Cambridge IGCSE · Analysis & Prediction

2023 Cambridge IGCSE Science - Combined (0653) Past Paper: Analysis & Answers

A balanced and robust evaluation of candidates' foundational knowledge and practical skills across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The papers maintain an even distribution between core theory, calculation capability, and experimental planning.

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

AnalysisSample paper
Difficulty 3.0/5
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

  • Drawing multiple, sketchy lines for curves of best fit instead of a single smooth curve.
  • Omitting the correct precision of decimal places (e.g. writing 41 instead of 41.0) when reading values from scales.
  • Incorrect rearrangement of simple equations like density or speed-time relationships.
  • Failing to convert time units (e.g. 4 h 15 min to 4.25 h, or minutes to seconds) before plugging into physics formula.

Misconceptions

  • Believing that tap water is a pure substance rather than a solution of dissolved solids.
  • Believing that fertilisation in humans takes place in the uterus rather than the oviducts.
  • Confusing the functions of goblet cells and ciliated cells, thinking that goblet cells move the mucus.
  • Thinking that water vapour exits the stomata via active transpiration or evaporation rather than diffusion.

Where marks are lost

  • Losing marks on ray diagrams because the line did not start exactly at position Y or didn't pass through the principal focus.
  • Inability to state the correct units for calculations, such as forgetting the unit for resistance (ohms/Ω) or pressure (Pa).
  • Providing vague answers like 'avoid contamination' instead of explaining why a clean glass rod prevents the transfer of enzymes.
  • Stating that the offspring of sexual reproduction are 'non-identical' without specifying that there are genetic differences.

Estimated grade boundary

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Source: Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official)
GradeMarkPercentage
A*148/20074%
A124/20062%
B100/20050%
C77/20039%
D66/20033%
E56/20028%
Official grade boundaries published by Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official).

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