, not a fish. Explain why the dolphin is classified as a mammal. [2]
17. A group of pupils conducted an investigation to find out if yeast is a living thing. They set up two flasks as shown below. [5]
<image_placeholder> id: Q17-fig1 type: experimental_setup linked_question: Q17 description: Two flasks side by side. Flask A: Labelled "Yeast + Sugar + Warm water", with a balloon attached to the mouth of the balloon inflated. Flask B: Labelled "Sugar + Warm water (no yeast)", with a balloon attached to the mouth of the balloon not inflated. Both flasks placed in a warm water bath. labels: Flask A: Yeast + Sugar + Warm water, Balloon inflated; Flask B: Sugar + Warm water (no yeast), Balloon not inflated; Warm water bath values: N/A must_show: Clear contrast between inflated and non-inflated balloons; labels for contents of each flask; warm water bath </image_placeholder>
After 30 minutes, the balloon in Flask A was inflated, but the balloon in Flask B remained flat.
(a) What gas was produced in Flask A that caused the balloon to inflate? [1]
(b) Why was Flask B set up in this investigation? [1]
(c) Based on the results, which characteristic of living things does yeast show? [1]
(d) State one other characteristic of living things that yeast has. [1]
(e) Why was the investigation carried out in a warm water bath? [1]
END OF PAPER
Total Marks: 50
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Science Primary 3 (SA2 Version 4) - Answer Key
Subject: Science
Level: Primary 3
Paper: SA2 (Version 4)
Total Marks: 50
SECTION A: Multiple-Choice Questions (20 marks)
1. Answer: (3) Plastic ruler [2]
Explanation: Living things need air, food, and water; they grow, reproduce, and respond to changes. A plastic ruler is a man-made object that does not have any of these characteristics. Mushroom, bacteria, and yeast are all living things (fungi and microorganisms).
2. Answer: (1) Flowering plants | Fungi [2]
Explanation: Group X contains rose, hibiscus, and bougainvillea — all are flowering plants (they produce flowers). Group Y contains mould, yeast, and mushroom — all are fungi (they reproduce by spores and feed on decaying matter).
3. Answer: (3) Bala and Cindy [2]
Explanation:
- Ali is incorrect: Not all living things move from place to place (e.g., plants are living but stay rooted).
- Bala is correct: Reproduction is a key characteristic of all living things.
- Cindy is correct: All living things need air, food, and water to survive.
- Devi is incorrect: While living things grow, "growth" in living things means increase in cell number/size, not just getting bigger (e.g., a balloon inflates but is not living). However, the main issue is that the statement "All living things grow" is generally considered true in primary science, but Bala and Cindy are the most correct pair as reproduction and need for air/food/water are defining characteristics. In MOE primary science, all four are taught as characteristics, but Ali's statement is definitely false. Between Bala, Cindy, Devi — the best answer is Bala and Cindy as they represent the most fundamental defining characteristics.
4. Answer: (3) It is a flowering plant. [2]
Explanation: The diagram shows a plant with visible flowers (petals). Flowering plants produce flowers for reproduction. Non-flowering plants (like ferns and mosses) reproduce by spores, not flowers. Fungi are not plants.
5. Answer: (2) Bat | Bird [2]
Explanation: Bats are mammals, not birds. They have hair/fur, give birth to live young, and feed their young with milk. Birds have feathers and lay eggs. The other pairs are correctly matched: frog (amphibian), salmon (fish), snake (reptile).
6. Answer: (3) Mammal [2]
Explanation: Following the flowchart: It is a living thing → Does not make its own food → Has hair/fur → Mammal. Mammals have hair/fur and feed their young with milk.
7. Answer: (2) A and D only [2]
Explanation:
- A is correct: Fungi reproduce by spores (not seeds).
- B is incorrect: Fungi cannot make their own food; they are decomposers that feed on dead/decaying matter.
- C is incorrect: Some fungi (mushrooms, mould) can be seen with the naked eye; only yeast and bacteria are microscopic.
- D is correct: Fungi feed on dead or decaying organic matter (saprotrophic nutrition).
8. Answer: (4) S [2]
Explanation: S shows none of the characteristics of living things (no ticks for any characteristic). P shows all four characteristics (definitely living). Q shows three characteristics (living). R shows two characteristics (needs air/food/water and grows, but does not respond or reproduce — could be a plant at early stage, but still living). S is non-living.
9. Answer: (2) can be seen only under a microscope [2]
Explanation: Bacteria are microscopic (visible only under a microscope). Fungi include mushrooms and moulds which can be seen with the naked eye. Both reproduce by spores (A is not a difference). Both feed on dead/decaying matter (C is not a difference). Neither makes its own food (D is incorrect for both).
10. Answer: (3) Yeast is a microorganism used in making bread. [2]
Explanation:
- (1) is false: Many microorganisms are useful (e.g., yeast in bread, bacteria in yogurt, decomposers).
- (2) is false: Microorganisms are too small to be seen with the naked eye; they need a microscope.
- (3) is correct: Yeast is a fungus (microorganism) used in baking to make bread rise.
- (4) is false: Bacteria are generally smaller than fungi (e.g., yeast cells are larger than bacterial cells).
SECTION B: Structured Questions (20 marks)
11. (a) [2]
| Living Things | Non-Living Things |
|---|---|
| Cat, Potted plant | Toy robot |
Marking: 1 mark for each correct group (both items correct in each group). No half marks.
11. (b) [2]
Answer: Any two of the following:
- The cat needs air, food, and water to survive, but the toy robot does not.
- The cat grows (increase in size and cell number), but the toy robot does not grow.
- The cat reproduces (has kittens), but the toy robot cannot reproduce.
- The cat responds to changes in its surroundings (e.g., runs away from danger), but the toy robot only moves when switched on (does not respond on its own).
Marking: 1 mark per valid characteristic, max 2 marks. Must contrast cat vs robot.
12. (a) [1]
Answer: Fern / Moss / Algae / Conifer (any one non-flowering plant)
Marking: 1 mark for any correct example.
12. (b) [2]
Answer:
- Difference 1: Fungi can be seen with the naked eye (e.g., mushroom, mould), but bacteria can only be seen under a microscope.
- Difference 2: Fungi reproduce by spores; bacteria reproduce by binary fission (splitting into two).
Marking: 1 mark per valid difference. Other acceptable differences: Fungi are eukaryotes (have nucleus), bacteria are prokaryotes (no nucleus) — but this is beyond P3. At P3 level, size/visibility and reproduction method are the taught differences.
12. (c) [1]
Answer: Fungi (specifically mould)
Marking: 1 mark. "Mould" or "Fungi" accepted.
13. (a) [1]
Answer: Animal C
Explanation: Animal C has hair and gives birth to young alive — key characteristics of mammals.
13. (b) [1]
Answer: Animal D
Explanation: Animal D has moist skin, breathes through lungs and skin, and lays eggs in water — characteristics of amphibians.
13. (c) [1]
Answer: Both Animal A and Animal B lay eggs (oviparous).
Marking: 1 mark. Must mention reproduction method.
13. (d) [1]
Answer: Animal C has hair (or fur) on its body.
Marking: 1 mark. "Has hair" or "Body covering is hair" accepted. Breathes through lungs is also true for birds and reptiles, so not unique to mammals.
14. (a) [1]
Answer: Fungi
14. (b) [1]
Answer: Spores
14. (c) [1]
Answer: Spores are for reproduction / to produce new mushrooms.
Marking: 1 mark. Must mention reproduction or dispersal to grow new organisms.
14. (d) [1]
Answer: It feeds on dead or decaying matter (decomposer).
Marking: 1 mark. "Obtains nutrients from decaying matter" accepted.
15. (a) [1]
Answer: Plant (non-flowering plant)
Explanation: It is green (contains chlorophyll), grows in soil, and reproduces by spores — these are characteristics of non-flowering plants like ferns and mosses. Fungi are not green (no chlorophyll) and do not grow in soil in the same way (they grow on decaying matter).
15. (b) [1]
Answer: It is green in colour (contains chlorophyll), so it can make its own food / it is a plant.
Marking: 1 mark. Must link green colour to plant characteristic (photosynthesis/chlorophyll).
15. (c) [1]
Answer: The organism does not produce flowers, but flowering plants produce flowers. / The organism reproduces by spores, but flowering plants reproduce by seeds.
Marking: 1 mark for any valid difference.
15. (d) [1]
Answer: Fern / Moss (any non-flowering plant that reproduces by spores)
Marking: 1 mark.
SECTION C: Open-Ended Questions (10 marks)
16. (a) [1]
Answer: Both have a streamlined body shape (for swimming in water).
Marking: 1 mark. "Streamlined body" or "Shape helps them swim" accepted.
16. (b) [2]
Answer:
- Difference 1: The fish has scales as body covering, but the dolphin has smooth skin (no scales).
- Difference 2: The fish breathes through gills, but the dolphin breathes through lungs (using a blowhole).
Marking: 1 mark per difference. Must contrast both body covering AND breathing method.
16. (c) [2]
Answer: The dolphin is a mammal because it has hair (at some stage of life), breathes air using lungs, gives birth to live young, and feeds its young with milk.
Marking: 2 marks for any two correct mammal characteristics shown by dolphin. 1 mark for one characteristic. Must explain why it's a mammal, not just state it is.
17. (a) [1]
Answer: Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Yeast carries out respiration (fermentation) using sugar, producing carbon dioxide gas which inflates the balloon.
17. (b) [1]
Answer: Flask B is the control set-up to show that the gas is produced by the yeast and not by the sugar or warm water alone.
Marking: 1 mark. Must mention "control" or "compare" and identify yeast as the variable.
17. (c) [1]
Answer: Yeast respires (carries out respiration) / Yeast responds to changes (uses sugar to produce gas).
Marking: 1 mark. "Respiration" is the key characteristic shown (release of energy from food). "Reproduces" is not shown here. "Needs food" is shown but respiration is the process.
17. (d) [1]
Answer: Yeast reproduces (by budding) / Yeast needs air, food, and water / Yeast grows.
Marking: 1 mark for any other valid characteristic of living things shown by yeast.
17. (e) [1]
Answer: Yeast works best / is most active in warm conditions (warmth speeds up respiration).
Marking: 1 mark. "Warmth provides optimal temperature for yeast activity" accepted.
MARKING SUMMARY
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A (MCQ) | 1-10 | 20 |
| B (Structured) | 11-15 | 20 |
| C (Open-Ended) | 16-17 | 10 |
| Total | 17 questions | 50 |
Note: Question numbers 1-17 correspond to 20 marks in Section A (10 questions × 2 marks), 20 marks in Section B (5 questions × 4 marks), and 10 marks in Section C (2 questions × 5 marks). Total 50 marks.