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HSC · HSC Year 12 · official past papers

HSC Earth and Environmental Science past exams 2021–2025, by year and topic

The official NESA exams, marking guides and examiner reports we index, organised by topic and subtopic and labelled with the study design it was written under. Open the official paper, work the question in your own workspace, or bring a tutor into it live.

Index last synced 19 August 2026.

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ATARMAxxing indexes 5 official NESA Earth and Environmental Science papers from 2021 to 2025, with 45 questions mapped to 5 topics. Every paper opens on the NESA website.

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Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) — first examined in the 2019 HSC; also governs the 2026–2028 exams · 2019–2028

HSC Earth and Environmental Science exams by year: official papers & marking guidance

Past exams indexed: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021. Open the official NESA papers, with marking guidance where available.

Year	Study design	Official paper(s)	Marking guidance
2025 HSC Earth and Environmental Science exam	Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)	2025 HSC Earth and Environmental Science examination ↗	Marking guidance ↗
2024 HSC Earth and Environmental Science exam	Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)	2024 HSC Earth and Environmental Science examination ↗	Marking guidance ↗
2023 HSC Earth and Environmental Science exam	Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)	2023 HSC Earth and Environmental Science examination ↗	Marking guidance ↗
2022 HSC Earth and Environmental Science exam	Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)	2022 HSC Earth and Environmental Science examination ↗	Marking guidance ↗
2021 HSC Earth and Environmental Science exam	Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)	2021 HSC Earth and Environmental Science examination ↗	Marking guidance ↗

5 official papers across 5 years (2021–2025), 5 with marking guidance, published by NESA.

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Module 5: Earth’s Processes · 11 mapped questions

Development of the Biosphere

2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 354 marksAnalyse how new evidence from Mars missions such as Perseverance could complement existing evidence for the meteorites/panspermia hypothesis.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 298 marks(a) Using a diagram of the Urey–Miller apparatus, explain how it provides evidence for the origin of organic molecules, referring to two labelled components (3); (b) assess a model of the plate tectonic supercycle against given usefulness criteria (5).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Changes in the Geosphere, Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 293 marksContrast two effects that human activity and cyanobacteria have each had on the atmosphere.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 223 marksComplete a table outlining an effect of photosynthesis on the development of the geosphere and the atmosphere.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Plate Tectonic Supercycle

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 303 marksFrom a table of formation and breakup ages of past supercontinents, predict when a future supercontinent will form, supported by calculations.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 348 marksAccount for the breakup of Rodinia and the later assembly of Pangaea through the plate tectonic supercycle, using cross-section diagrams.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 344 marksExplain, with examples, the effects of Australia’s northward drift from Antarctica on climate and on evolution.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Fossil Formation and Stratigraphy

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 223 marksDescribe one way of finding the age of a rock layer other than radiometric (absolute) dating.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 296 marksA photograph of 560 Ma trace fossils (worm burrows) with a coin: (a) why the coin is included (1); (b) outline how trace fossils form (2); (c) explain how suitable relative and absolute dating are for such fossils (3).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 314 marksEvaluate the use of Archaean stromatolite fossils as index fossils.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 277 marksUsing a table comparing Ediacaran Hills and Burgess Shale organisms: (a) name a likely trace fossil (1); (b) describe similarities and differences between the ecosystems (3); (c) explain how relative dating determines the age of such organisms (3).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Module 6: Hazards · 8 mapped questions

Geological Natural Disasters

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 267 marksUsing a model of tsunami waves approaching shore and a graph of wavelength against ocean-floor depth: (a) construct a table of the graphed data (3); (b) explain, using both figures, why tsunamis can become disasters at the shoreline (4).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 337 marks(a) Explain why some earthquake foci are deeper than others (3); (b) analyse two factors affecting earthquake damage to a building, with diagrams (4).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 2312 marksMount Ruapehu (New Zealand) with a tectonic-setting map, hazard map and visitor safety infographics: (a) explain the tectonic processes that formed the volcano (4); (b) explain two likely eruption hazards (4); (c) assess how far hazard mapping and public education protect visitors (4).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 212 marksOutline the conditions under which an east coast low is classified as a disaster.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 325 marksAfter a 2022 earthquake near Jakarta, using a regional satellite image: (a) draw a labelled plate cross-section along a given line (3); (b) describe a technology used to understand a named characteristic of the earthquake (2).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Impact of Natural Disasters on the Biosphere

2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 3310 marksThe 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption: (a) describe two hazards (3); (b) assess its impact on the surrounding natural environment (3); (c) account for its explosivity (4).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Prediction and Prevention of Natural Disasters

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 323 marksExplain how one meteorological monitoring technology helps predict short-term extreme weather events.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 286 marksWith the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and liquefaction as context: (a) justify different building codes for different tectonic settings (3); (b) explain one building technology that reduces disaster damage in a built environment (3).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Module 7: Climate Science · 10 mapped questions

Natural Processes of Variations in Climate

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 244 marksCompare either the Deccan or the Siberian Traps eruptions with the Mt Pinatubo eruption as drivers of natural climate change.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 358 marksUsing graphs relating North Atlantic salinity, meltwater input and the strength of the NADW overturning current: (a) outline present conditions (2); (b) draw a flow chart linking melting sea ice to the current and European climate (4); (c) explain a likely flow-on effect (2).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Evidence for Climate Variation

2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 348 marksUsing annual rainfall data for 2014–2020: (a) draw the next three tree rings predicted from the rainfall (2); (b) discuss dendrochronology and changes in rock types as evidence of past global temperature variation (6).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Influence of Human Activities on Changes to Climate

2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 243 marksExplain one impact of rising sea levels on the distribution of species.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 305 marksUsing an infographic on coral reef health and resilience: (a) identify a disturbance reducing resilience (1); (b) outline the relationship between reef state and resilience (2); (c) propose a reason for a change in peak reef health (2).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 233 marksComplete a table comparing the natural and anthropogenic greenhouse effects (definition, a gas source, timescale).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 305 marksAn investigation of ocean acidity and oyster-shell mass: (a) identify variables (1); (b) complete a table of mass change and percentage difference (2); (c) justify a conclusion (2).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 317 marks(a) Justify two actions an individual can take to reduce their impact on rising global temperatures (3); (b) explain one advantage and one disadvantage of a geo-engineering strategy (4).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 3210 marksUsing a graph of Niño-3.4 sea-surface temperature anomalies since 1900: (a) compare the frequency and intensity of El Niño and La Niña events before and after 1960 (3); (b) justify one adaptation strategy for El Niño effects and one for La Niña effects in eastern Australia (7).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 243 marksAnnotate a diagram of a 1970s house, justifying two design changes that would reduce the family's contribution to the greenhouse effect.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Module 8: Resource Management · 13 mapped questions

Using Australia’s Natural Resources

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 213 marks(a) Name a resource extracted by mining (1); (b) outline one way traditional owners can be involved in a large-scale mining operation (2).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 285 marksAssess the effect of two human activities on the sustainability of water resources.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 224 marksAssess the present and likely future use of a named resource.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 265 marksComplete a table justifying how two reclamation methods address two environmental concerns at non-operational mines.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 263 marksFor a named resource, state whether it is renewable and recommend a strategy to improve its sustainable extraction or management.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 317 marksEvaluate the involvement of traditional owners in mine planning, operation and post-mining restoration, using criteria and a case study or example.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Waste Management

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 258 marksA school leadership team plans a first-hand waste investigation using a map of bin locations: (a) justify a safety measure (2); (b) write a valid method to find which areas produce most recyclable waste (4); (c) justify a location for a recycling bin with reference to the map (2).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 212 marksOutline a named strategy for managing solid waste.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 284 marksConstruct a flow chart for separating household wastes that includes sustainable management strategies for three waste types.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Sustainability

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 233 marksDescribe one resource-management process used by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 253 marksExplain how a community initiative could manage a resource sustainably.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 274 marksUsing diagrams contrasting low-intensity cultural burns with high-intensity fires, explain the importance of cultural burning for sustainability.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 254 marks(a) Define sustainability with an example (2); (b) justify a strategy for collecting information on a local sustainability initiative (2).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

Integrated: all modules · 3 mapped questions

Cross-module extended response

2025Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 278 marksEvaluate how effective planting native trees is in solving problems studied in the course, using two specific unrelated examples (e.g. disasters, resource management, climate, other environmental problems).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2024Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 338 marksAnalyse relationships between Earth’s interacting spheres and humans using two examples (e.g. the supercycle, photosynthetic life, natural disasters, the Industrial Revolution, natural resources).Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →
2023Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)Section II 358 marksAnalyse day and night composite satellite images of Earth using natural processes and human influences from at least two modules.Official paper ↗Marking guidance ↗Check tutors for this question →

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