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Cambridge IGCSE Biology Past Papers
Official question papers, mark schemes and examiner reports.
266 papers19 exam sessionsFree to download
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Download Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports, organised by year and exam session. Practise with real exam questions, review official answers and learn what Cambridge examiners look for.
Navigator’s note
Confusing “Describe” and “Explain”
Always check the command word first.
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology papers by session
November 2021
17 papersLatest seriesJune 2021
18 papersMarch 2021
6 papersExaminer InsightsCambridge IGCSE Biology
Where marks are made.
Spot the common mistake. Make the precise correction.
01Common mistake
Confusing “Describe” and “Explain”
Students often lose marks because they describe what happened when the question asks them to explain why it happened, or they explain when only a description is required. For example, when asked to explain a trend in a graph, some students only quote data without giving the biological reason behind the pattern.
How to solve it
Always check the command word first.
If the question says describe, state the main features, patterns or trends and use data with units where appropriate. If it says explain, give the scientific or biological reasons for why the pattern or result occurred.
Check the command word before you write.
02Common mistake
Percentage Change Calculations
Students often use the wrong value as the denominator when calculating percentage change. Marks are also commonly lost by not rounding answers to the required number of decimal places or significant figures.
How to solve it
Use the formula ((Final Value − Initial Value) ÷ Initial Value) × 100.
Always divide by the initial value, show your working so you may still gain method marks, and check carefully whether the question requires a specific number of decimal places or significant figures.
Check the command word before you write.
03Common mistake
Difficulty Identifying Experimental Variables
Students often confuse the independent variable, dependent variable and controlled variables. They may also use vague words such as “amount” instead of stating exactly what is being measured or controlled.
How to solve it
Ask yourself: “What am I changing?” for the independent variable and “What am I measuring?” for the dependent variable.
Controlled variables are the factors kept the same. Always use precise terms such as volume, concentration, temperature or time instead of vague words like “amount”.
Check the command word before you write.
04Common mistake
Misconceptions in Respiration and Gas Exchange
Common mistakes include thinking that plants only photosynthesise and do not respire, confusing the products of anaerobic respiration in yeast and humans, and believing that expired air contains no oxygen.
How to solve it
: Remember that all living cells respire continuously to release energy.
Learn the correct equations and products of aerobic and anaerobic respiration in different organisms, and remember that expired air still contains oxygen—about 16%, compared with around 21% in inspired air.
Check the command word before you write.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any changes to Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) for 2027 compared with 2026?
No. Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) uses the same syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028, so the syllabus content and exam structure remain the same. Resources designed for the 2026 syllabus, including textbooks and revision guides, are therefore also suitable for 2027.
When was the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus last changed?
The most recent syllabus update took effect for the 2026–2028 exam cycle. It revised the topic structure and made several additions and removals to the content. The previous syllabus covered the 2023–2025 exam cycle.
How do I know if Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) is the right syllabus code for me?
Check your school portal, exam registration form, or statement of entry. Most students take Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610), while schools using the 9–1 grading system may use Biology (0970) instead. You should also check whether you are entered for the Core or Extended tier, as this determines which papers you take and the grades available.
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