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Hi there,

Glad you downloaded this free Ebook.

After reading this book, you are one step closer to conquering
the explain-type questions in science exams.

How to use this guidebook:

1) There are 13 MUST KNOW concepts.

2) Remember the underlined key words in each concept.

3) Apply the keywords in your open-ended questions.

4) For explaining and describing science concepts, I have

provided the sentence structure to write the answers clearly.
Apply them in your exams.

To the kids:

I understand your parents might have forced you to read

through this so I have kept this short for your easy reading.

Read the scientific thinking process behind each question.

You need to spot the clues and link them to the correct science
concepts.

Take this book as a supplementary reading material before

entering the exam.

Note:
Do not use this ebook with a “must fit all the words into the
question” approach.
The phrase/sentence MUST answer the question.

Happy reading!
 ScienceShifu.com

Table of contents

Must Know Heat and Temperature Concepts ...........................- 1 -

Must Know Evaporation and Condensation Concepts..............- 6 -
Must Know Three states of matter Concept ...........................- 13 -
Must Know Reproduction in plants Concept ..........................- 16 -
Must Know Light and shadows Concept .................................- 18 -
Must Know Digestion Concepts ...............................................- 19 -
Must Know Circulatory System Concepts................................- 20 -
Must Know Food Chains and Food Web Concepts .................- 21 -
Must Know Electricity Concepts ..............................................- 22 -
Must Know Brightness of Bulbs Concept ................................- 25 -
Must Know Electromagnetic Concepts ....................................- 27 -
Must Know Forces Concepts ....................................................- 29 -
Must Know Energy Concepts ...................................................- 30 -
About the Author .....................................................................- 31 -
To All Concern Parents .............................................................- 32 -
You Might Be Interested In These ...........................................- 33 -
 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Heat and Temperature Concepts

Explain the heat flow process

1) Object 1 gains/loses heat to object 2

Example: The iron rod gains heat from the candle

flame.
OR
The glass rod loses heat to the surrounding air.

Explain why an object is hotter than the other object

(with changes in temperature shown)

2) Object 1 has a higher temperature than object 2.

Example: Water has a higher temperature than air.

Result: Water is hotter than air.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Explain why an object is not hot after applying heat.

3) Poor conductor of heat gains/loses heat slowly

Example: Glass is a poor conductor of heat and takes

in heat slowly.

Result: Temperature of glass does not rise a lot.

Explain why an object turns hot quickly after applying

heat

4) Good conductor of heat gains/loses heat quickly

Example: As steel cup is a good conductor of heat and

takes in heat quickly.

Result: The temperature of steel cup rises a lot.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Steel
Combining Concepts 1 to 4 plate

Glass plate

Both plates are placed in the fridge for a few hours.

Mary then take them out and touch the two plates.
Explain why her hand feels colder when she touches
the steel plate.

Scientific thinking process:

The question is showing different materials.

This means question wants you to use the science

concepts 3 and 4: Good and poor conductors of heat.

Also, the question mentions Mary hands feel colder

when she touches the metal plate.

Question wants you to use concepts 1 and 2: Heat flow

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 ScienceShifu.com

Answer:
Concept:
Steel is a better conductor of heat than glass.

Explanation:
The steel gains heat from Mary’s hands faster than
glass.

OR

Mary’s hand loses heat faster to the steel plate than

the glass plate.

End result:
Mary’s hands will feel colder when she touches the
steel plate.

Object expands and contracts

5) The object gains heat and expands on a hot day.

Note: It is recommended to use the complete phrase

as underlined.

6) The object loses heat and contracts on a cold day.

Note: It is recommended to use the complete phrase

as underlined.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Identify Concept 5 or Concept 6

The diagram below shows a steel rod before heating up.

Before heating

Original length of the steel rod: 15cm

The steel rod is heated and the length of the steel rod is
measured.

After heating

Length of the steel rod after heating: 17cm

Scientific thinking process:

Question has given you clues.

The length of the steel rod increases after heating up.

You should use the correct science concept: Concept 5

Explain why did the final length of the steel rod increase after
heating?

When the steel rod is heated up, the steel rod gains heat and
expands.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Evaporation and Condensation Concepts

Factors affecting rate of evaporation

7) Exposed surface area to surrounding air.

Take note: Water cannot evaporate when there is no

exposed surface area.

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Apply concept 7
Layer of oil

300ml of 300ml of
Water Water
Setup A Setup B

Both setup A and B are placed in room beside the

window for 3 hours.

Mary observed the amount of water in setup B

decreases to 230ml whereas the amount of water in
setup A remains the same. Explain Mary’s
observation.

Scientific thinking process:

See the clues in the diagram: Setup A has layer of oil and
Setup B does not.

Also, the question mentions amount of water has

decreased. This means there is evaporation of water.

After analysing the clues, which science concept can be

used to answer this question?

Concept 7: Exposed surface area.

There is a layer of oil in setup A. There is no exposed

surface area for water to evaporate into water vapour
in setup A.
Result: water will not evaporate in setup A.

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 ScienceShifu.com

8) Higher temperature of the liquid will increase rate of

evaporation.

Combining concepts 3, 4 and 7, 8

Beaker A is made of steel and Beaker B is made of

glass. Both set-ups are placed in the open field with
direct sunlight for 20 minutes. David then measures
the amount of water. The amount of water in Beaker
A drops to 280ml and the amount of water in Beaker
B drops to 290ml. Explain David’s results.

300ml of
Water

Beaker A Beaker B

Scientific thinking process:

The question is showing different materials.

This means question wants you to apply the science

concepts of 3 and 4: Good and poor conductors of heat.

Also, question also mentions amount of water

decreases. This means there is evaporation of water.

Apply Science concept 8: Higher temperature will cause

water to evaporate faster.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Answer:
Beaker A is made of steel which is a better conductor
of heat than glass. The water in beaker A gains heat
from the steel at a faster rate.

Result:
Temperature of water in beaker A will rise faster than
the water in beaker B. Rate of evaporation is faster in
beaker A than in beaker B

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 ScienceShifu.com

Describing the process of evaporation of water

9) Gains heat and evaporates into water vapour

Example: Water gains heat from the (heat source)

and evaporates into water vapour.

Describing the process of condensation of water

vapour.

10) Water vapour rises, touches the cooler surface of the

container, loses heat and condenses to form water
droplets.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Combining Concepts 9 and 10

The setup below is placed in the open field under
direct sunlight for a few hours. Explain why water
droplets are formed in the glass container after a few
hours?

Sun

Glass
container
Water
droplets

300ml of
water in
beaker

Scientific thinking process:

Look at the clues in the diagram.

- Liquid water in a beaker

- Water droplets form on the inner surface of the
glass container

Question wants you to apply concepts 9 and 10:

Evaporation and condensation of water.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Answer:
Water in the beaker gains heat from the sun and
evaporates into water vapour.
Warm water vapour rises, touches the cooler inner
surface of the glass container, loses heat and
condenses to form water droplets.

Note:

- Please write “warm” in this type of question.

- Please remember to write “the sun” in this

question.
(If the water is hot in the first place, you don’t have
to mention heat source)

- You have to mention “inner surface”.

- To communicate clearly, use the labels in the

diagram. Don’t use your own words.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Three states of matter Concept

11) The object has fixed shape and fixed volume.

Example: Glass has a fixed shape and volume

Recommended not to write: “Definite” to reduce
spelling error.

12) The object has no fixed shape but it has a fixed

volume.

Example: Water has no fixed shape and but has a fixed

volume

13) The object has no fixed shape and no fixed volume.

Example: Air has no fixed shape and volume.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Combining Concepts 11, 12 and 13

Example
Study the sealed container as shown below. The
sealed container has a total volume of 1000cm3.
500cm3 of rocks is added and 100cm3 of air is pumped
into the container.

Sealed
container

200cm3 of
water in
sealed
container

What is the final volume of air inside the sealed

container? Explain your answer.

Answer:
1000 - 500 (rocks) - 200 (water) = 300cm3.

Air has no fixed volume and will occupy the remaining

space inside the container.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Explain process relating to occupying space

14) Substance A flows into the container to occupy the

space when substance B flows out/escapes.

Example: Air flows into the container to occupy the

space when water flows out/escapes from the
container.

Describing balloons taking in/removing air

15) The balloon is inflated.

Meaning: the balloon is filled with air.

16) The balloon is deflated.

Meaning: the balloon has lost all its air.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Reproduction in plants Concept

Animal pollination

17) Pollen grains land on the sticky stigma. Pollination

occurs.

Fertilisation of flower

18) Removed stigma, style, ovary, ovule (remove any one

of them) and fertilisation will not take place.

Explain the importance of dispersion

19) To prevent overcrowding and competition for

resources such as sunlight, minerals and water.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Identify concept 17

Study flower A
Sticky
stigma

Large
colourful
petals
Anther

Based on the information above, which method of pollination for

flower A?

Scientific thinking process:

Look at the clues in the diagram.

- Bright and colourful petal

- Sticky stigma found inside the flower.

These are enough clues to help you determine the flower

is animal pollinated.

Answer: Animal pollination

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Light and shadows Concept

Explaining how shadows are formed

20) Shadows are formed when light rays are blocked by

opaque objects.
OR
Light rays cannot pass through the opaque object.

Explaining how we see objects.

21) Light is reflected from the object into our eyes.

Example: We see a water bottle because light is

reflected from the water bottle into our eyes.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Digestion Concepts

Describe the digestion process

22) The saliva breaks down food into simpler substances.

23) The teeth cuts/chews the food into smaller pieces.

Take Note: You have to know the difference between

smaller pieces and simpler substances.

Glucose and digested food are simple substances.

Starch and undigested food are complex substances.

Explain how churning food speeds up digestion.

24) Stomach walls churn the food so the digestive juices

will mix with the food and breaks down the soft food
into smaller pieces.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Circulatory System Concepts

Describe how are substances transported.

25) Blood transports oxygen, digested food and water to

the body cells.

26) Blood transports waste substances and carbon

dioxide to the organs for removal from the body.

Take note: Blood does not remove substances.

Take note: Blood is found inside the blood vessels

Describe what happens to food substances after

reaching the body cells

27) Body cells take in digested food and oxygen during

respiration to release energy for life processes.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Food Chains and Food Web Concepts

Understanding population

28) Different/types of population species

Example: There are three different population of
insects living in the garden community.

Note: This means 3 different species of insects.

29) Total Population.

Example: Total population of butterflies in a garden

community is 25.

Note: This means there are 25 organisms of butterflies

in a garden community.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Electricity Concepts

Explain why other bulbs will not light up when a bulb

is fused in a series circuit

30) In series circuit, there is one path for electricity to

flow.

Example: When a bulb fused in a series circuit, the

other bulbs will not light up as there is no other path
for electricity to flow.

OR

Example: The bulbs are arranged in a series circuit.

When one bulb is fused, it becomes an open circuit
and no electricity can flow.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Explain why other bulbs will light up when a bulb is

fused.

31) In parallel circuit, there are a few/more than one

paths for electricity to flow in a circuit.

Example: When one bulb is fused in a parallel circuit,

the other bulbs remain lit as there are other paths for
electricity to flow.

Connection of bulbs to the wires.

32) One end of the wire is connected to the metal casing

and the other end of the wire is connected to the
metal tip. The bulb will light up.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Identify the correct concepts

Switch

Bulb A
battery

Bulb B

The bulbs, switch, wires and battery are working

properly.
Which bulb, A or B, is lit when the switch is closed?

Answer: bulb B.

Scientific thinking process:

Both ends of the wire are connected to the metal casing in bulb
A.

Take note: one end of the wire must be connected to the metal
casing, the other end to the metal tip.

Concept 32 is used.

Bulb A does not light up.

Metal casing is an electrical conductor. Electricity can flow

through the metal casing into bulb B.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Brightness of Bulbs Concept

33) Bulb added in series.

Example: As more bulbs are added in series, all the
bulbs are dimmer.

34) Bulbs added in parallel.

Example: As more bulbs are added in parallel, there is
no change in brightness.

35) Batteries added in series.

Example: As more batteries are added in series, the
bulbs shine brighter.

36) Batteries added in parallel.

Example: As more batteries are added in parallel,
there is no change in brightness of the bulbs.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Explain why one bulb is brighter than the other.

37) There are more batteries supplying electricity to Bulb

A than Bulb B. Hence bulb A is brighter as there is
more electricity flowing through Bulb A.

OR

There is more electricity flowing through Bulb A than

Bulb B. Hence Bulb A shines brighter than Bulb B.

Explain why one bulb is dimmer than the other.

38) There are less batteries supplying electricity to Bulb B

than Bulb A. Hence bulb B is dimmer as there is less
electricity flowing through Bulb B.

OR

There is lesser electricity flowing through Bulb B than

Bulb A. Hence Bulb B shines dimmer than Bulb A.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Iron core

Must Know Electromagnetic Concepts

Describe how the iron core becomes an

electromagnet.

39) In a closed circuit, electricity flows through the coils

of wire around the iron core, the iron core is
magnetised and becomes an electromagnet.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Applying concept 39

Closed switch

Iron core

Steel nails

Explain how does adding more batteries in series

attract more steel nails?

Answer: When more batteries are added in series,

more electricity flows through the coils of wire around
the iron core, the iron core is magnetised and
becomes a stronger electromagnet.

Describe the process of electromagnet losing its

magnetism

40) In an open circuit, no electricity flows through the

coils of wire around the iron core, the electromagnet
loses its magnetism and no longer attracts the
magnetic material.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Forces Concepts

41) The compressed spring exerts an elastic spring force

on the object.

Do not write: the object has elastic spring force.

42) The magnet will attract the magnetic material.

Don’t write: the magnet will pull the magnetic

material.

43) There is frictional force between the object and

another object.

Example: There is frictional force between the

wooden block and the sandpaper. Hence the wooden
block stops moving down the slope eventually.

Note: Since frictional force is a contact force. It is good

to mention the two objects/surfaces involved.

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 ScienceShifu.com

Must Know Energy Concepts

Explain conversion of energy.

44) Type of energy from Object is converted to type of

energy.

Example: chemical potential energy from the battery

is converted to electrical energy.

45) Useful energy

Example
State the useful energy conversion of the Computer
when Tom is watching a video.

Electrical energy is converted to light and sound

energy.

Don’t write: Heat energy. This is not a useful form of

energy.

Take Note: Watching video has both Light and Sound

energy.

- 30 -
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About the Author

Hi there,

Glad to meet you.

My name is Andy Ling and I

have been teaching science over
the past 5 years (from upper
primary to lower secondary and
‘O’ levels).

My lessons are conducted at

Bugis (37 Middle Road, UWEEI
building, 6th floor, S188946).

I started ScienceShifu.com
where we offer free and
premium courses on mastering
science concepts and answering
techniques.

When students don’t give me

too much stress, my passion is to
share science concepts and its
Looking to join our physical classes? applications to real life.
Visit our website for more details:
https://gradesolution.com.sg/schedule/
Talk to you soon!
Interested in our online courses? Andy Ling
Email: AndyLing@Scienceshifu.com Scienceshifu.com
Visit our website for more details: Mastering science. One concept
https://scienceshifu.com/all-courses/ at a time

Like our Facebook page!

- 31 -
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To All Concern Parents

Does your child have problems understanding certain

concepts?

Does your child frequently write out of point in open ended

questions?

Does your child always lose marks when they thought their
concept is right?

Does your child always have the habit of writing only one
sentence in “explain why” questions?

If your answer is “yes” to the above, your child needs help

NOW!

We are a team of science experts that help your child to

master the open-ended questions with great confidence.

We don’t just teach concepts, we teach them real life

application questions that are fun and engaging to the
students.

- 32 -
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