Rock Cycle Pre-Test Questions - Free Printable

Let's solve each of the Rock Cycle Pre-Test Questions using the provided diagram.

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Diagram Overview:

The diagram shows the rock cycle, which illustrates how the three main types of rocks — igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic — transform into one another through various geological processes.

Key processes shown:
- Cooling → Igneous rock from magma/lava
- Weathering & Erosion → Sediments
- Deposition & Compaction/Cementation → Sedimentary rock
- Heat and Pressure → Metamorphic rock
- Melting → Magma/Lava (from any rock type)
- Recycling: All rocks can eventually become magma, then new igneous rock

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Question 1: What is a good title for this diagram?

Options:
a.) Different Kinds of Rock
b.) Deposition of Sediment
c.) How Metamorphic Rock Forms
d.) The Rock Cycle

✔ Correct Answer: d.) The Rock Cycle

Explanation:
The diagram shows the continuous transformation between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks through various processes. This entire process is known as the rock cycle, so "The Rock Cycle" is the most accurate and comprehensive title.

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Question 2: What is the process shown by letter B?

Looking at the diagram:

- Letter B points downward from Sedimentary Rock to Metamorphic Rock.
- This indicates a transformation from sedimentary to metamorphic rock.

Processes that cause this change are heat and pressure, which alter the mineral composition and texture of the rock without melting it.

Options:
a.) cementation only
b.) heat and pressure
c.) erosion and deposition
d.) compaction only

✔ Correct Answer: b.) heat and pressure

Explanation:
Cementation and compaction are involved in forming sedimentary rock from sediments. Erosion and deposition move sediments. But the transition from sedimentary to metamorphic rock requires high temperature and pressure, typically deep within Earth’s crust.

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Question 3: According to the diagram, what rock groups can form from metamorphic rock?

Look at the arrows originating from Metamorphic Rock:

- One arrow goes to Magma/Lava via melting.
- One arrow goes to Igneous Rock via cooling after melting.
- One arrow goes to Sedimentary Rock via weathering, erosion, deposition, etc. (implied by path: Metamorphic → Sediments → Sedimentary).
- Another arrow goes back to Metamorphic Rock (self-loop), but we're asking about *other* rock types.

So, from metamorphic rock:
- It can be melted → becomes magma/lava → cools to form igneous rock.
- It can be weathered and eroded → becomes sediments → forms sedimentary rock.

Thus, both igneous and sedimentary rocks can form from metamorphic rock.

Options:
a.) igneous rock and sedimentary rock
b.) sedimentary rock only
c.) magma and lava
d.) melting rock

✔ Correct Answer: a.) igneous rock and sedimentary rock

Explanation:
While magma and lava are intermediate stages (from melting), the final rock types that can form are igneous (after cooling) and sedimentary (after erosion and deposition). So option a is correct because it includes both possible end products.

> Note: Option c says "magma and lava", which are not *rock types* but molten materials. The question asks for rock groups, so igneous and sedimentary are the proper answers.

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✔ Final Answers:

1.) d.) The Rock Cycle
2.) b.) heat and pressure
3.) a.) igneous rock and sedimentary rock

Let me know if you'd like a labeled version of the diagram or further explanation!