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Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Past Papers
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Confusing Key Chemistry Terminology
Learn the precise definitions of key chemistry terms and understand the differences between similar concepts.
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Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry papers by session
November 2021
18 papersLatest seriesJune 2021
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6 papersExaminer InsightsCambridge IGCSE Chemistry
Where marks are made.
Spot the common mistake. Make the precise correction.
01Common mistake
Confusing Key Chemistry Terminology
Students often confuse similar chemistry terms, such as atoms, ions and molecules, elements, compounds and mixtures, or filtrate and residue. Using the wrong term can make an otherwise correct answer inaccurate
How to solve it
Learn the precise definitions of key chemistry terms and understand the differences between similar concepts.
Remember, for example, that an alloy is a mixture, not a compound, and a diatomic molecule contains two atoms.
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02Common mistake
Poor Description of Chemical Tests and Observations
Students often confuse an observation with a conclusion. For example, they may write “hydrogen is produced” instead of describing what they actually see, such as bubbles or effervescence.
“hydrogen is produced”
How to solve it
Learn the correct observations and tests for substances in the syllabus.
Describe what you observe first, and when identifying a gas, give both the test and its positive result, such as “a lighted splint gives a squeaky pop”for hydrogen. For precipitates, state the colour and whether they dissolve in excess reagent where required.
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03Common mistake
Errors in Drawing Organic Structures
Students often draw incorrect numbers of bonds in organic structures, such as carbon atoms with fewer or more than four bonds or hydrogen atoms with more than one bond. Bonds such as the O–H bond in alcohols and carboxylic acids may also be missed.
How to solve it
Count the bonds around every atom before finishing your structure.
Carbon should have four bonds and hydrogen one. If a displayed formula is requested, make sure every atom and every covalent bond is shown clearly.
Check the command word before you write.
04Common mistake
Failing to Balance or Properly Construct Equations
Students may leave equations unbalanced, use incorrect chemical formulae or forget that some elements exist as diatomic molecules, such as H₂, O₂ and Cl₂. They may also write a word equation when a symbol equation is requested.
How to solve it
Check exactly what type of equation the question requires, then perform a final atom count to make sure there are equal numbers of each atom on both sides.
Use the correct chemical formulae and add state symbols, such as (s), (l), (g) and (aq), when required.
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05Common mistake
Vague Explanations of Kinetic Particle and Collision Theory
Students often explain changes in reaction rate without referring to particles or collisions, or confuse the arrangement, separation and movement of particles in different states of matter.
How to solve it
Use precise particle-language in your explanations.
For reaction rates, explain changes in terms of the frequency of successful collisions between particles. For states of matter, describe arrangement, separation and movement separately—for example, liquid particles are close together, randomly arranged and able to move past one another.
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06Common mistake
Confusion Regarding Electrolysis and Redox
Students often confuse the products formed during electrolysis of molten and aqueous electrolytes, or confuse a reducing agent with the substance that is being reduced.
How to solve it
First check whether the electrolyte is molten or aqueous, as water can affect which products form at the electrodes.
For redox, remember OIL RIG: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain of electrons. Also distinguish between the substance being oxidised or reduced and the oxidising or reducing agent.
Check the command word before you write.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any changes to Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry for 2027 compared with 2026?
No. Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620 / 0971) follows the same 2026–2028 syllabus, so the content, assessment structure and paper format remain the same in 2027. Resources designed for the 2026–2028 syllabus are therefore suitable for both years.
When was the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus last changed?
The last major update to Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620 / 0971) took effect for the 2023–2025 exam cycle. The current 2026–2028 syllabus largely carries over the same content and assessment structure, with no major changes.
How do I know if Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) is the right syllabus code for me?
Check your school registration, student portal or statement of entry. Most students take Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620), while schools using the 9–1 grading system may use 0971 instead. You should also confirm whether you are entered for the Core or Extended tier and whether your practical assessment is Paper 5 or Paper 6.
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