Diagnosis test: Edexcel Science – Evolution of the Atmosphere and rocks (15 marks)

  1. In what phase of the development of the Earth’s atmosphere were the oceans formed. (circle the correct answer)
  1. Phase 1
  2. Phase 2
  3. Phase 3
  4. The Earth’s recent history

(1 mark)

  1. Complete the table to show the gases in the atmosphere today.

Name of gas / Percentage %
Nitrogen / 78
Oxygen / 21
Carbon Dioxide / 0.04
Argon / 1

(3 mark)

  1. Briefly describe the three phases of the evolution of the atmosphere.

Phase 1: Volcanoes gave out gases (carbon dioxide and water vapour) water vapour condensed

Phase 2: Green plants evolved and released oxygen

Phase 3: More oxygen meant that more complex organisms could evolve

(3 marks)

  1. Name two forms of calcium carbonate that exist in the Earth’s crust.

Any 2:

Limestone, chalk, marble

(2 marks)

  1. QWC: Describe the three main rock types and explain how they are formed.

QWC Suggested marking guidance (Total 6 marks)
Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written Communication (QWC) as well as the standard of the scientific response. Teachers should and apply a ‘best-fit’ approach to the marking.
0 marks / Level 1 (1-2 marks) / Level 2 (3-4 marks) / Level 3 (5-6 marks)
No relevant content. / Name two types of rocks or how they are formed.
The spelling, punctuation and grammar are very weak. / Describe two types of rocks and how they are formed. There is reasonable accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar, although there may still be some errors / Describe all three types of rocks and how they are formed. The answer shows almost faultless spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Igneous Rocks: Example – granite & basalt.

  • Formed by the solidification of molten rock magma (inside the Earth) or lava (on the Earth’s surface).
  • They contain crystals whose size depends on the rate of cooling.

Sedimentary rocks: Examples - chalk and limestone.

  • Sedimentary rocks contain fossils.
  • They are formed from compaction of layers of rock over a very long time.
  • They are not as strong as other rocks so erode easily.

Metamorphic Rocks: Example – marble

  • Formed when heat and pressure is applied to other rocks.
  • Marble is formed from chalk or limestone being heated and pressurised in the mantle.

(6 marks)

1

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016