Cambridge Lower Secondary · Stage 9 (stretch) · 70 marks
This one is meant to be tough. Every question in Parts 1–6 is multiple choice with four options — nothing to type, so no mark is ever lost to spelling, units or punctuation. Work each answer out properly first, then choose: the wrong options are all answers you would get by making a common mistake, so guessing rarely pays.
Each part is checked instantly and every question comes with a full worked explanation.
Part 7 has two written questions marked by an AI examiner on your reasoning (spelling is never penalised there either).
Nothing is saved or sent anywhere. You may use a calculator; take π = 3.142.
PART 1Maths — Number & Algebra
[12 marks]
Indices, standard form, factors, brackets, quadratics, equations and sequences.
PART 2Maths — Geometry & Measures
[10 marks]
Angles, Pythagoras, circles, volume, surface area and similarity. Take π = 3.142.
PART 3Maths — Ratio, Proportion & Data
[8 marks]
Ratio, reverse percentages, compound interest, proportion, averages and probability.
PART 4Science — Biology
[8 marks]
Photosynthesis, respiration, enzymes, circulation, inheritance and ecosystems.
PART 5Science — Chemistry
[8 marks]
Atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, equations, acids and rates of reaction.
PART 6Science — Physics
[8 marks]
Forces, motion, density, moments, electricity and energy.
PART 7Extended response
[16 marks]
Two longer questions, 8 marks each, marked by an AI examiner on your understanding, reasoning and communication. It marks the science and maths in your answer — spelling and punctuation are never marked wrong here. Show your working and explain in full sentences. You can re-mark after improving your answer.
Question A — Science investigation [8]
A student wants to find out how temperature affects the rate of reaction between magnesium ribbon and dilute hydrochloric acid.
(a) Describe how they should carry out a fair investigation, including the variable they change, the variable they measure, and two variables they must keep the same.
(b) Predict what happens to the rate as temperature increases, and explain why using particle theory.
0 words · aim for 150–250
Question B — Maths reasoning [8]
A shop increases the price of a bicycle by 20%. In a sale a month later, it reduces the new price by 20%.
A customer says: “The bicycle is back to its original price.”
(a) Explain clearly why the customer is wrong. Use a worked example with a starting price of your choice.
(b) Work out the overall percentage change, and explain why the answer would be the same whatever the starting price.