Biology 0610
Cells, nutrition, transport, coordination, reproduction, inheritance and ecology, assessed through multiple choice, theory and practical papers.
Weighting by paper. Some papers are alternatives (for example Core or Extended, or practical or alternative to practical), so the figures add up to more than 100%.
- Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended)30%
- Paper 4 Theory (Extended)50%
- Paper 5 Practical Test20%
- Paper 6 Alternative to Practical20%
What is assessed
4 components on the Extended tier. Question formats: multiple choice, short answer, structured, practical, alternative to practical.
Forty compulsory four-option multiple-choice items on the Core and Supplement content, testing AO1 and AO2; assesses grades A* to G.
What the paper looks like
Forty one-mark four-option items in 45 minutes on Core and Supplement content. More items need two steps of reasoning: interpreting data, unit conversion to micrometres, genetic ratios, or explaining in terms of water potential, kinetic energy or antibodies. Several options are partly right; read every option before choosing.
Compulsory short-answer and structured questions on the Core and Supplement content, testing AO1 and AO2; assesses grades A* to G.
What the paper looks like
Six or seven longer structured questions totalling 80 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes, often 10–17 marks each with parts up to 5–6 marks. Unfamiliar contexts test Supplement ideas (negative feedback, limiting factors, codominance, genetic modification). Calculations ask for a stated number of significant figures; explanations need precise terms.
Laboratory-based questions (alternative to Paper 6) testing AO3 experimental skills across the full grade range.
What the paper looks like
Laboratory test of 40 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes, set up from Confidential Instructions. Typically one investigation (e.g. enzymes, osmosis, food tests) where you follow steps, record results in a table you draw, plot a graph and evaluate, plus observational work: a clear line drawing with a magnification calculation.
Written questions on experimental methods, results and planning (alternative to Paper 5) testing AO3; no experiments are carried out.
What the paper looks like
Written paper of 40 marks in 1 hour, usually two to four questions. Includes reading apparatus from diagrams, drawing a results table (quantity / unit headings, no units in cells), plotting a line graph, identifying variables and controls, a calculation to a stated precision, suggesting improvements and safety, and a 6-mark plan for an investigation.
Assessment overview
From the 2026–2028 syllabus. Checked against the Cambridge syllabus
| Assessment objective | IGCSE weighting |
|---|---|
| AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 50% |
| AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 30% |
| AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 20% |
Changes in this syllabus version
- No significant changes affecting teaching compared with the 2023–2025 syllabus: same content, papers, timings, marks and weightings.
- Version 3 (August 2026) updated the Assessment overview page; version 2 (December 2025) updated a weblink.
- Textbooks endorsed for examination from 2023 remain suitable.
Command words used in Biology papers (14)
- Calculate
- work out an answer from given facts, figures or information
- Compare
- point out or comment on similarities and/or differences
- Define
- give the precise meaning of a term
- Describe
- state the points of a topic or give its main features and characteristics
- Determine
- reach an answer using the information provided
- Evaluate
- judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value of something
- Explain
- give reasons or purposes, make relationships clear, and say why and/or how, with supporting evidence
- Give
- produce an answer from a given source or from memory
- Identify
- name, select or recognise
- Outline
- set out the main points only
- Predict
- say what may happen, based on the information available
- Sketch
- make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, with care over proportions
- State
- express clearly and briefly
- Suggest
- apply knowledge to an unfamiliar situation where several valid answers are possible, making proposals
Examiner guidance from recent reports (14)
Topic map
Practice types
Free sample questions
A student used this key to identify four arthropods, W, X, Y and Z. [table] A specimen has eight legs and a…
| step | feature | outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | three pairs of legs | W |
| 1b | more than three pairs of legs | go to 2 |
| 2a | four pairs of legs; body in two parts | Y |
| 2b | more than four pairs of legs | go to 3 |
| 3a | two pairs of antennae; body covered by a hard shell | X |
| 3b | one pair of antennae; long body of many similar segments | Z |
- X – crustacean
- Y – arachnid
- Y – insect
- Z – myriapod
Answer: B. Y – arachnid
Eight legs = four pairs, so step 1b leads to step 2, and “four pairs of legs; body in two parts” gives Y. Four pairs of legs and two body parts are the features of arachnids (e.g. spiders). Insects have three pairs of legs and three body parts; crustaceans have two pairs of antennae; myriapods have many segments.
A drawing of a cheek cell is 54 mm long. The magnification of the drawing is ×900. What is the actual length…
What is the actual length of the cell?
- 0.06 µm
- 6 µm
- 60 µm
- 48 600 µm
Answer: C. 60 µm
Actual size = image size ÷ magnification = 54 mm ÷ 900 = 0.06 mm. Converting to micrometres: 0.06 × 1000 = 60 µm. 0.06 µm forgets the conversion; 48 600 µm comes from multiplying by the magnification.
FAQs
Are these official 0610 past-paper questions?
No. They are original questions written to match the Biology syllabus topics. Official past papers are available to schools through Cambridge.
Why choose an exam year?
Cambridge updates syllabuses periodically. Your exam year selects the matching configuration so topics and components follow the right version.
Is a calculator allowed?
In this configuration a scientific calculator is permitted for the listed papers. Check your syllabus for the exact rule.