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100+ Free CCEA GCSE Science Single Award Practice Questions

Prepare for the CCEA GCSE Science — Single Award (2017) (Northern Ireland) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Key Facts: CCEA GCSE Science Single Award Exam

A* to G

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award is graded A* to G (including C*)

CCEA GCSE grading

4 units

Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Practical Skills (25% each overall)

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award (2017)

1 hour

Duration of each of Units 1, 2 and 3 written examinations

CCEA specification at a glance

9 practicals

Prescribed practicals across biology, chemistry and physics

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award (2017)

2 hours

Unit 4 Booklet A practical skills assessment duration

CCEA specification at a glance

1310

Subject classification code for CCEA Single Award Science

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award (2017)

120 hours

Guided learning hours for the GCSE course

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award (2017)

MCQ adaptation

This free bank is an English MCQ study aid, not the official exam format

OpenExamPrep

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award (2017, Northern Ireland) has four units: Biology, Chemistry and Physics written papers (1 hour, 25% each) plus Practical Skills Booklets A and B (25% total). Graded A* to G. Schools/centres pay CCEA entry fees. This free 100-question bank is an English MCQ study adaptation only — practise real unit papers and prescribed practicals separately.

Sample CCEA GCSE Science Single Award Practice Questions

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

1Which structure is found in a typical plant cell but not in a typical animal cell?
A.Nucleus
B.Cell membrane
C.Cellulose cell wall
D.Cytoplasm
Explanation: Plant cells have a cellulose cell wall that provides support and shape, plus a large permanent vacuole and chloroplasts. Animal cells lack a cellulose cell wall. Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus, cell membrane and cytoplasm.
2What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?
A.To control which substances enter and leave the cell
B.To contain chromosomes and DNA that control cell activities
C.To provide a rigid outer support
D.To store large amounts of cell sap
Explanation: The nucleus contains chromosomes made of DNA (genes) that control the cell’s characteristics and activities. The cell membrane controls entry and exit; a rigid outer wall and large vacuole with cell sap are plant-cell features.
3Stem cells are simple cells that can divide to form cells of the same type. Which medical use is a potential benefit of stem cells mentioned in CCEA Single Award Science?
A.Replacing the need for all vaccines
B.Bone marrow transplants in the treatment of leukaemia
C.Curing every genetic condition permanently with one tablet
D.Stopping all mutations caused by UV light
Explanation: The specification highlights bone marrow transplants treating leukaemia as a potential benefit of stem cells. Risks include transfer of viruses/diseases, tumour formation and ethical issues. Stem cells do not replace all vaccines or cure every genetic condition with a single tablet.
4A student burns a food sample under a boiling tube of water to estimate energy content (prescribed practical B2). Energy transferred to the water is calculated using temperature rise of a known mass of water. Which change would improve reliability of the comparison between two foods?
A.Use different starting water temperatures for each food without recording them
B.Repeat the burns and calculate a mean temperature rise for each food
C.Ignore any heat loss and never mention it in evaluation
D.Burn only one tiny crumb of one food and one whole biscuit of the other
Explanation: Repeating measurements and calculating a mean reduces the effect of random error and improves reliability. Using uncontrolled starting temperatures, ignoring evaluation of heat loss, or using unequal sample sizes all undermine a fair comparison.
5Which reagent and positive colour change correctly identify starch?
A.Benedict’s: blue to brick-red precipitate
B.Iodine solution: yellow-brown to blue-black
C.Biuret: blue to lilac/purple
D.Ethanol: clear to white emulsion
Explanation: Iodine solution turns from yellow-brown to blue-black with starch. Benedict’s tests reducing sugar (blue → brick red), Biuret tests protein (blue → lilac/purple), and ethanol tests fat (clear → white emulsion).
6Aerobic respiration releases energy. Which balanced symbol equation is correct?
A.C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
B.C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
C.6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
D.C6H12O6 + O2 → CO2 + H2O + energy
Explanation: Aerobic respiration is C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy. Anaerobic fermentation in yeast produces ethanol and CO2. Photosynthesis is the reverse overall process. Option with unbalanced O2 is incorrect.
7In genetics, an allele that is expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy is present is described as:
A.Recessive
B.Haploid
C.Dominant
D.Diploid
Explanation: A dominant allele is expressed in the phenotype when present as one or two copies. A recessive allele is only expressed when two copies are present (homozygous recessive). Haploid and diploid refer to chromosome number, not allele expression.
8In a monohybrid cross, two heterozygous parents (Bb × Bb) are crossed. What is the expected phenotypic ratio of dominant : recessive among offspring if B is completely dominant?
A.1 : 1
B.3 : 1
C.1 : 2 : 1
D.9 : 3 : 3 : 1
Explanation: Bb × Bb gives genotypes BB, Bb, Bb, bb — a 1:2:1 genotype ratio and a 3:1 phenotype ratio of dominant:recessive. 1:1 is typical of a test cross (Bb × bb). 9:3:3:1 is a dihybrid ratio.
9Cancer cells are produced by:
A.Controlled cell division forming specialised tissues only
B.Uncontrolled cell division
C.Fertilisation of haploid gametes
D.Passive immunity from antibodies in breast milk
Explanation: Cancer cells result from uncontrolled cell division. Controlled division produces new cells for growth and repair. Fertilisation forms a zygote; passive immunity is unrelated to cancer formation.
10In a spinal reflex arc, which sequence is correct?
A.Effector → motor neuron → association neuron → sensory neuron → receptor
B.Receptor → sensory neuron → association neuron → motor neuron → effector
C.Receptor → motor neuron → sensory neuron → effector
D.Brain only → muscle with no neurons involved
Explanation: A reflex arc pathway is: receptor detects stimulus and produces impulses → sensory neuron → association (relay) neuron → motor neuron → effector (muscle or gland). Reflexes are fast and often without conscious control; voluntary actions involve conscious control.

About the CCEA GCSE Science Single Award Exam

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award (2017) is the Northern Ireland single-award GCSE that introduces key ideas from biology, chemistry and physics with a substantial practical skills component. Unit 1 Biology covers cells, food and diet, genetics, coordination, reproduction, variation, disease and ecology. Unit 2 Chemistry covers acids and bases, particle models and separation, atomic structure and the Periodic Table, bonding, materials, equations, qualitative analysis, metals and reactivity, rates and organic chemistry. Unit 3 Physics covers circuits and Ohm’s law, household electricity and cost, energy stores and efficiency, electricity generation, heat transfer, waves, road transport and safety, radioactivity, and Earth in space. Unit 4 assesses practical skills through Booklet A (two pre-release practical tasks) and Booklet B (written practical-context paper). Grades run A* to G. This 100-question bank is a free English-language MCQ study adaptation for revision; it does not replace timed structured papers, laboratory practical work or Booklet A/B technique.

Assessment

Four compulsory units (subject code 1310, QAN 603/1246/4). Unit 1 Biology: external written examination, Foundation and Higher, 1 hour, 25%. Unit 2 Chemistry: external written examination, Foundation and Higher, 1 hour, 25%. Unit 3 Physics: external written examination, Foundation and Higher, 1 hour, 25%. Unit 4 Practical Skills: Booklet A practical skills assessment (two pre-release practicals from two of biology, chemistry and physics), 2 hours, 7.5%; Booklet B external written examination in a practical context, Foundation 1 hour / Higher 1 hour 15 minutes, 17.5%. All units are externally assessed. Students must take at least 40% of the assessment as terminal assessment under CCEA rules. Each unit may be resat once before cash-in (subject to the terminal rule).

Time Limit

Units 1–3: 1 hour each. Unit 4 Booklet A: 2 hours (between 1 January and 1 May in the final year of study). Unit 4 Booklet B: Foundation 1 hour; Higher 1 hour 15 minutes (Summer series in the final year).

Passing Score

No single pass mark. Graded A* to G (including C*). Raw mark boundaries are set independently each examination series; do not invent fixed unit grade boundaries.

Exam Fee

No fee is paid directly by students. Entry fees for CCEA GCSE Science Single Award units are paid by schools and registered centres; private candidates are charged by the centre that enters them. (CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment), Northern Ireland)

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award Exam Content Outline

25%

Biology (Unit 1)

Microscopy and cell structure (including prescribed practical B1), food energy and food tests (B2), biological molecules, respiration, chromosomes DNA and monohybrid genetics, cancer and mutations, nervous and hormonal control, diabetes, reproduction and contraception, continuous and discontinuous variation, natural selection, microorganisms and immunity, antibiotics, photosynthesis (B3), food chains and human impact on biodiversity.

25%

Chemistry (Unit 2)

Hazard symbols, indicators and pH, neutralisation (C1), states of matter and separation including Rf, atomic structure and electronic configuration, Periodic Table groups, ionic and covalent bonding, smart materials and nanomaterials, formulae and balanced equations, gas and flame tests, reactivity series (C2), exothermic and endothermic reactions (C3), rates of reaction, alkanes alkenes fractional distillation and polymers.

25%

Physics (Unit 3)

Series and parallel circuits, Ohm’s law and resistance (P1, P2), power fuses and kilowatt-hour cost, plug wiring and earth protection, energy stores Ek Ep efficiency, renewable and non-renewable sources, generation and transformers, conduction convection radiation (P3), wave equation and EM spectrum, ultrasound, thinking and braking distance, F=ma and speed, radioactivity and half-life, Solar System weight mass and expanding Universe.

25%

Practical Skills (Unit 4)

Independent dependent and control variables, hypotheses, risk assessment, apparatus selection, results tables and units, graph scales and axes, anomalous results, reliability and repeats, evaluation of methods, and knowledge of the nine prescribed practicals across biology chemistry and physics assessed in Booklets A and B.

How to Pass the CCEA GCSE Science Single Award Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No single pass mark. Graded A* to G (including C*). Raw mark boundaries are set independently each examination series; do not invent fixed unit grade boundaries.
  • Assessment: Four compulsory units (subject code 1310, QAN 603/1246/4). Unit 1 Biology: external written examination, Foundation and Higher, 1 hour, 25%. Unit 2 Chemistry: external written examination, Foundation and Higher, 1 hour, 25%. Unit 3 Physics: external written examination, Foundation and Higher, 1 hour, 25%. Unit 4 Practical Skills: Booklet A practical skills assessment (two pre-release practicals from two of biology, chemistry and physics), 2 hours, 7.5%; Booklet B external written examination in a practical context, Foundation 1 hour / Higher 1 hour 15 minutes, 17.5%. All units are externally assessed. Students must take at least 40% of the assessment as terminal assessment under CCEA rules. Each unit may be resat once before cash-in (subject to the terminal rule).
  • Time limit: Units 1–3: 1 hour each. Unit 4 Booklet A: 2 hours (between 1 January and 1 May in the final year of study). Unit 4 Booklet B: Foundation 1 hour; Higher 1 hour 15 minutes (Summer series in the final year).
  • Exam fee: No fee is paid directly by students. Entry fees for CCEA GCSE Science Single Award units are paid by schools and registered centres; private candidates are charged by the centre that enters them.

Keys to Passing

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

CCEA GCSE Science Single Award Study Tips from Top Performers

1Learn the nine prescribed practicals thoroughly: apparatus, variables, safety, expected observations and how to improve reliability — Booklet B revisits them every year.
2Practise calculation items with units: V = IR, P = VI, energy in kWh, Ek = ½mv², Ep = mgh, efficiency, v = fλ, speed = distance/time, F = ma, weight = mg and half-life.
3For biology, master food tests (Benedict’s, iodine, Biuret, ethanol), aerobic respiration and photosynthesis equations, monohybrid Punnett squares, and reflex arc pathways.
4For chemistry, know pH ranges, reactivity series (K Na Ca Mg Al Zn Fe Cu), flame colours, gas tests, Group 1/7/0 trends, and complete combustion of alkanes.
5For physics, wire a three-pin plug (live neutral earth fuse), compare series vs parallel, and interpret distance–time and V–I graphs.
6Download CCEA past papers and mark schemes for each unit and tier; time full 1-hour papers and practise extended-response quality of written communication.
7Check your centre’s entry plan against the 40% terminal assessment rule and any resit strategy for individual units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of CCEA GCSE Science Single Award?

Four units: Unit 1 Biology (written, 1 hour, 25%), Unit 2 Chemistry (written, 1 hour, 25%), Unit 3 Physics (written, 1 hour, 25%) and Unit 4 Practical Skills (Booklet A practical assessment 7.5% plus Booklet B written practical paper 17.5%). Foundation and Higher tiers are available for the written components.

How is the qualification graded?

CCEA GCSE grades run A* to G (including C*). Unit results are reported on a uniform mark scale and aggregated. Raw mark boundaries are set each series; there is no single published pass percentage for the subject.

What is Unit 4 Practical Skills?

Booklet A is a 2-hour practical skills assessment in which candidates carry out two pre-release practical tasks from two of biology, chemistry and physics. Booklet B is an external written paper set in a practical context assessing planning, methods, data handling and the prescribed practicals.

How many prescribed practicals are there?

Nine prescribed practicals (three in each of biology, chemistry and physics) are listed in the 2017 specification in italics. They should all be taught; Booklet A tasks are based on but not identical to these practicals.

Who pays the exam fees?

Schools and registered centres pay CCEA entry fees. Students do not normally pay CCEA directly; private candidates are charged by the centre that enters them.

Are these official CCEA questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep English-language MCQ study adaptation questions for knowledge, calculation and practical-enquiry revision. Official assessment uses structured written papers plus Practical Skills Booklets A and B. Use CCEA past papers, specimen materials and centre-run practicals separately.