Diseases and immunity: past paper questions
Real questions on diseases and immunity
The newest 20 of 55 written questions, plus 62 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0970/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[2]
The number of children with rickets was recorded in one area. In 1990, the number of children with rickets was 3. In 2010, the number of children with rickets was 30. Calculate the percentage increase in the number of children with rickets between 1990 and 2010. Space for working.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(i)[1]
Using the information in Fig. 3.1, calculate the percentage of people that catch norovirus by direct contact with an infected person. % (i)
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(ii)[1]
In one area, 300 people caught norovirus. people Using Fig. 3.1, calculate how many of the 300 people caught the virus from contaminated water.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q3c[4]
Describe ways to prevent the indirect transmission of norovirus.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · May/June 2025 · Q3d[1]
Some viruses are transmitted through the air. State one body defence that may prevent a virus in the air from reaching the lungs.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(i)[1]
State the name of a pathogen that is transmitted by direct contact with blood.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(ii)[2]
State two ways that a pathogen can be transmitted indirectly.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2c[3]
Describe the role of antibodies in the defence against pathogens.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2d[3]
Explain how active immunity differs from passive immunity.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2024 · Q3c(ii)[3]
Outline the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2024 · Q4a[2]
Symptoms of the disease influenza may include sneezing. Fig. 4.1 shows a sign at a hospital. Always wash hands after sneezing Fig. 4.1 Explain why washing your hands after sneezing can help to prevent the spread of disease.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2024 · Q4b[2]
State two ways of preventing the spread of disease through water.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2024 · Q4c[3]
State three ways the body defends itself against disease.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2024 · Q4d[2]
Identify each disease or virus as transmissible or non‑transmissible by drawing a circle around the correct word. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmissible / non‑transmissible coronary heart disease (CHD) transmissible / non‑transmissible scurvy transmissible / non‑transmissible
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(i)[3]
Calculate the percentage change in the number of cases of polio between 1950 and 1952 in Fig. 6.1. Give your answer to two significant figures. Space for working. %
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(ii)[5]
Explain how vaccination causes the results shown between 1958 and 1970 in Fig. 6.1.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(iii)[2]
Explain why the polio vaccine does not protect you from other diseases.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6b[3]
Blood clotting helps to prevent some infections. Outline how a blood clot is formed and how it can prevent infections.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2023 · Q3b(i)[3]
Using the information in Fig. 3.2, describe the similarities and differences between the percentages of males and females with CHD.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2023 · Q3b(ii)[3]
State three risk factors for CHD not identified in Fig. 3.2.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
It was important to select the contaminated water section for the calculation. A few candidates used their own calculation from 3(b)(i).
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/32 Q3(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Candidates showed a good understanding of hygiene and prevention of infection.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/32 Q3(c) (Cambridge)
Most candidates gave correct answers. Body defence means defence by the body, not how we can protect the body.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/32 Q3(d) (Cambridge)
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