Cambridge IGCSE · Analysis & Prediction

2024 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) Past Paper: Analysis & Answers

A comprehensive examiner-led analysis of the October/November 2024 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) examination papers. This breakdown covers core and extended papers, highlighting top chapters, common traps, and preparation recommendations.

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

AnalysisSample paper
Difficulty 3.5/5
Total marks
160
Duration
180 mins
Most tested
—

Paper breakdown

Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended): 40 marks · 45 minsPaper 4 Theory (Extended): 80 marks · 75 minsPaper 6 Alternative to Practical: 40 marks · 60 mins

Examiner insights

Official report

Common pitfalls

  • Omitting state symbols or providing incorrect state symbols for insoluble bases like copper(II) oxide ( CuO(s) ) vs soluble reactants.
  • Failing to show all bonds when drawing organic molecules, especially forgetting the lines representing single bonds inside functional groups (like O-H or N-H).
  • Using lead pencil to mark baseline in chromatography but writing names with ink, which contaminates the solvent system.

Misconceptions

  • Assuming that adding a catalyst shifts the position of equilibrium or increases the final yield of products instead of just accelerating both reactions.
  • Believing that inert electrodes like carbon/graphite chemically participate in the oxidation/reduction processes.
  • Confusing 'homologous series' characteristics with those of 'isomers', particularly regarding molecular mass and physical properties.

Where marks are lost

  • Not rounding relative atomic mass values or volumes to the precise decimal places indicated by the prompt (e.g., thallium RAM to one decimal place).
  • Leaving out ion charges on either the cation (Mg2+) or anion (O2-) in ionic dot-and-cross diagrams.
  • Confusing the distinct colors of specific indicators (methyl orange, thymolphthalein) in acidic vs basic conditions.

Estimated grade boundary

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Source: Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official)
GradeMarkPercentage
A*158/20079%
A133/20067%
B108/20054%
C84/20042%
D71/20036%
E59/20030%
Official grade boundaries published by Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official).

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