Introduction
This face shield material question is a common Primary Science application question that tests whether students can match material properties to a real-life use. Many students know individual properties like strong, waterproof, and transparent, but they get confused when they must choose one material that has all the needed features. Once you think about the purpose of a face shield material, this question becomes much easier to solve.

The Question / Scenario Explanation
Source: P5 Question 3
Question (as shown): Maria designed a reusable face shield as shown in the picture below. Which material is most suitable for making part S of the face shield?
The table shows four materials and whether each one is:
- strong
- waterproof
- allows light to pass through
Step-by-Step Solution / Explanation
Step 1: Identify what part S needs to do
Part S is the clear front shield covering the face.
So the face shield material must be:
- strong, so it does not tear or break easily
- waterproof, so it does not absorb liquids
- allows light to pass through, so the wearer can see through it clearly
This means the best material must have all three properties.
Step 2: Check each material in the table
Material A is not strong and not waterproof, even though it allows light to pass through. So it is not suitable.
Material B is strong and allows light to pass through, but it is not waterproof. So it is not suitable.
Material C is strong and waterproof, but it does not allow light to pass through. So it is not suitable for a face shield material.
Material D is strong, waterproof, and allows light to pass through. This means it has all the correct properties.
Step 3: Choose the correct answer
The most suitable face shield material is:
Option (4), Material D
✅ Final Answer: Option (4), Material D
Step 4: Link the answer to real-life use
A face shield must protect the face while still allowing the person to see clearly. That is why the material cannot be weak, absorb water, or block light.
This is why only Material D is suitable as the face shield material.
Key Concepts Students Must Know
- Materials are chosen based on their properties and uses.
- A good face shield material should be strong, waterproof, and transparent.
- “Allows light to pass through” means the material is transparent or see-through.
- Science questions often test whether students can apply material properties to real-life objects.
- The best answer is usually the one that matches all required properties, not just one or two.
Exam Tips / Common Mistakes
Exam Tips
- Look at the object first and think about what it needs to do.
- For a face shield material question, ask: must it protect, resist water, and let the user see through it?
- Check every property in the table before choosing an answer.
- Eliminate options one by one if even one important property is missing.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a material that allows light to pass through but is not strong enough.
- Choosing a strong material that is not transparent.
- Ignoring the waterproof property because the material “looks suitable”.
- Picking an option that has two correct properties instead of all three needed for the face shield material.
Parent Insight
This face shield material question is a strong example of applied Science. Children may memorise properties such as strong, waterproof, and transparent, but real exam success comes from knowing how to match those properties to a practical object. Practising these materials-and-uses questions helps students think more logically and answer Science MCQs with greater confidence.
Conclusion
In this face shield material question, part S must be strong, waterproof, and allow light to pass through. Only Material D has all three properties, so the correct answer is option (4). This question reminds students that the best material must match the object’s full purpose, not just one property.
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