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100+ Free GCSE Combined Science Practice Questions

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Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GCSE Combined Science Exam

2 GCSEs

Combined Science is a double award

AQA, Edexcel, OCR

6 papers

Two each for biology, chemistry and physics

AQA 8464 specification

70 marks

Marks per AQA paper, 1 hour 15 minutes each

AQA 8464 specification

9-9 to 1-1

Double-grade scale (17 points)

Ofqual

21

Required practicals across the three sciences (AQA)

AQA 8464 specification

2025-2027

Years physics equation sheets are provided

AQA

May-June

Exam series at end of two-year course

AQA, Edexcel, OCR timetable

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

AQA, Edexcel, OCR GCSE Combined Science is a linear double award worth two GCSEs (Key Stage 4). Six exam papers cover biology, chemistry and physics, graded on the 9-9 to 1-1 scale on 2026 specifications with formula sheets supplied.

Sample GCSE Combined Science Practice Questions

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

1Which of the following structures is found in a plant cell but NOT in an animal cell?
A.Cell membrane
B.Cytoplasm
C.Cell wall
D.Nucleus
Explanation: Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose that provides structural support and shape. Animal cells lack a cell wall. Both cell types share a membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus.
2A bacterial cell is best described as which type of cell?
A.Eukaryotic
B.Prokaryotic
C.Multicellular
D.Specialised
Explanation: Bacteria are prokaryotic cells: they have no true nucleus and their genetic material is a single loop of DNA in the cytoplasm, sometimes with plasmids. Eukaryotic cells, by contrast, have a membrane-bound nucleus.
3The net movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated solution is called:
A.Diffusion
B.Osmosis
C.Active transport
D.Filtration
Explanation: Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a partially permeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration (dilute) to lower water concentration (concentrated). It is a passive process requiring no energy.
4During mitosis, a single cell divides to produce:
A.Two genetically identical diploid cells
B.Four genetically different haploid cells
C.Two haploid gametes
D.Four identical diploid cells
Explanation: Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent and to each other, each with the full (diploid) chromosome number. It is used for growth and repair.
5Which part of the digestive system produces bile?
A.Pancreas
B.Liver
C.Stomach
D.Small intestine
Explanation: Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is alkaline to neutralise stomach acid and emulsifies fats, increasing the surface area for lipase to act on.
6Which enzyme breaks down starch into smaller sugars?
A.Protease
B.Lipase
C.Amylase
D.Catalase
Explanation: Amylase is a carbohydrase that breaks down starch into maltose (a sugar). It is produced in the salivary glands and the pancreas. Each enzyme is specific to its substrate.
7Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body?
A.Vena cava
B.Pulmonary artery
C.Aorta
D.Pulmonary vein
Explanation: The aorta is the main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart at high pressure.
8Which type of pathogen causes measles?
A.Bacterium
B.Virus
C.Fungus
D.Protist
Explanation: Measles is caused by a virus and is spread by droplets from sneezes and coughs. It can be prevented by the MMR vaccine. Viruses reproduce inside host cells, damaging them.
9Which type of white blood cell produces antibodies?
A.Phagocyte
B.Lymphocyte
C.Platelet
D.Red blood cell
Explanation: Lymphocytes produce antibodies, which are specific proteins that bind to antigens on pathogens, marking them for destruction. They also produce antitoxins to neutralise toxins.
10Why are antibiotics NOT effective against viral infections?
A.Viruses are too large to be affected
B.Viruses live and reproduce inside body cells
C.Antibiotics only work outside the body
D.Viruses are killed only by painkillers
Explanation: Antibiotics kill bacteria but cannot kill viruses because viruses reproduce inside the body's own cells. Damaging the virus would mean damaging the host cell, so antibiotics are ineffective against viral diseases.

About the GCSE Combined Science Exam

GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy or Double Award) is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and is worth two GCSEs. It covers reduced biology, chemistry and physics content and is assessed through six written papers — two for each science — sat at the end of the two-year Key Stage 4 course.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Six papers of 1 hour 15 minutes each (7.5 hours total)

Passing Score

Grade 4-4 is a standard pass on the 9-9 to 1-1 double-award scale

Exam Fee

£40-£80 entry (school-set, awards two GCSEs) (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

GCSE Combined Science Exam Content Outline

Biology

Cell Biology and Organisation

Eukaryotes and prokaryotes, cell structure, transport, mitosis; tissues, organs, enzymes, digestion, circulatory system

Biology

Infection, Bioenergetics and Homeostasis

Pathogens, immune system, vaccination, antibiotics; photosynthesis and respiration; nervous and endocrine systems

Biology

Inheritance and Ecology

DNA, genetics, sex determination, variation, evolution and natural selection; food chains, cycles, climate change

Chemistry

Atomic Structure and Bonding

Atoms, isotopes, periodic table, electron configuration; ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, structures and properties

Chemistry

Quantitative Chemistry and Chemical Changes

Relative formula mass, moles, conservation of mass; acids and bases, neutralisation, reactivity, electrolysis, redox

Chemistry

Energy, Rate, Organic, Analysis, Atmosphere, Resources

Exothermic and endothermic reactions, rates and catalysts, hydrocarbons, gas tests and purity, atmosphere, potable water

Physics

Energy, Electricity and Particle Model

Energy stores and efficiency, renewable resources; current, voltage, resistance, mains electricity; states of matter, specific heat capacity

Physics

Atomic Structure, Forces, Waves and Magnetism

Nuclear model, radioactivity, half-life; scalars and vectors, Newton's laws, work done; wave equation, EM spectrum; magnets and electromagnets

How to Pass the GCSE Combined Science Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade 4-4 is a standard pass on the 9-9 to 1-1 double-award scale
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Six papers of 1 hour 15 minutes each (7.5 hours total)
  • Exam fee: £40-£80 entry (school-set, awards two GCSEs)

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 Combined Science Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use past papers from your specific exam board — Trilogy questions follow the same style and command words year on year
2Learn the required practicals well; exams reliably ask about apparatus, variables and improving method
3Practise calculation questions and rearranging equations even though a physics equation sheet is provided
4Memorise the standard gas tests, flame colours and the reactivity series for quick chemistry marks
5Use 'OIL RIG', 'CnH2n+2' and other mnemonics to recall recurring facts under exam pressure
6Time full 1 hour 15 minute papers to build pacing for the longer six-mark extended-response questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many GCSEs is Combined Science worth?

GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy or Double Award) is worth two GCSEs. Students receive a double grade such as 7-7 or 5-4 reflecting their overall performance across biology, chemistry and physics.

How is GCSE Combined Science assessed?

It is assessed by six written papers — two each for biology, chemistry and physics. With AQA each paper lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and is worth 70 marks, sat at the end of the two-year course.

What is the difference between Combined Science and the separate sciences?

Combined Science covers slightly reduced content and gives two GCSEs, while Separate (Triple) Science covers each subject in more depth and awards three GCSEs, one for biology, chemistry and physics each.

How is GCSE Combined Science graded?

It uses a 17-point scale from 9-9 down to 1-1. A 4-4 is a standard pass and 5-5 a strong pass. Grades are awarded as a double grade rather than a single number.

Do students get a formula or equation sheet?

For exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027, AQA provides physics equation sheets and chemistry data, so students do not need to memorise all the usual physics equations for Combined Science.

Are there foundation and higher tiers?

Yes. Combined Science is tiered: foundation tier targets grades 5-5 down to 1-1, and higher tier targets 9-9 down to 4-4 (with a safety-net 3-3). Students sit all papers at the same tier.