0610

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) - May-June 2022 Past Papers

Download 41 free IGCSE Biology past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the May-June 2022 Cambridge examination session. Includes question papers for all variants with full solutions.

About IGCSE Biology (0610)

IGCSE Biology examines cell biology, human physiology, plant biology, ecology, genetics, and evolution. Candidates must understand life processes, interpret biological diagrams, and analyze experimental results.

What this exam tests: Key skills include data analysis, drawing conclusions from experiments, and explaining biological mechanisms.

Papers available in variants 11, 12, 13 for different time zones. All variants cover the same Biology syllabus with equal difficulty.

Grade Thresholds

Study Resources for Biology

Prepare for your exam with these complementary resources:

Revision Notes
61 topics
Flashcards
669 cards
Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge

0610 May-June 2022 Papers

0610 Paper 1 - Multiple Choice (Core)

45 min • 40 marks

Tests broad syllabus knowledge with 40 questions. Each question has four options (A-D). Core tier paper.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3

0610 Paper 2 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

45 min • 40 marks

Extended tier multiple choice with more challenging questions covering the full syllabus. 40 questions, 45 minutes.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3

0610 Paper 3 - Theory (Core)

1 hr 15 min • 80 marks

Structured and free-response questions testing understanding and application. Core tier, grades available C-G.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 3 (8 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0610 Paper 3 from May-June 2022 tests 8 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Cell structure and organisation (Organisation of the organism) worth 12 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Sexual reproduction in humans (12 marks) and Gas exchange in humans (10 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Cell structure and organisation 12/80
Sexual reproduction in humans 12/80
Gas exchange in humans 10/80
Sexual reproduction in plants 10/80
Respiration 10/80
Diseases and immunity 9/80
Inheritance 9/80
Photosynthesis 8/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Cell structure and organisation to maximize your score.

0610 Paper 4 - Theory (Extended)

1 hr 15 min • 80 marks

Extended tier theory paper with more demanding questions. Full grade range A*-G available with this paper.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 4 (6 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0610 Paper 4 from May-June 2022 tests 6 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Digestive system (Human nutrition) worth 21 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Sexual reproduction in humans (15 marks) and Circulatory system (13 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Digestive system 21/80
Sexual reproduction in humans 15/80
Circulatory system 13/80
Xylem and phloem 13/80
Respiration 10/80
Concept and use of a classification system 8/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Digestive system to maximize your score.

0610 Paper 5 - Practical Test

1 hr 15 min • 40 marks

Tests practical skills including planning experiments, recording data, and drawing conclusions from results.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 5 (2 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0610 Paper 5 from May-June 2022 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Enzymes (Enzymes) worth 22 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Xylem and phloem (18 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Enzymes 22/40
Xylem and phloem 18/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Enzymes to maximize your score.

0610 Paper 6 - Alternative to Practical

1 hr • 40 marks

Written paper testing practical skills through questions about experimental methods, data, and analysis.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 6 (2 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0610 Paper 6 from May-June 2022 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Enzymes (Enzymes) worth 22 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Xylem and phloem (18 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Enzymes 22/40
Xylem and phloem 18/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Enzymes to maximize your score.

Other Resources

Additional materials to help you prepare and understand how exams are marked.

Examiner Report

Insights from examiners on how students performed. Learn common mistakes to avoid and what examiners look for in top answers.

View

Confidential Instructions

Instructions for teachers on practical exams. Useful for understanding experiment setups and expected procedures.

P5
P5
P5

0610 May-June 2022 - Topics Breakdown by Paper

Each Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) paper tests specific syllabus topics. Below is a breakdown of topics for each paper in May-June 2022, showing how marks are distributed. Use this to focus your revision on topics relevant to your papers.

0610 Paper 3 (Theory (Core))

80 marks total
Cell structure and organisation (Organisation of the organism)
Notes 12 cards
12m
Sexual reproduction in humans (Reproduction)
Notes 12 cards
12m
Gas exchange in humans (Gas exchange in humans)
Notes 12 cards
10m
Sexual reproduction in plants (Reproduction)
Notes 12 cards
10m
Respiration (Respiration)
Notes 10 cards
10m
Diseases and immunity (Diseases and immunity)
Notes 12 cards
9m

+ 2 more topics

0610 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended))

80 marks total
Digestive system (Human nutrition)
Notes 13 cards
21m
Sexual reproduction in humans (Reproduction)
Notes 12 cards
15m
Circulatory system (Transport in animals)
Notes 11 cards
13m
Xylem and phloem (Transport in plants)
Notes 10 cards
13m
Respiration (Respiration)
Notes 10 cards
10m
Concept and use of a classification system (Characteristics and classification of living organisms)
Notes 10 cards
8m

0610 Paper 5 (Practical Test)

40 marks total
Enzymes (Enzymes)
Notes 12 cards
22m
Xylem and phloem (Transport in plants)
Notes 10 cards
18m

0610 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

40 marks total
Enzymes (Enzymes)
Notes 12 cards
22m
Xylem and phloem (Transport in plants)
Notes 10 cards
18m

Study tip: If you're taking the Extended tier, focus on Papers 2, 4, and 6. For Core tier, prepare for Papers 1, 3, and 5/6. Review the topics above for your specific papers and practice past questions from those syllabus areas.

Examiner Insights - May-June 2022

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Carefully read the question and any stimulus material provided before answering to ensure you understand the context and requirements.
  • • Pay close attention to command words (describe, explain, compare) and provide the appropriate level of detail.
  • • Master key biological definitions, processes, and structures, linking them to specific examples and scenarios.
  • • Practice data analysis and interpretation, paying attention to axes labels, trends, and relationships in graphs and tables.
  • • Improve exam technique by working through past papers and focusing on applying your knowledge to unfamiliar contexts.
Paper 11 - Multiple Choice (Core)

There was generally a good understanding of sexual reproduction, inheritance, and the water cycle. However, students showed uncertainty on the definition of species, the building blocks of starch and glycogen, and the effects of alcohol on reaction times. Students need to methodically analyze information presented in questions.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice working through information presented in questions methodically, taking note of all the details provided.
  • ✓ Review definitions of key biological terms such as 'species,' 'tissue,' and 'respiration' to avoid confusion.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Respiration vs. Nutrition)
✗ Incorrectly selected nutrition as the release of energy from nutrient molecules.
→ Understand the precise definition of respiration as the release of energy from nutrient molecules.
Q2 (Classification)
✗ Believed a mule would be fertile, indicating a misunderstanding of species and hybrids.
→ Understand that mules, as hybrids, are typically infertile due to chromosome number differences.
Q5 (Tissues)
✗ Could not identify a tissue, confusing it with cells or organs.
→ Learn the definition of a tissue as a group of similar cells performing a shared function and study examples.
Q9 (Carbohydrates)
✗ Did not know that starch and glycogen are both made of glucose molecules.
→ Memorize the building blocks of key carbohydrates: glucose for starch and glycogen.
Paper 12 - Multiple Choice (Core)

This paper showed good understanding of magnification, respiration, and balanced diets. However, there was some uncertainty regarding the basic units of starch/glycogen, identification of xylem/phloem, blood vessels of the heart, and transpiration mechanisms. Working through information methodically is important.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Carefully review diagrams of plant and animal structures, paying attention to the location and function of different tissues and organs.
  • ✓ Create flashcards to memorize key biological molecules and their building blocks.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Respiration vs. Nutrition)
✗ Incorrectly selected nutrition as the release of energy from nutrient molecules.
→ Understand the precise definition of respiration as the release of energy from nutrient molecules.
Q9 (Carbohydrates)
✗ Did not appreciate that both starch and glycogen are made of glucose molecules.
→ Memorize that glucose is the monomer for both starch and glycogen.
Q12 (Photosynthesis)
✗ Believed carbon dioxide is a product of photosynthesis.
→ Remember that oxygen is the product of photosynthesis that moves out of a green leaf through its stomata, and carbon dioxide is a reactant.
Q13 (Transpiration)
✗ Did not understand that water moves from mesophyll cells by evaporation and then out of the leaf by diffusion.
→ Review the steps of transpiration, including the roles of evaporation and diffusion.
Paper 13 - Multiple Choice (Core)

This paper indicated good understanding of magnification, respiration, and birth control methods. However, there was uncertainty regarding basic units of starch/glycogen, gas composition in expired air, and focusing of light in the eye. Methodically working through information provided in the question is essential.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice using dichotomous keys to identify organisms, following each step carefully.
  • ✓ Review the structures and functions of the eye and respiratory system, focusing on key processes like gas exchange and light focusing.

Common Mistakes:

Q3 (Dichotomous Keys)
✗ Incorrectly identified an organism using a key, failing to follow the steps methodically.
→ When using a key, carefully follow each step, reading all statements thoroughly before making a decision.
Q9 (Carbohydrates)
✗ Did not appreciate that both starch and glycogen are made of glucose molecules.
→ Memorize that glucose is the monomer for both starch and glycogen.
Q12 (Photosynthesis)
✗ Few candidates understood that oxygen is the product of photosynthesis that moves out of a green leaf through its stomata.
→ Review the inputs (carbon dioxide and water) and outputs (glucose and oxygen) of photosynthesis.
Q24 (Gas Exchange)
✗ Appeared unfamiliar with the percentage composition of oxygen (16%) and carbon dioxide (4%) in expired air.
→ Memorize the approximate percentages of key gases in inspired and expired air.
Paper 21 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

This paper showed good understanding of diffusion, enzymes, ingestion, the menstrual cycle, and the water cycle. However, there was some uncertainty about osmosis, how auxin works, and that all kingdoms share the same genetic code. Students should work methodically through information provided in questions.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice applying knowledge of osmosis and diffusion to different biological contexts.
  • ✓ Review the role of auxin in plant tropisms and how it is affected by light and gravity.

Common Mistakes:

Q7 (Carbohydrates)
✗ Few candidates appreciated that both starch and glycogen are made of glucose molecules.
→ Memorize that glucose is the monomer for both starch and glycogen.
Q16 (Transpiration)
✗ Few candidates appreciated that most water evaporation during transpiration occurs from the spongy mesophyll cells.
→ Focus on spongy mesophyll's role in transpiration - it offers a large surface area for evaporation.
Q17 (Circulatory System in Fish)
✗ Incorrectly believed that oxygen concentration would be lowest just after blood has been oxygenated in the gills.
→ Understand that oxygen is highest immediately after the blood passes through the gills.
Q26 (Plant Hormones)
✗ Did not appreciate that if the shoot tip is covered, the auxin diffusing downwards will be equally distributed.
→ Understand how auxin distribution affects plant growth, especially with respect to light.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0610 May-June 2022. View full report →

About Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610)

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) is one of the most popular qualifications taken by students worldwide. The May-June 2022 examination session included 6 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0610 past papers from May-June 2022, including question papers (QP), mark schemes (MS), and examiner reports (ER). Use these resources to practice under timed conditions and understand how examiners award marks.

View all 0610 past papers → | All 2022 sessions →

Get Biology Study Tips

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0610 Study Tips & FAQ

What are paper variants?

Cambridge releases multiple variants of each paper (e.g., Paper 11, 12, 13) to accommodate different time zones around the world and maintain exam security.

  • Variant 1 (e.g., 11, 21): Usually for Zone 1 (Americas)
  • Variant 2 (e.g., 12, 22): Usually for Zone 2 (Europe, Africa)
  • Variant 3 (e.g., 13, 23): Usually for Zone 3 (Asia, Oceania)

All variants cover the same syllabus and have similar difficulty. Practice with any variant to prepare effectively for your exam.

How to use Mark Schemes effectively

Mark schemes show exactly how examiners award marks for each question. Understanding them helps you write answers that earn full marks.

Example from a Physics mark scheme:

Q: Calculate the speed of a car that travels 150m in 5 seconds. [2]

Mark scheme answer:

• speed = distance / time [1 mark for formula]

• speed = 150 / 5 = 30 m/s [1 mark for correct answer with unit]

Tips:

  • Look for key words that must appear in your answer
  • Note how many points are needed for each mark
  • Check if units are required for the final mark
  • Understand the difference between "state" (brief) and "explain" (detailed)
Understanding Grade Thresholds

Grade thresholds show the minimum marks needed for each grade. They vary each session based on paper difficulty — harder papers have lower thresholds.

Example Grade Thresholds (out of 100 total):

A*
90+
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69

* Actual thresholds vary by subject and session

How to use thresholds:

  • Set realistic target marks based on your goal grade
  • Track your practice paper scores against thresholds
  • Remember: you don't need 100% for an A* — aim for consistency
  • Compare thresholds across sessions to gauge difficulty trends
How is the topic breakdown calculated?

The "Topics Breakdown by Paper" section above shows which syllabus topics are tested in each paper and how many marks they carry. Here's how we calculate this:

Our methodology:

  1. Extract questions: We analyze each question paper (QP) and identify individual questions and their mark allocations (shown in square brackets, e.g., [3]).
  2. Match to syllabus: Each question is matched to the official Cambridge 0610 syllabus topics based on keywords, concepts, and question content.
  3. Sum marks per topic: For each paper, we add up the marks for all questions testing the same topic. For example, if Q1 (4 marks) and Q5b (3 marks) both test "Enzymes", that topic shows as "7 marks" for that paper.

Example: If Paper 3 shows "Photosynthesis - 13 marks", it means questions worth a total of 13 marks (out of the paper's 80 marks) tested the Photosynthesis topic from the Plant Nutrition unit of the syllabus.

How to use this: Look at the paper(s) you'll be taking (e.g., Papers 2, 4, 6 for Extended tier). The topics with the highest marks in YOUR papers are where you should focus your revision. A topic worth 15 marks deserves more study time than one worth 3 marks.

Note: Our topic matching may be inaccurate for questions that span multiple topics. Use this as a guide alongside the official syllabus.

How to Use IGCSE Biology Past Papers

📝 Timed Practice

Complete papers under exam conditions. 0610 Paper 4 is 1 hr 15 min - practice finishing within this time to build exam stamina.

✅ Self-Marking

Use the mark scheme to score your answers. Look for marking points you missed and understand what examiners expect in Biology responses.

📊 Examiner Reports

Read the 0610 examiner report to see common mistakes. Focus revision on topics where candidates typically lose marks.

🎯 Grade Targets

Check grade thresholds to see how many marks you need for your target grade. An A* in IGCSE Biology typically requires 85-90%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download IGCSE Biology May-June 2022 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Biology (0610) May-June 2022 past papers directly from this page. We provide 41 files including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports for all variants (11, 12, 13). Click "View" to open in browser or "Download" to save the PDF.
Are 0610 mark schemes included?
Yes, mark schemes for all 0610 May-June 2022 papers are included. Each question paper has a corresponding mark scheme showing expected answers and mark allocation.
What papers are available for IGCSE Biology 0610?
IGCSE Biology (0610) has 6 papers: Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (Core)), Paper 2 (Multiple Choice (Extended)), Paper 3 (Theory (Core)), Paper 4 (Theory (Extended)), Paper 5 (Practical Test), Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Core tier students take Papers 1, 3, 5/6. Extended tier students take Papers 2, 4, 5/6.
What is the difference between paper variants 11, 12, and 13?
The three variants (11, 12, 13) are different versions of the same paper used in different time zones to prevent cheating. All variants test the same syllabus content at the same difficulty level. You can practice with any variant as they are equally valid for revision.
How can I practice these past papers effectively?
Use our free Exam Hub to practice past papers like real exams. It lets you view question papers and mark schemes side-by-side, so you can self-mark your answers. No sign-up required, works with any PDF, and your files stay completely private.

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