Multiple choice questions
Multiple choice questions appear throughout both exam papers, and at both foundation tier and higher tier. Multiple choice questions are usually asked as questions, often starting with 'what is...' or 'why...'.
You have three or four options to choose from in a multiple choice question. You must choose the number of options asked for in the question by placing ticks in boxes. Most multiple choice questions require just one tick, but a few ask for two ticks. You will not get a mark if you leave all the boxes blank, or if you put a tick in more than the required number of boxes.
Multiple choice questions often have two answers that could, at first glance, be correct. It is important to check all the answers before deciding which box to tick. It is also important to check that your chosen statement answers the question - some questions might include an option that is a correct statement, but that does not answer the question.
Learn how to revise with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
Dr Alex Lathbridge breaks down how to revise for your GSCE science exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
The apparatus in the diagram is used to separate a mixture of liquids in a fuel.
What is apparatus W in the diagram?
| A | Beaker | |
| B | Boiling tube | |
| C | Flask | |
| D | Jug |
| A |
|---|
| Beaker |
| B |
|---|
| Boiling tube |
| C |
|---|
| Flask |
| D |
|---|
| Jug |
[1 mark]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
| A | Beaker | |
| B | Boiling tube | |
| C | Flask | ✓ |
| D | Jug |
| A |
|---|
| Beaker |
| B |
|---|
| Boiling tube |
| C |
|---|
| Flask |
| ✓ |
| D |
|---|
| Jug |
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
What is the name of this method of separation?
| A | Crystallisation | |
| B | Electrolysis | |
| C | Filtration | |
| D | Distillation |
| A |
|---|
| Crystallisation |
| B |
|---|
| Electrolysis |
| C |
|---|
| Filtration |
| D |
|---|
| Distillation |
[1 mark]
This question has been written by a Bitesize consultant as a suggestion to the type of question that may appear in an exam paper.
| A | Crystallisation | |
| B | Electrolysis | |
| C | Filtration | |
| D | Distillation | ✓ |
| A |
|---|
| Crystallisation |
| B |
|---|
| Electrolysis |
| C |
|---|
| Filtration |
| D |
|---|
| Distillation |
| ✓ |
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
What type of reaction is cracking?
| A | Combustion | |
| B | Decomposition | |
| C | Neutralisation | |
| D | Precipitation |
| A |
|---|
| Combustion |
| B |
|---|
| Decomposition |
| C |
|---|
| Neutralisation |
| D |
|---|
| Precipitation |
[1 mark]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
| A | Combustion | |
| B | Decomposition | ✓ |
| C | Neutralisation | |
| D | Precipitation |
| A |
|---|
| Combustion |
| B |
|---|
| Decomposition |
| ✓ |
| C |
|---|
| Neutralisation |
| D |
|---|
| Precipitation |
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Which of the following is an alkane?
| A | C2H4 | |
| B | C3H6 | |
| C | C4H8 | |
| D | C6H14 |
| A |
|---|
| C2H4 |
| B |
|---|
| C3H6 |
| C |
|---|
| C4H8 |
| D |
|---|
| C6H14 |
[1 mark]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
| A | C2H4 | |
| B | C3H6 | |
| C | C4H8 | |
| D | C6H14 | ✓ |
| A |
|---|
| C2H4 |
| B |
|---|
| C3H6 |
| C |
|---|
| C4H8 |
| D |
|---|
| C6H14 |
| ✓ |
