Cambridge IGCSE · Analysis & Prediction

2024 Cambridge IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) (0654) Past Paper: Analysis & Answers

An analytical review of the October/November 2024 Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (0654) exam papers, focusing on Paper 43 (Extended Theory) and highlighting syllabus coverage, practical assessment trends, and typical candidate pitfalls.

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

AnalysisSample paper
Difficulty 3.8/5
Total marks
220
Duration
255 mins
Most tested
—

Paper breakdown

Paper 2 Multiple Choice (Extended): 40 marks · 45 minsPaper 4 Theory (Extended): 120 marks · 120 minsPaper 6 Alternative to Practical: 60 marks · 90 mins

Examiner insights

Official report

Common pitfalls

  • In Hooke's Law calculations, failing to calculate the load on a single spring (17000 N / 4 = 4250 N), using the total car weight as the force instead.
  • Confusing the reaction mechanisms of addition polymerisation (which forms no side products) with condensation polymerisation (which forms a small molecule such as water).
  • Leaving out required negative charges or electron count details when drawing the formula or ion representation for tellurium (Te2-).

Misconceptions

  • Believing that plant cell auxins stimulate cell division rather than causing cell elongation specifically on the shaded side of the shoot.
  • Assuming that the limiting reactant is simply the substance with the lowest absolute mass in grams, without converting to moles first.

Where marks are lost

  • Failing to write down the correct units (such as 'coulombs' or 'C') when specifically prompted in quantitative physics questions.
  • Drawing incomplete or incorrectly orientated arrows to represent activation energy and energy change on chemical profile diagrams.
  • Imprecise explanations of gas pressure in terms of molecular collisions, omitting that force is exerted 'per unit area' or 'on the walls of the container'.

Estimated grade boundary

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Source: Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official)
GradeMarkPercentage
A*171/24071%
A142/24059%
B113/24047%
C85/24035%
D72/24030%
E60/24025%
Official grade boundaries published by Cambridge IGCSE grade thresholds (official).

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