General Science
General Science tests core ideas from life, earth, and physical science. Questions favor fundamental relationships and definitions rather than advanced calculation.
Life science
Cells are the basic unit of life. Plant cells have cell walls and chloroplasts; animal cells do not. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide, water, and light energy to produce glucose and oxygen. Food webs trace energy flow, and decomposers recycle nutrients.
Chemistry
Atoms contain protons, neutrons, and electrons. Elements are arranged by atomic number on the periodic table. Acids have a pH below 7; bases are above 7; 7 is neutral. A compound is chemically combined, while a mixture can be separated physically. Know the states of matter and changes such as evaporation and condensation.
Physics and Earth science
Newton's laws describe force and motion. Energy forms include kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, and electrical. Density explains floating and sinking. Earth science includes the water cycle, rock types, plate movement, and the solar system.
Worked example
A block has mass 240 g and volume 30 cm³. Density = mass ÷ volume = 240 ÷ 30 = 8 g/cm³. Since water's density is about 1 g/cm³, the block is denser than water and will sink. The reasoning uses the definition of density, not the block's weight.
Traps
Keep mass and weight separate. A hypothesis is a testable explanation; a theory is a well-supported explanation. Do not say plants do not respire; they do. Use the stated units and do not assume all metals are magnetic.