BASIC 9 SCIENCE MOCK QUESTIONS

Paper 2

Essay

(100Marks)

This paper consist of two sections:A and B. Answer question 1 in section A and any other three in
section B.

All questions carry equal marks.

SECTION A: (40 MARKS)

Answer All the questions in this section.

1.(a) In an experiment to demonstrate a property of light, three card boards,A,Band C with holes in
their centres are arranged in a straight line between alighted bulb and an observer as shown in the
illustration below. Study the illustration carefully and use it to answer the questions that follow

(i) What would the observer see from the position shown?(ii) What would the observer see when
card board B is slightly displaced from the line? (iii) Explain the observation made in (a)(ii) above.

(iv) What would be observed when the card board B is brought back to its original position? (v) What
property of light is being demonstrated in this experiment?

(vi) Mention

(α) two natural occurrences that could be explained by the property of light demonstrated.

(β) one device that works on the property of light demonstrated.

(b)
The diagram above represents a simple machine

(i) What class of simple machine does it represent? (ii) Name the parts labeled I,II, and III.

(iii) Give two examples of machines used in everyday life which work on the same principle as the
system illustrated above.

(c) The diagram below is used to demonstrate an activity in the laboratory. Study it carefully and use
it to answer the questions that follow:

(i) What does the diagram represent?

(ii) Identify the components labelled D, E, K and Pin the diagram(iv) Mention the energy
transformation that occurs in E in the diagram when K is closed. [10 marks]

(iii) State one function each of the parts labelled D, E, K and P.

(d) farmer cultivated soya bean, yam and maize on a farm in a rotational programme as illustrated
below.

Study the diagram carefully and answer the questions that follow.
i) Copy and complete the table.

ii) List three principles to consider when planning this rotational programme.

iii) Give two reasons for selecting the crop named for V in plot 1 year 3.

iv) State one advantage of practicing this farming system

SECTION B: (60 MARKS)

Answer only three questions from this section.

2 (a)(i) Describe how energy is transformed when a flashlight is switched on.

(ii) Why is energy important for the survival of living organisms?

(b)(i) Differentiate between sexual and asexual reproduction.

(ii) Explain why pollination is crucial for plant reproduction.

(c)(i) List any four parts of the plant cell that are also found in an animal cell.

(ii) Why is the nucleus considered the "control center" of the cell?

(d)(i) State two differences between physical and chemical changes.

(ii) Why is melting ice considered a physical change while burning paper is a chemical change?

3 (a)(i) Describe two ways in which rocks are important to human activities.

(ii) Differentiate between igneous and sedimentary rocks.

(b)(i) Explain why copper is commonly used for electrical wiring.

(ii) How do magnets benefit society? Provide one example.

(c)(i) What happens to the particles of a substance when it changes from a liquid to a gas?
(ii) Explain how evaporation can be used to separate a mixture.

(d)(i) Define a mixture and give one example.

(ii) List three mixtures found in the home and explain how they can be separated.

4 (a)(i) Explain how soil is important to plant growth.

(ii) Why is loamy soil considered the best for agriculture?

(b)(i) Describe one method used to conserve biodiversity.

(ii) Why is recycling important for environmental sustainability?

(c)(i) Explain why water is essential to all living organisms.

(ii) What is meant by "water is a universal solvent"?

(d)(i) State two physical properties of water.

(ii) How does light contribute to plant growth?

5 (a)(i) Describe how friction can be both beneficial and harmful.

(ii) Why does a rolling ball eventually stop moving on a flat surface?

(b)(i) List three forms of energy.

(ii) Explain how energy is transferred when a person walks.

(c)(i) What is the primary function of the kidney?

(ii) Why is the heart considered an essential organ in the circulatory system?

(d)(i) What distinguishes a plant cell from an animal cell?

(ii) How does the presence of chloroplasts benefit plant cells?

6 (a)(i) Explain why forces acting on an object at rest are balanced.

(ii) Give an example of a situation where balanced forces are observed.

(b)(i) What is the main function of the small intestine in digestion?

(ii) Name one disease that affects the circulatory system and explain its impact.

(c)(i) Differentiate between an element and a compound.

(ii) Give one example of a compound used in cooking and describe its importance.
(d)(i) Describe how a simple electric circuit works.

(ii) What happens when opposite poles of two magnets are brought close together?

SCIENCE OBJECTIVE TEST

1. Which of the following is NOT a form of energy?

A. Light

B. Sound

C. Friction

D. Heat

2. The primary function of the small intestine is to:

A. Absorb digested food

B. Digest proteins

C. Store waste products

D. Remove harmful bacteria

3. What happens when the opposite poles of two magnets are brought close together?

A. They repel

B. They attract

C. They lose magnetism

D. They form a loop

4. A plant cell differs from an animal cell because it has:

A. Mitochondria

B. A cell wall

C. Cytoplasm

D. A nucleus

5. Why is water considered a universal solvent?

A. It can dissolve most substances

C. It is readily available

D. It freezes at 0°C

6. Friction is an example of a:

A. Pull force

B. Non-contact force

C. Contact force

D. Gravitational force

7. Which of the following is a chemical compound?

A. Oxygen

B. Sodium chloride

C. Iron

D. Diamond

8. Which of these is a heterogeneous mixture?

A. Saltwater

B. Oil and water

C. Sugar solution

D. Vinegar

9. Which feature is shared by all living organisms?

A. Photosynthesis

B. Reproduction

C. Breathing

D. Walking

10. Which element of weather influences the drying of clothes?

A. Rainfall

B. Wind

C. Cloud cover
D. Air pressure

11. Which of the following is NOT a branch of science?

A. Physics

B. Biology

C. Literature

D. Chemistry

12. The transformation of energy in a torchlight involves:

A. Mechanical to chemical

B. Chemical to light

C. Heat to electrical

D. Light to sound

13. What is the main function of the kidney?

A. Absorption of food

B. Removal of waste from blood

C. Pumping of blood

D. Digestion of proteins

14. The splitting of white light into its component colors is called:

A. Reflection

B. Dispersion

C. Refraction

D. Absorption

15. A mango tree is classified as a living thing because it:

A. Stays in one place permanently

B. Does not move like animals

C. Absorbs nutrients from the soil

D. Grows, reproduces, and respires

16. Which type of soil retains the most water?

B. Clay soil

C. Loamy soil

D. Gravel soil

17. Which of the following rocks is sedimentary?

A. Granite

B. Limestone

C. Basalt

D. Marble

18. What is the most effective way to reduce waste?

A. Burning waste

B. Recycling materials

C. Throwing waste in water bodies

D. Burying waste in soil

19. Which part of the seed develops into a root during germination?

A. Plumule

B. Cotyledon

C. Radicle

D. Endosperm

20. The majority charge carriers in a p-type semiconductor are:

A. Electrons

B. Holes

C. Neutrons

D. Protons

21. Which of the following best describes a physical change?

A. Burning paper

B. Melting ice
C. Rusting iron

D. Cooking rice

22. What happens to the particles of a substance when it changes from a liquid to a gas?

A. They move more slowly

B. They move more rapidly

C. They become smaller

D. They remain fixed in place

23. Hard water differs from soft water because it contains:

A. Salts, calcium, and magnesium

B. Dissolved oxygen

C. High pH levels

D. Fewer impurities

24. Which method is most suitable for separating a mixture of salt and water?

A. Filtration

B. Evaporation

C. Sieving

D. Decantation

25. Which of the following is a good conductor of electricity?

A. Rubber

B. Glass

C. Copper

D. Plastic

26. Why is seed germination important for plant survival?

A. It provides energy for growth

B. It ensures the development of flowers

C. It allows for the formation of chlorophyll

D. It initiates new plant life

A. Temperature

B. Humidity

C. Rainfall

D. Wind speed

28. The main function of humus in soil is to:

A. Hold the soil particles together

B. Provide nutrients for plants

C. Drain excess water

D. Prevent erosion

29. Which of the following is NOT a function of the circulatory system?

A. Transporting oxygen

B. Removing waste products

C. Producing enzymes

D. Circulating hormones

30. Echoes are caused by the:

A. Bending of sound waves

B. Reflection of sound waves

C. Absorption of sound waves

D. Diffraction of sound waves

31. Cross-pollination occurs when:

A. Pollen is transferred to the stigma of the same flower

B. Pollen is transferred to another plant’s flower

C. Seeds are dispersed by wind

D. Plants reproduce without flowers

A. Temperature

B. Humidity

C. Wind speed

D. Air pressure

33. Which of the following hormones controls reproduction in humans?

A. Insulin

B. Testosterone

C. Adrenaline

D. Thyroxine

34. A food chain always begins with:

A. Animals

B. Plants

C. Decomposers

D. Fungi

35. The control center of a cell is known as the:

A. Nucleus

B. Cell membrane

C. Cytoplasm

D. Vacuole

36. What is the main reason scientists conduct experiments?

A. To confirm predictions

B. To entertain others

C. To solve social problems

D. To replace hypotheses

37. Rocks formed from cooling molten magma are known as:

A. Sedimentary rocks
B. Igneous rocks

C. Metamorphic rocks

D. Fossil rocks

38. Deforestation affects the environment by:

A. Increasing soil fertility

B. Reducing carbon dioxide levels

C. Causing soil erosion

D. Promoting biodiversity

39. Which type of soil is best for agriculture?

A. Sandy soil

B. Clay soil

C. Loamy soil

D. Gravel soil

40. The most effective way to reduce waste is:

A. Burning waste

B. Recycling materials

C. Throwing waste in water bodies

D. Burying waste in soil

MARKING SCHEME

PAPER 2 (100 MARKS)

PART I (40 MARKS)

(Answer all of Question 1)

Question 1 (40 marks)

(a) Light Experiment (10 marks)

(i) The observer sees the light passing through all holes. (2 marks)
(ii) No light is seen when card B is displaced. (2 marks)

(iii) Light travels in a straight line, so it cannot pass through misaligned holes. (2 marks)

(iv) Light reappears when B is realigned. (2 marks)

(v) Property demonstrated: Rectilinear propagation of light. (1 mark)

(vi) (α) Two natural occurrences: Eclipse, shadow formation. (½ mark each = 1 mark)

(β) One device: Pinhole camera. (1 mark)

(b) Simple Machine (10 marks)

(i) The diagram represents a First-class lever. (2 marks)

(ii) Labeled parts:

I - Effort (2 marks)

II - Fulcrum (2 marks)

III - Load (2 marks)

(iii) Two examples: Scissors, seesaw. (2 marks)

(c) Electric Circuit (10 marks)

(i) The diagram represents a Simple electric circuit. (2 marks)

(ii) Components:

D - Battery (2 marks)

E - Bulb (2 marks)

K - Switch (2 marks)

P - Wire (2 marks)

(iii) Energy transformation in E when K is closed: Electrical → Light. (2 marks)

(iv) Functions of components:

D - Provides power (1 mark)

E - Converts energy to light (1 mark)

K - Opens/closes circuit (1 mark)

P - Conducts electricity (1 mark)

(d) Crop Rotation (10 marks)

I - Soya bean (1 mark)

II - Yam (1 mark)

III - Yam (1 mark)

IV - Soya bean (1 mark)

V - Soya bean (1 mark)

VI - Yam (1 mark)

(ii) Three principles for planning crop rotation:

Maintain soil fertility (1 mark)

Prevent pests (1 mark)

Improve yield (1 mark)

(iii) Reason for selecting crop in plot V (year 3):

Legume (V) fixes nitrogen to enrich soil. (1 mark)

(iv) One advantage of crop rotation:

Prevents soil depletion. (1 mark)

SECTION B: THEORY QUESTIONS (60 MARKS)

Each question carries 20 marks. Answer only three questions.

QUESTION 2

(a)(i) Energy transformation in a flashlight:

Chemical energy (from the battery) → Electrical energy → Light energy (4 marks)

(ii) Importance of energy for living organisms:

Energy is required for movement, growth, reproduction, metabolism, and maintaining homeostasis.
(3 marks)
(b)(i) Sexual vs. Asexual reproduction:

Sexual reproduction involves two parents and leads to genetic variation, while asexual reproduction
involves one parent and produces identical offspring. (4 marks)

(ii) Importance of pollination:

Pollination ensures fertilization, leading to seed and fruit production in plants. (3 marks)

(c)(i) Four parts of a plant cell also found in an animal cell:

Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Cell membrane, Mitochondria (4 marks)

(ii) Nucleus as the control center:

It regulates cell activities and contains genetic material (DNA). (2 marks)

(d)(i) Differences between physical and chemical changes:

Physical changes do not form new substances (e.g., melting ice), while chemical changes form new
substances (e.g., burning paper). (2 marks)

(ii) Melting ice vs. burning paper:

Melting ice is a physical change because it is reversible; burning paper is chemical because it forms
new substances. (2 marks)

Total: 20 marks

QUESTION 3

(a)(i) Two uses of rocks in human activities:

Construction (buildings, roads) and Manufacturing (cement, glass production). (4 marks)

(ii) Igneous vs. Sedimentary rocks:

Igneous rocks form from cooled magma, while sedimentary rocks form from compacted sediments.
(3 marks)

(b)(i) Why copper is used in electrical wiring:

Copper is a good conductor of electricity and resistant to corrosion. (4 marks)

(ii) One benefit of magnets in society:

(c)(i) Particle movement during liquid to gas transition:

Particles gain energy and move faster, breaking away from each other. (3 marks)

(ii) Evaporation as a separation method:

Water evaporates, leaving behind dissolved substances (e.g., salt from saltwater). (2 marks)

(d)(i) Definition and example of a mixture:

A mixture contains two or more substances not chemically combined, e.g., air. (2 marks)

(ii) Three household mixtures and separation methods:

Sand and water (filtration), Saltwater (evaporation), Oil and water (decantation). (2 marks)

Total: 20 marks

QUESTION 4

(a)(i) Importance of soil to plants:

Provides nutrients, water, and support for root anchorage. (3 marks)

(ii) Why loamy soil is best for farming:

Retains moisture and nutrients but drains well. (2 marks)

(b)(i) Method of conserving biodiversity:

Afforestation, reducing habitat destruction, or wildlife protection programs. (4 marks)

(ii) Importance of recycling:

Reduces waste, conserves resources, and protects the environment. (3 marks)

(c)(i) Importance of water to organisms:

Needed for digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. (3 marks)

(ii) Why water is a universal solvent:

(d)(i) Two physical properties of water:

High boiling point, high surface tension. (2 marks)

(ii) Role of light in plant growth:

Essential for photosynthesis. (2 marks)

Total: 20 marks

QUESTION 5

(a)(i) Friction: Helpful and harmful:

Helpful (walking, braking); Harmful (wear and tear). (4 marks)

(ii) Why a rolling ball stops moving:

Friction and air resistance slow it down. (3 marks)

(b)(i) Three forms of energy:

Kinetic, potential, thermal. (3 marks)

(ii) Energy transfer when walking:

Chemical (food energy) → Mechanical (movement). (2 marks)

(c)(i) Function of the kidney:

Filters waste from the blood. (4 marks)

(ii) Why the heart is essential:

Pumps blood, supplying oxygen and nutrients. (3 marks)

(d)(i) Plant vs. Animal cell:

Plants have a cell wall and chloroplasts; animals do not. (2 marks)

(ii) Role of chloroplasts in plants:

Photosynthesis. (2 marks)
Total: 20 marks

QUESTION 6

(a)(i) Balanced forces on an object at rest:

No movement occurs because forces cancel out. (3 marks)

(ii) Example of balanced forces:

A book resting on a table. (2 marks)

(b)(i) Function of the small intestine:

Absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream. (4 marks)

(ii) Disease affecting the circulatory system and impact:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) → Can cause heart disease. (3 marks)

(c)(i) Element vs. Compound:

Elements contain one type of atom; compounds have two or more chemically combined elements.
(4 marks)

(ii) Example of a compound in cooking:

Table salt (NaCl) enhances flavor and food preservation. (3 marks)

(d)(i) Simple electric circuit operation:

Contains a power source, conductor, and load (bulb), allowing current to flow. (2 marks)

(ii) Effect of opposite poles of magnets meeting:

They attract. (2 marks)

Total: 20 marks

SECTION A: OBJECTIVE TEST (40 MARKS)

Each question carries 1 mark.

1. C. 2. A

3. B. 4. B. 5. A. 6. C. 7. B. 8. B. 9. B. 10. B. 11. C. 12. B. 13. B. 14. B. 15. D. 16. B

29. C. 30. B. 31. B. 32. B. 33. B. 34. B. 35. A. 36. A. 37. B. 38. C. 39. C. 40. B

Total Marks for Section A: 40 Marks