IGCSE Biology: 2-Week Revision Plan
A focused 14-day revision plan for IGCSE Biology (0610). Cover high-yield topics, master diagrams, and avoid common mistakes before your May/June 2026 exam.
Download the Biology Key Terms Sheet
All definitions, diagrams, and processes in one place.
Your Biology Exams Are Spread Over 6 Weeks
Two weeks is enough to significantly improve your Biology grade — if you focus on the right things. This plan targets high-yield topics (human biology, plant biology, genetics), diagram skills (cell structures, organ systems), and exam technique.
Biology rewards precise definitions and clear diagrams. Focus on exact terminology — examiners mark for specific keywords.
1 Week 1: High-Yield Topics
Days 1-2: Cell Biology & Transport
Foundation topic that appears in almost every paper.
- • Animal vs plant cells — know all organelles and functions
- • Diffusion, osmosis, and active transport — definitions matter!
- • Enzyme action — lock and key model, optimum conditions
- • Microscope calculations (magnification = image size ÷ actual size)
Days 3-4: Human Biology (Circulation & Respiration)
Guaranteed to appear — learn the diagrams!
- • Heart structure — chambers, valves, blood vessels
- • Blood components — red cells, white cells, platelets, plasma
- • Gas exchange in alveoli — surface area, diffusion gradients
- • Aerobic vs anaerobic respiration equations
Days 5-6: Plant Biology
Photosynthesis and transport are high-mark questions.
- • Photosynthesis equation and limiting factors
- • Leaf structure — palisade cells, guard cells, stomata
- • Transpiration and translocation
- • Plant hormones (auxins) and tropisms
Day 7: Genetics & Inheritance
Genetic crosses appear every year — practice Punnett squares!
- • DNA structure, genes, and chromosomes
- • Monohybrid crosses and Punnett squares
- • Dominant vs recessive alleles
- • Sex determination and sex-linked inheritance
2 Week 2: Past Papers & Gaps
Days 8-9: Nutrition & Digestion
Know enzyme locations and food tests.
- • Food groups: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals
- • Digestive system — organs and enzyme secretions
- • Food tests (iodine, Benedict's, biuret, ethanol emulsion)
- • Absorption in the small intestine (villi structure)
Days 10-11: Theory Paper Practice
Paper 3/4 requires clear written explanations.
- • Do one full Paper 3 or 4 under timed conditions
- • Check mark scheme — learn the exact phrases examiners want
- • Practice labelling diagrams clearly
- • Use biological terms precisely (not "food" — say "glucose")
Days 12-13: Practical Skills (Paper 5/6)
Know how to describe biological drawings and experiments.
- • Drawing biological specimens (clear lines, labels, scale)
- • Recording results in tables with correct headings
- • Plotting graphs with best-fit lines or curves
- • Describing variables (independent, dependent, controlled)
Day 14: Light Review Only
The day before the exam — don't cram new content.
- • Review your key terms sheet and diagrams
- • Skim through common mistakes notes
- • Check your equipment (calculator, pens, ruler)
- • Get good sleep — your brain consolidates overnight
Use the Gaps Between Papers
You have 12 days between Theory and Practical, then nearly a month until MCQ. Plan your revision accordingly.
After Paper 3/4 (30 Apr) → Before Paper 5/6 (12 May)
12 days to master practical skills.
- • Practice drawing biological specimens with clear labels
- • Review food tests and their expected results
- • Master graph plotting — choosing scales, drawing curves
- • Learn to describe observations precisely: "cells become turgid" not "cells get bigger"
After Paper 5/6 (12 May) → Before Paper 1/2 (8 June)
27 days — plenty of time for MCQ practice!
- • Do 4-5 full MCQ papers under timed conditions (45 minutes each)
- • Focus on quick recall: definitions, functions, processes
- • Review diagrams — MCQs often test labels and structures
- • Use elimination — cross out obviously wrong answers first
Quick Reference: What Appears Most Often
Paper 3/4 (Theory)
First exam: 30 April
- • Use biological terminology
- • Label diagrams clearly
- • Show working in calculations
- • Answer all parts of questions
Paper 5/6 (Practical)
Second exam: 12 May
- • Biological drawings
- • Results tables with units
- • Describe observations
- • Plan fair experiments
Paper 1/2 (MCQ)
Last exam: 8 June
- • Definitions & functions
- • Diagram labels
- • Process sequences
- • Data interpretation