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100+ Free GCSE Design and Technology Practice Questions

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Which design strategy focuses on dividing a product into input, process and output blocks?

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B
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GCSE Design and Technology Exam

9-1

Grading scale

Ofqual

May-June

Exam series

AQA, Edexcel, OCR timetable

3 boards

Specifications available

AQA, Edexcel, OCR

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

AQA, Edexcel, OCR GCSE Design and Technology is assessed through linear end-of-course exam papers (Key Stage 4). Coverage spans core technical principles, specialist technical principles, designing and making principles, and grading uses the 9-1 scale on 2026 specifications.

Sample GCSE Design and Technology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GCSE Design and Technology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which renewable energy source uses the gravitational pull of the moon to generate electricity?
A.Solar power
B.Wind power
C.Tidal power
D.Biomass
Explanation: Tidal power harnesses energy from the rise and fall of sea levels caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the moon. Tidal barrages or stream generators convert this kinetic energy into electricity. It is predictable and reliable compared to solar or wind.
2What does the acronym CAD stand for in design and technology?
A.Computer Aided Design
B.Computer Automated Drawing
C.Centralised Application Design
D.Creative Architectural Drafting
Explanation: CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and refers to software used to create 2D and 3D digital models. Common GCSE packages include 2D Design, SolidWorks, Fusion 360 and SketchUp. CAD enables rapid iteration, accurate dimensioning and direct export to CAM machines.
3Which of the following is a hardwood?
A.Pine
B.Spruce
C.Oak
D.Cedar
Explanation: Oak is a hardwood obtained from deciduous broadleaf trees. Hardwoods generally have a denser cellular structure and slower growth rates than softwoods, making them tougher and more durable. Other hardwoods include beech, mahogany, ash and balsa (despite being soft).
4Which smart material changes colour in response to changes in temperature?
A.Photochromic
B.Thermochromic
C.Piezoelectric
D.Shape memory alloy
Explanation: Thermochromic materials change colour reversibly in response to temperature change. They are used in mood rings, baby feeding spoons, kettles and battery test strips. The pigment is typically a liquid crystal or leuco dye system.
5In a simple lever, what is the name of the fixed pivot point?
A.Effort
B.Load
C.Fulcrum
D.Linkage
Explanation: The fulcrum is the fixed pivot point about which a lever rotates. The mechanical advantage of a lever is calculated as the distance from the effort to the fulcrum divided by the distance from the load to the fulcrum. A see-saw, crowbar and scissors all use levers.
6What does FSC certification on timber indicate?
A.The timber has the highest density
B.The timber is from a responsibly managed forest
C.The timber is fire resistant
D.The timber has been kiln dried
Explanation: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies timber from responsibly managed forests that meet environmental, social and economic standards. The FSC tree-tick logo gives consumers confidence that the wood is sustainable. This supports environmentally responsible design.
7Which property describes a material's ability to be permanently stretched into a thin wire?
A.Hardness
B.Toughness
C.Ductility
D.Elasticity
Explanation: Ductility is the ability of a material to be drawn out or stretched into a thin wire without breaking. Copper and gold are highly ductile, which is why copper is used for electrical wiring. Ductility is a form of plastic deformation.
8Which scale of production is most appropriate for manufacturing a bespoke handmade dining table?
A.One-off production
B.Batch production
C.Mass production
D.Continuous production
Explanation: One-off (or jobbing) production is used for unique bespoke products where a single item is made to the customer's specification. It requires highly skilled workers, takes longer per unit and has the highest unit cost. Examples include wedding cakes, tailored suits and bespoke furniture.
9What is anthropometric data used for in design?
A.Measuring environmental impact
B.Recording human body measurements
C.Testing material strength
D.Calculating production costs
Explanation: Anthropometric data is the measurement of the human body and its parts (heights, reaches, grip sizes). Designers use percentile tables (typically 5th to 95th percentile) to ensure products fit the target user population. It is essential for ergonomic design of chairs, tools and workstations.
10Which of the 6Rs encourages the designer to consider whether a product is actually needed?
A.Reduce
B.Reuse
C.Rethink
D.Recycle
Explanation: Rethink is the first of the 6Rs and asks whether a product is necessary at all, or whether the same need could be met in a less resource-intensive way. The full 6Rs are rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and repair. Rethinking can have the biggest sustainability impact.

About the GCSE Design and Technology Exam

GCSE Design and Technology is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR as part of the UK General Certificate of Secondary Education qualification framework. The course covers core technical principles, specialist technical principles, designing and making principles, non-examined assessment and is assessed primarily through written exam papers at the end of the two-year course.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3-5 hours total across multiple papers

Passing Score

Grade 4 is the standard pass, Grade 5 is the strong pass (1-9 scale)

Exam Fee

£40-£80 per subject (school-set entry fee) (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

GCSE Design and Technology Exam Content Outline

Core

Core Technical Principles

New and emerging technologies, energy generation, materials, smart materials, mechanical systems

Core

Specialist Technical Principles

Selection of materials (timbers, metals, polymers, papers/boards, textiles), tools, processes

Core

Designing and Making

Investigation, design brief, specification, design ideas, modelling, prototyping, evaluation

Core

Non-Examined Assessment

Internally set design and make task using a contextual challenge (50% of grade)

How to Pass the GCSE Design and Technology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade 4 is the standard pass, Grade 5 is the strong pass (1-9 scale)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3-5 hours total across multiple papers
  • Exam fee: £40-£80 per subject (school-set entry fee)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GCSE Design and Technology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use past papers from your specific exam board — questions follow the same style year on year
2Time yourself on full papers to build pacing for the long extended-response questions
3Build a clear understanding of mark schemes — examiners reward specific assessment objectives
4Review examiner reports each summer; common errors repeat

Frequently Asked Questions

What exam boards offer GCSE Design and Technology?

GCSE Design and Technology is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR. All boards follow Ofqual subject content but vary in the choice of set texts, optional topics, and paper structure.

When is the GCSE Design and Technology exam taken?

Exams are written in the May-June series at the end of the two-year Key Stage 4 course. Most students sit the papers in Year 11.

How is GCSE Design and Technology graded?

GCSEs are graded on the 9-1 scale, where 9 is the highest grade. A grade 4 is a standard pass, and grade 5 is a strong pass. Grade 7 is broadly equivalent to the old A grade.

How many papers does GCSE Design and Technology have?

Most GCSE subjects have 2-3 written papers. The exact number, timing, and weighting depend on the chosen exam board. Some subjects also include a non-examined assessment (NEA) coursework component.