Sample paper · GCSE Foundation · grades 1–5
GCSE Foundation sample Paper 1 (non-calculator)
The real Paper 1 is 1.5 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, non-calculator, and all three papers carry equal weight. This sample is 20 original questions in the same content proportions as the Foundation qualification — number 25%, algebra 20%, ratio, proportion and rates of change 25%, geometry and measures 15%, probability 7.5%, statistics 7.5% — with no calculator-only items. AO1 / AO2 / AO3 at this tier: 50% / 25% / 25%.
Non-calculatorGCSE Foundation
GCSE Foundation sample Paper 1 (non-calculator)
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- 1.The density of a type of plastic is 0.9 g/cm³. Work out this density in kg/m³.
- 2.Kai writes the expression 8 − 3x + 5x² and says it has three terms. Ryan says it only has two terms because a number on its own is not a term. Work out the correct number of terms in the expression.
- 3.Write 250 g : 2 kg as a ratio in its simplest form.
- 4.A chord divides a circle into two regions, one larger than the other. Write down the term used for the smaller of these two regions.
- 5.A fair spinner is divided into 5 equal sections, 2 labelled win and 3 labelled lose. Zara spins it twice, and the two spins are independent. Work out the probability that she wins on the first spin and loses on the second spin.
- 6.A random sample of 50 pupils at a school were asked whether they prefer sport to music. 30 of the 50 pupils said they prefer sport. The school has 500 pupils altogether. Work out an estimate for the number of the 500 pupils who prefer sport.
- 7.The length of a nail is 12 cm, correct to the nearest centimetre. Using L for the length of the nail in centimetres, write down the error interval for L.
- 8.Which expression means 'add 3 to n, then multiply the result by 4'?
- 9.In a bag the ratio of red counters to blue counters is 7 : 4. Write the number of red counters as a fraction of the number of blue counters.
- 10.The midpoint of the line segment AB is (3, 5). A is the point (1, 3). Work out the coordinates of B.
- 11.The probability that a machine completes a task successfully is 0.85. Work out the probability that the machine does not complete the task successfully.
- 12.Work out 2 3/4 − 1 5/6. Give your answer as a fraction in its simplest form.
- 13.There are 50 adults on a coach to the Lake District. Every adult is either a man or a woman. There are 10 more men than women. Work out the number of men.
- 14.Work out the value of x when 4/x = 2/5.
- 15.Work out the distance between the point (0, 0) and the point (5, 12).
- 16.4ˣ = 64. Work out the value of x.
- 17.Solve 3x − 5 = 4.
- 18.A recipe requires flour and butter in the ratio 3 : 2. Write down which of these amounts could be used in the recipe.
- 19.A number line runs from 0 to 1 and is divided into 4 equal parts. Which mark on the line represents 1/4?
- 20.Simplify the ratio 45 : 30 : 75 to its simplest form.
How the 20 questions are shared out
- Number — 5 questions (25% of the qualification)
- Algebra — 4 questions (20% of the qualification)
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change — 5 questions (25% of the qualification)
- Geometry and measures — 3 questions (15% of the qualification)
- Probability — 2 questions (7.5% of the qualification)
- Statistics — 1 question (7.5% of the qualification)
Where an area has fewer printable questions than its share, the shortfall is filled from the other areas. These are original questions, not past papers.