Analysis of Division Achievement Tests in Secondary Chemistry and Biology for SY 2009-2010

Analysis of Achievement Tests in Secondary Chemistry and Biology

Allen A. EspinosaSaint Pedro Poveda College

EDSA cor. P. Poveda St.Quezon City

+63 917 853 93 06

[email protected]

Maria Michelle V. JunioMakati Science High School

Osias St., PoblacionMakati City

+63 915 577 15 51

[email protected]

John Lou S. Lucenario†

San Jose National High SchoolIpil St. San JoseRodriguez, Rizal

+63 912 242 14 39

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

The study analyzes the performances of students in a regular high school, a special school and a special science high school of different regions in the division achievement tests in chemistry for school year 2009-2010. It also identifies the content of the division achievement tests in chemistry as well as in biology. The biology achievement test serves as a benchmark on how sophomores are being prepared prior to taking a chemistry course. Test items in the division achievement tests are classified according to the level of thinking that they are developing. Difficulty index for each item in the chemistry achievement tests are also determined. The study found out that both chemistry and biology achievement tests focuses on factual knowledge which promotes lower order thinking skills. It also found out that the special school and regular high school’s performance in the achievement test still fits a bell-shaped normal curve while a special science high school has a skewed to the right curve. Performances of students are also affected by face validity.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Teachers use different assessment tools in assessing their students. One of the assessment tools that teachers use is the achievement test. Tatum (2010) defined achievement test as an examination that is designed to determine the degree of knowledge and proficiency exhibited by an individual in a specific area or set of areas.

In the Philippines, the achievement test is given towards the end of the school year. This is usually given in February or March when all the expected learning competencies given by the Department of Education has been tackled already.

Achievement tests in the public schools are usually provided by the Department of Education, both division and national level. The National Educational Testing and Research Center of the Department of Education is the one in charge of administering the achievement test. In the division of city schools in Quezon City, the division achievement is made by master teachers in the field and by the Division Supervisor or the area (Division of City Schools – Quezon City, 2010).

These reasons prompted the researchers to conduct a study regarding division achievement tests in different regions.

This study aims to determine and analyze the performances of students in a regular high school, a special school and a special science high school of different regions in the division achievement tests in chemistry for school year 2009-2010. Moreover it also identifies the content of the division achievement tests in chemistry. It would also like to compare the content of the division achievement test in biology on how teachers in the second year level prepare students for the chemistry course that they will be taking after biology. After the analysis, the study also aims to propose a plan of action in increasing the performance of students in division achievement tests.

II. METHODOLOGY

The researchers gathered chemistry division achievement tests of different regions where they are teaching. These regions include the National Capital Region (represented by Makati and Quezon City) and Region IV-A (represented by Rizal). One of the researchers teaches biology and was able to gather a biology division achievement test in Region V (represented by Albay).

In National Capital Region and Region IV-A, the researchers were able to gather actual data of student’s responses on the said chemistry division achievement tests while in Region V, the

May C. Manla†

St. Louise de Marillac School of TobaccoZiga Avenue

Tabaco City, Albay+63 920 368 98 41

[email protected]

Vivian Mary S. PalmaNOH-School for Crippled Children

Banawe St.Quezon City

+63 906 411 36 08

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





researchers were not able to gather actual student responses. The researchers would only use the biology division achievement test to test the level of thinking that it is promoting in relation to preparing the students to a chemistry course.

After gathering the needed data, the researchers made an item analysis (see appendices) wherein each question in the division achievement test was categorized into three. These are factual knowledge, conceptual understanding and reasoning and analysis. After classifying each item, the researchers count the number of students who were able to give a correct response. From this, they computed for the index of difficulty of each item by dividing the total number of students who were able to give a correct response divided by the total number of examinees.

From the item analysis, the researchers made a summary table of the level of thinking and the difficulty index.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The following data were collected from the item analysis done.

Table 1. Summary of Level of Thinking

Thinking Levels

Number of Items (Percentage) per Region

NCRIV-A VQuezon

CityMakati

City

Factual Knowledge16

(32%)18

(36%)22

(37%)31

(62%)

Conceptual Understanding

19 (38%)

15 (30%)

21 (35%)

11 (22%)

Reasoning and Analysis

15 (30%)

17 (34%)

17 (28%)

8 (16%)

Total Number of Items

50 50 60 50

Table one shows the summary of level of thinking in the division achievement tests in chemistry in regions IV-A and the National Capital Region. It also shows the summary of level of thinking in the division achievement in biology for region V. From the table, you will notice that in general, division achievement tests give much emphasis on factual knowledge which focuses only on lower order thinking skills. The skills being developed under this category are recalling or recognizing, defining, describing, and using tools and procedures (Mullis, et. al., 2003).

This means that the skills being developed by teachers in the science area are lower order thinking skills which focuses only on factual knowledge.

The next skill that is given emphasis is conceptual understanding which focuses on illustrating with examples, comparing or contrasting or classifying, representing or modeling, relating, extracting or applying information, finding solutions and explaining (Mullis, et. al., 2003).

The least thinking level that is given an emphasis is the reasoning and analysis which develops the higher order thinking skills of students like analyzing, interpreting or solving problems, integrating or synthesizing, hypothesizing or predicting data, drawing conclusions, generalizing, evaluating and justifying (Mullis, et. al., 2003).

You will also notice that the biology division achievement test (as shown by region V) is parallel with the chemistry division achievement test (as shown by NCR and Region IV-A) in terms of thinking level content. Both give much emphasis on factual knowledge and less on reasoning and analysis.

It is also very evident that the biology achievement test gives a very big emphasis on factual knowledge having more that 50% of the test items.

The 1986 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines mandates all schools to “encourage critical and creative thinking” (Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, 2005, p. 55) among all Filipino students. Moreover, the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum prescribes the use of inquiry in teaching science to promote higher order thinking skills such as critical and creative thinking (Department of Education, 2002).

Table 2. Summary of Difficulty Index Difficulty

Index Range

Number of Items (Percentage) per RegionNCR

IV-AQuezon City Makati City

0.00 – 0.04 4 (8%) 2 (4%) 1 (2%)

0.05 – 0.09 0 0 2 (3%)

0.10 – 0.14 0 2 (4%) 0

0.15 – 0.19 9 (18%) 0 1 (2%)

0.20 – 0.24 0 0 3 (5%)

0.25 – 0.29 0 1 (2%) 2 (3%)

0.30 – 0.34 13 (26%) 0 2 (3%)

0.35 – 0.39 0 0 5 (8%)

0.40 – 0.44 0 1 (2%) 6 (10%)

0.45 – 0.49 0 0 6 (10%)

0.50 – 0.54 7 (14%) 1 (2%) 6 (10%)

0.55 – 0.59 0 0 5 (8%)

0.60 – 0.64 0 1 (2%) 3 (5%)

0.65 – 0.69 7 (14%) 2 (4%) 3 (5%)

0.70 – 0.74 0 2 (4%) 5 (8%)

0.75 – 0.79 0 1 (2%) 2 (4%)

0.80 – 0.84 7 (14%) 1 (2%) 4 (8%)

0.85 – 0.89 0 5 (10%) 2 (3%)

0.90 – 0.94 0 8 (16%) 2 (3%)

0.95 – 0.99 0 6 (12%) 0

1.00 3 (6%) 17 (34%) 0

Table two shows the summary of index of difficulty across two regions.

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17

Difficulty Index Interval

Fre

qu

ency

of

Occ

ure

nce

Quezon City

Makati City

Rizal

Figure 1. Difficulty Index Across Regions

You will notice that if you graph (see figure 1) the index of difficulty for Quezon City (NCR) and Region IV-A, you will be able to get a bell-shaped normal curve, meaning, the scores are equally distributed. The representative school from Quezon City (NCR) is a special school while the representative school from Region IV-A is a regular high school.

But if you will graph the index of difficulty for Makati City (NCR), you will not be able to get a bell-shaped normal curve since the scores are not equally distributed. The curve will be skewed to the right, meaning, more students were able to get a correct response to each item in the achievement test. This is because the representative school from Makati City (NCR) is a special science high school.

The items manifesting a very high difficulty index shows that the item is easy and that it needs to be replaced or restructured. On the other hand, the items manifesting a very low difficulty index indicates that the item is difficult and that it needs to be replaced or restructured as well.

In other cases, a very low difficulty index would mean that the topic was not tackled in the class.

The result shows that even if it is a government’s primary battle cry to produce Filipino citizens with higher order thinking skills, the present classroom instruction shows to be unsuccessful in developing higher order thinking skills among Filipino students. Florencio Abad, the then secretary of the Department of Education, mentioned that the mastery levels in Science, Mathematics and English are devastating (Abad, 2005, p.8). Abad is referring to the performance of Filipino high school students in various competency based examinations in 2004.

The bad performance of the Philippines in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in 2003, ranking near the bottom also shows that Filipino students are weak in terms of higher order thinking abilities because the test required more skills in reasoning and analysis rather than

conceptual understanding and factual knowledge (Martin, et. al., 2004).

Table 3. Inconsistencies in the 2009-2010 Division Achievement Tests in Chemistry

Category

Item Numbers by Regions (Total Items =Percentage)

NCRIV-A

Quezon City Makati City

Improper arrangement of choices

6, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 27, 35, 37, 40,

42, 46(15=30%)

0 0

Improper positioning of a figure in a test question

0 013

(1=2%)

Incomplete question

2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 30(7=14%)

6, 12(4%)

21, 30, 41, 43, 52

(5=8%)Misleading

question35, 45, 48

(6%)35, 45, 48

(6%)56

(1=2%)Misleading

choices0 0

6, 45, 53(3=5%)

Parallelism in construction of choices

49(2%)

2(1=2%)

6(1=2%)

Typographical Error

5, 23, 38, 46(4=8%)

2, 3, 11, 9, 30, 32, 37,

45, 46(18%)

6, 30, 41, 54, 52

(8%)

Unclear figure

0 013

(1=2%)

Another factor affecting student achievement in the division achievement test in chemistry is the face validity of the test itself. Face validity is concerned with how a measure or procedure appears (Colorado State University, 2010). Table three shows inconsistencies in the 2009-2010 division achievement tests in chemistry. These could be factors that affect the scores of students who took the achievement tests.

IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

As seen in the summary table for levels of thinking, division achievement tests in chemistry and biology give much emphasis on factual knowledge which focuses on developing lower order thinking skills only. The least given emphasis is reasoning and analysis which focuses on higher order thinking skills. As a result, Filipino high schools students manifested a poor performance in international competency based examinations as well as in division and national achievement tests.

There are test items that are not face validated and content validated. This also affects the performance of the students in the division achievement tests.

Results of the chemistry achievement test vary from one type of school to another. The special science high school’s performance is far better than both the special school and regular high school. Against that, the graph of the difficulty index for the special school and regular high school is bell-shaped normal curve, meaning, the scores are still equally distributed.

To improve the performance of Filipino high school students in international competency based examinations, the following are recommended:a. Test items in the division and national achievement

tests should be face and content validated;b. The number of test items in the division and national

achievement tests for reasoning and analysis should be augmented;

c. Classroom instruction should encourage creative and critical thinking; and

d. Teachers should be trained in using classroom instruction that encourages creative and critical thinking.

REFERENCES

Abad, F. (2005). Why the crisis in education. BizNews Asia, 3(26), pp. 8-12.

Colorado State University (2010). Retrieved May 18, 2010 from http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/research/relval/com2b2.cfm

Constitutions of the Philippines (2005). Manila: Anvil Publishing.

Department of Education (2002). Basic Education Curriculum Operations Handbook. Manila, Philippines: Department of Education.

Division of City Schools – Quezon City (2010). National Achievement Test. Retrieved May 17, 2010 from http://www.cityschoolsqc.ph/innovation.asp

Martin, M.O., Mullis, I. V.S., Gonzales, E.J., Gregory, K.D., Smith, T.A., & Chrostowski, S.J. (2004). TIMSS 2003: International science report; findings from IEA’s report of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study . Chestnut Hill, MA: The International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College.

Mullis, I.V.S., Martin, M.O., Smith, T.A., Garden, R.A., Gregory, K.D., Gonzales, E.J., Chrostowski, S.J. (2003). TIMSS Assessment Frameworks and Specifications 2nd Ed. Boston: TIMSS International Study Center, pp. 63-68.

Ramirez, Rachel Patricia and Mildred Ganaden (2008). Creative Activities and Student’s Higher Order Thinking Skills. Quezon City: Education Quarterly, Volume 66 (1), pp. 22-23.

Tatum, Malcolm (2010). What is an Achievement Test. Retrieved May 16, 2010 from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-achievement-test.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-achievement-test.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-achievement-test.htm

http://www.cityschoolsqc.ph/innovation.asp

http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/research/relval/com2b2.cfm

Appendix A: Item Analysis for NOH-School for Crippled Children (NCR)

Item No.

Question and OptionsLevel of Thinking

Difficulty Index

1

Which of the following activities does not describe the role of chemistry to society and industry?

a. it seeks to determine the amount of fertilizers to be used in plants

b. it helps the farmers in conditioning the soil for crop production

c. it analyzes the nutrients resent in canned goods

* d. it helps in the selling of the crops to earn more


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2

The recent population census showed that the Philippines have 92,000,000 people. This can be presented correctly in scientific notation as:

* a. 9.2 x 107

b. 9.2 x 106

c. 92 x 106

d. 92 x 107


0.83

3

A thirty millimeter liquid cab be measured accurately using an instrument called:

* a. graduated cylinder

b. pipette

c. volumetric flask

d. beaker

Factual Knowledge

1.00

4

A gray substance was burned in the presence of air producing a white solid powder. The solid was made to react with water and turned the red litmus paper to blue. What is the original substance?

a. metal

b. nonmetal

c. acid

* d. base


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5

A student was asked o determine the volume of a gold ring. She placed it in agraduated cylinder with 40ml. water. What is the volume f the golf ring if the final volume reading is 68 ml?

* a. 28 mL

b. 18 mL

c. 10 mL

d. 8 mL


0.83

6 After running several tests, a doctor is writing prescription for his patients. By doing these, which of the steps in scientific method did the doctor do?

a. identifying the problem

b. formulating the hypothesis

c testing the hypothesis


0.50

* d. applying a conclusion

7

All of the following properties are classified as intensive except:

a. color

b. odor

* c. volume

d. boiling point

Factual Knowledge

0.17

8

Which of the following chemical system has one phase, boils at a range of 90-112 ̥° C, sweet, colorless and odorless ?

a. element

b. compound

c. mixture

* d. liquid solution

Factual Knowledge

0.00

9

Which of the following processes is an endothermic reaction?

a. condensation f dew

* b. photosynthesis in plants

c. freezing of water

d. digestion of food


0.00

10

A baking powder can carries the statement, “Ingredients: corn starch, sodium bicarbonate, calcium acid phosphate, and sodium aluminum sulfate.” This baking powder is a:

a. a compound

* b. mixture

c. a molecule

d. a mixture of elements

Factual Knowledge

0.00

11

The two main parts of an atom are the:

a. principal energy levels and energy sublevels

b. nucleus and energy levels

* c. nucleus and kernel

d. planetary electrons and energy levels

Factual Knowledge

0.33

12

An atom of beryllium consists of 4 protons, 5 neutrons, 4 electrons. The mass number of this atom is:

a. 13

* b. 9

c. 8

d. 5


0.33

13

The number of orbitals in the secondary eve, n= 2, of an atom is:

a. 1

* b. 4

c. 9

d. 16


0.67

14

What is the reason for recycling or reusing plastics?

a. they absorb odor

b. they can catch fire easily

c. they are expensive

* d. they do not decompose easily


0.67

15

What is the correct way of mixing acid and water?

a. Add water to acid.

b. Pour water and acid simultaneously in a container.

* c. add acid to the water

d. All of the above

Factual Knowledge

0.67

16

What property of a liquid enables you to decide about its purity?

a. It is soluble in water

b. It is tasteless and odorless

c. It can be changed from one from to another.

* d. It has constant boiling temperature.


0.33

17

Which physical test can be used to distinguish between a solution and colloid?

a. litmus paper

*b. Tyndall effect test

c. melting point test

d. boiling point

Factual Knowledge

0.17

18

Which of the following methods can be used to separate homogeneous mixture whose components boil at different temperatures?

*a. fractional distillation

b. crystallization

c. chromatography

d. filtration

Factual Knowledge

0.17

19

Which of the following elements has an oxide that reacts with water forming an acid?

a. calcium

*b. phosphorus

c. iron

d. magnesium


0.33

20

Exactly 30 g of silvery white substance was completely burned in an open vessel. A grey was formed. The ash was found to be 40 g. What does his indicate?

*a. The substance combined with another element to forma compound.

b. The substance decomposed and became ash after burning.

c. The substance is impure.

d. The substance is a compound.


0.50

21 The table below shows the properties of four liquids W, X, Y, and Z. Which is the pure substance?

Liquid No. of Phases

Boiling temperature

Appearance

W 1 80-87 White, opaque

X 1 68-78 colorless

Y 2 78-105 Colorless and yellow

Z 1 110-110.5 Clear blue

a. W

b. Y


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* c. X

d. Z

22

Which of the following is the correct order in purifying salt from impure rock salts, using water as a solvent?

a. dissolve, filter, evaporate, crystallize

b. dissolve, evaporate, filter, crystallize

c. filter, dissolve, crystallize, evaporate

* d. filter, dissolve, evaporate, crystallize


0.83

23

Consider the following reactions:

A. white crystals black solid + colorless gas

B. very dark violet crystals violet gas fine violet crystals

C. red powder silvery liquid + colorless gas

Which reactant is an element?

a. the white crystals

b. the red powder

*c. the dark violet crystal

d. white crystal and red power


0.33

24

The table below shows the result of observations on an extract from a plant. What is the nature of the extract?

Phase Color Taste Feel Reactions to blue litmus

Reactions to red litmus

Liquid Clear green

Bitter Slippery None Turns blue

a. acid

b. neutral

*c. base

d. salt


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25

A loud popping sound was heard when lighted stick was placed near the mouth of a test tube containing a gas sample. What gas is present inside the test tube?

* a. H2

b. He

c. O2

d. N2


0.17

26

Two substances were made to react in a closed vessel. Which will remains the same before and after the reaction?

a. mass of reactants

*b. total mass of reactants

c. mass of the product

d. temperature of the vessel

Factual Knowledge

0.50

27 What is always true about chemical reactions?

*a. It produces new substances.

b. It gives out heat

c. It takes in heat

Factual Knowledge

0.83

d. It takes place very quickly

28

What kind of reaction does the following general equation indicates?

CD C + D

a. combination

b. oxidation

*c. decomposition

d. displacement

Factual Knowledge

1.00

29

Which of the following illustrates single replacement reaction?

a. NH4OH + HCl NH4Cl + H2O

b. Pb(NO3)2 + 2KBr PbBr2 + 2 KNO3

*c. Fe + CuSO4 FeSO4 + Cu

d. NaOH + HCl NaCl + HOH


0.83

30

How will you neutralize basic soils that may contain insoluble hydroxides or carbonates? Add:

*a. phosphorus compounds.

b. limestone.

c. nitrogen.

d. urea fertilizer


0.50

31

The atomic mass of carbon is 12 amu while that of hydrogen is 1 amu. The compound methane has the formula CH4 and the molar mass is 16 g/mole. What is the percentage composition of CH4?

a. 50%C; 50% H

*b. 75% C; 25% H

c. 12% C; 16% H

d. 90% C; 10% H


0.50

32

Carbonic acids has the formula H2CO3.The molar masses of the components elements are:

H= 1g/mole; C= 12 g/mole; O= 16 g/mole

What is the molar mass of H2CO3?

a. 50 g/mole

b. 10 g/mole

*c. 62 g/mole

d. 40 g/mole


0.67

33

Dalton’s Atomic Theory explains the laws of chemical changes. Which of Dalton’s assumptions explains the Law of Conversation of Mass?

a. An atom is the smallest particle of the element.

*b. In ordinary chemical reactions, no new atoms are created and no old ones are destroyed

c. Atoms of a given element have the same properties of size, shape and mass.

d. Atoms combine in ratios of small whole numbers.

Factual Knowledge

1.00

34 The following table shows the mass relationship when a given mass of sulfur is burned completely in air to produce sulfur trioxide.

Mass of Sulfur (g) Mass of Oxygen (g)

Mass of Sulfur Trioxide (g)

2 3 5


0.67

4 6 10

8 12 15

What will be the mass of oxygen to completely react with 10 g of Sulfur?

a. 10 g

*b. 15 g

c. 10 g

d. 20 g

35

Salt obtained from Sorsogon was compared with the salt from mainland Bicol. The result gave no difference in composition. Which of the following laws is illustrated?

a. Law of Conservation of Mass

b. Law of Multiple Proportions

*c. Law of Definite Composition

d. Law of Conservation of Energy


0.50

36

Powdered copper when heated in an atmosphere of oxygen produces copper (II) oxide according to chemical equation: 2 Cu + O2 2 CuO

What is the mass of the copper (II) oxide that forms when all reactants combined?

a. The same as the mass of copper that combines with oxygen.

b. Twice the mass of oxygen that combines with copper.

*c. The sum of the masses of copper and oxygen that combined.

d. The sum of twice the mass of copper and the mass of oxygen that combined.


0.17

37

Which of the following represents a mole of substance?

Atomic mass: Ca = 40 amu Ne = 20 amu F= 19 amu

O = 16 amu H = 1amu Li = 6.94 amu

a. 80.0 g calcium atoms

b. 44.9 g lithium fluoride salt

*c. 1.00 g of hydrogen molecules

d. 20.0 g of neon atoms


0.00

38

The four stages below may occur when excess fertilizers get into a river. Which of the following is the correct order in which these stages occur?

A. Fish die of oxygen starvation

B. Water plants grow rapidly and out of control.

C. Bacteria and other microorganisms feed on the rotting plants and use dissolved oxygen in the process.

D. The nutrients are used up and the plants die.

a. B, C, D, A

b. A, B, D, C

c. A, B, C, D

*d. B, D C, A


0.17

39 Sulfuric acid from a battery was spilled onto a marble floor. The liquid began t fizz as a gas was produced. What gas was probably produced?

a. carbon dioxide

Factual Knowledge

0.67

b. chlorine

c. oxygen

*d. sulfur dioxid

40

The diagram below shows the changes on the three phases of matter. Which change represents sublimation?

Gas

Liquid Solid

a. arrow 1

b. arrow 3

*c. arrow 4

d. arrow 6


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41

For a fixed mass of a gas at constant temperature, the volume of the gas, V is inversely proportional to its pressure, P. Which of the following mathematical equation expresses the relationship?

*a. PV=constant

b. P/V = constant

c. P=V

d. V/P = constant

Factual Knowledge

0.50

42

What happens to a gas at 0K ?

a. The molecules disappear

b. The molecules divide

*c. The molecules stop moving

d. The molecules stick to each other

Factual Knowledge

0.33

43

Which will happen if the temperature of a substance is increased?

a. The average kinetic energy of the molecules decreases.

*b. The average kinetic energy of the molecules increases.

c. The average potential energy of the molecules increases

d. The average potential energy of the molecules decreases.


0.33

44

A weather balloon is released from a station in Laguna. What happens to the balloon as it rises?

(Atmospheric pressure and temperature both decreases as the altitude becomes higher.)

a. increases

b. remains the same

*c. decreases

d. cannot be determined


0.33

45

The odor of frying garlic can be detected a few meters away but that of fresh, peeled garlic cannot be detected from the same distance. What must be the reason for this?

*a. The heat causes odor molecules of garlic to move faster

b. The odor molecules of fresh garlic do not move

c. The oil used for frying carries the odor molecules away.

d. The warm air carries the odor molecules to the other observer.


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46

10 L of gas exerts a pressure of 2.0 atmospheres. If the pressure is doubled, what happens to the volume of temperature is held constant?

a. volume is doubled

*b. volume is reduced by 1/2

c. volume is reduced by ¼

d. volume is triple


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47

Some hydrogen gas is placed in a sealed vessel at 20°C. The temperature of the gas is raised to 60°C. The pressure inside the vessel was observed to rise. What will explain this observation? This is due to the molecules of the gas-

*a. expanding as the temperature rises

b. breaking down into separate atoms

c. striking the walls of the vessels with increased average speed.

d. being forced farther apart by the addition of heat energy.


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48

The diagram below shows the reaction of concentrated HCl and NH3 in a clear glass tube. (At. Mass H= 1, Cl = 35. 5, N =14)

The reaction happens nearer the HCl end as shown by the cloudy vapors formed. What must be the reason for this?

*a. NH3 diffused faster than HCl because it is ligther

b. NH3 diffused faster than HCl because it is more reactive.

c. NH3 is gas while HCl is liquid.

d. NH3 is heavier than HCl.


0.17

49

In the diagnosis and therapy of thyroid problems, what radioactive substances is used?

a. radioactive barium

*b. cobalt-60

c. radioactive iodine

d. radioactive carbon

Factual Knowledge

0.67

50

Aluminum (Al) has three valence electrons. Which is the most stable shape for AlCl3?

a. linear

b. tetrahedral

c. pyramid

*d. triangular planar


0.33

Summary Table: Level of Thinking

Level of Thinking No. of Items (Percentage)

Factual Knowledge 16 (32%)

Conceptual Understanding 19 (38%)

Reasoning and Analysis 15 (30%)

Summary Table: Difficulty Index

Difficulty Index Range No. of Items (Percentage)

0.00 – 0.04 4 (8%)

0.05 – 0.09 0

0.10 – 0.14 0

0.15 – 0.19 9 (18%)

0.20 – 0.24 0

0.25 – 0.29 0

0.30 – 0.34 13 (26%)

0.35 – 0.39 0

0.40 – 0.44 0

0.45 – 0.49 0

0.50 – 0.54 7 (14%)

0.55 – 0.59 0

0.60 – 0.64 0

0.65 – 0.69 7 (14%)

0.70 – 0.74 0

0.75 – 0.79 0

0.80 – 0.84 7 (14%)

0.85 – 0.89 0

0.90 – 0.94 0

0.95 – 0.99 0

1.00 3 (6%)

Appendix B: Item Analysis for Makati Science High School (NCR)

Item No.

Question and Options Level of ThinkingDifficulty

Index

1

Who was the first scientist to prepare synthetic organic dye?

A. William Perkin*C. Leo Beakeland

B. Charles Hall D. Adolf Von Baeyer

Factual Knowledge

1.0

2

In which of the following can the components be separated with the use of a funnel with filter paper and an erlenmeyer flask?

A. Water and oil

B. Colored dyes mixed together in ink

C. mixtrue of mud and water*

D. a mixture of alcohol and water


0.97

3

Which is the correct way of mixing acid and water?

A. Add water to AcidB. Add acid to water*C. Pour water and acid

simultaneously in a containerD. All of the above procedures

are correct

Factual Knowledge

1.0

4

How many significant figures are there in 0.100305?

A. 5 B. 6* C. 4 D. 3

Factual Knowledge

1.0

5

What is the product of 75,000kg and 3,200 kg written in scientific notation?

A. 2.4 x 108kg*B. 24.00 x 106 kgC. 240.0 x 103 kgD. 2,400 x 102 kg


0.97

6

Carbonic acid has formula H2CO3. The molar masses of the component elements are: H- 1 g/mole C – 12 g/mole O- 16 g/mole

A. 50 g/mole B. 62 g/mole*

C. 10 g/mole D. 40 g/mole


1.0

7

How many H2O molecules are contained in one mole of water?

A.60.23 x 1023

B. 6.02 x 1022

C. 6.02 x 1023 *

D. 6.02 x 1020

Factual Knowledge

1.0

8 If you were asked to prepare a heterogeneous mixture, which of the following substances will you use?

A. Salt and water


0.03

B. Coffee with milk*C. monosodium glutamate with waterD. soil with water

9

A liquid which boils at a definite temperature produces two different gases upon electrolysis. Which of the following describes the liquid?

A. It is a solution B. It is an elementC. It is compound*D. It is a mixture


0.94

10

Which of the following statements describe an organic compound?

I. It contains the element carbon

II. It is heterogeneous

III. It comes from living organism

IV. It is man-made

A. I and III B. I only *

C. III and IV D. II and IV

Factual Knowledge

0.03

11

Which statement best describes a solution?

A. The mixture of homogeneous showing a one-phase system.*

B. The particles of the mixture are bigger than the colloidal particles.

C. The mixture is heterogeneous showing a two-phase system.

D. The particles of mixture settle down upon standing.

Factual Knowledge

1.0

12

Which method can be used to remove a small amount of oil from chicken broth?

A. Evaporation B. Filtration

C. Scooping * D. Decantation


0.26

13

Gout or painful inflammation of the joints especially the big toes occurs when the uric acid concentration in the plasma is at maximum solubility. What type of solution is formed?

A. saturated* B. unsaturated C. saturation D.supersaturated


1.0

14

A grayish substance was heated and a violet gas was produced. Upon cooling, the substance regained it original color. What is the classification of the original substance?

A. compound B. element*

C. metal D. non-metal

Conceptual Knowledge

0.89

15

What does a molar solution contain?

A. A mole of solute in 1 kg of solvent B. A mole of solute in 1L of solution*C. A mole of solute in 1 L of solventD. A mole of solute in 1 mole of solvent

Factual Knowledge

0.66

16 Which of the following problems and issues has NO chemical basis?

A. Global warmingB. Ozone Depletion


1.0

C. Acid RainD. Earthquake*

17

Which of the following solutions contains the largest amount of solute?

A. glucose solution*B. 400 mL of a 5% glucose solutionC. 10% sugar solutionD. 1g sodium chloride added to

produce 100 mL solution


0.86

18

Pond water becomes clear on standing. Which of the following is true?

A. The pond water is a colloid B. The pond water is a solutionC. The pond water is suspension*D. The pond water is an emulsion


0.54

19

Which of the following best differentiates a colloid from a suspension?

A. Colloids exhibit Tyndall effect*B. Colloids are food adsorbentsC. Colloids have larger particles than

suspensionsD. Colloids are heterogeneous, suspensions

are homogeneous


0.94

20

Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is used as fertilizer. What will happen to the soil upon continuous application of this fertilizer?

A. It will become acidic. B. It will become basic.C. It will become neutral.*D. It will not change.


0.11

21

Dust particles are visible when sun rays pass through a window pane. What do you call the mixture of dust particles in air?

A. colloid* B. solution

C. suspension D. coarse mixture

Factual Knowledge

1.0

22

Why should champagne and other carbonated drinks be served cold?

A. Because it taste flat when served warm

B. Because solubility of a gas is affected by the temperature of the liquid

C. Because at lower temperature, more gas would be retained in solution

D. Both b and c*


0.77

23

Why would finely ground sugar dissolve more rapidly than large sugar crystals

A. Because sugar provide a much greater surface area for contact with water*

B. Because sugar provide a lesser surface are contact with water

C. Because sugar has a lower degree of solubility than large crystals

D. because sugar particles are lesser in amount than large sugar crystals


0.74

24 Soaps and detergents are both cleansing agents, but in some ways they are different. As such, soaps are prepared from fats and oils. What

Factual Knowledge

1.0

process is involved in soap making?

A. saponification* B. sulfonation

C. hybridization D. polymerization

25

If the absolute temperature of a gas is doubled and the pressure of the gas is halved, how will the volume change?

A. Increase by two items its original value B. Decrease to one fourth of its original

valueC. increase by four times to its original

value*D. stay the same as its original value


0.63

26

An inflated balloon is placed in an air-conditioned room. Which most likely happen?

A. It will burst. B. Nothing will happen.C. It will increase in volume.D. It will decrease in volume.*


1.0

27

Chlorofluorocarbon or freons are now banned for use as air propellants in air fresheners and hair sprays. What is the reason for this ban?

A. Freons are acidic and corrosive.B. Freons are highly toxic compounds.C. Freons react with metals and concrete.D. Freons react with ozone in the

atmosphere*


1.0

28

Which of the following is the reason for recycling or reusing plastics?

A. It can absorb odorB. It can catch fire easilyC. plastics are expensive.D. do not decompose easily*


1.0

29

Which of the following interact during the formation of chemical bonds?

A. electrons* B. neutrons

C. protons D. isotopes

Factual Knowledge

0.97

30

For members of the same period, the greater number positive charges in the nucleus, the smaller is the atom. Which of the following is the smallest atom?

A. Rb - 37 B. K = 19

C. Na - 11 D. Li – 3*

Factual Knowledge

0.69

31

What is slightly different in an isotope?

A. Atomic NumberB. Atomic Mass*C. NeutronsD. Proton

Factual Knowledge

0.86

32

Which of the following tells us that as soon as energy level is filled with electrons, any additional electron is thrown to the next higher level?

A. Aufbau Principle*B. Hund’s RuleC. Pauli’s Exlusion PrincipleD. All of the above

Factual Knowledge

1.0

33

Which of the following statements best describes groups of elements belonging to the same family?

A. They have same atomic sizes.B. They have same atomic masses.C. They have similar energy levels.D. They have similar arrangement of

electrons in the outermost energy level.*

Factual Knowledge

0.94

34

Which of the following atoms is the most metallic?

A. An atom that has six valence electronsB. An atom that has one valence electrons* C. An atom that has three valence

electronsD. An atom that has seven valence

electrons


0.91

35

What is the covalent compound used as an agent for fixing dyes on cotton fabrics?

A. Aluminum hydroxide B. Ammonium hydroxide*C. calcium carbonate D. magnesium hydroxide

Factual Knowledge

0.40

36

Which of the following ionic compound is used as food seasoning and preservative?

A. Na2S, sodium sulfideB. NaOH, sodium hydroxideC. NaCl, sodium chloride*D. NaNO3, sodium nitrate

Factual Knowledge

0.94

37

What bond is formed when Na+ and Cl- which are two oppositely charged bodies attract one another?

A. Ionic bond*B. Covalent bondC. chemical bondD. metallic bond


0.97

38

Which of the following describes a covalent bond?

A. involved shared electrons*B. results from transfer of electronsC. electron attraction of metal atomsD. is formed by sharing protons

Factual Knowledge

0.97

39

Which of the following describes an ionic bond?

A. Electrons share and transferB. Electrons usually sharedC. electron transfer*D. unequal charge distribution

Factual Knowledge

0.97

40

If you spill a bottle of perfume in your room, you would smell its fragrance instantly. Which is the best explanation for this?

A. The movement of molecules is slowest in solid.

B. The movement of molecules is slower in liquid.

C. The movement of molecules is fastest in gas.*

D. Molecules of solid, liquid and gas move.


0.94

41 Which of the following observations involve Reasoning and 0.89

particle motion in liquid medium?

A. Cigarette smoke reaches you even you are fro from the smoker

B. Spices, such as pepper and ginger, give food a strong taste.

C. Garbage thrown into a river makes the river unfit for swimming and aquatic growth.*

D. Radiation from Chernobyl nuclear accident was detected in the atmosphere of the neighboring countries of the USSR.

Analysis

42

Which of the following are examples of chemical change?

A. Spoilage of food, tarnishing of glassware, and the souring of milk.*

B. Disappearance of mothballs and formation of paper.

C. Crumpling and tearing out of pieces of paper.

D. Cutting the copper wire into tiny pieces


1.0

43

The mass ratio of Cu to S in copper sulfide is 2:1. How many grams of sulfur are needed to react with 4g of Cu wire to produce CuS?

A. 8g B.6g

C. 4g D. 2g*


1.0

44

A reaction was isolated in a closed vessel. What will remain the same after the reaction?

A. mass of reactantsB. total mass of productsC. total mass of reactants and total mass of

products*D. total volume of reactants and total

volume of products


0.83

45

What is the mass number of an atom which contains 28 protons, 28 electrons and 34 chromosomes?

A. 28 B. 56

C. 62* D. 90


0.94

46

Which type of reaction is shown in the equation? F2 + 2HCL 2HF + CL2

A. combinationB. single displacementC. decomposition*D. double displacement


1.0

47

What happens when reaction take place endothermically?

A. The temperature of the system drops.B. The temperature of the surrounding

drops.*C. The temperature of the surrounding

rises.D. The temperature of the surrounding

remains the same.


0.91

48 Which of these parameters can not be used in measuring the rate of chemical reaction?

A. change of color*


0.71

B. change of temperature C. change of pressureD. change of concentration

49

Why does pressure build-up in a tire on a hot day?

A. As temperature increase, gas pressure also increase.

B. As temperature increase, kinetic energy of molecules increases.

C. As temperature increase, kinetic energy of molecules decreases.

D. Both A and B*


0,89

50

Which of the following statements explain why you do not observe burning of paper instantaneously?

A. The reaction is non spontaneous.B. The reactant molecules are prevented

from a collision.C. The concentration of oxygen in air is

insufficient.*D. The paper molecules do not possesses

the activation energy.


0.14




Conceptual Understanding 15 (30%)

Reasoning and Analysis 17 (34%)



0.00 – 0.04 2 (4%)

0.05 – 0.09 0

0.10 – 0.14 2 (4%)

0.15 – 0.19 0

0.20 – 0.24 0

0.25 – 0.29 1 (2%)

0.30 – 0.34 0

0.35 – 0.39 0

0.40 – 0.44 1 (2%)

0.45 – 0.49 0

0.50 – 0.54 1 (2%)

0.55 – 0.59 0

0.60 – 0.64 1 (2%)

0.65 – 0.69 2 (4%)

0.70 – 0.74 2 (4%)

0.75 – 0.79 1 (2%)

0.80 – 0.84 1 (2%)

0.85 – 0.89 5 (10%)

0.90 – 0.94 8 (16%)

0.95 – 0.99 6 (12%)

1.00 17 (34%)

Appendix C: Item Analysis for San Jose National High School (Region IV-A)

Item No.

Question and Options Level of ThinkingDifficulty

Index

1

What precaution must you take when diluting concentrated acid?

a.Add the cconcentrated acid to water.

b.Add water to concentrated acid*

c.Add equal volumes of concentrated acid and water together.

Factual Knowledge

0.5

2

This pipette is fiilled with 20% NaOH solution.What is its volume?(Please refer to Appendix A)

a.19.4 m c.19.40 ml

b.19.45 ml* d.119.45 ml


0.17

3

Which carrer does not need the knowledge of chemistry?

a.pharmacy c.geology

b.dentistry d.architecture

Factual Knowledge

0.91

4 Airiel had fever and the thermometer reading was 39.5˚C. After giving medicine his temperature gradually subsided into 98.6˚F. Did his fever really subside?

A. Yes,because 98.6˚F is equalto 37˚C, the normal body temperature

B. Yes, because 98.6˚F is not equalto normal body temperature.

C. No, because the temperature remained the

Factual Knowledge

0.94

same

D. No, because the medicine was not effective.

5

Which of the following industries need the expertise of a chemist?

I.agriculture

II.medicine

III.food processing

IV.construction

E. I,II and IIIF. II,III and IVG. I,II,III and IVH. II and IV

Factual Knowledge

0.28

6

Sugar is an organic compound. When burned it produces_____.

A. Moisture

B.Black solid substance

C. Two different substances

D. white powdery substance

Factual Knowledge

0.44

7

Lambanog, which is a native wine from palm juice, is 90 degree proof, that is 45% by volume. It is not advisable for a high school student to drink such an alcoholic beverage because it

A.serves as an appetizer

B. has high calorie content

C. has high mineral and vitamin content

D. causes various illnesses of the gastro-intestinal organs


0.63

8

Given the illustration below, which one shows the proper way of reading the volume of liquid?


0.70

9 Why is it important to understand the experimental procedure before carrying out the experiment?

I. To prevent accidents from happeningII. To prevent repetition of the experimentIII. To prevent wastage of chemicalsIV. To instill positive attitudes in the students

Factual Knowledge

0.65

A.I,II and III

B.I,III and IV

C.II,III and IV

D.I,II,III and IV

10

Which of the following statements is /are TRUE about mixture?

I. Mixture classified into solution, colloid and suspension.

II. Mixture maybe homogeneous and heterogeneous

III. Solute and solvent are component of mixture

III. Mixture is either element or compound.

A.I,II & IV B.II,III & IV

C.I,II,&III D.I,II,III & IV

Factual Knowledge

0.28

11

Which represents a pure element?


0.74

12

Which represents a pure compound?


0.74

13

Three immisible liquids placed in a beaker and occupying the position as illustrated next page. Which of the following would be the best conclusion?

A.C is the least dense of all liquids

B.B is less dense that A but dense that C

C.B is less dense that C but denser than A

D.A is the densest of all liquids


0.43

14 Below are the properties of metals. Which one Factual 0.07

does NOT belong to the group?

A. Conductors-capacity to transmit heat, light and electricity

B.Brittle-easily broken or shattered down into pieces

C. Lustrous-when polish has very high luster

D. Malleable-capable of being hammered or rolled out without breaking

Knowledge

15

Some canned goods are labeled “nitrogen-packed”. What property of nitrogen makes it suitable for food packaging?

E. It is cheap F. It is unreactiveG. It keeps the food coldH. It is always available

Factual Knowledge

0.85

16

A mixture of 70% ethyl alcohol and water was distilled to separate the two components. Which substance will be collected first and why?

E. Water, because it is present in lesser amount

F. Water, because it has a higher boiling point

G. Ethyl alcohol, because it is present in greater amount.

H. Ethyl alcohol, because it has a lower boiling point.


0.69

17

Which of the following best describes a solution?

I.Is a mixture with particle size that is larger than those of colloids but smaller

II. It can pass through a filter paper because their particles are smaller than the pores of filter paper.

III.Are mixture with particles size greater than suspension and colloid.

IV. It has the smallest particlea.I,II,III & IV b. I & IV

c. II & IV d. I, II & III

Factual Knowledge

0.39

18

Why would finely ground sugar dissolved more rapidly than large sugar crystals?

a.Because the finely divided sugar provides much greater surface area for contact with water

b.Because the finely divided sugar provides a much lesser surface area for contact with water.

c.Because, the finely divided sugar has a lower degree of solubity than the larger suger crystals

d. Because finely divided sugar crystals are lesser in amount than large sugar crystals


0.54

19 Given a 3% by volume of ethyl alcohol in water, which is the solute and which is the solvent?

a.solute:ethyl alcohol & solvent: water

b.solute:water & solvent:ethyl alcohol

c.either ethyl alcohol or water can be the solute or

Factual Knowledge

0.87

solvent

d.both water and ethyl alcohol act as solute and solvent

20

Why is it difficult to clean brushes with oil-based paint in water?

a. Oil and water do not mixb. Oil-based paints are polar and not

attracted to waterc. Paints are coated coated with non-polar

oil that is not attracted to waterd. Paints are mixtures of polar molecules

attracted to water


0.56

21

Calculating the molarity of 20g KNO3 in 850 mL solution will yield

a. 0.233 M KNO3 b. 2.33 M KNO3

c. 23.3 M KNO3 d. 233 M KNO3

Factual Knowledge

0.70

22

Which of the following mixtures is NOT a colloid?

a.air b.marshmallow

c.shaving cream d. milk of magnesia

Factual Knowledge

0.41

23

The picture shows light entering the window of a room. Which of the following mixtures exhibits the same phenomenon?

a. cooked starch in waterb. salt solutionc. mineral water

d. muddy waterConceptual Understanding 0.22

24

An unused flashbulb contains magnesium and oxygen. After use, the contents are change to magnesium oxide but the total mass does not change. This observation can be best be explained by the

a. Law of Constant Composition

b. Law of Multiple Proportions

c. Avogadro’s Law

d. Law of Conservation of Mass


0.52

25

A cake called “brazo de Mercedes” is prepared by beating egg white strongly. What method is used in making this colloid?

a. condensation b. dispersion

c. deposition d. precipitation

Factual Knowledge

0.56

26

Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the particles of gas?

a. They are moving at high velocities

b. They are arranged in regular patterns

c. Their collision with the walls of the vessel result in pressure

d. They can spread out from the vessel in which they are contained


0.46

27

Before knowing the danger of using carbon tetrachloride, it was used as a dry cleaning solvent because it is so effective in removing oils and greases. Which of the following statement is most likely true?

a. Oils are non polar and carbon tetrachloride is polar

b. Carbon tetrachloride is under greater pressure than water

c. Carbon tetrachloride has a greater density than water

d. Both oils and carbon tetrachloride are non polar


0.44

28

The boiling point of carbon tetrachloride is 78° C. Which of the following statement is TRUE about the molecules of carbon tetrachloride at 80°C?

a. The carbon tetrachloride molecules become lighter

b. The kinetic energy of the carbon tetrachloride molecules is lower

c. The forces of attraction of the carbon tetrachloride molecules become weaker

d. The distance between the carbon tetrachloride molecules decreases


0.35

29

Assuming pressure is held constant, which of the following graph shows how the volume of an ideal gas changes with pressure? (Note: refer to the questionnaire in the appendix for the graph)


0.80

30

The graph before shows the pressure of an ideal gas as function of its volume. According to the graph, increasing the volume from 100mL to 150mL….

A. decreases the pressure by 80 kPa.

B. decreases the pressure by 160 kPa.

C. increases the pressure by 80 kPa. D. Increases the pressure by 160 kPa


0.76

31

Electrical fires cannot be safely put out dousing them with water. However, fire extinguishers that spray solid carbon dioxide on the fire works effectively. This method is effective because carbon dioxide

A.displaces the oxygen

B. renders the fire’s fuel non-flammble

C. forms water vapor

D. blows the fire out with strong wind currents


0.63

32 It takes shorter time to cook food in a pressure cooker because

A. the amount of vapor inside decreasesB. the pressure is proportional to the volume of

gasC. foods are kept in a container with airtight

cover


0.74

D. the pressure inside increases as the temperature increases

33

Which of the following groupings of scientist with their discoveries is correct?

Electron Proton Neutron

A Rutherford Thomson Chadwick

B Thomson Goldstein Chadwick

C Thomson Rutherford Bohr

D Thomson Chadwick Rutherford

Factual Knowledge

0.56

34

Which of the following statement are true about isotopes?

I. they have different physical propertiesII. they have the same chemical propertiesIII. they have different number of neutronsIV. they have the same number of valence electron

E. I,II, & III onlyF. II, III & IV onlyG. I, II, & IV onlyH. I, II, III & IV

Factual Knowledge

0.02

35

Element X has 3 electrons. In distributing electrons, 2 electrons will occupy the 1 st energy level, s sublevel. What principle is involved?

E. Aufbau PrincipleF. Electron-Filling PrincipleG. Hund’s Rule H. Pauli’s Exclusion Principle


0.83

36

Which of the following elements contains two valence electrons?

E. FF. MgG. NeH. Na


0.54

37

How many protons, electrons and neutrons are there in one chlorine atom with nucleon number 37?

Proton Electron Neutron

E. 17 17 37 B 17 19 19

C 17 17 20

D 17 20 20


0.22

38 For item 38

Two particles X and Y have the following composition:

Electrons Neutrons Protons


0.65

X 6 4 5

Y 4 6 5

Which of the following statements is true about X and Y?

E. Both X and Y are negatively chargeF. Both X and Y are positively charge G. Both X and Y are negatively chargeH. Both X and Y are particles of the same

element

39

In the experiment done by JJ Thomson, cathode rays were deflected away from a negatively charge plate. Why?

E. Cathode rays are not particlesF. Cathode rays are positively charge

particlesG. Cathode rays are negatively charge

particlesH. Cathode rays are neutral charge

particles


0.37

40

Which drawing best illustrates the phenomenon responsible for the colors of the elements?

A.

Electron hits another electron

B.electron absorbs energy

C.electron emits energy

D.electrons absorbs then emits energy


0.83

41

Atoms combine to form compound in order to assume a …?

E. metallic bondF. stable configurationG. polar bondH. unstable configuration

Factual Knowledge

0.07

42 The average atomic weight of copper is 63.5. Copper has two naturally occurring isotopes. One of the isotopes has an atomic weight of 62.9 amu and an abundance of 69.1%. The other isotopes has an abundance of 30.9%. What is the atomic weight of this isotope?

E. 63.2


0.44

F. 63.8G. 64.8H. 28.1

43

The scientist who classified elements in triads or group of three was

A. Dobereiner B. Moseley

C. Mendeleev D. Rutherford

Factual Knowledge

0.52

44

Which of the following diagrams represents the valence electron in potassium suphide? (Proton number: S, 16 ; K, 19

A. K SB. K SC. K SD. K S K


0.81

45

For items no. 45

The reaction of hydrogen sulfate (H SO) with zinc (Zn ) will produce Zinc Sulfate ( ZnSO) and hydrogen gas in the reaction.

What type of reaction is involved?

A. Combination

B. Decomposition

C. Single Replacement D. Single Replacement


0.37

46

Two elements, represents by letters X and Y have proton numbers as given in table below. From the information it can be deduce that

Element X Y

Proton Number 11 16

I. X and Y will form compound with the formula X2Y

II. X can form ionic compound but Y can form both ionic and covalent compound

III. Elements X is a conductor of electricity whereas element Y is a non-conductor of electricity

IV. The compound formed between element X and Y has high melting point


0.48

47

Which of the following statements best explains the formation of chemical bonds between elements?

A. The elements have high activityB. The atoms of elements have less than

eight valence electronsC. The atoms of elements have too many

electronsD. The elements aree either electropositive

or electronegative


0.61

48 Among the following which is a chemical change?

A. melting ice

Factual Knowledge

0.56

B. condensation of steamC. burning of petrolD. heating of iodine crystal

49

Why does canned goods easily spoil once the can is open?

A. because of high temperatureB. because of contact with oxygenC. because of the increase surface area of

the reactantsD. because of the increase activation of

energy from the reaction


0.44

50

What type of chemical reaction is involved when bubbles of hydrogen gas and aqueous iron(III) chloride are produced when metallic iron is dropped into hydrochloric acid? reaction is non spontaneous.

E. CombinationF. Single replacementG. DecompositionH. Double replacement


0.44

51

Generally , how do atomic masses vary throughout the periodic table of element?

A.they increase from left to right and bottom to top

B.they increase from left to right and top to bottom

C.they increase from right to left and top to bottom

D. they increase from right to left and bottom to top

Factual Knowledge

0.22

52

The illustration a conservation of mass experiment. The solution in beaker lost its mass because…

A.Some of the water molecules turned into gas

B.The mass of reactants and products was less than 150g

C.Materials have less mass at high temperature

D. Sodium sulfate is lighter than air


0.39

53

Calculate the mass of aluminum carbonate in 5.85 moles of compound Al2 (CO3)3

A.13.682g B. 2,3728g

C.1,368g D. 4,346.6g


0.48

54

What is the correct chemical name of (NH4)SO4

A. ammonium sulphate

B.diammonium sulphate

C.ammonium (II) sulphate

D.ammonium sulfite

Factual Knowledge

0.30

55 Which of the following parameters cannot be used in measuring rate of reaction?

A. change of color

B. change of pressure


0.59

C. change of temperature

D. change of concentration

56

Which two solutions would produce a neutral solution when mixed together in equal volume?

Solution pH- I II III IV V

4 5 6 9 10

A.II & III B.II &V C. II&IV D.III&IV


0.26

57

What separation procedure uses the laboratory apparatuses shown in the picture.(Note: Refer to the questions in appendix)

A. Titration B. Filtration

C.Chromatography D. Distillation

Factual Knowledge

0.48

58

Based on the information in the table above, which is a reasonable hypothesis regarding elements and their compounds?

A.An elements retains its physical and chemical properties when it is combined into a compound

B. when an element reacts to form a compound, its chemical properties are changed but its physical properties are not

C. When an element reacts to form a compound, its physical properties are changed but its chemical properties are not

D. Both the chemical and physical properties of a compound are different from the properties of each element of which it is composed


0.30

59

Which of these substance (s) can be produced from the control of agricultural wastes using biogas technology?

I. BiogasII. Methane gasIII. Carbon dioxide

A. I only B. I &II C. II&III D. I,II&III


0.48

60

Which of the following methods is suitable for the disposal of radioactive waste?

A. using storage tanks made from strontium

B. using a digestive tankC. Using an electrostatic precipitatorD. Using a burner

Factual Knowledge

0.50



Factual Knowledge 22(37)

Conceptual Understanding 21(35)

Reasoning and Analysis 17(28)



0.00 – 0.04 1 (2%)

0.05 – 0.09 2 (3%)

0.10 – 0.14 0

0.15 – 0.19 1 (2%)

0.20 – 0.24 3 (5%)

0.25 – 0.29 2 (3%)

0.30 – 0.34 2 (3%)

0.35 – 0.39 5 (8%)

0.40 – 0.44 6 (10%)

0.45 – 0.49 6 (10%)

0.50 – 0.54 6 (10%)

0.55 – 0.59 5 (8%)

0.60 – 0.64 3 (5%)

0.65 – 0.69 3 (5%)

0.70 – 0.74 5 (8%)

0.75 – 0.79 2 (4%)

0.80 – 0.84 4 (8%)

0.85 – 0.89 2 (3%)

0.90 – 0.94 2 (3%)

0.95 – 0.99 0

1.00 0

Appendix D: Level of Thinking of the Biology Division Achievement Test in Albay

Item No.

Question and Options Level of Thinking

1

Chester is viewing a cell under the microscope with 100x oil immersion objective and a 20x ocular. How much is the cell magnified? a. 20 times b. 100 times

c. 200 times d. 2000 times


2 Which of the following has Dr. Dioscoro S. Rabor contributed to the study of biology in the Philippines?a. researchers on the Philippine bananas, pepper and some medicinal plants.b. discovered or co- discovered new species of a local flying squirrel, two mammals, lizard and some birds.c. research on the anatomical characteristics of bamboo and grassd. discovered several species and general

Factual Knowledge

of parasitic worms in the Philippine fish , birds and humans.

3

Michael needs to know about the different shapes of bacteria. His biology teacher suggested to examine a prepared slide of a mixture of bacteria. Which of the following ocular and objectives will best help him achieve his goal?

a. 5x high power objectiveb. 10x high power objectivec. 5x and oil immersion objective d. 10x and oil immersion objective


4

Some microscopic organisms cause disease but many are useful, which of the following make use of microorganism for its production?a. table sugar

b. cooking oil

c. soap production

d. soy sauce


5

Which of the following inventions has made possible the extensive study of the ultra structure of the cell? a. microtome b. light microscope c. electron microscope d. stereomicroscope

Factual Knowledge

6

Euglena and paramecium are eukaryotes because they botha. have nucleus b. contain chloroplast c. reproduce by sexual reproduction

d. have unicellular and multicellular stage

Factual Knowledge

7

Which will explain for the wide distribution of mitochondria in the muscle of the arms and legs?a. muscle cells need much protein b. muscle cells of these areas use up much energy c. muscle cells contain lots of RNA d. muscle cells have high metabolic


8

What organelle is not present in a root cell?a. cell wall b. mitochondrion c. chloroplast d. nucleus

Factual Knowledge

9

If the mitochondrion of a cell is removed. What physiological proceeds is inhibited?

a. nutrient absorption b. cell production c. release of waste materials d. energy production


10 The size of cells usually ranges from 1 to 100 micrometers. Which of the following best explains why cells are usually small?

a. vacuoles in the cells can only hold small amounts of waste materials. b. diffusion of materials in and out of cell is easy

Factual Knowledge

and efficient.c. the membrane that encloses the cell limits its sized. if a cell grows very large, it divides into two cell.

11

Which of the following plant pigments capture light energy from the sun? a. xanthophylls b. anthocyanin c. chlorophyll d. carotene

Factual Knowledge

12

The main difference between a heterotrophs and an autotrophs is that autotrophs a. can synthesize their own food using inorganic nutrients.b. give off carbon dioxide and use oxygen.c. absorb carbon dioxide for respiration d. convert heat energy to chemical energy.

Factual Knowledge

13

Nostoc, spirogyra, moss and gumamela are photosynthetic. Which of the following characteristics enable these organisms to make their own food? a. ability to live in water b. presence of chlorophyll c. capacity to give off oxygen d. ability to produce carbon dioxide


14

Contraction of muscles requires ATP. Immediately following heavy exercise, a vertebrate muscle would have?a. more ATP and more ADP than at rest b. more ATP and less ADP than at restc. less ATP and more ADP than at rest d. less ATP and less ADP that at rest


15

The next 3 items are based on the ff. information:

A hydrilla spring was placed in a small jar with water and was exposed to light. After 5 minutes, bubbles were observed rising from the end of the spring.In this investigation, what data can you use to determine the rate of photosynthesis?a. count the number of leaves b. measure the lenght of the hydrilla spring c. measure the temperature of the water d. count the number of bubbles produced in a specific period of time


16

What will happen if you move the hydrilla farther away from the light?

a. photosynthesis will slow down b. photosynthesis will proceed at a

faster ratec. the temperature of the water will

increase d. the metabolic rate of the hydrilla

will increase


17 Which of the following will happen if three guppies were placed in the jar?a. photosynthesis will be inhibited b. photosynthesis will proceed at a faster rate


c. the waste material produced by the guppies will pollute the waterd. the guppies will compete with the hydrilla for the nutrients

18

18. Which adaptation in mammals prevents water loss from the body?a. outer layer of skin is dead and waterproof b. production of glucagons to restore body water levels c. slowing down of rate of metabolism d. body temperature drops down to prevent sweating

Factual Knowledge

19

Which two system work with the skeletal system to cause a finger to move?a. immune and excretory b. digestive and respiratory c. nervous and muscular d. circulatory and integumentary

Factual Knowledge

20

How does an artificial pacemaker regulate the beating of the heart?a. It sends rhythmic electrical impulses to make the heart contract.b. It makes an enlarged heart return to its normal size.c. It controls electrical impulses from the atria to the ventriclesd. It slows down the contraction of heart muscles

Factual Knowledge

21

What might have caused donatos heartbeat to incese and why?

a. exhaling, because the heart beats faster to get rid of carbon dioxide from the lungs

b. sleeping, because the heart beats faster to deliver food and oxygen to body cells to

store energy for work when he wakes upc. jogging, because the heart beats

faster to deliver more food and oxygen to supply energy to body cells.

d. sitting down, because the heart beats faster to bring more food and oxygen to supply

energy to body cell


22

There are 46 chromosomes in human somatic cells. How many chromosomes are found in human sex cells?

a. 13 b. 20 c. 23 c. 46

Factual Knowledge

23

Which of the following is not a example of asexual reproduction?

a. budding b.conjugation c. grafting d.marcotting

Factual Knowledge

24

Sexual reproduction involves the union of sperm and egg. The process is called?

a. fertilization b.ovulation c. implantation d. development

Factual Knowledge

25The embryo develops in the _______ a. oviduct b. ovary c. uterus d. vagina

Factual Knowledge

26 Which of the following differences mitosis from meiosis?

Factual Knowledge

a. number of stages b. number of daughter cells c. number of chromosomes of daughter cells d. number of divisions the cell undergoes

27

Why is meiosis 1 sometimes called the reduction division?a. size of the parent cell is reproduces during the formation of daughter cellsb. daughter cells contain only half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cellsc. each daughter cells has the same genetic information as the parent celld. meiosis results in variation of organis


28

A carabao wiggles its tail when being bitten by insects. Which of the following characteristics of organism explains the reaction of the carabao? a. adaptation b. irritability c. mobility d. growth

Factual Knowledge

29

Mangrove trees can live in estuaries because they develop salt glands. Which statement best explains this characteristics?a. mangrove trees adapt top their environment b. mangrove trees respond to stimuli c. mangrove trees need water to live d. mangrove trees need salt to live

Factual Knowledge

30

Among the properties of a microscope in the box below, which are more important to cytologist in the study of cells in great detail?

l. imaging ll. resolutionlll. magnification lV. tranmission

a. l and ll b. l and lV c. ll and lll d. lll and lV


31

In switching the objectives of the compound microscope, which of the following should be manipulated? a. revolving nosepiece b. adjustment knobs c. stage clips d. condenser

Factual Knowledge

32

Who formulated the cell theory?a.Crick Watson, Virchow b.Harvey, Fleming, Lister c.Linnaeus, Mendel, Darwin d. Virchow, Schleiden, Schawnn

Factual Knowledge

33

What is the significant contribution of Alexander Fleming in the field of biology?a. He introduced the antiseptic surgery b. He discovered the antibiotic penicillin c. He discovered the pasteurisation method. d. He isolated the tubercle bacilli the agent of tuberculosis

Factual Knowledge

34 Which of the following parts of the cell allows only certain substances to pass into and out of the cell?

a. cell wall b. cell membrane c. nuclear membrane

Factual Knowledge

http://31.in/

d. endoplasmic reticulum

35

Which of the following cell organelles is site in the breaking down food molecules to produce adenosine triposphate (ATP)? a. nucleus b. cytoplasm c. mictochondria d. golgi apparatus.

Factual Knowledge

36

Which of the following structures is found both plant and animal cells?

a. nucleus b. plastids c. cell wall d. centrioles

Factual Knowledge

37

Which of the following structures in the plant cell is not found in animal cell?

a. endoplasmic reticulum b. golgi apparatus c. ribosomes d. plastids

Factual Knowledge

38

Which two cells structure in the box below are present in eukaryotes but not in prokaryotes ?

1.nucleolus

2. cell membrane

3. nuclear material

4. nuclear membrane a. 1 and 3 b. 1 and 4 c. 2 and 3 d. 2 and 4


39

Is it true that (l) prokaryotes have nucleus, while (ll) eukaryotes do not have?

a. l but not ll b. ll but not l c. both 1 and ll d. neither l or ll


40

If diffusion and osmosis were passive transport processes of cells, which of the following are the active transport processes?a. anabolism and catabolism b. endocytosis and exocytosis c. plasmolysis and transpiration d. photosynthesis


41

Is it true that (l) in passive transport substance move along concentration gradient and (ll) in active transport, substance move against concentration gradient? a. l but not ll b. ll but not l c. both l and ll d. neither 1 or ll


42

Is it true that (l) chloroplast belong to the group of plastids, and (ll) that chloroplast contain the chlorophyll pigments that specialize in photosynthesis?a. l but not ll b. ll but not l c. both l and ll d. neither 1 or ll


43

Which does not describe the organelles of the plant cells that contain the cholorophyll ?a. they contain yellow pigmentsb. they are green colored plastids c. they are double-membrane organelles d. they are bound with a single membrane


44

The following are required during light reaction of photosynthesis except

a.H2O b. CO2 c. light energy d. chlorophyll

Factual Knowledge

45

What is required to excite the electrons of the chlorophyll and start the cyclic and non cyclic phosphorylation?

a. H2O b. ATP c. sunlight d. carbon dioxide

Factual Knowledge

46

Which of the following is not a major process of cellular respiration?a. glycolysis b. Krebs cycle c. Calvin cycle d. electron transport chain

Factual Knowledge

47

What organ systems are coordinating to remove waste from the body as played by the kidney and large intestines?a. excretory and digestive systems b. digestive and circulatory systems c. endoctrine and urinary system d. urinary and excretory system

Factual Knowledge

48

Which of the following parts of the organ system are responsible for the upward growth of the plant?a. roots c. epidermis b. shoots d. meristems

Factual Knowledge

49

The digestive system could not function without the adequate gas exchange. It only shows that it is working with the?a. muscular system b. excretory system c. circulatory system d. respiratory system


50

Which of the following inventions has made possible the extensive study of the ultra structure of the cell?a. microtome b. light microscope c. electron microscope d. stereomicroscope

Factual Knowledge




Conceptual Understanding 12(24%)

Reasoning and Analysis 8 (16)

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Analysis of Division Achievement Tests in Secondary Chemistry and Biology for SY 2009-2010

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