IGCSE Combined Science past paper questions by topic

1. 1Characteristics of living organisms · Biology236 written
2. 20653.B2.1.01 — Describe and compare the structure of a plant cell with an animal cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplas · Biology17 written
3. 30653.B2.1.02 — Describe the structure of a bacterial cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids · Biology21 written
4. 40653.B2.1.03 — Identify the cell structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in diagrams and images of plant, animal and bacterial cells · Biology23 written
5. 50653.B2.1.04 — Describe the functions of the structures listed in 2.1.1 in plant and animal cells · Biology21 written
6. 60653.B2.1.05 — State that specialised cells have specific functions, limited to: (a). root hair cells – absorption (b). palisade mesophyll cells – photosyn · Biology27 written
7. 70653.B2.2.01 — State and use the formula: magnification = image size actual size · Biology25 written
8. 80653.B2.2.02 — Calculate magnification and size of biological 3 Convert measurements between millimetres specimens using millimetres as units (mm) and micr · Biology32 written
9. 90653.B3.1.01 — Describe diffusion as the net movement of particles from a region of their higher concentration to a region of their lower concentration (i. · Biology17 written
10. 110653.B3.1.03 — Describe the importance of diffusion of gases 4 Investigate the factors that influence diffusion, and solutes in living organisms limited to · Biology9 written
11. 120653.B3.2.01 — State that water diffuses through partially 4 Describe osmosis as the net movement permeable membranes by osmosis of water molecules from a · Biology17 written
12. 140653.B3.2.03 — Investigate and describe the effects on plant 5 Explain the effects on plant cells of immersing tissues of immersing them in solutions of th · Biology7 written
13. 180653.B4.1.02 — State that large molecules are made from smaller molecules, limited to: (a). starch, glycogen and cellulose from glucose (b). proteins from · Biology6 written
14. 190653.B4.1.03 — Describe the use of: (a). iodine solution test for starch (b). Benedict’s solution test for reducing sugars (c). biuret test for proteins (d · Biology27 written
15. 200653.B5.1.01 — Describe enzymes as proteins that are involved in all metabolic reactions, where they function as biological catalysts · Biology24 written
16. 210653.B5.1.02 — Describe and explain enzyme action with reference to: the active site, enzyme- substrate complex, substrate and product · Biology9 written
17. 230653.B5.1.04 — Explain the effect of changes in pH on enzyme activity in terms of shape and fit and denaturation · Biology12 written
18. 240653.B6.1.01 — Describe photosynthesis as the process by which plants synthesise carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light · Biology43 written
19. 250653.B6.1.02 — State the word equation for photosynthesis 5 State the balanced symbol equation for as: photosynthesis as: carbon dioxide + water → glucose · Biology5 written
20. 280653.B6.1.05 — Understand and describe the effect of light and dark conditions on gas exchange in an aquatic plant using hydrogencarbonate indicator soluti · Biology9 written
21. 29Leaf structure · Biology26 written
22. 300653.B7.1.01 — Describe what is meant by a balanced diet · Biology6 written
23. 310653.B7.1.02 — State the principal dietary sources and describe the importance of: (a).carbohydrates (b). fats and oils (c).proteins (d). vitamins, limited · Biology21 written
24. 320653.B7.2.01 — Identify in diagrams and images the main organs of the digestive system limited to: (a). alimentary canal; mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small · Biology27 written
25. 330653.B7.2.02 — Describe the functions of the organs of the digestive system listed in 7.2.1, in relation to: (a). ingestion – the taking of substances, e.g · Biology9 written
26. 360653.B7.3.03 — State the role of chemical digestion in producing small soluble molecules that can be absorbed · Biology5 written
27. 370653.B7.3.04 — Describe the functions of enzymes as follows: (a). amylase breaks down starch to simple reducing sugars (b). proteases break down protein to · Biology7 written
28. 400653.B8.1.01 — State the functions of xylem and phloem: (a). xylem – transport of water and mineral ions, and support (b). phloem – transport of sucrose an · Biology5 written
29. 440653.B8.3.01 — Describe transpiration as the loss of water vapour from leaves · Biology17 written
30. 46Circulatory systems · Biology16 written
31. 470653.B9.2.01 — Identify in diagrams and images the structures of the mammalian heart, limited to: muscular wall, septum, left and right ventricles, left an · Biology31 written
32. 480653.B9.2.02 — Investigate and describe the effect of physical 6 Explain the effect of physical activity on the activity on heart rate heart rate · Biology7 written
33. 490653.B9.2.03 — Describe the functioning of the heart in terms of the contraction of muscles of the atria and ventricles and the action of the valves 2 Stat · Biology5 written
34. 500653.B9.2.04 — Describe coronary heart disease in terms of the blockage of coronary arteries and state the possible risk factors including: diet, lack of e · Biology8 written
35. 52Blood vessels · Biology14 written
36. 530653.B9.4.01 — List the components of blood as: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma · Biology11 written
37. 550653.B9.4.03 — State the functions of the following components of blood: (a). red blood cells in transporting oxygen, including the role of haemoglobin (b) · Biology13 written
38. 570653.B10.1.01 — Describe a pathogen as a disease-causing organism · Biology8 written
39. 590653.B10.1.03 — State the features of viruses, limited to a protein coat and genetic material 3 State that a pathogen is transmitted: (a). by direct contact · Biology9 written
40. 600653.B10.1.04 — Explain the importance of the following in controlling the spread of disease: (a). a clean water supply (b) . hygienic food preparation (c) · Biology7 written
41. 610653.B10.1.05 — Describe active immunity as defence against a pathogen by antibody production in the body · Biology6 written
42. 630653.B11.1.01 — Identify in diagrams and images the following 3 Describe the features of gas exchange parts of the breathing system: lungs, surfaces in huma · Biology15 written
43. 640653.B11.1.02 — Investigate and describe the effects of physical activity on the rate and depth of breathing · Biology5 written
44. 660653.B12.1.02 — Describe aerobic respiration as the chemical reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to release energy · Biology17 written
45. 680653.B13.1.01 — Describe a drug as any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body · Biology6 written
46. 720653.B14.1.01 — Identify in diagrams and images and draw the 6 Identify in diagrams and images and describe following parts of an insect-pollinated flower: · Biology16 written
47. 740653.B14.1.03 — Describe pollination as the transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a stigma · Biology6 written
48. 760653.B14.1.05 — Investigate and describe the environmental conditions that affect germination of seeds, limited to the requirement for: water, oxygen and a · Biology12 written
49. 770653.B14.2.01 — Identify on diagrams and state the functions of the following parts of the male reproductive system: testes, scrotum, sperm ducts, prostate · Biology20 written
50. 780653.B14.2.02 — Identify on diagrams and state the functions of the following parts of the female reproductive system: ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix and · Biology17 written
51. 830653.B15.2.01 — Describe a food chain as showing the transfer of energy from one organism to the next, beginning with a producer · Biology6 written
52. 840653.B15.2.02 — Construct and interpret simple food chains · Biology12 written
53. 850653.B15.2.03 — Describe a food web as a network of interconnected food chains and interpret food webs · Biology11 written
54. 880653.B15.2.06 — State that consumers may be classed as primary, secondary and tertiary according to their position in a food chain · Biology10 written
55. 890653.B15.2.07 — Describe a herbivore as an animal that gets its energy by eating plants · Biology7 written
56. 910653.B15.2.09 — Describe a decomposer as an organism that gets its energy from dead or waste organic material · Biology6 written
57. 920653.B15.2.10 — Use food chains and food webs to describe the impact humans have through overharvesting of food species and through introducing foreign spec · Biology6 written
58. 990653.B16.2.02 — Describe how endangered species can be conserved, limited to: (a). monitoring and protecting species and habitats (b).education (c). captive · Biology13 written
59. 10653.C1.1.01 — State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases · Chemistry27 written
60. 20653.C1.1.02 — Describe the structures of solids, liquids and gases in terms of particle separation, arrangement and motion · Chemistry5 written
61. 30653.C1.1.03 — Describe changes of state in terms of melting, 5 Explain changes of state in terms of kinetic boiling, evaporating, freezing and condensing · Chemistry12 written
62. 40653.C1.1.04 — Describe the effects of temperature and pressure on the volume of a gas · Chemistry5 written
63. 5Elements, compounds and mixtures · Chemistry11 written
64. 60653.C2.2.01 — Describe the structure of the atom as a central nucleus containing neutrons and protons, surrounded by electrons in shells · Chemistry11 written
65. 70653.C2.2.02 — State the relative charges and relative masses of a proton, a neutron and an electron · Chemistry9 written
66. 80653.C2.2.03 — Define proton number / atomic number as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom · Chemistry21 written
67. 90653.C2.2.04 — Define mass number / nucleon number as the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom · Chemistry7 written
68. 100653.C2.2.05 — Determine the electronic configuration of elements with proton number 1 to 20, e.g. 2,8,3 · Chemistry9 written
69. 110653.C2.2.06 — State that: (a). Group VIII noble gases have a full outer shell (b). the number of outer-shell electrons is equal to the group number in Gro · Chemistry8 written
70. 130653.C2.3.02 — State that an ionic bond is a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions · Chemistry29 written
71. 140653.C2.3.03 — Describe the formation of ionic bonds between elements from Group I and Group VII, including the use of dot-and-cross diagrams · Chemistry8 written
72. 160653.C2.3.05 — Describe the giant lattice structure of ionic compounds as a regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions, exemplified by s · Chemistry5 written
73. 170653.C2.4.01 — State that a covalent bond is formed when a pair of electrons is shared between two atoms leading to noble gas electronic configurations · Chemistry11 written
74. 180653.C2.4.02 — Describe the formation of covalent bonds 4 Describe the formation of covalent bonds in in simple molecules, including H2, Cl 2, simple molec · Chemistry10 written
75. 190653.C2.4.03 — Describe the properties of simple molecular compounds: (a). low melting points and boiling points (b). poor electrical conductivity · Chemistry10 written
76. 200653.C3.1.01 — State the formulas of the elements and compounds named in the subject content · Chemistry6 written
77. 220653.C3.1.03 — Deduce the formula of a simple molecular 6 Deduce the formula of an ionic compound compound from the relative numbers of from the relative n · Chemistry7 written
78. 230653.C3.1.04 — Construct word equations to show how reactants form products · Chemistry16 written
79. 240653.C3.1.05 — Balance and interpret simple symbol equations, including state symbols · Chemistry15 written
80. 250653.C3.1.06 — Construct symbol equations with state symbols, including ionic equations · Chemistry5 written
81. 260653.C4.1.01 — Define electrolysis as the decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in aqueous solution, by the passage of an electric current · Chemistry21 written
82. 270653.C4.1.02 — Identify in simple electrolytic cells: (a). the anode as the positive electrode (b). the cathode as the negative electrode (c). the electrol · Chemistry12 written
83. 280653.C4.1.03 — Identify the products formed at the electrodes and describe the observations, made during the electrolysis of: (a). molten lead(II) bromide · Chemistry11 written
84. 310653.C5.1.01 — State that an exothermic reaction transfers thermal energy to the surroundings leading to an increase in the temperature of the surroundings · Chemistry34 written
85. 37Physical and chemical changes · Chemistry30 written
86. 380653.C6.2.01 — Describe the effect on the rate of reaction of: 5 Explain the effect on the rate of reaction of: (a). changing the concentration of solution · Chemistry29 written
87. 390653.C6.2.02 — State that a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction and is unchanged at the end of a reaction · Chemistry20 written
88. 430653.C6.3.01 — Define redox reactions as involving simultaneous oxidation and reduction · Chemistry10 written
89. 470653.C7.1.01 — Describe the characteristic properties of acids in terms of their reactions with: (a).metals (b).bases (c).carbonates · Chemistry16 written
90. 480653.C7.1.02 — Describe acids in terms of their effect on the indicators: (a).litmus (b). methyl orange · Chemistry11 written
91. 500653.C7.1.04 — Describe the characteristic properties of bases in terms of their reactions with acids · Chemistry6 written
92. 520653.C7.1.06 — Describe how to compare neutrality, relative acidity and relative alkalinity in terms of colour and pH using universal indicator · Chemistry9 written
93. 53Oxides · Chemistry12 written
94. 560653.C8.1.01 — Describe the Periodic Table as an arrangement of elements in periods and groups and in order of increasing proton number / atomic number · Chemistry8 written
95. 570653.C8.1.02 — Describe the change from metallic to non-metallic character across a period · Chemistry6 written
96. 590653.C8.2.01 — Describe the Group I alkali metals, lithium, sodium and potassium, as relatively soft metals with general trends down the group, limited to: · Chemistry9 written
97. 610653.C8.3.01 — Describe the Group VII halogens, chlorine, bromine and iodine, as diatomic non-metals with general trends down the group, limited to: (a). i · Chemistry11 written
98. 630653.C8.3.03 — Describe and explain the displacement reactions of halogens with other halide ions · Chemistry5 written
99. 65Transition elements · Chemistry10 written
100. 680653.C9.1.02 — Describe the general chemical properties of metals, limited to their reactions with: (a). dilute acids (b). cold water and steam · Chemistry5 written
101. 710653.C9.3.02 — State that alloys can be harder and stronger than the pure metals and are more useful · Chemistry6 written
102. 750653.C9.4.01 — State the order of the reactivity series as: potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, carbon, zinc, iron, hydrogen, copper, silver, · Chemistry11 written
103. 830653.C9.6.03 — State that main ore of aluminium is bauxite and that aluminium is extracted by electrolysis · Chemistry7 written
104. 840653.C10.1.01 — Describe chemical tests for the presence of water using anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride and anhydrous copper(II) sulfate · Chemistry7 written
105. 870653.C10.2.01 — State the composition of clean, dry air as approximately 78% nitrogen, N2, 21% oxygen, O2, and the remainder as a mixture of noble gases and · Chemistry10 written
106. 880653.C10.2.02 — State the source of each of these air pollutants, limited to: (a) . carbon dioxide from the complete combustion of carbon-containing fuels ( · Chemistry5 written
107. 890653.C10.2.03 — State the adverse effect of these air pollutants, limited to: (a). carbon dioxide: higher levels of carbon dioxide leading to increased glob · Chemistry6 written
108. 910653.C10.2.05 — State strategies to reduce the effects of acid rain: reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide by using low-sulfur fuels · Chemistry5 written
109. 960653.C11.1.04 — Describe the general characteristics of a homologous series as: (a) . having the same general formula (recall of specific general formulas i · Chemistry6 written
110. 1010653.C11.2.05 — Describe the separation of petroleum into useful fractions by fractional distillation · Chemistry5 written
111. 1050653.C11.3.02 — Describe the properties of alkanes as being generally unreactive, except in terms of combustion · Chemistry11 written
112. 1060653.C11.4.01 — State that the bonding in alkenes includes a double carbon–carbon covalent bond and that alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons · Chemistry16 written
113. 1070653.C11.4.02 — Describe the test to distinguish between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons by their reaction with aqueous bromine · Chemistry6 written
114. 1080653.C11.4.03 — Describe the manufacture of alkenes and hydrogen by the cracking of larger alkane molecules using a high temperature and a catalyst · Chemistry15 written
115. 1110653.C11.5.02 — State that the formation of poly(ethene) is an example of addition polymerisation using ethene (an alkene) monomers · Chemistry7 written
116. 1120653.C12.1.01 — Name appropriate apparatus for the measurement of time, temperature, mass and volume, including: (a) . stop-watches (b) . thermometers (c) . · Chemistry7 written
117. 1130653.C12.1.02 — Describe a: (a) . solvent as a substance that dissolves a solute (b) . solute as a substance that is dissolved in a solvent (c) . solution a · Chemistry6 written
118. 1170653.C12.3.01 — Describe and explain methods of separation and purification using: (a) . a suitable solvent (b) . filtration (c) . crystallisation (d) . sim · Chemistry7 written
119. 1190653.C12.4.01 — Describe tests to identify the anions: (a). carbonate, CO32–, by reaction with dilute acid and then testing for carbon dioxide gas (b). chlo · Chemistry6 written
120. 1200653.C12.4.02 — Describe tests using aqueous sodium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia to identify the aqueous cations: (a). ammonium, NH4+ (b). calcium, Ca2+ (c · Chemistry6 written
121. 1210653.C12.4.03 — Describe tests to identify the gases: (a) . ammonia, NH3, using damp red litmus paper (b) . carbon dioxide, CO2, using limewater (c) . chlor · Chemistry13 written
122. 10653.P1.1.01 — Describe the use of rulers and measuring cylinders to find a length or a volume · Physics127 written
123. 20653.P1.1.02 — Describe how to measure a variety of time intervals using clocks and digital timers · Physics8 written
124. 30653.P1.1.03 — Determine an average value for a small distance and for a short interval of time by measuring multiples (including the period of oscillation · Physics6 written
125. 40653.P1.2.01 — Define speed as distance travelled per unit time; recall and use the equation v= s t · Physics37 written
126. 50653.P1.2.02 — Recall and use the equation total distance travelled average speed = total time taken · Physics7 written
127. 60653.P1.2.03 — Sketch, plot and interpret distance–time and speed–time graphs · Physics18 written
128. 70653.P1.2.04 — Know that an object moving with increasing speed is accelerating, and that an object moving with decreasing speed is decelerating · Physics8 written
129. 80653.P1.2.05 — Determine, qualitatively, from the shape of a distance–time graph when an object is: (a) . at rest (b) . moving with constant speed · Physics6 written
130. 90653.P1.2.06 — Define acceleration for an object moving in a straight line as change in speed per unit time; recall and use the equation Δv a= Δt 6 Determi · Physics13 written
131. 100653.P1.3.01 — State that mass is a measure of the quantity of matter in an object · Physics5 written
132. 110653.P1.3.02 — State that weight is the gravitational force on 4 Describe, and use the concept of, weight as an object that has mass the effect of a gravit · Physics11 written
133. 130653.P1.4.01 — Define density as mass per unit volume; recall and use the equation · Physics13 written
134. 160653.P1.5.01 — Know that forces may produce changes in 7 Recall and use the equation the size, shape and motion of an object F = ma and know that the resul · Physics39 written
135. 210653.P1.5.06 — Know that an object either remains at rest or continues in a straight line at constant speed unless there is a resultant force on the object · Physics5 written
136. 220653.P1.6.01 — State that energy may be stored as kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic (strain), nuclear, electrostatic and internal (therma · Physics23 written
137. 240653.P1.6.03 — Define power as work done per unit time and also as energy transferred per unit time; recall and use the equations W (a). P = t ΔE (b). P = · Physics10 written
138. 250653.P1.6.04 — Describe how energy is transferred between stores during events and processes, including examples of transfer by forces (mechanical work don · Physics13 written
139. 260653.P1.6.05 — Recall and use the equation for mechanical working W = Fd = ΔE · Physics5 written
140. 270653.P1.6.06 — Recall and use the equation for kinetic energy · Physics9 written
141. 290653.P1.6.08 — Recall and use the equation for the change in gravitational potential energy ΔEp = mgΔh 3 Know the principle of conservation of energy and a · Physics7 written
142. 320653.P1.7.02 — Define pressure as force per unit area; recall and use the equation F p= A · Physics5 written
143. 330653.P2.1.01 — State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases · Physics10 written
144. 390653.P2.2.02 — Describe evaporation in terms of the escape 3 Describe how temperature, surface area of the more energetic particles from the and air moveme · Physics5 written
145. 410653.P2.3.01 — Identify and give examples of typical good 2 Describe thermal conduction in solids in thermal conductors and bad thermal terms of atomic or · Physics9 written
146. 450653.P2.3.05 — Describe the effect of surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) on the emission, absorption and reflection of thermal rad · Physics6 written
147. 480653.P3.1.01 — Know that waves transfer energy without transferring matter · Physics16 written
148. 490653.P3.1.02 — Know that for a transverse wave, the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation and understand that electroma · Physics5 written
149. 500653.P3.1.03 — Know that for a longitudinal wave, the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of propagation and understand that sound waves an · Physics6 written
150. 510653.P3.2.01 — Use ray diagrams to define the terms normal, angle of incidence and angle of reflection · Physics11 written
151. 570653.P3.2.07 — Interpret ray diagrams for the formation of an image by a thin converging lens, limited to real images · Physics6 written
152. 590653.P3.3.01 — Know the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum (radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma) in order of frequency · Physics26 written
153. 630653.P3.4.01 — Describe the production of sound by vibrating 8 Describe the longitudinal nature of sound sources waves in air as a series of compressions a · Physics8 written
154. 650653.P4.1.01 — State that there are positive and negative 4 State that charge is measured in coulombs charges · Physics6 written
155. 680653.P4.1.04 — State that positive charges repel other positive charges, negative charges repel other negative charges, but positive charges attract negati · Physics11 written
156. 700653.P4.1.06 — Recall and use the equation for electrical power P = IV · Physics13 written
157. 770653.P4.2.01 — Draw and interpret circuit diagrams 2 Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing cells, batteries, power supplies, containing generators · Physics36 written
158. 780653.P4.2.02 — Know that the current at every point in a series circuit is the same · Physics20 written
159. 790653.P4.2.03 — Know how to construct and use series and parallel circuits · Physics18 written
160. 800653.P4.2.04 — Calculate the combined resistance of two or 7 Recall and use in calculations, the fact that more resistors in series (a) . the sum of the cu · Physics29 written
161. 850653.P4.3.02 — State the hazards of: (a) . damaged insulation (b) . overheating cables (c) . damp conditions (d) . excess current from overloading of plugs · Physics5 written
162. 91The Solar System · Physics10 written

Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. Past papers and syllabus © UCLES; AssessPro is independent of Cambridge.