SHS

REGIONAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST (RAT)

EARTH SCIENCE

Directions. MULTIPLE CHOICE. Read each item carefully and choose the
letter that will best answer the questions below. Please use the answer sheet
provided.

1. Which of the following characteristics is necessary to support life on

Earth?
A. Thick atmosphere
B. Extreme temperature
C. Availability of liquid water
D. A far distance from the sun

2. Why is the ozone layer important to Earth?

A. It regulates the weather on Earth.
B. It produces enough amount of rain.
C. It protects Earth from meteor and asteroids' impact.
D. It filters harmful UV radiation that reaches the Earth.

3. What interacting subsystems are shown when carbon dioxide dissolves

from the air into the ocean?

A. the atmosphere and biosphere

B. the atmosphere and atmosphere
C. the atmosphere and lithosphere
D. the atmosphere and hydrosphere

4. What type of rock is formed through compaction and cementation?

A. Sedimentary rock
B. Metamorphic rock
C. Extrusive Igneous Rock
D. Intrusive Igneous Rock
5. What mineral is used in toothpaste that helps prevent tooth decay?

A. Iron
B. Zinc
C. Fluorine
D. Sodium

6. Malampaya, located on the island of Palawan, is among the fossil fuel

reserves of the Philippines. Which specific type of fossil fuel is extracted
from this reservoir?
A. Oil
B. Coal
C. Petroleum
D. Natural gas

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

7. How many percent of the Earth’s water is freshwater?
A. 3%
B. 5%
C. 75%
D. 90%

8. What farming method involves the cultivation of a sequence of diverse

crops in an area?
A. No-till farming.
B. Crop rotation
C. Contour plowing
D. Terraces farming

9. What types of wastes are generated from the washing, flushing, or

manufacturing processes of industries?
A. Solid wastes
B. Liquid wastes
C. Gaseous wastes
D. Biomedical wastes

10. Which type of erosion happens when light materials, such as small
rocks and pebbles, are carried by the wind to different places?
A. soil erosion
B. wind erosion
C. water erosion
D. glacial erosion

11. What prevents the iron and other minimal amounts of elements in the
core from melting?

A. Vapor
B. Density
C. Pressure
D. Temperature

12. What type of fault is most common at the convergent boundaries?

A. Normal fault
B. Reverse fault
C. Strike-slip fault
D. Oblique-slip fault

13. What keeps mantle rocks almost entirely solid despite of high
temperature on Earth?
A. low pressure
B. high pressure
C. high density
D. low density

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

14. Which scientist proposed the Continental Drift Theory?

A. Harry Hess
B. Albert Einstein
C. Alfred Wegener
D. Charles Darwin

15. What is the Earth’s internal process that drives seafloor spreading?
A. fusion
B. radiation
C. conduction
D. convection

16. Radiometric dating calculates an age in years for geologic materials

such as rocks by measuring the presence of a short-life radioactive
element. Which element do you think is commonly used to date rocks?
A. Uranium
B. Rubidium
C. Carbon-14
D. Potassium-Argon

17. What subdivision of geologic time portrays the differences in life forms?
A. Eras
B. Eons
C. Period
D. Epoch

18. What branch of science deals with the study of the origin, history, and
structure of the Earth?
A. Biology
B. Geology
C. Zoology
D. Paleontology

19. What makes the Earth unique from the other planets in the solar
system?
A. The planet is composed solely of nitrogen and carbon compounds
that are vital for sustaining life processes.
B. The Earth receives an optimal amount of sunlight, enabling them to
maintain their chemical processes.
C. The Earth is distinguished by its core, which generates a powerful
magnetic field, ensuring the planet's stable position in the solar
system.
D. The Earth possesses a unique atmosphere that regulates and
sustains a balance between its gaseous compounds, sunlight, and
the carbon cycle.

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

20. What will happen to Earth’s temperature in the absence of greenhouse
gases?
A. Earth’s temperature will increase.
B. Earth’s temperature will decrease.
C. Earth’s temperature will become stable.
D. Earth’s temperature will not be affected.

21. Which statement supports or explains the Earth’s subsystems?

A. The four subsystems are examples of a closed system.
B. The four subsystems are connected and interdependent systems.
C. The four subsystems are not necessary for the exchange of matter
and energy flow.
D. The four subsystems don’t interact with each other. They function
as an individual system.

22. What type of rock solidifies within the earth’s crust wherein the magma
crystallizes slowly, and the crystals grow over hundreds of thousands
of years that produce medium to coarse-grained rocks?
A. Extrusive igneous rocks
B. Intrusive igneous rocks
C. Organic sedimentary rocks
D. Foliated metamorphic rocks.

23. Jeric examined an ore sample from an underdeveloped mining site in

Zambales. He tested the chemical and mineral composition and particle
size of the mineral sample from the site. What type of mineral
processing did he conduct?
A. Analysis
B. Sampling
C. Dewatering
D. Comminution

24. If we consider the power statistics from the Department of Energy in

2017, it becomes evident that coal serves as the primary energy source
in the Philippines. Given this scenario, what potential consequences do
you anticipate if the coal reserves were to become depleted? It will…
A. result in decreasing number of air pollutants.
B. decrease the energy resources present in the Philippines.
C. increase the air pollution level of the country.
D. not affect the Philippine economy because it is an infinite resource.

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

25. Which of the following analogies correctly pairs water sources found on
Earth?
A. Lakes: Natural source
B. Canals: Natural source
C. Rivers: Man-made source
D. Springs: Man-made source

26. How does farming contribute to soil degradation?

A. Farming can make animals graze on large areas of grassland.
B. Farming provides optimum growing conditions for a plant to grow.
C. Farming can degrade the topsoil and lead to an increase in erosion.
D. Farming involves shifting large amounts of earth, such as strip
mining or mountaintop removal.

27. What are the potential effects of waste on human health and the
environment?
A. Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
B. Promoted public health and reduced the risk of diseases.
C. Increased pollution and contamination of air, water, and soil.
D. Decreased greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.

28. Which of the following is an example of physical weathering?

A. Oxidation of iron in rocks.
B. Dissolution of limestone by acid rain.
C. Freezing and thawing of water in cracks of rocks.
D. Chemical reactions between water and minerals.

29. What is the effect of the magma’s high viscosity on volcanic eruption?
A. It becomes less explosive. C. It has less magma emission.
B. It becomes more explosive. D. It has more magma emissions.

30. Compressive stress was exerted on the rock layers forming a simple fold
or bend. What is the type of fold formed on the rock layers?

A. Incline C. Anticline
B. Syncline D. Monocline

31. What relationship can be inferred from the

graph?

A. Magmas always have low viscosity.

B. Magmas that have less silica are more
viscous.
C. Magmas that have more silica are more
viscous.
D. There is no relationship between silica
content and viscosity.

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

32. If the figure is a movement of two continental plates, what land
formation can be formed?

A. Mountain
B. Trench
C. Ridge
D. Valley

33. What method did scientists employ to determine that rocks situated
further from the mid-ocean ridge were of older origin compared to those
near it?

A. by using sonar to map the rocks present on the ocean floor.

B. by measuring the rate at which seafloor spreading takes place.
C. by observing instances of molten material eruptions on the sea floor.
D. by determining the age of rock samples collected through drilling
activities on the ocean floor.

34. If igneous rock A crosscuts sedimentary rock B, what will be the

relative age or position of igneous rock A?

A. Igneous rock A will be positioned above rock B.

B. Igneous rock A is older than sedimentary rock B.
C. Igneous rock A is younger than sedimentary rock B.
D. Igneous rock A and sedimentary rock Bare of the same age.

35. In which strata are the remains of specific species preserved, giving rise
to the formation of index fossils?

A. Magma C. metamorphic rock

B. igneous rock D. sedimentary rock

36. Agnatha represents one of the oldest surviving lineages of vertebrates.

Which statement correctly describes the characteristics of Agnatha?

A. Agnatha is jawed fish.

B. They are fish with legs.
C. They are primitive jawless fish.
D. They are primitive armored fish with cartilage skeletons.

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

37. Due to unforeseen circumstances, an astronaut on a space mission
faced an imminent crash landing. Among the following planets, which
one would be the most suitable for a crash landing?

A. Planet A, with a temperature of 15°C and an oxygen-containing

atmosphere.
B. Planet B, with a temperature of 15°C and an atmosphere containing
methane.
C. Planet D, with a temperature of 300°C and an oxygen-containing
atmosphere.
D. Planet C, with a temperature of 300°C and an atmosphere containing
methane.

38. Which example can you provide to show a relationship between the
atmosphere and the geosphere?

A. Waves eroding rocks on the beach.

B. A volcano erupts adding carbon dioxide to the air.
C. Chemicals in the air impact the weathering of rocks.
D. Carbon dioxide gas is released into the air by living things.

39. Isabel would like to separate and determine a sedimentary rock from
some rock samples. Which statement would you tell Isabel to help her
identify the sedimentary rocks from the samples?

A. The crystals within these rocks are arranged in bands.

B. These rocks have a very fine-grained or even glassy texture.
C. These rocks are made up of particles of different sizes, shapes, and
compositions held together by a matrix material of cement or other
finer particles.
D. These rocks are foliated and appear layered or banded, or non-
foliated and appear uniform in texture without banding.

40. A two-year-old baby was diagnosed with rickets, a condition that affects
bone development in children. She experiences bone pain and soft and
weak bones that lead to bone deformities. As a nutritionist, what
vitamins would you recommend to parents to prevent such bone
conditions in children?

A. Vitamin A and zinc

B. Vitamin B and iron
C. Vitamin C and iodine
D. Vitamin D and calcium

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

41. In 2005, the Lafayette Mining Company in Rapu-Rapu, Albay gained
attention for its controversial operations that resulted in environmental
concerns. The release of chemicals into the sea waters had severe
consequences on marine life and the livelihood of local fishermen. The
company utilized an open-pit or surface mining technique to extract
mineral deposits in the region. What does this mining approach mean?

A. It is an underwater excavation of a placer deposit by floating

equipment.
B. It is a mine consisting of subterranean passages that commonly
follow ore veins and coal seams.
C. It refers to the mining procedure where lots of water needs to be
pumped out of the pit for a better mining process.
D. It is the method of extracting rock or minerals from the earth
through the removal of overlaying soil from the surface.

42. Jessie observed individuals washing clothes in the river and is

interested in discussing with his parents the impact of using laundry
detergents on the river water. He wants to understand the potential
long-term consequences of disposing of laundry soaps in the river. If
you were Jessie's parent, what explanation would you provide?
A. The presence of phosphates in laundry detergent run-off to rivers
can diminish algal blooms.
B. Phosphate in detergents when disposed in water tends to allow the
breakdown of organic substances.
C. The phosphates in detergents can lead to freshwater algal blooms
that release toxins and deplete oxygen in waterways.
D. Phosphates in laundry detergent increase the tension of the water's
surface, making it susceptible to pollutants.

43. You are a farmer experiencing soil erosion on your farm. You would like
to use a technique where a leafy crop is grown to cover, prevent or
reduce erosion and to improve the soil by building up its organic
nutrients (fertility) content. Which method will you use?

A. Cover crops
B. No-till farming.
C. Strip cropping
D. Contour plowing

44. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals widely utilized face masks
as a means of self-protection. As a responsible citizen, you should
properly put disposable facemasks in a ___________________ container.
A. solid waste
B. liquid waste
C. organic waste
D. hazardous waste

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

 45. Upon exploring an area abundant with various types of rocks, you
observe that certain rocks exhibit a layer of rust on their outer surface,
altering their color. Drawing from your understanding, what
classification of weathering is exemplified by this scenario?
A. Mechanical weathering
B. Biological weathering
C. Chemical weathering
D. Physical weathering

For question 46, refer to the following diagrams of rocks.

46. Which of the following statements is correct?

A. Rock T is igneous because the grains are angular.

B. Rock S is igneous because the grains are interlocking.
C. Rock U is igneous because it is a mixture of large and small crystals.
D. Rock V is metamorphic because the crystals are large and all the
same.

47. How does society utilize quartz as an important mineral?

A. Quartz is used in making sandpaper and grinding wheels.
B. Medical practitioners use quartz in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
C. In the manufacturing industry, quartz is used in making plastics
and textiles.
D. In construction, engineers use glass made of quartz as a window or
wall panel.

48. Ramon is interested in understanding the process of fossil fuel

formation and the key factors involved. Which combination of factors
would you select to address his inquiry?
A. Pressure and temperature
B. Pressure and low oxygen environment
C. Pressure, temperature, and low oxygen environment
D. Pressure, temperature, and high oxygen environment

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

49. How does urbanization affect the quality and availability of water?

A. Urbanization decreases the risk of water shortage since land areas

are converted into industrial centers.
B. Urbanization degrades water quality through the discharge of
pollutants at point sources and the mobilization of pollutants
from diffuse sources.
C. Urbanization prevents contamination in urban sewage, and it does
not pollute the surface water bodies.
D. Urbanization improves the shape and size of urban streams followed
by improving water quality.

50. According to the Philippines’ Bureau of Soils and Water Management

(BSWM), land degradation in the Philippines is largely caused by the
susceptibility of its soils to erosion. Which of the following is NOT a
manifestation of land degradation?
A. Higher amount of moisture in the soil.
B. Loss of soil fertility due to over-cultivation.
C. Loss of vegetation cover due to illegal logging and widespread forest
tree cutting.
D. Soil pollution from excessive pesticide application and
contamination by industrial and household wastes.

51. Some Filipinos are residing in areas near a landfill as their source of
livelihood. Which health effects of improper waste disposal can be
experienced by people living/working in this area?

A. Contamination of soil and groundwater.

B. Sustain injuries and come into direct contact with these infectious
items.
C. Prevent conditions favorable to the survival and growth of microbial
pathogens.
D. Skin and blood infections resulting from direct contact with waste,
and from infected wounds.

52. Which area is most likely the youngest sedimentary layer?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

53. During your class, you were presented with a "before-and-after" image
depicting a rock wall. In the "after" picture, the wall of rock appeared
folded and thicker. Which of the following options best explains the
condition that caused the rock wall to fold and increase in thickness?

A. The wall of rock was exposed to low temperatures and experienced

compressional stress.
B. The wall of rock was exposed to high temperatures and experienced
tensional stress.
C. The wall of rock was exposed to high temperatures and experienced
compressional stress.
D. The wall of rock was exposed to low temperatures and experienced
tensional stress.

For question 54, please refer to the diagram below.

54. What is the estimated age for point A in the diagram above?

A. 0.16 million years old

B. 1.6 million years old
C. 16 million years old
D. 160 million years old

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

55. On the right is the process and product of metamorphism. Based on
the illustration, what can you infer about the rock formed after
metamorphism?

A. Metamorphic rocks are similar to

the igneous rocks.
B. The stress given by the
environment creates the foliation
pattern in the metamorphic rock.
C. The molecules of rocks are
arranged randomly after
metamorphism.
D. Metamorphism undergoes
chemical reactions brought
about by stress in the
environment.
www.geocience.com

56. George resides near a hydroelectric power plant, and his family relies
on the energy generated by the plant for their essential requirements.
Mr. Santos, a safety engineer, ensures that the power plant poses no
risk to the well-being of the residents living near the dam. However,
what possible problem could arise due to the existence of the
hydroelectric power plant in George's community?

A. The hydroelectric power plant will offer livelihood to people living

near the area.
B. It might offer low-cost electricity and durability over time compared
to other sources of energy.
C. Water quality and quantity downstream can be affected, which can
have an impact on plant life and human activities.
D. Emission of carbon dioxide and methane will be reduced causing
less harm to all forms of aquatic plant life.

57. Soil conservation is a set of farming

methods and practices that keep the land from degradation. One
highly recommended method is no-till farming; which explanation would
you use to show support this suggestion?

A. No-till farming decreases the nutrient content of the soil and

prevents the loss of organic matter.
B. No-till farming can lead to compaction of soil, loss of organic matter
in the soil, and the death of soil organisms.
C. No-till farming increases the amount of water that infiltrates into the
soil, organic matter retention, and cycling of nutrients preventing
the death of soil organisms.
D. No-till farming can contribute to the loss of soil moisture, leading to
increased wind and water erosion.

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

58. Which of the options below presents the correct chronological
sequence of fossil fuel formation?

I. The sediment containing these remains becomes buried under

additional layers and transforms rock due to rising temperature
and pressure.
II. Prehistoric plants and animal remains are deposited at the
Earth's bottom millions of years ago.
III. These fossil fuels are subsequently refined into usable products
like petrol and diesel.
IV. Chemical alterations take place, gradually converting the plant
and animal remains into crude oil and natural gas.

A. II, I, IV, III

B. I, IV, III, II
C. I, II, IV, III
D. II, IV, III, I

59. How would you arrange the statements below to explain the landscape
presented below?

1 After weathering has occurred, sediments undergo

erosion.
2 Rocks and minerals are breakdowns into smaller pieces.
3 The weathered rocks are transported and later deposited
in their depositional environment.

A. 2-3-1
B. 2-1-3
C. 3-2-1
D. 3-1-2

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science

60. Based on the discovery of fossilized marine shells in the surface bedrock
near the summit of Mt. Everest (29,028 feet) in the Himalayas
Mountains, what is the most plausible conclusion regarding the
formation of the Himalayas Mountains, considering their location along
a portion of the southern boundary of the Eurasian Plate?

A. The Himalaya Mountains formed at a divergent plate boundary.

B. The formation of the Himalayas Mountains can be attributed to
volcanic activity.
C. Since the time the shells were fossilized, the sea level has undergone
a reduction of approximately 29,000 feet.
D. The bedrock that contains the fossil shells is a section of the seafloor
that has been raised or uplifted.

Regional Achievement Test -Earth Science