0610

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) - May-June 2025 Past Papers

Download 41 free IGCSE Biology past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the May-June 2025 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 2025 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 2025 tests 8 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Physical and chemical digestion (Human nutrition) worth 12 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Cell structure and organisation (11 marks) and Xylem and phloem (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Physical and chemical digestion 12/80
Cell structure and organisation 11/80
Xylem and phloem 11/80
Circulatory system 11/80
Photosynthesis 10/80
Sense organs 9/80
Characteristics of living organisms 9/80
Pollution 7/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Physical and chemical digestion 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 2025 tests 6 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Sexual reproduction in plants (Reproduction) worth 17 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Nervous control in humans (14 marks) and Excretion in humans (14 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Sexual reproduction in plants 17/80
Nervous control in humans 14/80
Excretion in humans 14/80
Population size 13/80
Chromosomes, genes and proteins 12/80
Tropic responses 10/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Sexual reproduction in plants 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 2025 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Diet (Human nutrition) worth 24 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Physical and chemical digestion (16 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Diet 24/40
Physical and chemical digestion 16/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Diet 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 2025 tests 2 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Diet (Human nutrition) worth 24 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Physical and chemical digestion (16 marks)

Mark distribution by topic:

Diet 24/40
Physical and chemical digestion 16/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Biology revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Diet 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 2025 - 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 2025, 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
Physical and chemical digestion (Human nutrition)
Notes 10 cards
12m
Cell structure and organisation (Organisation of the organism)
Notes 12 cards
11m
Xylem and phloem (Transport in plants)
Notes 10 cards
11m
Circulatory system (Transport in animals)
Notes 11 cards
11m
Photosynthesis (Plant nutrition)
Notes 12 cards
10m
Sense organs (Coordination and response)
Notes 12 cards
9m

+ 2 more topics

0610 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended))

80 marks total
Sexual reproduction in plants (Reproduction)
Notes 12 cards
17m
Nervous control in humans (Coordination and response)
Notes 12 cards
14m
Excretion in humans (Excretion in humans)
Notes 13 cards
14m
Population size (Organisms and their environment)
Notes 12 cards
13m
Chromosomes, genes and proteins (Inheritance)
Notes 12 cards
12m
Tropic responses (Coordination and response)
Notes 10 cards
10m

0610 Paper 5 (Practical Test)

40 marks total
Diet (Human nutrition)
Notes 12 cards
24m
Physical and chemical digestion (Human nutrition)
Notes 10 cards
16m

0610 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

40 marks total
Diet (Human nutrition)
Notes 12 cards
24m
Physical and chemical digestion (Human nutrition)
Notes 10 cards
16m

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 2025

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Carefully read and understand all parts of each question before attempting to answer it.
  • • Focus on precise definitions and accurate recall of key terms in the syllabus, especially those with closely related meanings (e.g. excretion vs egestion).
  • • Practice interpreting diagrams and graphs accurately, paying close attention to labels and relationships.
  • • When answering questions, provide specific and detailed responses, using appropriate scientific language and avoiding vague or generalized statements.
  • • Pay close attention to command words and tailor responses accordingly (e.g., describe vs. explain).
Paper 11 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Candidates generally showed a good understanding of several topics, but struggled with applying knowledge and interpreting information carefully. Candidates need to focus on carefully reading and understanding the questions before answering, as well as interpreting diagrams accurately.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice using descriptions of terms in the syllabus.
  • ✓ When answering questions, carefully read all provided information to ensure you understand what's being asked.
  • ✓ Thoroughly review and understand the characteristics used to classify different groups of organisms (e.g., vertebrates).

Common Mistakes:

Q3 (Vertebrate classification)
✗ Incorrectly selected option B, indicating a lack of knowledge of vertebrate classification characteristics.
→ Review the specific characteristics used to classify the main groups of vertebrates.
Q7 (Diffusion)
✗ Selected option A, knowing the correct substance but misunderstanding the direction of molecule movement during diffusion.
→ Focus on understanding the direction of movement of molecules from high to low concentration in diffusion.
Q8 (Osmosis)
✗ Chose option C, not understanding that water moves out of the potato in concentrated sugar solution.
→ Understand that in osmosis, water moves from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential through a semipermeable membrane.
Q9, 29 (General)
✗ Failed to read all the information provided in the question, leading to incorrect answers.
→ Carefully read and analyze all information given in the question before selecting an answer.
Paper 12 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Candidates demonstrated good knowledge in some areas, such as magnesium ion function and disease prevention. However, they struggled with recalling definitions and precisely interpreting information presented in graphs and questions. Careful reading and thorough understanding of key terms are crucial.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice recalling descriptions of key syllabus terms (e.g., osmosis, genotype, continuous variation).
  • ✓ Pay close attention to the specific details asked in questions and interpret graphs precisely.
  • ✓ When answering questions involving experimental data, carefully work through the information given in the question to ensure you understand what it says and what's being asked

Common Mistakes:

Q5 (Specimen sizing)
✗ Incorrectly ordered specimens from largest to smallest instead of smallest to largest due to not reading carefully.
→ Carefully read the question's specific instructions before answering to avoid reversing the intended order.
Q6 (Osmosis)
✗ Did not realize osmosis must refer to the movement of water molecules.
→ Remember that osmosis specifically involves the movement of water molecules from a region of high water potential to a region of low water potential through a semipermeable membrane.
Q14 (Enzyme Action)
✗ Did not know where amylase acts (choosing stomach or pancreas instead of mouth).
→ Clearly understand the location where specific enzymes act within the digestive system.
Q15 (Absorption in intestines)
✗ Roles of the small intestine and the colon in absorption were not well understood.
→ Understand the specific roles of the small intestine (nutrient absorption) and colon (water absorption) in the digestive process.
Paper 13 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Candidates showed a good grasp of certain physiological processes and systems. However, there were weaknesses in careful observation of diagrams and methodical application of information provided. Attention to detail and careful processing of information are crucial for improvement.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ When answering questions involving diagrams, carefully examine all components and labels.
  • ✓ Work methodically through the information provided in questions to avoid careless errors.
  • ✓ Practice differentiating between similar biological terms (e.g., allele and gene).

Common Mistakes:

Q6 (Osmosis)
✗ Incorrectly thought the potato would increase in mass in concentrated sugar solution.
→ Remember that in a hypertonic solution (like concentrated sugar), water moves out of the potato, causing it to lose mass. In a hypotonic solution (distilled water), water moves in.
Q7 (Active Transport)
✗ Knew active transport occurs across cell membrane, but not the direction of particle movement.
→ Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient, from a low to a high concentration area. This requires energy.
Q12 (Leaf structure)
✗ Could not identify the correct order of structures in a leaf; thought epidermis was above the cuticle or spongy mesophyll above palisade mesophyll.
→ Review the order of tissues in a leaf: Cuticle, Epidermis, Palisade Mesophyll, Spongy Mesophyll, Epidermis, Cuticle
Q14 (Lipase Location)
✗ Knew lipase is made in the pancreas, but thought it was also made in the gall bladder.
→ Lipase is produced in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine.
Paper 21 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

Candidates showed good understanding in core concepts but struggled with applying knowledge to specific scenarios and interpreting diagrams. Emphasis should be placed on careful reading, application of knowledge, and diagram analysis.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice applying your knowledge of biological processes to specific scenarios.
  • ✓ Carefully interpret all diagrams, paying attention to labels and relationships between structures.
  • ✓ Review and understand the specific roles of different biological molecules and processes.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Photosynthesis)
✗ Could not link the need for carbon dioxide to photosynthesis and nutrition, selected respiration instead.
→ Relate carbon dioxide requirement specifically to the process of photosynthesis and its role in plant nutrition.
Q7 (Enzyme activity)
✗ Interpreted the enzyme activity graph correctly but thought that heat had ‘killed’ the enzyme.
→ Consider that enzymes can be denatured by heat rather than 'killed' and that they will slow down above or below the optimum temperature.
Q10 (Assimilation)
✗ Thought the question described absorption rather than assimilation.
→ Understand that absorption is the uptake of digested food, while assimilation is the incorporation of these nutrients into the body's tissues and cells.
Q35 (Food webs)
✗ Interpreted the food web correctly, but did not realize that there are four secondary consumers.
→ Carefully analyze food webs and follow the arrows to accurately identify the trophic levels, focus on the arrows showing energy transfer.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0610 May-June 2025. 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 2025 examination session included 6 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0610 past papers from May-June 2025, 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 2025 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 2025 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Biology (0610) May-June 2025 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 2025 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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