Small Intestine Absorption – P5 Science Question Explained

Source: P5 Question 1

Introduction

This small intestine absorption question is a common Primary Science MCQ that tests whether students understand the job of each digestive organ. Many students remember where food is chewed or digested, but they mix up digestion and absorption. Once you know the role of each organ, this small intestine absorption question becomes much easier to answer correctly.

 

small intestine absorption P5 Science question explained with small intestine as the correct answer

 

The Question / Scenario Explanation

Source: P5 Question 1

Question (as shown): Which organ in the digestive system does the absorption of digested food take place?

Options:
(1) gullet
(2) stomach
(3) small intestine
(4) large intestine

 

Step-by-Step Solution / Explanation

Step 1: Focus on the key process in the question

The important phrase here is “absorption of digested food”.

In digestion, food is first broken down into simpler substances. After that, the body needs to absorb these digested nutrients into the bloodstream.

This is the main idea behind small intestine absorption.

Step 2: Recall the function of the small intestine

The small intestine is the organ where digested food is absorbed into the blood.

Its inner surface helps useful nutrients move into the bloodstream so the body can use them for growth, energy, and repair.

So the correct answer is small intestine.

✅ Final Answer: (3) small intestine

Step 3: Explain why the other options are wrong

(1) gullet is wrong because the gullet only carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It does not absorb digested food.

(2) stomach is wrong because the stomach helps to digest food, but it is not the main organ for small intestine absorption.

(4) large intestine is wrong because the large intestine mainly absorbs water and some mineral salts, not digested food.

Step 4: Link the concept clearly

Students should remember this sequence:

  • food is eaten and swallowed
  • food is digested
  • digested food is absorbed in the small intestine
  • undigested food continues to the large intestine

This helps students answer small intestine absorption questions with more confidence.

 

Key Concepts Students Must Know

  • The small intestine is where digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • The gullet carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
  • The stomach helps to digest food.
  • The large intestine mainly absorbs water.
  • In Science exams, students must know the function of each organ, not just its name.

 

Exam Tips / Common Mistakes

Exam Tips

  • Underline the key word absorption before choosing an answer.
  • Ask yourself which organ takes nutrients into the blood.
  • For small intestine absorption questions, separate the ideas of carrying, digesting, and absorbing.
  • Use elimination if needed by crossing out organs with different functions.

Common Mistakes

  • Choosing stomach because students know digestion happens there, but forgetting the question asks about absorption.
  • Choosing large intestine because students confuse absorption of water with absorption of digested food.
  • Choosing gullet without remembering that it is only a passage for food.
  • Reading too quickly and missing the difference between digestion and absorption.

 

Parent Insight

This small intestine absorption question shows why Science learning should focus on meaning, not just memorising keywords. Many children know organ names, but they lose marks when they cannot match each organ to its correct function. Regular practice with body-system questions helps students build stronger understanding and answer PSLE-style MCQs more accurately.

 

Conclusion

In this small intestine absorption question, the correct answer is option (3) small intestine because this is where digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream. The gullet carries food, the stomach digests food, and the large intestine mainly absorbs water.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Because the small intestine is the organ where digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream for the body to use.

The large intestine mainly absorbs water, not digested food. Students often mix up these two types of absorption.

A helpful way is to match one main job to each organ: gullet carries food, stomach digests food, small intestine absorbs digested food, and large intestine absorbs water.