Exam-style questions by topic — Edexcel GCSE Physical Education
One verified question for each of 23 topics. These are written for this specification and checked by MasteryMind. They are not past-paper questions, and they are not from Pearson Edexcel.
Component 1: 1.1 The structure and functions of the musculo-skeletal system
A boxer raises the arm to guard the head, using the scapula as a broad base for the deltoid and trapezius. Which classification of bone is the scapula, and which of its features makes it suited to this role?
Practise Component 1: 1.1 The structure and functions of the musculo-skeletal systemComponent 1: 1.2 The structure and functions of the cardio-respiratory system
During a vigorous game in hot conditions, a performer's skin blood vessels widen and sweating increases. Explain how these responses help the cardiovascular system to regulate body temperature.
Practise Component 1: 1.2 The structure and functions of the cardio-respiratory systemComponent 1: 1.3 Anaerobic and aerobic exercise
A performer jogs at a steady, comfortable pace for 40 minutes and then finishes with a maximal sprint during which oxygen supply cannot meet demand. Considering only the two food fuels, fats and carbohydrates, which statement correctly describes their use?
Practise Component 1: 1.3 Anaerobic and aerobic exerciseComponent 1: 1.4 The short- and long-term effects of exercise
A cyclist begins a hill climb. Her heart rate increases and her stroke volume also increases. Explain why the rise in stroke volume, together with the rise in heart rate, is important to the cyclist during the climb.
Practise Component 1: 1.4 The short- and long-term effects of exerciseComponent 1: 2.1 Lever systems
A first-class lever has the fulcrum between the effort and the load. Which sporting action uses a first-class lever in the body?
Practise Component 1: 2.1 Lever systemsComponent 1: 2.2 Planes and axes of movement
During a full twist jump on a trampoline, the performer spins around a line that runs from the head down through the feet. Which axis of movement does the body rotate about?
Practise Component 1: 2.2 Planes and axes of movementComponent 1: 3.1 The relationship between health and fitness
A student argues that anyone who exercises regularly must be healthy. Which evaluation of this argument is most accurate?
Practise Component 1: 3.1 The relationship between health and fitnessComponent 1: 3.2 The components of fitness
A games player completes a 30 m sprint test and records a fast time, then completes a vertical jump test and records a low height. Which statement best explains this combination of results?
Practise Component 1: 3.2 The components of fitnessComponent 1: 3.3 The principles of training
A 40-year-old performer wants to train in the aerobic target zone, which is 60–80% of maximum heart rate. Using the simplified Karvonen formula (maximum heart rate = 220 − age), what is the lower value of their aerobic target zone in beats per minute?
Practise Component 1: 3.3 The principles of trainingComponent 1: 3.4 The long-term effects of exercise
A games player completes six months of mixed aerobic and resistance training. Which combination of long-term adaptations best explains improved performance in the final quarter of a match?
Practise Component 1: 3.4 The long-term effects of exerciseComponent 1: 3.5 How to optimise training and prevent injury
A footballer sprains an ankle during a match. Why is compression applied to the injured ankle as part of RICE?
Practise Component 1: 3.5 How to optimise training and prevent injuryComponent 1: 4.1 Use of data
A PE teacher wants to collect quantitative data on a gymnast's landings during a routine. Which method would collect quantitative data?
Practise Component 1: 4.1 Use of dataComponent 2: 1.1 Physical, emotional and social health
A performer who smokes regularly wants to improve their fitness for a games season. Which change in lifestyle choice would most directly reduce the harmful effect of smoking on their aerobic fitness?
Practise Component 2: 1.1 Physical, emotional and social healthComponent 2: 1.2 The consequences of a sedentary lifestyle
A student spends most evenings sitting and rarely takes part in physical activity. Which long-term effect on health is most strongly linked to this pattern of behaviour?
Practise Component 2: 1.2 The consequences of a sedentary lifestyleComponent 2: 1.3 Energy use, diet, nutrition and hydration
A balanced diet is often described as having a particular ratio of the macronutrients. Which combination best describes the proportions of a balanced diet for most performers?
Practise Component 2: 1.3 Energy use, diet, nutrition and hydrationComponent 2: 2.1 Classification of skills
A tennis player practises a serve by hitting 20 serves from the same position on the baseline, aiming at the same target area each time. Which practice structure does this best illustrate?
Practise Component 2: 2.1 Classification of skillsComponent 2: 2.2 The use of goal setting
A netball player sets a target of raising her shooting accuracy from 60% to 70% within six weeks. After three weeks she records 72% accuracy and wants to keep improving. What is the best way to review her target?
Practise Component 2: 2.2 The use of goal settingComponent 2: 2.3 Guidance and feedback on performance
A tennis coach wants an intermediate player to correct the racket angle used in a topspin forehand. Which type of guidance is most appropriate for this performer?
Practise Component 2: 2.3 Guidance and feedback on performanceComponent 2: 2.4 Mental preparation for performance
A gymnast says she feels nervous before a competition, so her coach asks her to picture a clean routine and to jog and stretch beforehand. Which combination best explains why these two preparations help her performance?
Practise Component 2: 2.4 Mental preparation for performanceComponent 2: 3.1 Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activity and sport
A council wants to raise participation among older residents, people on low incomes and people with a disability. Which single change would most directly address all three groups at once?
Practise Component 2: 3.1 Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activity and sportComponent 2: 3.2 Commercialisation of physical activity and sport
A company sponsors a high-profile individual athlete. Which of the following is a disadvantage of this arrangement for the sponsor?
Practise Component 2: 3.2 Commercialisation of physical activity and sportComponent 2: 3.3 Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
Before each of her opponent's service games, a tennis player makes a lengthy but allowed request to change her racket, using all the time the rules permit. Her aim is to break the opponent's concentration. Every action is within the rules of tennis and the umpire gives no penalty. Which term best describes this behaviour?
Practise Component 2: 3.3 Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sportComponent 2: 4.1 Use of data
A sports coach watches a tennis player serve and writes down that the player 'tosses the ball too far forward and bends the elbow early'. What type of data has the coach collected, and why?
Practise Component 2: 4.1 Use of data
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