About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE Combined Science (AQA) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Try 3 real GCSE Combined Science (AQA) questions
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Q1. Which organelle in a plant cell is responsible for photosynthesis?
A. Mitochondrion
B. Chloroplast
C. Nucleus
D. Ribosome
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Chloroplast
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. This process, photosynthesis, only occurs in plant and algal cells that contain chloroplasts. Mitochondria are for respiration, not photosynthesis.
Q2. During vigorous exercise, why might a person's muscles start to ache and feel fatigued?
A. Lactic acid builds up in the muscles from anaerobic respiration
B. The muscles begin photosynthesising to save energy
C. Aerobic respiration stops producing carbon dioxide
D. Glucose is being converted directly into oxygen
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Lactic acid builds up in the muscles from anaerobic respiration
When the body cannot supply oxygen to muscles fast enough during vigorous exercise, muscle cells respire anaerobically, producing lactic acid, which causes fatigue and cramp. This is why breathing rate and heart rate stay elevated after exercise, to pay off the oxygen debt.
Q3. What is the empirical formula of a compound containing 40% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen and 53.3% oxygen by mass? (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16)
A. CH2O
B. C2H4O2
C. CH3O
D. C2H6O2
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. CH2O
Dividing each percentage by its Ar gives moles: C = 40/12 = 3.33, H = 6.7/1 = 6.7, O = 53.3/16 = 3.33; dividing by the smallest (3.33) gives a ratio of C:H:O = 1:2:1, so the empirical formula is CH2O. The other options do not give the smallest whole-number ratio required for an empirical formula.
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Who has to sit the GCSE Combined Science (AQA)
Who needs a GCSE Combined Science (AQA)?
The majority of GCSE science students in the UK take Combined Science, typically in Year 11. It is a double award leading to two GCSE grades.
The real GCSE Combined Science (AQA): format
How long is the GCSE Combined Science (AQA)?
The real GCSE Combined Science (AQA) lasts 450 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE Combined Science (AQA) cost?
Real exam fee: AQA's entry fee is approx. £87-£90. Private candidates typically pay £225-£447.20 per subject to exam centres, including admin fees. Rebooking after a fail: Resits for GCSE Combined Science are typically only offered in the summer exam series.
How hard is it
What is the GCSE Combined Science (AQA) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: In 2025, 57.6% of entries for double science (Combined Science) achieved a grade 4 or above. Difficulty: Covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics less in-depth than Triple Science; includes 21 required practicals.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE Combined Science (AQA)?
Weak exam technique, including vague or incomplete answers.
Failure to use precise scientific terminology.
Misunderstanding command words or failing to structure extended responses.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE Combined Science (AQA): common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the GCSE Combined Science (AQA)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
What is the pass mark for the GCSE Combined Science (AQA)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with AQA.