Rocks Assessment Test Mark Scheme

1. Draw three lines to match the definitions with the correct key word.

Rock that started out as igneous

or sedimentary rock but
changed due to being exposed
Igneous rock to extreme heat or pressure.

Rock that has been formed from

Sedimentary rock
magma or lava.

Rock that has been formed

Metamorphic rock by layers of sediment being
pressed down hard and sticking
together. You can see the layers
of sediment in the rock.
33 marks
marks

2. For each rock, please tick the appropriate box. The first one has been done for you.

Rock Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic

granite

marble

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clay

slate

sandstone

basalt

limestone

6 marks

3. Limestone is a permeable rock, what does this mean?

This means that liquid is able to pass through the rock. 3 marks

4. Rocks can be grouped according to their properties. Tick all the properties that
you would use to describe marble.

permeable impermeable durable less durable

high density low density hard soft

4 marks

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5. What are the three types of fossils?

The three types of fossils are chemical fossils, body fossils and trace fossils. 3 marks

6. Write the numbers one to five to put the stages of fossilisation in the
correct order. One being the first stage and five being the last stage.

Over thousands of years, the mould

fossil might become a cast fossil with
sediment entering the mould. In the case
3 of replacement fossils, the original bone
matter changes to mineral matter but this
does not affect the shape of the bones.

An animal or creature dies and ends up in

1 the sea. It gets covered by a layer of rock.

Over a long period of time, the sea will

4 recede in certain places.

Over time, more layers of rock cover it and

by this time the only thing to remain of the
2 animal would be its bones (except in the
case of mould fossils where the bones would
also be decayed).

As erosion and weathering takes place,

5 eventually the fossils become exposed.

6 marks

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7. What is a palaeontologist?

A palaeontologist is someone who learns about life on Earth by studying fossils. 3 marks

8. Complete these sentences using the word bank below.

plants weathering uppermost minerals dirt

Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth and is formed from the weathering of
rock. The four main components are air, water, minerals (rock particles)
3 marks
and organic matter.

9. Label the horizons (layers) of soil in the diagram.

topsoil

subsoil

parent material or weathered rock

bedrock
4 marks

10. Why is loamy soil good for growing plants?

Loam soils are a good mixture of sand, silt and clay. This soil holds on to
most of its nutrients and keeps enough water to help plants get what they
need. It also drains enough to avoid waterlogging. This makes loam soil the
best soil for growing crops all year round. 3 marks

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