Most Expected Questions for Class 10 Science Half-Yearly Exams

Half-yearly exams are often seen as the first “big test” of Class 10. Unlike periodic tests, they cover a wide portion of the syllabus and give you a clear reality check before boards come into the picture. For many students, half-yearlies feel overwhelming: “So much syllabus, so little time!”

But here’s the truth: with the right focus, you don’t need to fear these exams. What matters is smart preparation, knowing the syllabus, practicing the right kind of questions, and managing your revision time effectively.

In this guide, you’ll find out why half-yearly exams are important for you, a list of the most expected questions based on past trends and repeated exam patterns, and also some practical tips to prepare efficiently in the limited time you have.

By the end of this blog, you’ll feel more confident and clear about how to tackle Science half-yearlies without stress.

Why Half-Yearly Exams Are Important

Half-yearly exams are more than just “internal assessments.” They work like a checkpoint in your Class 10 journey:

• Foundation for Boards: The concepts you revise here will reappear in pre-boards and the final board exams.
  
• Identifying Weaknesses: Since there’s still half a year left, these exams highlight areas you need to improve without the pressure of finals.
  
• Exam Practice: They help you get into the habit of writing long answers, solving numerical problems under time limits, and presenting neat diagrams.
  
• Confidence Boost: Performing well here gives you the motivation to tackle the bigger exams later with less stress.

In short, half-yearlies are your practice match before the real tournament.

What are the most expected questions for the Class 10 Science Half-Yearly Exam?

Here are the most expected and frequently asked questions you should practice for your upcoming half-yearly exams. These are picked from repeated exam trends and important concepts. Think of this as your go-to question bank for quick preparation.

Note: The half-yearly syllabus may vary from school to school depending on how fast the teachers complete chapters. So, it is always recommended to double-check the official syllabus shared by your school before preparing.

1-Mark / Short Answer Type

1. Define the power of a lens. Write its unit.
2. What is meant by refraction of light? Give one example from daily life.
3. Why should an equation be balanced?
4. Write the laws of refraction of light.
5. Name the basic functional unit of the kidney.
6. Name the mirror that is used by a doctor in examining teeth..
7. Out of a goat and a tiger, which one will have a longer small intestine? Justify your answer.

2-Mark Questions

1. Write one use of concave and convex mirrors with suitable reasons.
2. Why is a fuse always connected to the live wire in a domestic circuit?
3. What are the advantages of connecting devices in parallel in a household circuit?
4. Distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances with examples.
5. State the role of bile juice in digestion even though it has no enzymes.
6. Why are forests called the “green lungs” of the Earth?
7. Write balanced equations for:
   • Burning of hydrogen sulphide in air
   • Reaction of barium chloride with zinc sulphate

3-Mark Questions

1. Draw a labelled ray diagram to show image formation when an object is placed between F and P of a concave mirror. State the nature of the image.
2. A wire of length 1 m and radius 0.01 cm has a resistance of 20 Ω. Calculate the resistivity of its material.
3. Differentiate between photosynthesis and respiration.
4. Explain the role of the diaphragm in breathing in humans.
5. What happens when a copper coin is placed in silver nitrate solution? Write the chemical reaction.
6. Give two reasons why acquired traits are not inherited.
7. Explain the process of rusting of iron. State two conditions necessary for rusting.

5-Mark / Long Answer Questions

1. Two bulbs of 60 W and 100 W are connected in parallel to a 220 V supply. Find the current drawn by each bulb and the total current.
2. Explain with the help of a diagram the phenomenon of dispersion of white light by a glass prism. Why do different colours deviate differently?
3. Draw and label the human excretory system. State two vital functions of kidneys.
4. Find the position of the object of height 5 cm in front of a concave lens of focal length 20 cm to get the image at a distance of 15 cm from the lens. Also, find the height and nature of the image formed.
5. Describe the role of platelets in blood clotting. What would happen if platelets were absent?
6. Compare exothermic and endothermic reactions with suitable examples.

Tips to Prepare Effectively

1. Prioritize NCERT First
   
   • Most questions are directly or indirectly from the NCERT. Don’t skip solved examples, diagrams, and in-text questions.
     
2. Revise Chapter-wise Formulas and Equations
   
   • Make a separate formula notebook for Physics.
   • Write all important chemical equations in Chemistry.
     
3. Practice Sample Papers Under Timed Conditions
   
   • At least 2–3 papers before exams.
   • Helps with speed, time management, and confidence.
     
4. Focus on Diagrams and Labeling
   
   • Biology diagrams (e.g., nephron, human excretory system) often carry easy marks.
   • In Physics, ray diagrams must be neat and properly labelled.
     
5. Don’t Ignore 1–2 Mark Questions
   
   • Definitions, laws, and differences are easy to score but often skipped by students.
   • Make quick revision flashcards for these.
     
6. Analyse Previous Papers / Teacher’s Hints
   
   • Teachers often repeat similar questions.
   • Go through your class notes and highlight “important” parts.
     
7. Stay Consistent, Not Stressed
   
   • Study daily in short, focused sessions.
   • Take 5-minute breaks after 45–50 minutes to stay fresh.

Also See: Chapter wise Important Questions & Answers

• Chapter 1: Chemical Reactions and Equations - Important Q&A
• Chapter 2: Acids, Bases, and Salts - Important Q&A
• Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals - Important Q&A
• Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds - Important Q&A
• Chapter 5: Life Processes - Important Q&A
• Chapter 6: Control and Coordination - Important Q&A
• Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? - Important Q&A
• Chapter 8: Heredity - Important Q&A
• Chapter 9: Light - Reflection and Refraction - Important Q&A
• Chapter 10: Human Eye and the Colorful World - Important Q&A
• Chapter 11: Electricity - Important Q&A
• Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current - Important Q&A
• Chapter 13: Our Environment - Important Q&A

Last Piece of Advice

Half-yearly exams may seem like a challenge, but they’re actually your best opportunity to build a strong foundation for boards. Most of the questions are predictable and revolve around NCERT concepts, definitions, diagrams, and basic numericals.

If you stick to your syllabus, revise regularly, and practice the kind of expected questions listed above, you’ll find Science much easier to handle. Remember, half-yearlies are not about perfection, but about preparation.

Approach them with confidence, and use them as a chance to sharpen your concepts, improve your writing speed, and reduce exam fear. Stay calm, stay consistent, and success will follow.

All the best for your half-yearly exams!

Related posts:

Control and Coordination Class 10 Top Questions and Answers Acids, Bases and Salts Class 10 MCQ Quiz – Test Your Knowledge! Metals and Non-Metals Class 10 MCQ Quiz – Test Your Knowledge! Life Processes Class 10 MCQ Quiz – Test Your Knowledge! The Human Eye and the Colourful World Class 10 Science MCQ Quiz – Test Your Knowledge Electricity Class 10 Science MCQ Quiz – Test Your Knowledge Half-Yearly Exams vs Pre-Boards – What’s the Difference & What Matters More? Most Expected Questions for Half-Yearly Exams – Class 10 Maths