Science and General Knowledge
Life and physical science
The science items test core ideas, not specialist detail. In biology, know the cell as the basic unit of life, the difference between plant and animal cells (cell wall, chloroplasts), photosynthesis (light energy → chemical energy in glucose), and the role of DNA in inheritance. In chemistry, distinguish elements, compounds, and mixtures; know that acids have pH below 7 and bases above 7; and balance simple equations so atoms are conserved. In physics, apply speed = distance ÷ time, density = mass ÷ volume, and the idea that forces change motion.
Earth, health, and general knowledge
Expect map and globe basics: continents, oceans, latitude and longitude, and Liberia’s position in West Africa. Know Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, and that the country is divided into counties. Health questions may cover hygiene, vaccination, and disease transmission. General-knowledge items may ask about the branches of government-executive, legislature, judiciary-and the function of each.
Worked example
A car travels 150 km in 2.5 hours. What is its average speed? Use speed = distance ÷ time = 150 km ÷ 2.5 h = 60 km/h. If the question asks for metres per second, convert: 60 km/h × 1,000 m/km ÷ 3,600 s/h = 16.7 m/s. Showing the unit conversion prevents a matching error when the options are in different units.
Traps
Confusing mass with weight; calling a hypothesis a theory; treating correlation as proof of causation; and choosing an answer that sounds scientific but reverses the direction of a relationship (for example, saying acids have a high pH).