Examination on Basic Science
Class: Primary 3
Term: First Term
Time: 1 Hour
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 Marks)
Instruction: Answer all questions.

1. ________ is the metric unit used for measuring short lengths like a pencil. (a) Kilometre (b) Centimetre (c) Metre
2. Which of these is not a type of soil? (a) Sandy soil (b) Clay soil (c) Watery soil
3. The main reason why soil is important to plants is ________. (a) it provides shelter (b) it provides nutrients (c) it provides air
4. The instrument used for measuring a person’s ________ is called a scale. (a) length (b) mass (c) time
5. Which of these is NOT a traditional method of telling time? (a) Sundial (b) Shadow (c) Wall clock
6. All of these are professionals who measure length, except ________. (a) Tailor (b) Carpenter (c) Doctor
7. An example of an airborne disease is ________. (a) Typhoid (b) Cholera (c) Measles
8. Which of the following describes wind? (a) Still air (b) Air in motion (c) Hot air
9. The correct step to ensure water is safe for drinking is ________. (a) boiling it (b) adding sand (c) leaving it open
10. What is the standard unit for measuring mass? (a) Metre (b) Kilogram (c) Litre
11. ________ is the movement of air that can be gentle. (a) Wind (b) Breeze (c) Storm
12. Which of these is not a sign of poor water quality? (a) Clear colour (b) Bad smell (c) Dirty taste
13. All of these are uses of water, except ________. (a) Washing clothes (b) Cooking food (c) Generating electricity at home
14. The main reason potable water is safe to drink is ________. (a) it has a nice smell (b) it is free from germs (c) it is very cold
15. Which of these does NOT cause air pollution? (a) Smoke from cars (b) Dust from construction (c) Fresh air from trees
16. A ________ is a tool used by a builder to measure long distances. (a) metre rule (b) tape rule (c) thermometer
17. Sound travels through ________. (a) water (b) air (c) ground
18. Converting 1000 metres to kilometres gives ________. (a) 1 km (b) 10 km (c) 100 km
19. A watch is a modern instrument used to measure ________. (a) length (b) mass (c) time
20. Which of the following is a harmful effect of unsafe water? (a) Good health (b) Water-borne diseases (c) Clean environment

SECTION B: THEORY (30 Marks)
Instruction: Answer any THREE questions.

1. (a) Define soil. (2 marks)
(b) List two types of soil. (3 marks)
(c) Explain two harmful effects of unsafe water. (3 marks)
(d) Mention one water-borne disease. (2 marks)

2. (a) Name two tools used for measuring length. (2 marks)
(b) Give one metric unit for mass and one for length. (3 marks)
(c) Differentiate between traditional and modern methods of telling time. (3 marks)
(d) Identify one professional who measures length. (2 marks)

3. (a) Define wind. (2 marks)
(b) State two importance of wind. (3 marks)
(c) Explain the difference between contaminated water and potable water. (3 marks)
(d) List two signs of poor water quality. (2 marks)

4. (a) What is air pollution? (2 marks)
(b) Name two harmful substances that can enter the body through air. (3 marks)
(c) Identify two standard instruments for measuring mass. (3 marks)
(d) Convert 1000 grams to kilograms. (2 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (b) Centimetre
Question 2 – ✅ (c) Watery soil
Question 3 – ✅ (b) it provides nutrients
Question 4 – ✅ (b) mass
Question 5 – ✅ (c) Wall clock
Question 6 – ✅ (c) Doctor
Question 7 – ✅ (c) Measles
Question 8 – ✅ (b) Air in motion
Question 9 – ✅ (a) boiling it
Question 10 – ✅ (b) Kilogram
Question 11 – ✅ (b) Breeze
Question 12 – ✅ (a) Clear colour
Question 13 – ✅ (c) Generating electricity at home
Question 14 – ✅ (b) it is free from germs
Question 15 – ✅ (c) Fresh air from trees
Question 16 – ✅ (b) tape rule
Question 17 – ✅ (b) air
Question 18 – ✅ (a) 1 km
Question 19 – ✅ (c) time
Question 20 – ✅ (b) Water-borne diseases