Form Four Biology pre-national papers by year
The 2026 paper is free here. Earlier years are on the app
Work through a pre-national paper under exam conditions, mark yourself with the marking guide, and use the result to decide what to revise before the national examination.
Looking for an earlier year? The 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Form Four Biology pre-national papers are in the Click Online Academy app on Google Play.
August 2026 Form Four Biology pre-national exam (033/1 Biology 1)
Continuous Assessment Series · Time: 3 hours · Section A: 16 marks · Section B: 54 marks · Section C: 30 marks
Instructions from the paper:
• This paper has sections A, B and C, with eleven (11) questions in total.
• Answer all questions in Sections A and B, and two (2) questions from Section C.
• Section A carries 16 marks, Section B 54 marks and Section C 30 marks.
• Write in blue or black pen, except for drawings, which must be in pencil.
How to use this page: choose an option for each multiple-choice question and click “Check Answer”. A correct answer plays a short sound and shows an explanation; a wrong answer shows the right option and why. For the matching item and written questions, answer on paper first, then click “View Answer”.
SECTION A (16 marks): Question 1, Multiple Choice (10 marks)
1. Choose the most correct answer from the given alternatives.
(i) In which division of plants is the gametophyte generation dominant?
(ii) During exhalation the diaphragm muscles:
(iii) When you bend your elbow, which statement about your muscles is correct?
(iv) Seypalm village health centre admitted several children suffering from schistosomiasis. What can be done to prevent the disease from spreading?
(v) On 6 April 2024, a couple came for advice on family planning. They are using the calendar method to avoid pregnancy. The wife's cycle averages 28 days and her period started on 4 April 2024. On which day is she most likely to conceive?
(vi) Which genetic disorder is caused by an extra chromosome number 21, giving individuals a total of 47 chromosomes?
(vii) Which of the following would occur after about twelve hours without eating, such as during fasting?
(viii) The main difference between plants and animals is based on:
(ix) What does the relationship between spiders and plants, where spiders build their webs on plants, represent?
(x) Which of the following will NOT pass through the renal capillary membrane and Bowman's capsule membrane into the nephron of a healthy kidney?
SECTION A: Question 2, Matching Items (6 marks)
2. Match the items in List A with the correct phrase in List B. Write the letter of the correct response beside the item number.
| # | List A | Your answer |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | A disorder that results from self-delusion or fear. The person imagines that there are unknown people who want to kill him or her. | |
| (ii) | Caused by a scar or damage in the brain. It leads to periodic loss of consciousness accompanied by fits or convulsions. | |
| (iii) | A viral disease in which the patient becomes paralysed in the affected region. | |
| (iv) | A sudden serious illness in the brain that can cause loss of the power to move or to speak clearly. It may be due to damage, blockage or bursting of a brain artery. | |
| (v) | A mental illness in which a person is unable to link thoughts to real life and suffers from delusions and imagined experiences. | |
| (vi) | A protozoan disease caused by various types of Plasmodium. When the parasites reach the central nervous system they cause severe inflammation of the meninges covering the brain. |
List B
- A. Stroke
- B. Haemophilia
- C. Psychosis
- D. Epilepsy
- E. Heartburn
- F. Schizophrenia
- G. Cerebral malaria
- H. Poliomyelitis
- I. Indigestion
- J. Covid 19
- K. Appendicitis
Correct matches (1 mark each)
- (i) C: Psychosis
- (ii) D: Epilepsy
- (iii) H: Poliomyelitis
- (iv) A: Stroke
- (v) F: Schizophrenia
- (vi) G: Cerebral malaria
SECTION B (54 marks): Questions 3 to 8
3. (a) Parents brought two children to a health centre. One was diagnosed with marasmus and the other with kwashiorkor. State the cause of each disorder as distinct from each other, and give three symptoms of kwashiorkor that distinguish it from marasmus.
(b) The child with kwashiorkor was also bowlegged. The doctor said this was also due to malnutrition. State three nutrients that must be missing in the child's diet and give the function of each.
Suggested answer and marking guide
(a) Causes (1½ marks)
- Marasmus: Deficiency of protein and energy.
- Kwashiorkor: Deficiency of protein only.
Symptoms unique to kwashiorkor, any three (3 marks)
- Protruding abdomen
- Extremely thin arms
- Reddish, weak hair
- Diarrhoea
- Dry, cracking skin
(b) Missing nutrients and functions (4½ marks)
- Vitamin D: Helps the absorption of calcium.
- Calcium: Makes bones and teeth strong.
- Phosphorus: Makes bones and teeth strong.
4. Human activities such as the extraction of raw materials and the production and consumption of goods and services always produce waste. For the waste to be well managed and disposed of, the basic principles of waste management must be used. Explain the principles.
Suggested answer and marking guide
Principles of waste management (3 × 3 = 9 marks)
- Reduction: Prevent or reduce waste at the start, for example using a basket instead of plastic bags.
- Re-use: Use waste for other purposes, for example using a margarine container to keep sugar.
- Recycling: Convert waste into new materials, for example plastic bottles, glass, or organic waste turned into biogas.
5. (a) Give three differences between the response you showed when you removed your fingers from a fire you accidentally touched, and the response you showed by salivating when your friend graphically described your favourite delicious dish.
(b) While walking barefoot in grass, your friend realised the ground was full of painful thorns. All of a sudden, a leopard appeared. Briefly explain your friend's response to the situation in terms of the nervous system and glands.
Suggested answer and marking guide
(a) Simple reflex (removing fingers) versus conditioned reflex (salivating), any three (4½ marks)
| Simple reflex | Conditioned reflex |
|---|---|
| Rapid, automatic and involuntary | Slower |
| Natural stimulus | Neutral or learned stimulus |
| Does not involve the brain directly | Involves the brain |
| Cannot be modified | Can be modified |
(b) Response to the leopard (4 marks)
- The optic nerve carries the image to the brain, which detects danger
- The brain sends impulses to the hypothalamus, then down the spinal cord
- The adrenal glands release adrenaline, causing the fight-or-flight response: faster heartbeat, more blood to the muscles and wider airways
- Less significant stimuli, such as the thorns, are shut off until the danger has passed
6. (a) Differentiate between translocation and transpiration.
(b) The mammalian heart is enclosed by a double layer of membrane called the pericardium. Explain: (i) What makes this membrane prevent the heart from over-expanding when it beats very fast? (ii) Why is the inner part of the heart lined with blood vessels? Give three points.
Suggested answer and marking guide
(a) Differences (3 marks)
- Transpiration: The evaporation of water vapour from the leaves.
- Translocation: The transport of synthesised sugars in the plant.
(b)(i) (3 marks)
The pericardium is made of dense connective tissue, which protects the heart, anchors it in place and prevents it from overfilling.
(b)(ii) (3 marks)
The heart muscle (myocardium) needs a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients, so the blood vessels:
- Bring oxygen to the heart muscle
- Bring nutrients to the heart muscle
- Remove waste products from the heart muscle
7. (a) Draw a labelled diagram of a typical flower, similar to that of the hibiscus plant.
(b) Distinguish between: (i) a monoecious plant and a dioecious plant; (ii) a unisexual flower and a bisexual flower.
Suggested answer and marking guide
(a) Labelled diagram (marks for correct labels)
Longitudinal section of a typical hibiscus-type flower. In the exam, draw in pencil, give the diagram a title and label with straight lines.
(b)(i) (2 marks)
- Monoecious plant: Male and female flowers on the same plant, for example maize.
- Dioecious plant: Only male or only female flowers on one plant, for example papaya.
(b)(ii) (2 marks)
- Unisexual flower: Has only male or only female parts, for example maize or papaya.
- Bisexual flower: Has both male and female parts, for example hibiscus.
8. (a) Briefly clarify how growth is brought about.
(b) Why are growth and development important? Give four reasons.
Suggested answer and marking guide
(a) (3 marks)
Growth is brought about by cell division, cell enlargement and cell differentiation.
(b) Four reasons (4 × 1½ = 6 marks)
- Complexity: organisms become more complex in structure
- Specialisation: cells and tissues take on specific functions
- Adaptation: organisms become better suited to their environment
- Perpetuation of the species: organisms grow to maturity and reproduce
SECTION C (30 marks): Answer any two questions
9. Drug abuse is one of the biggest social problems in society. Assuming you are a social welfare officer, address the public about this problem under the following guidelines: meaning of drug abuse and addiction; reasons for taking drugs; effects of drug abuse; control measures of drug abuse.
Suggested answer and marking guide
Official marking breakdown (15 marks)
- Meaning of drug abuse and addiction: 2 marks
- Reasons for taking drugs, any 4: 4 marks
- Effects, any 4 health or socio-economic effects: 4 marks
- Control measures, any 4: 4 marks
- Conclusion: 1 mark
Suggested points to include (written by Click Online Academy to guide revision; not part of the official marking scheme)
- Meaning: Drug abuse is taking a drug for non-medical reasons, or in the wrong amount. Addiction is physical or psychological dependence on a drug.
- Reasons: Peer pressure, curiosity, stress, family problems, unemployment, easy availability, ignorance.
- Effects: Damage to the liver, brain and other organs; mental disorders; risk of HIV through shared needles; crime, family breakdown, school drop-out and loss of productive labour.
- Control measures: Education and awareness, strong laws and enforcement, guidance and counselling, rehabilitation centres, creating jobs and recreation for young people.
10. Mutations come in two main types: chromosomal mutation and gene mutation. Write a scholarly article to educate the public about gene mutation.
Suggested answer and marking guide
Official marking breakdown (15 marks)
- Definition and mutagens: 2 marks
- Nature of gene mutation: 2½ marks
- Types of gene mutation, with examples (substitution, insertion, deletion, inversion): 8 marks
- Conclusion: 2½ marks
Suggested points to include (written by Click Online Academy to guide revision; not part of the official marking scheme)
- Definition: A gene mutation is a sudden change in the sequence of bases in a gene. Mutagens include X-rays, ultraviolet and gamma radiation, and some chemicals such as mustard gas.
- Nature: Mutations are random and rare, and most are harmful or recessive. They are inherited only if they occur in the sex cells.
Types, shown on the base sequence ATG CCT AAG
- Substitution: One base replaced by another: ATG C<u>G</u>T AAG. Example: sickle cell anaemia.
- Insertion: An extra base added: ATG <u>T</u>CC TAA G.
- Deletion: A base lost: ATG CTA AG.
- Inversion: A section of bases reversed: ATG <u>ATCC</u> AG, where CCTA became ATCC.
11. HIV/AIDS is still one of the scariest diseases in Tanzania. Explain the disease to educate the public on its nature, cause, transmission, symptoms and effects, and preventive and control measures.
Suggested answer and marking guide
Official marking breakdown (15 marks)
- Nature of HIV and AIDS: 1 mark
- Cause: 1 mark
- Transmission, any 4: 4 marks
- Signs and symptoms, any 4: 4 marks
- Effects, prevention and control (any 4), and conclusion: 5 marks
Suggested points to include (written by Click Online Academy to guide revision; not part of the official marking scheme)
- Nature: HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. AIDS is the set of illnesses that appear when the immune system is badly damaged.
- Cause: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Transmission: Unprotected sex, contaminated sharp instruments, unscreened blood transfusion, and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
- Signs and symptoms: Rapid weight loss, long-lasting fever, night sweats, chronic diarrhoea, repeated infections, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes.
- Effects: Illness and death, orphans, loss of workers, high treatment costs, stigma.
- Prevention and control: Abstinence and faithfulness, condom use, screening blood, using sterile instruments, preventing mother-to-child transmission, taking antiretroviral drugs, public education.
Continue with Form Four Biology exams
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Get Form Four Biology pre-national exams on Google Play Back to all secondary examsFrequently asked questions: Form 4 Biology pre-national exams
What is a Form Four pre-national exam?
A pre-national exam is a practice paper set close to the national examination. It lets you rehearse the real paper format, test your timing and find the topics that still need revision.
Which Form Four Biology pre-national exam is free on this page?
The free paper is the August 2026 Form Four pre-national exam, 033/1 Biology 1, from the Continuous Assessment Series. The 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 pre-national papers are on the Click Online Academy app on Google Play.
How do I use the interactive paper?
Choose an option for each multiple-choice question and click Check Answer to see whether you are right and why. For the matching item and written questions, answer on paper first, then click View Answer to see the marking guide.
How many questions must I answer?
Answer all questions in Sections A and B, and any two of the three questions in Section C. The paper has eleven questions in total and lasts three hours.