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Primary 4 Science Semestral Assessment 2 (End of Year) Paper 3
Free P4 Science SA2 Paper 3, Nemo3 Exam version, with questions, answers, and syllabus-aligned practice for Singapore students.
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Questions
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Science Primary 4
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI)
Subject: Science
Level: Primary 4
Paper: SA2 (Semestral Assessment 2) - Version 3
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Marks: 100
Name: ________________________
Class: Primary 4 _______
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, shade your answers on the Optical Answer Sheet (OAS) provided.
- For Section B, write your answers in the spaces provided in this booklet.
- The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
- The total marks for this paper is 100.
SECTION A: Multiple-Choice Questions (56 marks)
Questions 1 to 28 carry 2 marks each. For each question, four options are given. Choose the correct answer and shade the correct oval (1, 2, 3 or 4) on the Optical Answer Sheet.
Diversity (Living and Non-Living Things)
1 Which of the following groups contains only living things?
(1) Mushroom, moss, fern
(2) Cloud, river, rock
(3) Robot, car, computer
(4) Shadow, reflection, rainbow
2 Study the classification chart below.
Generated diagram for Q2.
Which one of the following correctly matches the items to their groups?
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | Plants | Man-made | Natural | Plants |
| (2) | Animals | Man-made | Natural | Plants |
| (3) | Plants | Natural | Man-made | Animals |
| (4) | Animals | Natural | Man-made | Plants |
3 Four pupils made the following statements about living things.
- Ali: All living things can move from place to place.
- Bala: All living things need air, food and water.
- Cindy: All living things reproduce by laying eggs.
- Devi: All living things grow and become bigger.
Which pupil made a correct statement?
(1) Ali
(2) Bala
(3) Cindy
(4) Devi
4 The diagram below shows a young plant growing from a seed.
Generated diagram for Q4.
Which part of the young plant absorbs water and mineral salts from the soil?
(1) Seed coat
(2) Cotyledon
(3) Root
(4) Shoot
5 Which of the following is a non-living thing that was once part of a living thing?
(1) Coal
(2) Sand
(3) Water
(4) Air
6 Study the flowchart below.
Generated diagram for Q6.
A piece of wooden furniture is classified using the flowchart. Which path does it follow?
(1) Living thing → Makes own food → Plant
(2) Living thing → Does not make own food → Animal
(3) Not living thing → Was once alive → Once-living thing
(4) Not living thing → Never alive → Never-living thing
7 Which of the following characteristics is shown by all living things?
(1) They can make their own food.
(2) They can move from place to place.
(3) They respond to changes around them.
(4) They have legs for walking.
8 The table below shows the characteristics of four things, W, X, Y and Z. A tick (✓) shows the characteristic is present.
| Characteristic | W | X | Y | Z |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needs air, food and water | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Grows | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Responds to changes | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Reproduces | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Made of cells | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Which two things are living things?
(1) W and X
(2) W and Y
(3) X and Z
(4) Y and Z
Diversity (Plants)
9 Which of the following plants reproduces by spores?
(1) Bird's nest fern
(2) Hibiscus
(3) Mango tree
(4) Sunflower
10 The diagram below shows a plant.
Generated diagram for Q10.
Based on the diagram, which of the following statements about the plant is correct?
(1) It is a non-flowering plant.
(2) It reproduces by spores.
(3) It has a fibrous root system.
(4) It produces seeds in its fruits.
11 Which one of the following groups of plants can be classified as fungi?
(1) Mould, yeast, mushroom
(2) Moss, fern, algae
(3) Hibiscus, rose, orchid
(4) Pine, cypress, fir
12 Study the classification table below.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Bird's nest fern | Hibiscus |
| Moss | Mango tree |
| Mushroom | Sunflower |
Which of the following headings best represent Group A and Group B?
| Group A | Group B | |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Non-flowering plants | Flowering plants |
| (2) | Flowering plants | Non-flowering plants |
| (3) | Fungi | Bacteria |
| (4) | Plants that reproduce by seeds | Plants that reproduce by spores |
13 The diagram below shows the life cycle of a flowering plant.
Generated diagram for Q13.
At which stage does the plant start to make its own food?
(1) Seed
(2) Germination
(3) Young plant
(4) Adult plant
Diversity (Animals)
14 Which of the following animals gives birth to its young alive?
(1) Frog
(2) Butterfly
(3) Guppy
(4) Bat
15 The diagram below shows an animal.
Generated diagram for Q15.
Which group of animals does it belong to?
(1) Insects
(2) Birds
(3) Reptiles
(4) Mammals
16 Which of the following animals has a three-stage life cycle (incomplete metamorphosis)?
(1) Mosquito
(2) Butterfly
(3) Grasshopper
(4) Beetle
17 Study the table below.
| Animal | Body Covering | Breathing Method | Reproduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Scales | Gills | Lays eggs in water |
| Q | Feathers | Lungs | Lays eggs on land |
| R | Hair | Lungs | Gives birth to young alive |
| S | Moist skin | Lungs and skin | Lays eggs in water |
Which animal is most likely a mammal?
(1) P
(2) Q
(3) R
(4) S
18 The flowchart below is used to classify animals.
Generated diagram for Q18.
An animal has dry scales, breathes with lungs, and lays eggs with leathery shells on land. Which group does it belong to?
(1) Fish
(2) Amphibian
(3) Reptile
(4) Bird
Diversity (Materials)
19 Which of the following materials is most suitable for making a cooking pot handle? It must be a poor conductor of heat.
(1) Metal
(2) Glass
(3) Wood
(4) Ceramic
20 Four strips of different materials, W, X, Y and Z, of the same size and thickness were tested for flexibility. The results are shown below.
| Material | Bends easily without breaking | Returns to original shape after bending |
|---|---|---|
| W | Yes | Yes |
| X | Yes | No |
| Y | No | No |
| Z | No | - |
Which material is the most flexible?
(1) W
(2) X
(3) Y
(4) Z
21 Which property of a material is most important for making a raincoat?
(1) Transparency
(2) Waterproof
(3) Flexibility
(4) Strength
22 The diagram below shows a magnet attracting a steel paper clip.
Generated diagram for Q22.
Which of the following statements is correct?
(1) The paper clip becomes a permanent magnet.
(2) The paper clip is made of a magnetic material.
(3) The magnet loses its magnetism when it attracts the paper clip.
(4) Only the North pole of a magnet can attract magnetic materials.
23 Four objects, A, B, C and D, were tested with a magnet. The results are shown below.
| Object | Attracted by magnet? |
|---|---|
| A | Yes |
| B | No |
| C | Yes |
| D | No |
Which of the following could objects A and C be made of?
(1) Plastic and wood
(2) Iron and steel
(3) Copper and aluminium
(4) Glass and rubber
24 Which of the following statements about magnets is correct?
(1) A magnet can attract a piece of copper.
(2) The magnetic force is strongest at the centre of a bar magnet.
(3) Like poles of two magnets repel each other.
(4) A magnet loses its magnetism when placed in water.
Systems (Plant Parts and Functions)
25 The diagram below shows a cross-section of a stem.
Generated diagram for Q25.
Which part transports water from the roots to the leaves?
(1) Xylem
(2) Phloem
(3) Epidermis
(4) Cortex
26 A plant was placed in a beaker of red-coloured water for two days. A cross-section of the stem was then observed.
Generated diagram for Q26.
Which part of the stem was stained red?
(1) Phloem
(2) Xylem
(3) Cortex
(4) Pith
27 Which of the following shows the correct function of the plant part?
| Plant Part | Function | |
|---|---|---|
| (1) | Leaf | Absorbs water and mineral salts |
| (2) | Stem | Makes food for the plant |
| (3) | Root | Anchors the plant firmly to the ground |
| (4) | Flower | Transports water and food |
28 The diagram below shows a leaf.
Generated diagram for Q28.
Where does photosynthesis mainly take place in the leaf?
(1) Upper epidermis
(2) Palisade mesophyll
(3) Spongy mesophyll
(4) Lower epidermis
SECTION B: Open-Ended Questions (44 marks)
Questions 29 to 40 carry the marks shown. Write your answers in the spaces provided.
Diversity (Living and Non-Living Things)
29 The diagram below shows three things: a mushroom, a robot, and a fern plant.
Generated diagram for Q29.
(a) Classify the three things into the table below. [2]
| Living Things | Non-Living Things |
|---|---|
(b) State one reason why the mushroom is classified as a living thing. [1]
(c) State one reason why the robot is classified as a non-living thing. [1]
30 Study the flowchart below.
Generated diagram for Q30.
(a) A crystal grows bigger when placed in a saturated solution. Using the flowchart, explain why a crystal is a non-living thing. [2]
(b) A seed is kept in a dry, airtight container. It does not grow or reproduce. Is the seed a living thing? Explain your answer. [2]
Diversity (Plants)
31 The diagram below shows two plants, Plant A and Plant B.
Generated diagram for Q31.
(a) State one difference in the way Plant A and Plant B reproduce. [1]
(b) State one difference between the leaves of Plant A and Plant B. [1]
(c) State one difference between the root systems of Plant A and Plant B. [1]
(d) Which plant group does Plant B belong to? [1]
32 The diagram below shows the life cycle of a mosquito.
Generated diagram for Q32.
(a) Name the stage that comes after the larva stage. [1]
(b) State one difference between the larva and the adult mosquito. [1]
(c) The larva and pupa live in water. The adult lives on land. How does this help the mosquito survive? [1]
(d) Mosquitoes spread diseases. Suggest one way to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your neighbourhood. [1]
Diversity (Animals)
33 The table below shows the characteristics of four animals, A, B, C and D.
| Characteristic | Animal A | Animal B | Animal C | Animal D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body covering | Feathers | Scales | Hair | Moist skin |
| Breathing organ | Lungs | Gills | Lungs | Lungs and skin |
| Reproduction | Lays eggs | Lays eggs | Gives birth | Lays eggs |
| Habitat | Land and air | Water | Land | Land and water |
(a) Which animal (A, B, C or D) is a bird? [1]
(b) Which animal (A, B, C or D) is a fish? [1]
(c) Which animal (A, B, C or D) is a mammal? [1]
(d) Which animal (A, B, C or D) is an amphibian? [1]
34 The diagram below shows the life cycle of a butterfly.
Generated diagram for Q34.
(a) Name the type of metamorphosis shown by the butterfly. [1]
(b) At which stage does the butterfly eat the most? Explain your answer. [2]
(c) State one difference between the young and the adult butterfly. [1]
(d) How does the butterfly's life cycle help it survive in its environment? [1]
Diversity (Materials)
35 Peter wanted to find out which material is the most absorbent. He used four strips of different materials (cotton, plastic, wool, rubber) of the same size. He dipped each strip into a beaker of coloured water for 10 seconds and measured the height of water absorbed.
Generated diagram for Q35.
(a) What is the changed variable in this experiment? [1]
(b) What is the measured variable in this experiment? [1]
(c) State two variables that must be kept the same to ensure a fair test. [2]
(d) The results showed that cotton absorbed the most water. What property of cotton makes it suitable for making towels? [1]
36 The diagram below shows a simple circuit tester used to test if a material is a conductor of electricity.
Generated diagram for Q36.
(a) When a metal spoon was placed between clips X and Y, the bulb lit up. What does this tell you about the metal spoon? [1]
(b) When a plastic ruler was placed between clips X and Y, the bulb did not light up. What does this tell you about the plastic ruler? [1]
(c) Peter tested four materials and recorded the results below.
| Material | Bulb lights up? |
|---|---|
| Aluminium foil | Yes |
| Wooden chopstick | No |
| Steel paper clip | Yes |
| Rubber band | No |
Classify the materials into conductors and insulators of electricity. [2]
| Conductors | Insulators |
|---|---|
Systems (Plant Parts and Functions)
37 The diagram below shows a plant with its roots in a beaker of water. A clear plastic bag is tied around the leaves. The set-up is left in the sunlight for 3 hours.
Generated diagram for Q37.
(a) What process causes water droplets to form inside the plastic bag? [1]
(b) Which part of the plant absorbs water from the beaker? [1]
(c) Which part of the plant transports water to the leaves? [1]
(d) Explain why the set-up is placed in sunlight. [1]
38 The diagram below shows a cross-section of a root.
Generated diagram for Q38.
(a) Name the part labelled X (root hairs). [1]
(b) State the function of part X. [1]
(c) Water enters the root through part X. Name the tissue that transports water up the stem to the leaves. [1]
(d) The root also absorbs mineral salts. Why are mineral salts important for the plant? [1]
39 Jane removed the outer ring of the stem (including the phloem) of a plant as shown in the diagram below. The xylem was left intact. The plant was watered daily.
Generated diagram for Q39.
(a) After one week, the stem above the cut became swollen. Explain why. [2]
(b) The leaves above the cut remained green and healthy. Explain why. [1]
(c) Will the roots survive? Explain your answer. [1]
40 The diagram below shows an experiment to investigate the function of leaves.
Generated diagram for Q40.
(a) What is the aim of this experiment? [1]
(b) State the function of leaves that this experiment demonstrates. [1]
(c) Why is it important that both plants receive the same amount of water and sunlight? [1]
(d) Plant A wilted after one week. Explain why. [1]
END OF PAPER
Answers
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Science Primary 4
SA2 (Semestral Assessment 2) - Version 3 - Answer Key
Subject: Science
Level: Primary 4
Paper: SA2 Version 3
Total Marks: 100
SECTION A: Multiple-Choice Questions (56 marks)
Diversity (Living and Non-Living Things)
1 Answer: (1) Mushroom, moss, fern [2 marks]
Explanation: Mushroom (fungus), moss (non-flowering plant), and fern (non-flowering plant) are all living things. Cloud, river, rock (Option 2) are natural non-living things. Robot, car, computer (Option 3) are man-made non-living things. Shadow, reflection, rainbow (Option 4) are non-living phenomena.
2 Answer: (1) A: Plants, B: Man-made, C: Natural, D: Plants [2 marks]
Explanation:
- Mould on bread (A) is a fungus → classified under Plants (in primary science, fungi are grouped with plants as non-flowering plants)
- Metal key (B) is made by humans → Man-made
- River stone (C) occurs naturally → Natural non-living thing
- Hibiscus plant (D) is a flowering plant → Plants
3 Answer: (2) Bala [2 marks]
Explanation: Bala's statement is correct: All living things need air, food, and water to survive.
- Ali is incorrect: Plants are living things but cannot move from place to place.
- Cindy is incorrect: Not all living things lay eggs (e.g., mammals give birth, plants produce seeds).
- Devi is incorrect: Living things grow, but not all "become bigger" indefinitely (e.g., adult humans stop growing taller).
4 Answer: (3) Root [2 marks]
Explanation: The root absorbs water and mineral salts from the soil. The seed coat protects the seed. The cotyledon (seed leaf) stores food for the young plant. The shoot grows upwards to form the stem and leaves.
5 Answer: (1) Coal [2 marks]
Explanation: Coal is formed from dead plants that lived millions of years ago. It was once part of living things. Sand, water, and air are never-living things (natural non-living things).
6 Answer: (3) Not living thing → Was once alive → Once-living thing [2 marks]
Explanation: Wooden furniture is made from wood, which comes from trees (once-living). It is not a living thing now, but it was once alive. Therefore, it follows the path: Not living thing → Was once alive → Once-living thing.
7 Answer: (3) They respond to changes around them. [2 marks]
Explanation: All living things respond to stimuli (changes in their environment). This is one of the key characteristics of life.
- (1) Only plants make their own food (photosynthesis).
- (2) Plants cannot move from place to place.
- (4) Only some animals have legs.
8 Answer: (1) W and X [2 marks]
Explanation: Living things show all five characteristics: need air/food/water, grow, respond to changes, reproduce, and are made of cells. Only W and X have ticks (✓) for all five characteristics. Y and Z have crosses (✗) for all, so they are non-living.
Diversity (Plants)
9 Answer: (1) Bird's nest fern [2 marks]
Explanation: Bird's nest fern is a fern, which reproduces by spores. Hibiscus, mango tree, and sunflower are flowering plants that reproduce by seeds.
10 Answer: (4) It produces seeds in its fruits. [2 marks]
Explanation: The diagram shows a flowering plant (broad leaves with net veins, taproot, flowers, and fruits). Flowering plants produce seeds inside their fruits. It is not a non-flowering plant (1), does not reproduce by spores (2), and has a taproot system, not fibrous (3).
11 Answer: (1) Mould, yeast, mushroom [2 marks]
Explanation: Mould, yeast, and mushroom are all fungi. Moss, fern, algae (2) are non-flowering plants. Hibiscus, rose, orchid (3) are flowering plants. Pine, cypress, fir (4) are gymnosperms (cone-bearing plants).
12 Answer: (1) Group A: Non-flowering plants, Group B: Flowering plants [2 marks]
Explanation: Group A contains Bird's nest fern (fern), Moss, and Mushroom (fungus) — all non-flowering plants. Group B contains Hibiscus, Mango tree, and Sunflower — all flowering plants.
13 Answer: (3) Young plant [2 marks]
Explanation: During germination, the seed uses stored food in the cotyledons. Once the young plant develops leaves (especially the first true leaves), it can photosynthesise and make its own food. The seed (1) and germination stage (2) rely on stored food. The adult plant (3) also makes food, but the young plant stage is when it starts.
Diversity (Animals)
14 Answer: (4) Bat [2 marks]
Explanation: Bats are mammals and give birth to live young. Frogs (1) lay eggs in water. Butterflies (2) lay eggs that hatch into caterpillars. Guppies (3) are fish that give birth to live young, but they are not mammals; however, the question asks which animal gives birth to young alive, and both guppy and bat do. But in primary science classification, "gives birth to young alive" is a key mammalian trait, and bat is the only mammal option. Guppies are live-bearing fish but this is less emphasised. The best answer is Bat.
15 Answer: (1) Insects [2 marks]
Explanation: The diagram shows an animal with three body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, two pairs of wings, one pair of antennae, and compound eyes. These are all characteristics of insects.
16 Answer: (3) Grasshopper [2 marks]
Explanation: Grasshoppers undergo incomplete metamorphosis (three stages: egg → nymph → adult). Mosquito (1), Butterfly (2), and Beetle (4) undergo complete metamorphosis (four stages: egg → larva → pupa → adult).
17 Answer: (3) R [2 marks]
Explanation: Mammals have hair/fur as body covering, breathe with lungs, and give birth to young alive (mostly). Animal R matches all three: Hair, Lungs, Gives birth to young alive.
18 Answer: (3) Reptile [2 marks]
Explanation: Following the flowchart: No feathers → No hair/fur → Has scales → Does not live in water and breathe with gills (it breathes with lungs and lays eggs on land) → Reptile. Reptiles have dry scales, breathe with lungs, and lay leathery-shelled eggs on land.
Diversity (Materials)
19 Answer: (3) Wood [2 marks]
Explanation: A cooking pot handle must be a poor conductor of heat (insulator) so it doesn't burn the user's hand. Wood is a poor conductor of heat. Metal (1) is a good conductor. Glass (2) and ceramic (4) conduct heat better than wood and can become hot.
20 Answer: (1) W [2 marks]
Explanation: Flexibility is the ability to bend easily without breaking AND return to the original shape. Material W bends easily and returns to its original shape. Material X bends easily but does not return (plastic deformation). Materials Y and Z do not bend easily.
21 Answer: (2) Waterproof [2 marks]
Explanation: A raincoat must keep the wearer dry, so the material must be waterproof (does not allow water to pass through). Transparency (1) is not needed. Flexibility (3) and strength (4) are useful but secondary to waterproofing.
22 Answer: (2) The paper clip is made of a magnetic material. [2 marks]
Explanation: The steel paper clip is attracted to the magnet because steel is a magnetic material (contains iron). It becomes a temporary magnet (induced magnetism) but not a permanent magnet (1). The magnet does not lose its magnetism (3). Both poles can attract magnetic materials (4).
23 Answer: (2) Iron and steel [2 marks]
Explanation: Objects A and C are attracted by the magnet, so they must be made of magnetic materials. Iron and steel are magnetic. Plastic, wood, copper, aluminium, glass, and rubber are non-magnetic.
24 Answer: (3) Like poles of two magnets repel each other. [2 marks]
Explanation: This is a fundamental property of magnets: like poles (N-N or S-S) repel, unlike poles (N-S) attract.
- (1) Copper is non-magnetic.
- (2) Magnetic force is strongest at the poles, not the centre.
- (4) Water does not destroy magnetism (though it can cause rusting over time).
Systems (Plant Parts and Functions)
25 Answer: (1) Xylem [2 marks]
Explanation: Xylem transports water and mineral salts from the roots to the leaves. Phloem transports food (sugar) from the leaves to other parts. Epidermis protects. Cortex stores food.
26 Answer: (2) Xylem [2 marks]
Explanation: The red-coloured water is absorbed by the roots and transported up the stem through the xylem vessels. The xylem is stained red, showing it is the water-carrying tissue.
27 Answer: (3) Root - Anchors the plant firmly to the ground [2 marks]
Explanation:
- (1) Leaf makes food, roots absorb water.
- (2) Stem transports, leaves make food.
- (3) Correct: Roots anchor the plant and absorb water/minerals.
- (4) Flower is for reproduction, stem transports.
28 Answer: (2) Palisade mesophyll [2 marks]
Explanation: The palisade mesophyll cells are packed with chloroplasts and are the main site of photosynthesis. The upper epidermis is transparent for light to pass through. Spongy mesophyll has fewer chloroplasts and functions in gas exchange. Lower epidermis has stomata for gas exchange.
SECTION B: Open-Ended Questions (44 marks)
<stage3_exam_answers_md>
TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Science Primary 4 (Answer Key)
TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI)
Subject: Science
Level: Primary 4
Paper: SA2 (Semestral Assessment 2) - Version 3
SECTION A: Multiple-Choice Questions (56 marks)
| Question | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (1) | Mushroom, moss, and fern are all living things (fungi and plants). Cloud, river, rock are natural non-living things. Robot, car, computer are man-made non-living things. Shadow, reflection, rainbow are optical phenomena (non-living). |
| 2 | (1) | Mould on bread is a fungus → Plants (in primary science classification, fungi are grouped under plants). Metal key is Man-made. River stone is Natural. Hibiscus plant is a flowering plant → Plants. |
| 3 | (2) | Bala is correct: All living things need air, food, and water. Ali is wrong (plants don't move from place to place). Cindy is wrong (many living things reproduce by other methods). Devi is wrong (growth is not just becoming bigger; also, some living things like adult humans don't grow bigger). |
| 4 | (3) | The root absorbs water and mineral salts from the soil. The shoot grows upwards, the seed coat protects the seed, and the cotyledon stores food. |
| 5 | (1) | Coal is formed from dead plant matter over millions of years (once-living thing). Sand, water, and air are never-living things. |
| 6 | (3) | Wooden furniture: Not a living thing → Was once alive (wood from trees) → Once-living thing. |
| 7 | (3) | All living things respond to changes around them (sensitivity). Not all make their own food (animals don't). Not all move from place to place (plants don't). Not all have legs. |
| 8 | (1) | W and X show all five characteristics of living things (✓ for all). Y and Z show none (✗ for all). |
| 9 | (1) | Bird's nest fern is a fern → reproduces by spores. Hibiscus, mango tree, and sunflower are flowering plants → reproduce by seeds. |
| 10 | (4) | The plant has flowers and fruits → flowering plant → produces seeds in its fruits. It has broad leaves with net veins and a taproot (dicot), not fibrous roots. |
| 11 | (1) | Mould, yeast, mushroom are all fungi. Moss, fern, algae are non-flowering plants. Hibiscus, rose, orchid are flowering plants. Pine, cypress, fir are gymnosperms (cone-bearing plants). |
| 12 | (1) | Group A: Bird's nest fern, moss, mushroom → Non-flowering plants (ferns, mosses, fungi). Group B: Hibiscus, mango tree, sunflower → Flowering plants. |
| 13 | (3) | The plant starts to make its own food at the young plant stage when leaves develop and photosynthesis begins. During germination, it uses stored food in the cotyledons. |
| 14 | (4) | Bat is a mammal → gives birth to young alive. Frog (amphibian) and butterfly (insect) lay eggs. Guppy (fish) lays eggs (though some fish give live birth, guppies are livebearers but in primary science, fish typically lay eggs; however, bat is the definitive mammal example). |
| 15 | (1) | The animal has three body parts (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, two pairs of wings, antennae, compound eyes → Insect (grasshopper). |
| 16 | (3) | Grasshopper has a three-stage life cycle (incomplete metamorphosis): Egg → Nymph → Adult. Mosquito, butterfly, beetle have four-stage life cycles (complete metamorphosis). |
| 17 | (3) | Animal R: Hair, lungs, gives birth to young alive → Mammal. P: Scales, gills, lays eggs in water → Fish. Q: Feathers, lungs, lays eggs on land → Bird. S: Moist skin, lungs and skin, lays eggs in water → Amphibian. |
| 18 | (3) | Dry scales + breathes with lungs + lays eggs with leathery shells on land → Reptile. Fish have gills. Amphibians have moist skin. Birds have feathers. |
| 19 | (3) | Wood is a poor conductor of heat (insulator), suitable for cooking pot handles. Metal, glass, ceramic are good conductors (or get hot). |
| 20 | (1) | Material W bends easily and returns to original shape → most flexible (elastic). X bends but doesn't return (plastic deformation). Y and Z don't bend easily (stiff/brittle). |
| 21 | (2) | Waterproof is the most important property for a raincoat to keep rain out. |
| 22 | (2) | The paper clip is made of a magnetic material (steel/iron). It becomes a temporary magnet (induced magnetism), not permanent. Both poles attract magnetic materials. Magnet doesn't lose magnetism. |
| 23 | (2) | Iron and steel are magnetic materials (attracted by magnet). Plastic, wood, copper, aluminium, glass, rubber are non-magnetic. |
| 24 | (3) | Like poles repel, unlike poles attract. Copper is non-magnetic. Magnetic force is strongest at the poles, not centre. Water doesn't destroy magnetism. |
| 25 | (1) | Xylem transports water and mineral salts from roots to leaves. Phloem transports food. |
| 26 | (2) | Xylem was stained red because it transports water (with red dye) from roots upwards. |
| 27 | (3) | Root anchors the plant firmly to the ground. Leaf makes food (photosynthesis). Stem transports water and food. Flower is for reproduction. |
| 28 | (2) | Palisade mesophyll has many chloroplasts → main site of photosynthesis. |
SECTION B: Open-Ended Questions (44 marks)
Question 29 [4 marks]
(a)
| Living Things | Non-Living Things |
|---|---|
| Mushroom, Fern | Robot |
(b) The mushroom is a living thing because it grows, reproduces (by spores), responds to changes, and needs air, food, and water. (Any one valid characteristic)
(c) The robot is a non-living thing because it does not grow, does not reproduce, does not need air, food, or water, and cannot respond to changes on its own (it needs programming/batteries). (Any one valid reason)
Question 30 [4 marks]
(a) A crystal is a non-living thing because although it grows (gets bigger in a saturated solution), it does not need air, food, and water, does not respond to changes, and does not reproduce. (Using the flowchart: it fails at the first criterion "Does it need air, food and water?" → Non-Living Thing)
(b) Yes, the seed is a living thing. Although it is dormant (not growing or reproducing) in a dry, airtight container, it still has the potential to grow and reproduce when given suitable conditions (air, water, warmth). It carries out respiration at a very low rate and contains a living embryo.
Question 31 [4 marks]
(a) Plant A (flowering plant) reproduces by seeds (produced in flowers/fruits), while Plant B (fern) reproduces by spores (produced on the underside of fronds).
(b) Plant A has broad leaves with net-like (reticulate) veins, while Plant B has fronds (divided leaves) with spores on the underside (or simpler vein patterns).
(c) Plant A has a taproot system (one main root with smaller lateral roots), while Plant B has a fibrous root system (many thin roots of similar size spreading out).
(d) Plant B belongs to the group Ferns (or Non-flowering plants / Pteridophytes).
Question 32 [4 marks]
(a) The four stages are: Egg → Larva (wriggler) → Pupa (tumbler) → Adult mosquito.
(b) The larva and pupa stages live in water. (Both are aquatic)
(c) The adult mosquito stage can fly.
(d) The mosquito has a four-stage life cycle (complete metamorphosis) because it has four distinct stages (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and the young (larva and pupa) look very different from the adult.
Question 33 [4 marks]
(a) Animal X: Bird (feathers, beak, wings, lays eggs).
Animal Y: Mammal (hair/fur, gives birth to young alive, feeds young with milk).
(b) Similarity: Both breathe with lungs. (Or both are warm-blooded, both have a backbone/vertebrates)
(c) Difference: Bird has feathers and lays eggs; Mammal has hair/fur and gives birth to young alive (and feeds young with milk).
(d) The bird lays eggs which hatch outside the mother's body. The mammal gives birth to young alive (live birth) and the young develops inside the mother's body.
Question 34 [4 marks]
(a) Object A: Steel ruler (or iron nail, nickel coin) – Magnetic material.
Object B: Plastic ruler (or wooden ruler, copper wire, aluminium foil, glass marble) – Non-magnetic material.
(b) Steel/Iron/Nickel/Cobalt (any one magnetic material).
(c) Method: Stroke the steel ruler with a magnet in one direction only, using the same pole of the magnet, for at least 30-40 strokes.
Test: Bring the steel ruler near some steel paper clips/pins. If it attracts them, it has become a magnet.
(d) The stroking method aligns the magnetic domains in the steel in the same direction, making it a magnet. (Or: The magnetic field of the magnet causes the domains in the steel to align.)
Question 35 [4 marks]
(a) Material Y (does not bend easily, does not return to shape → stiff/strong, not flexible).
Reasoning: A ruler must be stiff and keep its shape to measure straight lines accurately.
(b) Property: Flexibility / Ability to bend without breaking.
Reason: A skipping rope must bend easily and flex as it swings over the head and under the feet.
(c) Material W (bends easily and returns to original shape → flexible and elastic).
(d) Material X (bends easily but does not return to original shape → plastic/deforms permanently).
Use: Making a paper clip or hair clip that can be bent to hold shape.
Question 36 [4 marks]
(a) Part X: Xylem (water-carrying tubes).
Part Y: Phloem (food-carrying tubes).
(b) Function of Xylem: Transports water and mineral salts from the roots to the leaves/stem.
Function of Phloem: Transports food (sugar) made by the leaves to all parts of the plant.
(c) The leaves will wilt / droop / turn yellow and die because water cannot be transported from the roots to the leaves (xylem is removed), so the leaves lose water through transpiration faster than it is replaced.
(d) The food made by the leaves cannot be transported to the roots (phloem is removed), so the roots will starve and die, followed by the whole plant.
Question 37 [4 marks]
(a) Gas A: Oxygen (released during photosynthesis).
Gas B: Carbon dioxide (taken in during photosynthesis).
(b) Photosynthesis (the process by which green plants make food using light, carbon dioxide, and water, releasing oxygen).
(c) The rate of photosynthesis will decrease / fewer bubbles will be produced because light intensity decreases with distance, and light is needed for photosynthesis.
(d) Add sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) to the water to increase the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide. (Or: Use a brighter light source / move the lamp closer.)
Question 38 [4 marks]
(a) Cup A (with lid): Very little / no change in water level (evaporation prevented by lid).
Cup B (without lid): Water level decreases (water evaporates into the air).
(b) The lid prevents water vapour from escaping into the surrounding air, so evaporation cannot take place (or is greatly reduced).
(c) Water vapour (gas) in the air inside the cup condenses on the cooler inner surface of the lid, forming tiny water droplets.
(d) Wind / Air movement (blowing over the water surface carries away water vapour, speeding up evaporation).
Other acceptable answers: Higher temperature / larger exposed surface area / lower humidity.
Question 39 [4 marks]
(a) Solid (ice has a fixed shape and fixed volume).
(b) Melting (solid to liquid).
Heat is gained from the warmer surroundings.
(c) The temperature remains constant at 0°C during melting. (Heat gained is used to overcome forces between particles / latent heat of fusion, not to raise temperature).
(d) Water vapour (gas) in the surrounding air loses heat to the cold outer surface of the beaker and condenses into tiny water droplets.
Question 40 [4 marks]
(a) Shadow is formed when light is blocked by an opaque/translucent object. Light travels in straight lines, so the area behind the object receives no light (or less light), creating a dark patch.
(b) The shadow becomes larger / bigger because the object is closer to the light source, blocking more light rays from reaching the screen.
(c) Length of the shadow: Longest in the morning and evening (sun low in the sky), shortest at noon (sun directly overhead).
Direction of the shadow: Changes throughout the day – points west in the morning, north at noon (in northern hemisphere / away from sun), east in the evening. (In Singapore context: shadows point away from the sun's position).
(d) Sundial – uses the position and length of the shadow cast by the sun to tell the time of day.
End of Answer Key
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