Practice A.2—Hydration and nutrition with authentic IB Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS - Old) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 structure, covering key topics like core principles, advanced applications, and practical problem-solving. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
HLPaper 2
A survey was conducted on athletes' nutritional habits before and after workouts. Participants reported all food types they typically consumed, categorized as carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and other. Data were analyzed separately by sex and workout timing (pre vs. post).
Four pie charts (A–D) show food group selections as percentages of all responses, not individuals. Additionally, researchers recorded the average number of food items selected per athlete per session, shown in the table below.
Table: Average Number of Food Items Selected Per Athlete (± SD)
| Group | Pre-Workout | Post-Workout |
|---|---|---|
| Female Athletes | 2.4 ± 0.6 | 2.1 ± 0.5 |
| Male Athletes | 2.8 ± 0.7 | 2.3 ± 0.4 |
Figure: Food Types Selected Pre- and Post-Workout (% of total responses)
A: Females – Pre-workout
B: Females – Post-workout
C: Males – Pre-workout
D: Males – Post-workout
1.[1]
Identify the food type with the highest percentage of selections in male athletes post-workout.
2.[2]
Describe two key changes in food group preference between female athletes pre- and post-workout.
3.[1]
State one physiological reason why male athletes may prefer higher carbohydrate intake before exercise.
4.[2]
Use Table 1 to calculate the average reduction in the number of food items selected from pre- to post-workout for each sex.
5.[2]
Suggest how a reduced variety of food items post-workout might influence macronutrient balance or recovery.
6.[2]
Explain how protein consumption after training supports exercise recovery and muscle adaptation.
7.[2]
Considering the pie chart data, evaluate whether post-workout protein intake appears adequate for both sexes.
8.[3]
Evaluate how inadequate macronutrient intake relative to energy expenditure could increase the risk of Low Energy Availability (LEA) or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Use evidence from the chart and table to support your explanation.
Question 2
SLPaper 2
1.
Identify a source of indispensable amino acids.
2.
Outline the roles of protein.
3.
Describe indispensable amino acids.
Question 3
SLPaper 1
Which of the following are characteristics of the ATP-CP mechanism?
I. It supplies the energy for the initial three minutes of exertion.
II. CP is decomposed to yield a phosphate molecule.
III. It generates lactic acid as a by-product.
Question 4
SLPaper 1
What is the definition of cell respiration?
Question 5
SLPaper 1
Which of the following processes involves the breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids?
Question 6
SLPaper 1
How many net ATP molecules are generated from a single glucose molecule through the anaerobic glycolysis system?
Question 7
SLPaper 1
Which of the following is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
Question 8
SLPaper 1
Which process occurs when blood sugar levels are decreased?
Question 9
SLPaper 1
Which of the following best describes the process of glycogenolysis?
Question 10
SLPaper 1
Which of the following macronutrients is primarily responsible for muscle repair and growth?