Exhibit 4.11 provides the description of students’ achievement at the Intermediate International Benchmark. At this level, the eighth grade students showed and applied some knowledge of biology and physical science.

Exhibit 4.11.1 presents an item from the biology content domain about the advantages of a crocodile’s field of vision. On average, 55 percent of the eighth grade students could provide an explanation. The highest achievement was in Japan and Singapore with 84–85 percent correct.

Exhibit 4.11.2 presents an item from the chemistry content domain asking students to distinguish between elements and compounds. Finland and Lithuania had the highest performance—88–89 percent correct. The international average was 61 percent.

Exhibit 4.11.3 shows an example item from physics. Students were able to identify the difference in gravitational attraction as the reason why a rover weighs a different amount on Mars than it does on Earth. With 90 percent correct, the Singaporean eighth graders had the highest achievement. The international average was 69 percent.