Case study·Hard exam skill (4/5)·No calculator
Difficulty guide
The label describes the problem, not your ability.
1/5 - Foundational
Warm-up setup; checks one basic idea.
2/5 - Routine exam skill
Normal syllabus skill; usually one main rule or interpretation.
3/5 - Standard multi-step
Exam-style problem with multiple steps or a common trap.
4/5 - Hard exam skill
High-end exam problem; combines methods carefully.
5/5 - Challenge
Stretch problem beyond normal exam pressure.
Question
In a school garden, fallen leaves collect under trees. Earthworms and microbes break the leaves down. After some weeks, the soil becomes darker and supports better plant growth.
Total: 4 marks
(a) Name the organisms mainly responsible for breakdown. (1 mark)
(b) Which non-living store receives nutrients? (1 mark)
(c) Why can plant growth improve? (1 mark)
(d) Which broad type of cycle is being illustrated? (1 mark)
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