Thought that I would post a Science question that appeared on the Primary Six Leaving Examination. Science isn’t as controversial as Maths in our country. Unlike unbearably difficult Maths questions that will hog the media spotlight for several days on end, Science papers usually don’t even raise a stir. So, Science questions are considerably easier. However, not every child will do well in this subject because they don’t know how to use keywords to answer the open-ended questions. Let’s try this symbiotic relationship question!

PSLE Science 2023

Insect M lays an egg in the ovary of flower of plant Y and rubs pollen grains on the stigma of the same flower. The egg of insect M hatches in the developing ovary and its young feeds on the seeds of plant Y.

(a) State the part of the flower that the fruit of plant Y develops from. [1]

(b) Explain how rubbing pollen grains on the stigma of the flower benefits both the plant and insect M. [2]   solution

1. Ovary
2. Insect M transfers pollen grains to the stigma, which helps in pollination. This then allows for fertilisation to take place. The fertilised ovules will develop into seeds. The young of insect M will eat these seeds as food.

confession time: I didn’t think of using pollination and fertilisation when I attempted this question myself. Which goes to show how using keywords is integral to excelling in exams.