UPCAT TUTORIALS

By UP Junior Marketing Association

and Oblation Scholars
MATH
MATH
Question 1

Find the area of the shaded region

given that the area of the trapezoid
is 40.
Question 1
Area of trapezoid
= (½)(a+b) • h

40 = (½)(b + 12) • 4
10 = (½)(b+12)
20 = b + 12
20 - 12 = b
8 = b, which is diameter of the circle
Question 1
8 = diameter of circle

Area of circle = πr2

r = ½ of diameter = ½ of 8 = 4

Area of circle = π42 = 16π

Half area of circle = 16π / 2 = 8π

Question 2
Question 2
Question 2
Question 2
Question 2
Question 3
Question 3
Question 3
Question 3
Question 4
Question 4
Question 4
Question 4
Question 4
Question 5
Question 5
Question 5
Question 5
Question 5
Question 5
Question 5
Question 5
MATH T0-KNOW
SCIENCE
vs. Chemical
vs. Extensive
Periodic Table
Taxo-Ecology
Linnaeus Classification System Energy Flow
1. Kingdom 1. Autotrophs
2. Phylum 2. Heterotrophs
3. Class 3. Phototrophs
4. Order 4. Decomposers
5. Genus
6. Species Relationships
1. Competition
Biological Organization 2. Predation
1. Population 3. Parasitism
2. Community 4. Commensalism
3. Ecosystem 5. Mutualism
4. Biome
Work, Power, and Energy
 SCIENCE
PRACTICE TEST
BIOLOGY
Body Systems

Humans have tailbones which are greatly reduced in size compared to other mammals, and thus do
not have tails. This is an example of a/an:

A. Critical organ
B. Variable organ
C. Reciprocal organ
D. Vestigial organ
Body Systems

Humans have tailbones which are greatly reduced in size compared to other mammals, and thus do
not have tails. This is an example of a/an:

A. Critical organ
B. Variable organ
C. Reciprocal organ
D. Vestigial organ

A vestigial organ is a remnant organ which has been greatly reduced in its function. It is also
known as a vestigial structure. Another example in humans are the muscles connected to the ears
which are not developed enough to move the ears in the same way our ancestors would.
Body Systems

Which system is responsible for releasing growth hormones?

A. Circulatory system
B. Integumentary system
C. Endocrine system
D. Nervous system
Body Systems

Which system is responsible for releasing growth hormones?

A. Circulatory system
B. Integumentary system
C. Endocrine system
D. Nervous system

The endocrine system is the collection of glands of an organism that secrete hormones directly
into the circulatory system to be carried towards distant target organs. Note that while the
nervous system might trigger the release of hormones in response to a stimulus, the endocrine
system does the actual work.
Genetics

In pea plants, yellow seed color is completely dominant to green seed color. A homozygous
dominant pea plant AA is crossed with a homozygous recessive pea plant aa. Which of the
following correctly describes the proportion of the phenotypes of the F1 generation:

A. All green
B. All yellow
C. 1 yellow: 1 green
D. All yellow-green
Genetics

In pea plants, yellow seed color is completely dominant to green seed color. A homozygous
dominant pea plant AA is crossed with a homozygous recessive pea plant aa. Which of the
following correctly describes the proportion of the phenotypes of the F1 generation:

A. All green
B. All yellow
C. 1 yellow: 1 green
D. All yellow-green

A A
Easiest solution here is to simply draw the Punnett square. This makes it
clear that all combinations of alleles will yield a heterozygous offspring.
a Aa Aa Since yellow will always dominate, and each offspring has the gene for
yellow, all offspring will be yellow.
a Aa Aa
Genetics

Continuing from the previous question: Two of the offspring are crossed. What is the correct
proportion of the genotypes of the next generation?

A. All yellow
B. Half yellow, half green
C. All green
D. None of the above
Genetics

Continuing from the previous question: Two of the offspring are crossed. What is the correct
proportion of the genotypes of the next generation?

A. All yellow
B. Half yellow, half green
C. All green
D. None of the above

A a
Again, just draw the square. We know that yellow will always dominate
A AA Aa green, and there are 3 squares with a yellow gene. This tells us that ¾ of
the time, offspring will be yellow.
a Aa aa
The Cell

This is the stage in the eukaryotic cell cycle when the chromosomes, in tightly wound and
condensed coils, align at the equator of the cell:

A. Telophase
B. Anaphase
C. Metaphase
D. Prophase
The Cell

This is the stage in the eukaryotic cell cycle when the chromosomes, in tightly wound and
condensed coils, align at the equator of the cell:

A. Telophase
B. Anaphase
C. Metaphase
D. Prophase

The chromatins condense into chromosomes in the prophase. These structures align in the
equator of the cell during metaphase and move towards opposite ends during anaphase.
Telophase and cytokinesis is when the “splitting” completes.
The Cell
What are the components required for respiration?

A. Oxygen
B. Oxygen and Nitrogen
C. Oxygen and Glucose
D. Nitrogen and a phosphate
The Cell
What are the components required for respiration?

A. Oxygen
B. Oxygen and Nitrogen
C. Oxygen and Glucose
D. Nitrogen and a phosphate
DNA and RNA

Which of the following is the complementary strand to this segment of DNA:

5’ – AATAGCCATGC – 3’

A. 5’ – GCATGGCTATT – 3’
B. 5’ – AAUAGCCAUGC – 3’
C. 5’ – TTATCGGTACG – 3’
D. 5’ – GCAGGGCTATC – 3’
DNA and RNA

Which of the following is the complementary strand to this segment of DNA:

5’ – AATAGCCATGC – 3’

A. 5’ – GCATGGCTATT – 3’
B. 5’ – AAUAGCCAUGC – 3’
C. 5’ – TTATCGGTACG – 3’
D. 5’ – GCAGGGCTATC – 3’

A is complementary to T, and G is complementary to C (just remember that G looks like C and

you should be OK). It’s also important to note that DNA strands run antiparallel to each other (i.e.
the 5’ end of strand A will pair with the 3’ end of strand B and vice versa). Since the strands in this
example run 5’ to 3’, we have to reverse all of them to get the right order.
Botany
What type of plants can grow in salt water?

A. thallophytes
B. mesophytes
C. halophyte
D. None of the Above
Botany
What type of plants can grow in salt water?

A. thallophytes
B. mesophytes
C. halophyte
D. None of the Above

Halophytes grow in waters with high salinity. “Halo” comes from the Greek word, “Halas”, meaning
Salt.
GEOLOGY
Layers of the Earth

Based on the following diagram, which of the

following statements is false?

A. The sandstone layer is older than the

conglomerate layer
B. The conglomerate layer is younger than
Dike A
C. Dike A is older than the shale layer
D. The sandstone layer is older than Dike A
Layers of the Earth

Based on the following diagram, which of the

following statements is false?

A. The sandstone layer is older than the

conglomerate layer
B. The conglomerate layer is younger than
Dike A
C. Dike A is older than the shale layer
D. The sandstone layer is older than Dike A

The deeper the layer, the older it is

Dikes are younger than the layers it cuts through
Faults

Which movement, along a fault line,

would most likely produce a tsunami?

a. Sideward
b. Vertical
c. Horizontal
d. None of the above
Faults

Which movement, along a fault line,

would most likely produce a tsunami?

a. Sideward
b. Vertical
c. Horizontal
d. None of the above

Sideward, horizontal - do not displace water

Vertical - displace water
PHYSICS
Mechanical and Potential Energy

If a 500 kg car is moving at 40 m/s, what is its kinetic energy?

A. 400 kJ
B. 400,000 kJ
C. 800 kJ
D. 800,000 kJ
Mechanical and Potential Energy

If a 500 kg car is moving at 40 m/s, what is its kinetic energy?

A. 400 kJ
B. 400,000 kJ
C. 800 kJ
D. 800,000 kJ

Recall that the formula for kinetic energy is KE = (MV2)/2. Plugging in the given values, we would
get KE = (500 * (40)2)/2 = 400,000 J. Note, however, that the choices are in kilojoules (1 kJ =
1000 J), so we have to divide by 1000 to get the correct answer.

Another easy way to remember the formula for kinetic energy is to remember the units associated
with the joule: 1 J = 1kg * m2/s2. This tells us (via dimensional analysis) that the correct formula
has a unit of mass and a unit of speed (squared).
Mechanical and Potential Energy
Two objects are falling in a vacuum at an equal velocity (V1 = V2) and with constant acceleration of
-9.8 m/s2. Which of the following is always true?

A. The objects have the same mass

B. The objects have the same weight
C. The objects were dropped at the same time
D. None of the above
Mechanical and Potential Energy
Two objects are falling in a vacuum at an equal velocity (V1 = V2) and with constant acceleration of
-9.8 m/s2. Which of the following is always true?

A. The objects have the same mass

B. The objects have the same weight
C. The objects were dropped at the same time
D. None of the above

Note that V = at, where a is acceleration and t is time. For the condition V1 = V2 to be satisfied, t
must be equal for both objects, i.e. they would have been dropped simultaneously.

You can also see from the equation that there’s no mention of mass or weight in the velocity
function. This tells us that velocity in a vacuum is independent of these two quantities, so (A) and
(B) are not necessarily true.
Mechanical and Potential Energy
A motorcycle with mass M1 traveling at V1 km/h is racing a jeep with mass M2 traveling at V2 km/h.
How much faster than the jeep should the motorcycle be traveling if they have the same kinetic
energy and the jeep has c times more mass than the motorcycle?

A. c1/2 times faster

B. c times faster
C. c2 times faster
D. I don’t know
Mechanical and Potential Energy
A motorcycle with mass M1 traveling at V1 km/h is racing a jeep with mass M2 traveling at V2 km/h.
How much faster than the jeep should the motorcycle be traveling if they have the same kinetic
energy and the jeep has c times more mass than the motorcycle?

A. c1/2 times faster

B. c times faster
C. c2 times faster
D. I don’t know

Recall the kinetic energy equation given previously.

Since the kinetic energies of the jeep and motorcycle are equal, we get (M1 V12)/2 = (M2 V22)/2
Cancelling the 2 and substituting cM1 = M2, we have (M1 V12) = (cM1 V22)
We may divide by M1 as well since M1 =/= 0, so V12 = cV22.
Taking square roots gives us V1 = c1/2V2.
CHEMISTRY
Gas Laws

Why do carbonated beverages lose their “fizz” as the temperature of the drink rises?

A. The temperature is inversely proportional to solubility of gas in the liquid

B. The temperature is directly proportional to solubility of gas in the liquid
C. The rise in temperature splits CO2 into C and O2
D. None of the above
Gas Laws

Why do carbonated beverages lose their “fizz” as the temperature of the drink rises?

A. The temperature is inversely proportional to solubility of gas in the liquid

B. The temperature is directly proportional to solubility of gas in the liquid
C. The rise in temperature splits CO2 into C and O2
D. None of the above

The solubility of gases in liquids decreases as temperature increases, and increases as

temperature decreases (i.e. more gas is present in the solution at lower temperatures). This is
why carbonated beverages are often kept and served cold in order to preserve the “fizziness”.
Gas Laws

When you go to a higher altitude, what happens to the boiling point of water?

A. It increases
B. It stays the same
C. It decreases
D. It fluctuates
Gas Laws

When you go to a higher altitude, what happens to the boiling point of water?

A. It increases
B. It stays the same
C. It decreases
D. It fluctuates

As pressure decreases (as it does with higher altitude), the boiling point of water decreases.
Because atmospheric pressure is lower, the vapor pressure of the liquid needs to be lower to
reach its boiling point. Thus, less heat is required to make the vapor pressure equal to the
atmospheric pressure.

Vapor pressure - the pressure of a vapour in contact with its liquid or solid form
Gas Laws

Mike has three balloons. He filled the balloons separately, each with 1/10 mole of a gas: the
first with hydrogen (H2), the second with helium (He), and the third with oxygen (O2). The
three balloons were kept at 0 degrees celsius and 1 atm. Which of the following statements
about the volumes of the balloons is true?

A. O2 > He > H2
B. H2 > He > O2
C. He > H2 > O2
D. O2 = He = H2
Gas Laws

Mike has three balloons. He filled the balloons separately, each with 1/10 mole of a gas: the
first with hydrogen (H2), the second with helium (He), and the third with oxygen (O2). The
three balloons were kept at 0 degrees celsius and 1 atm. Which of the following statements
about the volumes of the balloons is true?

A. O2 > He > H2
B. H2 > He > O2
C. He > H2 > O2
D. O2 = He = H2

Because the amount of particles, pressure, and temperature are the same, the volume of
the balloons should also be the same, even though the 3 gases have different molecular
weights.
Basic stoichiometry

What the value 6.02 × 10^23 represent?

A. The number of particles in a mole

B. The number of particles per atom in a substance.
C. The density of moles per square nanometer.
D. The length of time for a material to decompose.
Basic stoichiometry

What the value 6.02 × 10^23 represent?

A. The number of particles in a mole

B. The number of particles per atom in a substance.
C. The density of moles per square nanometer.
D. The length of time for a material to decompose.

Think of Avogadro’s number as balls in a ballpit. When we talk of “particles”, it doesn’t matter
whether the balls are big or small, heavy or light. The number simply measures the number of
balls present in the ballpit.
Basic stoichiometry

How many moles of CO2 does 88 grams of Carbon Dioxide contain?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Basic stoichiometry

How many moles of CO2 does 88 grams of Carbon Dioxide contain?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Grams - Moles - Particles

88g * 1 mol / (12+16+16) g = 88 / 44 = 2 moles

Basic stoichiometry

Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce water according to the balanced reaction:

2 H2 + O2 → 2 H20

If two moles of oxygen gas, 02, were allowed to react with excess hydrogen, H2, how
many moles of water would be produced?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Basic stoichiometry

Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce water according to the balanced reaction:

2 H2 + O2 → 2 H20

If two moles of oxygen gas, 02, were allowed to react with excess hydrogen, H2, how
many moles of water would be produced?

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5

Grams - Moles - Particles

2 mol 02 * 2 mol H20/mol O2 = 4 mol H20
Science Tricks and Tips:
● Know all formulas by heart
● Use flashcards
● Develop mnemonics or acronyms for concepts
● PRACTICE, since questions tend to be repetitive
 READING
COMPREHENSION
Question 1: English
It was ten o'clock in the evening and the full moon was shining over the garden. In the Shumins'
house an evening service celebrated at the request of the grandmother, Marfa Mihalovna, was just
over, and now Nadya -- she had gone into the garden for a minute -- could see the table being laid for
supper in the dining-room, and her grandmother bustling about in her gorgeous silk dress; Father
Andrey, a chief priest of the cathedral, was talking to Nadya's mother, Nina Ivanovna, and now in the
evening light through the window her mother for some reason looked very young; Andrey Andreitch,
Father Andrey's son, was standing by listening attentively. It was still and cool in the garden, and dark
peaceful shadows lay on the ground. There was a sound of frogs croaking, far, far away beyond the
town. There was a feeling of May, sweet May! One drew deep breaths and longed to fancy that not
here but far away under the sky, above the trees, far away in the open country, in the fields and the
woods, the life of spring was unfolding now, mysterious,lovely, rich and holy beyond the
understanding of weak, sinful man. And for some reason one wanted to cry. She, Nadya, was already
twenty-three. Ever since she was sixteen she had been passionately dreaming of marriage and at last
she was engaged to Andrey Andreitch, the young man who was standing on the other side of the
window; she liked him, the wedding was already fixed for July 7, and yet there was no joy in her heart,
she was sleeping badly, her spirits drooped.
 Question 1: English
It was ten o'clock in the evening and the full moon was shining
over the garden. In the Shumins' house an evening service
celebrated at the request of the grandmother, Marfa
Mihalovna, was just over, and now Nadya -- she had gone into
the garden for a minute -- could see the table being laid for
supper in the dining-room, and her grandmother bustling
about in her gorgeous silk dress; Father Andrey, a chief priest
of the cathedral, was talking to Nadya's mother, Nina
Ivanovna, and now in the evening light through the window
her mother for some reason looked very young; Andrey
Andreitch, Father Andrey's son, was standing by listening
attentively. It was still and cool in the garden, and dark
peaceful shadows lay on the ground. There was a sound of
frogs croaking, far, far away beyond the town. There was a
feeling of May, sweet May! One drew deep breaths and
longed to fancy that not here but far away under the sky,
above the trees, far away in the open country, in the fields and
the woods, the life of spring was unfolding now,
mysterious,lovely, rich and holy beyond the understanding of
weak, sinful man. And for some reason one wanted to cry.
She, Nadya, was already twenty-three. Ever since she was
sixteen she had been passionately dreaming of marriage and
at last she was engaged to Andrey Andreitch, the young man
who was standing on the other side of the window; she liked
him, the wedding was already fixed for July 7, and yet there
was no joy in her heart, she was sleeping badly, her spirits
drooped.
C
B
 Question 2: Filipino

B
A
R. C. Tricks and Tips:
● Read the questions first, before the reading
● Move on from the reading
● Some questions do not require you to read the reading
GRAMMAR
Question 1: English

Take note of Parallelism

Question 2: English

S–V Agreement : Plural or Singular?

Question 3: Filipino
Question 4: Filipino

Nang versus Ng
Grammar Tricks and Tips:
VOCABULARY
Question 1: English
Question 2: English
Question 3: English
 Question 4: Filipino

A
 Question 5: Filipino

D
Question 6: Filipino

C
Vocabulary Tricks and Tips:
● Context Clues
● Elimination
● Intelligent Guess
● Does it sound right?
ABSTRACT
REASONING
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
A. R. Tricks and Tips:
● Look for the patterns – in any way you can
● Intelligent Guess
GENERAL TIPS
Tips:
● Do not eat heavy
● Bring jacket just in case
● Bring brain foods
● It has been mathematically proven that it is more effective to answer all items
(even if you just guess), rather than leaving items blank
● Get enough sleep
● Be 30 minutes early
● Stop reviewing 1 to 2 days before UPCAT
● Honor before Excellence