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 'which of these...'.
You have four options to choose from in a multiple choice question. You must only choose one of these options, by placing a tick or cross in a box. You will not get a mark if you leave all the boxes blank, or if you put a tick or cross in more than one box.
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
Ethene reacts with steam to produce ethanol:
C2H4 + H2O → C2H5OH
What type of reaction takes place between ethene and steam?
[1 mark]
| A | Addition | |
| B | Dehydration | |
| C | Neutralisation | |
| D | Substitution |
| A |
|---|
| Addition |
| B |
|---|
| Dehydration |
| C |
|---|
| Neutralisation |
| D |
|---|
| Substitution |
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 | Addition | ✔ |
| B | Dehydration | |
| C | Neutralisation | |
| D | Substitution |
| A |
|---|
| Addition |
| ✔ |
| B |
|---|
| Dehydration |
| C |
|---|
| Neutralisation |
| D |
|---|
| Substitution |
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Which of the following is the formula of an alkene?
[1 mark]
| A | CH4 | |
| B | C6H14 | |
| C | C4H8 | |
| D | C4H7OH |
| A |
|---|
| CH4 |
| B |
|---|
| C6H14 |
| C |
|---|
| C4H8 |
| D |
|---|
| C4H7OH |
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 | CH4 | |
| B | C6H14 | |
| C | C4H8 | ✔ |
| D | C4H7OH |
| A |
|---|
| CH4 |
| B |
|---|
| C6H14 |
| C |
|---|
| C4H8 |
| ✔ |
| D |
|---|
| C4H7OH |
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
The test for chloride ions was carried out on a solution.
Dilute nitric acid was added to the solution, followed by a few drops of silver nitrate solution.
A white precipitate formed.
Why is it necessary to add dilute nitric acid in this test?
[1 mark]
| A | To neutralise the solution | |
| B | Nitrate ions are needed for the test to work | |
| C | To make sure no carbonate ions are present | |
| D | The test only works in alkaline conditions |
| A |
|---|
| To neutralise the solution |
| B |
|---|
| Nitrate ions are needed for the test to work |
| C |
|---|
| To make sure no carbonate ions are present |
| D |
|---|
| The test only works in alkaline conditions |
Edexcel question courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
| A | To neutralise the solution | |
| B | Nitrate ions are needed for the test to work | |
| C | To make sure no carbonate ions are present | ✔ |
| D | The test only works in alkaline conditions |
| A |
|---|
| To neutralise the solution |
| B |
|---|
| Nitrate ions are needed for the test to work |
| C |
|---|
| To make sure no carbonate ions are present |
| ✔ |
| D |
|---|
| The test only works in alkaline conditions |
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Polyesters are condensation polymers.
How many water molecules form each time an ester link forms during polymerisation?
[1 mark]
| A | 0 | |
| B | 1 | |
| C | 1.5 on average | |
| D | 2 |
| A |
|---|
| 0 |
| B |
|---|
| 1 |
| C |
|---|
| 1.5 on average |
| D |
|---|
| 2 |
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 | 0 | |
| B | 1 | ✔ |
| C | 1.5 on average | |
| D | 2 |
| A |
|---|
| 0 |
| B |
|---|
| 1 |
| ✔ |
| C |
|---|
| 1.5 on average |
| D |
|---|
| 2 |
