Grade 8 NSW Science Stage 4 Half Yearly Exam
Term 2, 60 Minutes
Total Marks: 45
Instructions:
• Attempt all questions.
• Section 1: Multiple Choice (18 marks) - Circle the correct answer.
• Section 2: Written Response (27 marks) - Write answers in the space provided.
• Use appropriate scientific language and representations.
Section 1: Multiple Choice (18 marks)
Instructions: Circle the correct answer for each question. Each question is worth 1
mark.
1. Which organ is NOT part of the digestive system?
a) Stomach b) Liver c) Lungs d) Pancreas
2. In a food chain, what is the role of a decomposer?
a) Produce energy b) Break down dead matter c) Consume plants d) Hunt
prey
3. Which natural event is most likely to disrupt a coastal ecosystem?
a) Earthquake b) Tsunami c) Volcanic eruption d) Drought
4. What type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by chemical reactions?
a) Physical b) Chemical c) Biological d) Mechanical
5. Which food group provides the most energy?
a) Proteins b) Carbohydrates c) Vitamins d) Minerals
6. Which microorganism is used in making yogurt?
a) Yeast b) E. coli c) Lactobacillus d) Salmonella
7. What is the main function of the circulatory system?
a) Digest food b) Transport nutrients and oxygen c) Remove waste d) Sup-
port movement
8. Which organ in the excretory system filters blood?
a) Bladder b) Kidney c) Ureter d) Urethra
9. Which system works with the skeletal system to enable movement?
a) Muscular b) Respiratory c) Nervous d) Reproductive
10. What is the primary role of the respiratory system?
a) Pump blood b) Exchange gases c) Produce hormones d) Filter waste
11. Which layer of the Earth is composed of molten rock?
a) Crust b) Mantle c) Outer Core d) Inner Core
12. Which agent of erosion is responsible for shaping river valleys?
a) Wind b) Water c) Ice d) Gravity
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13. What technology is commonly used to treat asthma?
a) Dialysis b) Inhalers c) Pacemakers d) Prosthetics
14. Which organ is part of the reproductive system in males?
a) Ovary b) Testis c) Uterus d) Vagina
15. What is a harmful effect of microorganisms in the environment?
a) Decomposition b) Food spoilage c) Nitrogen fixation d) Fermentation
16. How does technology assist in managing the effects of natural events?
a) Predicting weather b) Increasing erosion c) Reducing biodiversity d) Caus-
ing earthquakes
17. Which process preserves food by removing water?
a) Canning b) Freezing c) Dehydration d) Pickling
18. How does predation affect a food web?
a) Increases prey population b) Balances populations c) Eliminates producers
d) Reduces energy transfer
Section 2: Written Response (27 marks)
Instructions: Answer the following questions in the space provided. Marks are indicated
for each question.
1. Living Systems (6 marks)
a) Construct a food chain with at least four organisms, including a producer, pri-
mary consumer, secondary consumer, and decomposer. Label each organism’s role.
(3 marks)
b) Explain how the removal of a predator could affect the food chain you con-
structed. (3 marks)
2. Impact of Natural Events (4 marks)
Describe how a bushfire can impact an ecosystem and suggest one technological
solution to manage its effects. (4 marks)
3. Food Groups and Tests (3 marks)
Name two major food groups and describe a chemical test to identify one of them.
(3 marks)
4. Digestive and Circulatory Systems (6 marks)
a) Identify two major organs in the digestive system and describe their roles. (3
marks)
b) Discuss how a technology, such as a pacemaker, assists in treating heart diseases.
(3 marks)
5. Skeletal/Muscular and Respiratory Systems (5 marks)
a) Describe the role of the skeletal and muscular systems in movement. (3 marks)
b) Explain how advancements in inhaler technology have improved asthma treat-
ment. (2 marks)
6. Earth’s Crust (3 marks)
Explain the difference between physical and chemical weathering, providing one
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example of each. (3 marks)