Mini practice paper: 8 questions
Mixed-difficulty questions from across the Agricultural Science syllabus. Tap "Show answer" after each to check yourself.
Q1 · Difficulty 1/3
Which practice is an example of a PHYSICAL method of pest control?
- Releasing parasitic wasps
- Using sticky yellow traps
- Applying neem extract
- Planting resistant varieties
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B — Using sticky yellow traps
Award 1 mark for identifying sticky traps as a physical/mechanical control method. A is incorrect — this is biological control. C is incorrect — neem extract is a botanical/chemical control. D is incorrect — using resistant varieties is a cultural/genetic control method.
Q2 · Difficulty 1/3
In ruminant animals such as cattle reared on Guyanese ranches, which compartment of the stomach is responsible for the microbial fermentation of cellulose?
- Abomasum
- Omasum
- Reticulum
- Rumen
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: D — Rumen
Award 1 mark for identifying the rumen as the site of microbial fermentation. A is incorrect — the abomasum is the 'true stomach' where chemical digestion occurs. B is incorrect — the omasum absorbs water and nutrients. C is incorrect — the reticulum traps foreign objects and works with the rumen but is not the primary fermentation site.
Q3 · Difficulty 1/3
Cassava, a staple crop in many Caribbean countries, has swollen tuberous roots. What is the main substance stored in these roots?
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Starch
- Cellulose
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C — Starch
Award 1 mark for identifying starch as the main storage carbohydrate in cassava roots. Cassava is processed to make cassava flour and is an important source of carbohydrates in the Caribbean diet. A is incorrect — cassava roots have low protein content. B is incorrect — lipids are not the main storage compound. D is incorrect — cellulose is a structural compound, not a storage compound.
Q4 · Difficulty 2/3
A vegetable farmer in Barbados notices that her pepper plants have curled, distorted leaves with a sticky substance on them. Small green insects are visible on the undersides of leaves. Which pest is MOST likely present?
- Whiteflies
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Thrips
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B — Aphids
Award 1 mark for identifying aphids based on curled leaves, honeydew (sticky substance), and small green insects on leaf undersides. A is incorrect — whiteflies are white, not green, and fly when disturbed. C is incorrect — spider mites cause stippling and webbing. D is incorrect — thrips cause silvery streaking on leaves.
Q5 · Difficulty 2/3
A Jamaican poultry farmer recorded the following costs for one production cycle: feed $45,000; day-old chicks $12,000; medication $3,000; land rent $8,000; depreciation on housing $4,000. What is the total variable cost?
- $60,000
- $68,000
- $72,000
- $12,000
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A — $60,000
Award 1 mark for correctly identifying and summing variable costs: feed ($45,000) + chicks ($12,000) + medication ($3,000) = $60,000. B is incorrect — includes land rent which is a fixed cost. C is incorrect — includes both fixed costs. D is incorrect — only includes chick costs.
Q6 · Difficulty 2/3
A farmer in Barbados obtained a loan at 8% annual interest to purchase an irrigation system. This interest payment is classified as:
- Variable cost
- Fixed cost
- Opportunity cost
- Marginal cost
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B — Fixed cost
Award 1 mark for identifying that loan interest payments remain constant regardless of production level and are therefore classified as fixed costs. A is incorrect — variable costs change with output. C is incorrect — opportunity cost refers to foregone alternatives. D is incorrect — marginal cost is the cost of producing one additional unit.
Q7 · Difficulty 1/3
Which of the following is the correct function of bile in the digestive system of a pig?
- Digests proteins into amino acids
- Emulsifies fats into smaller droplets
- Absorbs water from undigested food
- Produces hydrochloric acid
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B — Emulsifies fats into smaller droplets
Award 1 mark for correct function. A is incorrect — protein digestion is carried out by pepsin and trypsin. C is incorrect — water absorption occurs in the large intestine, not by bile action. D is incorrect — hydrochloric acid is produced by gastric glands, not bile.
Q8 · Difficulty 1/3
State the PRIMARY function of dipping cattle in acaricide solution.
- To improve coat colour
- To control external parasites such as ticks
- To increase milk production
- To treat internal worm infestations
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B — To control external parasites such as ticks
Award 1 mark for identifying tick/ectoparasite control as the function of dipping. A is incorrect — dipping does not affect coat colour. C is incorrect — dipping does not directly increase milk production. D is incorrect — dipping treats external parasites; drenching treats internal parasites.
CXC CSEC Agricultural Science FAQ
What does the CXC CSEC Agricultural Science exam look like?
The CXC CSEC Agricultural Science exam is structured across 3 components. Paper 1 (Section A): 60 multiple-choice questions, 1 mark each. 75 minutes. Tests knowledge across the whole syllabus. Paper 2: Structured short-answer + 1 extended response question. Section A is compulsory; Section B has a choice. Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. School-Based Assessment (SBA): Coursework component graded by the teacher, externally moderated. Worth ~20-30% of the final grade depending on subject. Total exam time: ~3.5 hours across Paper 1 and Paper 2 sittings.
Can I download a free CXC CSEC Agricultural Science past paper?
Real CXC past papers are published directly by CXC on their official website. Kramizo doesn't redistribute copyrighted past papers, but we do generate free AI-written practice papers in the exact same style — same command words, same difficulty tier, same mark conventions. Use this practice paper as warm-up, then time yourself on official past papers before exam day.
How is CXC CSEC Agricultural Science graded?
Grades: I (highest) to VI (lowest). A grade of III or above is typically required for further study. Kramizo's practice questions are tagged with difficulty 1-3 mapping roughly to the lower, middle, and top grade boundaries you'll encounter in the real exam.