IGCSE Environmental Management 0680 · Topic 3

Topic 3: past paper questions

88 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2027usually: State, Suggest, Describe, Explain, Calculate

Real questions on topic 3

The newest 20 of 88 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q2a(ii)[2]
Explain how the presence of a forest increases interception.
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0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q2b(i)[1]
Define safe drinking water.
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0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q2b(ii)[3]
Describe the process of desalination by distillation.
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0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q2b(iii)[1]
Name one other method of desalination.
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0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q2b(iv)[6]
Discuss the benefits and limitations of desalination.
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0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q5a(i)[2]
Complete the bar chart to show the amount of non-biodegradable and biodegradable waste produced in 2015.
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0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q5a(ii)[3]
Calculate the difference between the amount of non-biodegradable waste and biodegradable waste produced in 2015. Show your working.
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0680/01 · Specimen 2027 · Q5c[4]
Explain four environmental impacts of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
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0680/02 · Specimen 2027 · Q1a(i)[1]
Identify the month with the highest mean monthly precipitation.
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0680/11 · October/November 2024 · Q1a[3]
The diagram shows part of the water cycle. ocean precipitation A transpiration B ground water flow C ice and snow run-off Key movement of water process State the names of processes A, B and C. A .............................................................. B .............................................................
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0680/11 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[1]
State the process that releases water from plant leaves.
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0680/11 · May/June 2024 · Q3a[1]
State the method of dealing with the oil spill shown in the diagram.
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0680/11 · May/June 2024 · Q3b[2]
State two other methods of dealing with oil spills on the ocean surface.
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0680/11 · May/June 2024 · Q3c[3]
State three impacts of oil pollution on marine ecosystems.
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0680/11 · October/November 2023 · Q1b[3]
three processes that add water to the atmosphere.
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0680/11 · October/November 2023 · Q4b[2]
why this is a danger to people.
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0680/11 · October/November 2023 · Q7a_i[1]
one reason why the total mass of plastic waste produced in the United States increased between 1980 and 2018.
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0680/11 · October/November 2023 · Q7a_ii[3]
the trends for the different strategies of plastic waste disposal.
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0680/11 · October/November 2023 · Q7a_iii[1]
one reason for this difference.
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0680/11 · October/November 2023 · Q7b[3]
three ways in which plastic waste pollution has an impact in the oceans.
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What examiners said

This question required candidates to describe the benefits and limitations of fish farms. Most gained partial credit. The most common benefit was protection from predators. The most common limitation was the spread of disease. Some candidates wrote about tourists being a benefit and the cost of setting up and running fish farms a limitation. Some candidates wrote answers suggesting that fish would...
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0680/21 Q4(c) (Cambridge)

There were mixed responses to this question requiring candidates to complete a pie chart. Most responses scored credit for the correct application of the key, although inserting just the percentage on the dotted lines was not creditworthy. The terms ‘underfished’, ‘fully fished’ and ‘overfished’ were required with a suitable shading. More precision was sometimes needed with the plotting.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 0680/11 Q4(a) (Cambridge)

Those candidates who were able to demonstrate a clear understanding of food chains and food webs often achieved full credit on this question. Some responses used a specific example of a predator, such as a shark, and this approach proved very effective. The weaker responses contained information on a lack of food for predators and needed to go on to link this idea to the impact on food webs.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 0680/11 Q4(b) (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise topic 3

In the syllabus

1 0680.3.1.1 — Describe and interpret the water cycle, limited to: (a) stores: salt water (oceans) and fresh water (ice sheets and glaciers, ground water,

Describe and interpret the water cycle, limited to: (a) stores: salt water (oceans) and fresh water (ice sheets and glaciers, ground water, atmosphere and lakes and rivers) (b) transfers: precipitation, interception, surface run-off, infiltration, through-flow, ground water flow, transpiration, evaporation and condensation.
Describe the sources of fresh water used by people, limited to: (a) atmosphere: rain and snow (b) surface water: rivers, lakes and reservoirs (c) ground water: aquifers and wells (d) oceans: desalination plants.
Identify the world’s oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic.
Define potable water as water that is safe to drink.
Describe the stages in water treatment to make water potable, limited to: (a) screening (b) sedimentation (c) filtration (d) chlorination.
Compare the availability of potable water in different parts of the world, limited to: (a) water-rich and water-poor regions (b) urban and rural regions (c) global inequalities in water availability and sewage treatment.
Describe the process of desalination, limited to: (a) distillation: water heated until it boils, salt remains in the liquid, steam is pure water, steam is cooled and condensed to form potable water (b) reverse osmosis: water is put under high pressure, passed through a membrane, membrane allows water molecules to pass through but stops most ions and other molecules.
Discuss the benefits and limitations of desalination.
Describe the uses of a multipurpose dam, limited to: (a) flood control (b) hydro-electric power (c) irrigation (d) storage of water (e) transport (f) recreation (g) tourism (h) fish farming.
Discuss the benefits and limitations of a multipurpose dam.

2 0680.3.1.2 — Describe the sources of fresh water used by people, limited to: (a) atmosphere: rain and snow (b) surface water: rivers, lakes and reservoir

Describe the sources of fresh water used by people, limited to: (a) atmosphere: rain and snow (b) surface water: rivers, lakes and reservoirs (c) ground water: aquifers and wells (d) oceans: desalination plants.

3 0680.3.1.3 — Identify the world’s oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic.

Identify the world’s oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic.

4 0680.3.1.4 — Define potable water as water that is safe to drink.

Define potable water as water that is safe to drink.

5 0680.3.1.5 — Describe the stages in water treatment to make water potable, limited to: (a) screening (b) sedimentation (c) filtration (d) chlorination.

Describe the stages in water treatment to make water potable, limited to: (a) screening (b) sedimentation (c) filtration (d) chlorination.

6 0680.3.1.6 — Compare the availability of potable water in different parts of the world, limited to: (a) water-rich and water-poor regions (b) urban and r

Compare the availability of potable water in different parts of the world, limited to: (a) water-rich and water-poor regions (b) urban and rural regions (c) global inequalities in water availability and sewage treatment.

7 0680.3.1.7 — Describe the process of desalination, limited to: (a) distillation: water heated until it boils, salt remains in the liquid, steam is pure w

Describe the process of desalination, limited to: (a) distillation: water heated until it boils, salt remains in the liquid, steam is pure water, steam is cooled and condensed to form potable water (b) reverse osmosis: water is put under high pressure, passed through a membrane, membrane allows water molecules to pass through but stops most ions and other molecules.

8 0680.3.1.8 — Discuss the benefits and limitations of desalination.

Discuss the benefits and limitations of desalination.

9 0680.3.1.9 — Describe the uses of a multipurpose dam, limited to: (a) flood control (b) hydro-electric power (c) irrigation (d) storage of water (e) tran

Describe the uses of a multipurpose dam, limited to: (a) flood control (b) hydro-electric power (c) irrigation (d) storage of water (e) transport (f) recreation (g) tourism (h) fish farming.

10 0680.3.1.10 — Discuss the benefits and limitations of a multipurpose dam.

Discuss the benefits and limitations of a multipurpose dam.

11 0680.3.2.1 — Describe the sources of water pollution, limited to: (a) domestic waste (b) sewage (c) plastic waste (d) industrial processes (e) agricultur

Describe the sources of water pollution, limited to: (a) domestic waste (b) sewage (c) plastic waste (d) industrial processes (e) agricultural practices.
Describe and explain the impacts of water pollution on people and on the environment, limited to: (a) risk of infectious bacterial diseases: cholera (b) accumulation of toxic substances from industrial processes (c) bioaccumulation of toxic substances in a single organism over time (d) biomagnification of toxic substances as they increase in concentration as they are passed up a food chain (e) the effect of acid rain on organisms in rivers and lakes (f) leaching and nutrient enrichment from organic content and inorganic ions leading to eutrophication.
Describe strategies for improving water quality, limited to: (a) improved sanitation (b) treatment of sewage (c) pollution control and legislation.

12 0680.3.2.2 — Describe and explain the impacts of water pollution on people and on the environment, limited to: (a) risk of infectious bacterial diseases:

Describe and explain the impacts of water pollution on people and on the environment, limited to: (a) risk of infectious bacterial diseases: cholera (b) accumulation of toxic substances from industrial processes (c) bioaccumulation of toxic substances in a single organism over time (d) biomagnification of toxic substances as they increase in concentration as they are passed up a food chain (e) the effect of acid rain on organisms in rivers and lakes (f) leaching and nutrient enrichment from organic content and inorganic ions leading to eutrophication.

13 0680.3.2.3 — Describe strategies for improving water quality, limited to: (a) improved sanitation (b) treatment of sewage (c) pollution control and legis

Describe strategies for improving water quality, limited to: (a) improved sanitation (b) treatment of sewage (c) pollution control and legislation.

14 0680.3.3.1 — Describe how mosquitoes spread malaria, limited to: (a) female Anopheles mosquitoes as the vector (b) malaria Plasmodium parasite transmitte

Describe how mosquitoes spread malaria, limited to: (a) female Anopheles mosquitoes as the vector (b) malaria Plasmodium parasite transmitted to humans when bitten by an infected mosquito (c) the malaria parasite is transmitted to non-infected mosquitoes when they feed on the blood of infected humans.
Describe strategies to control malaria, limited to: (a) personal protection: nets, insect repellent, vaccination and antimalarial drugs (b) vector control: cover or drain breeding areas, spraying large areas with insecticides, sterilise male mosquitoes and biological control.
Describe strategies to control cholera, limited to: (a) handwashing (b) adequate sanitation and sewage treatment (c) potable water supply: boiling and chlorination (d) vaccination.
Discuss the benefits and limitations of strategies to control water-related diseases.

15 0680.3.3.2 — Describe strategies to control malaria, limited to: (a) personal protection: nets, insect repellent, vaccination and antimalarial drugs (b)

Describe strategies to control malaria, limited to: (a) personal protection: nets, insect repellent, vaccination and antimalarial drugs (b) vector control: cover or drain breeding areas, spraying large areas with insecticides, sterilise male mosquitoes and biological control.

16 0680.3.3.3 — Describe strategies to control cholera, limited to: (a) handwashing (b) adequate sanitation and sewage treatment (c) potable water supply: b

Describe strategies to control cholera, limited to: (a) handwashing (b) adequate sanitation and sewage treatment (c) potable water supply: boiling and chlorination (d) vaccination.

17 0680.3.3.4 — Discuss the benefits and limitations of strategies to control water-related diseases.

Discuss the benefits and limitations of strategies to control water-related diseases.

18 0680.3.4.1 — Describe and explain the impacts of exploitation of marine species, limited to: (a) overfishing and overharvesting of marine species (b) eff

Describe and explain the impacts of exploitation of marine species, limited to: (a) overfishing and overharvesting of marine species (b) effect on target and bycatch species (c) effect on food chains.
Define marine aquaculture as the farming of marine species in captivity, limited to: (a) fish (b) crustaceans (c) seaweeds. Knowledge of specific species is not required.
Describe and explain the impacts of marine aquaculture, limited to: (a) reduced exploitation of natural fisheries (b) increased food supply for humans (c) risk of escape (d) risk of disease (e) local food webs (f) nutrient enrichment from waste (g) energy usage (h) source of food for farmed species.
Describe and explain strategies for the management of the harvesting of marine species, limited to: (a) limits on size of boat and overall net size (b) increased mesh size of nets (c) sustainable methods: pole and line (d) quotas (e) closed seasons (f) limited number of fishing days (g) protected areas (h) conservation laws (i) international agreements: implementation and monitoring.
Discuss the benefits and limitations of strategies for management of the harvesting of marine species.

19 0680.3.4.2 — Define marine aquaculture as the farming of marine species in captivity, limited to: (a) fish (b) crustaceans (c) seaweeds. Knowledge of spe

Define marine aquaculture as the farming of marine species in captivity, limited to: (a) fish (b) crustaceans (c) seaweeds. Knowledge of specific species is not required.

20 0680.3.4.3 — Describe and explain the impacts of marine aquaculture, limited to: (a) reduced exploitation of natural fisheries (b) increased food supply

Describe and explain the impacts of marine aquaculture, limited to: (a) reduced exploitation of natural fisheries (b) increased food supply for humans (c) risk of escape (d) risk of disease (e) local food webs (f) nutrient enrichment from waste (g) energy usage (h) source of food for farmed species.

21 0680.3.4.4 — Describe and explain strategies for the management of the harvesting of marine species, limited to: (a) limits on size of boat and overall n

Describe and explain strategies for the management of the harvesting of marine species, limited to: (a) limits on size of boat and overall net size (b) increased mesh size of nets (c) sustainable methods: pole and line (d) quotas (e) closed seasons (f) limited number of fishing days (g) protected areas (h) conservation laws (i) international agreements: implementation and monitoring.

22 0680.3.4.5 — Discuss the benefits and limitations of strategies for management of the harvesting of marine species.

Discuss the benefits and limitations of strategies for management of the harvesting of marine species.

23 0680.3.5.1 — Describe the causes of oil pollution on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) off-shore and on-shore oil extraction (b) pipelines (

Describe the causes of oil pollution on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) off-shore and on-shore oil extraction (b) pipelines (c) shipping (d) cleaning of tanks at sea (e) refineries.
Describe the impacts of oil pollution on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to the effects on: (a) birds (b) marine mammals (c) fish (d) crustaceans (e) seaweeds (f) coral reefs (g) beaches. Knowledge of specific species is not required.
Describe strategies for oil spill prevention in marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) (b) double-hulled oil tankers (c) risk assessments (d) regular maintenance.
Describe strategies for minimising the impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) improved navigation systems for ships (b) booms and sorbents (c) detergent sprays (d) skimmers (e) controlled burning.

24 0680.3.5.2 — Describe the impacts of oil pollution on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to the effects on: (a) birds (b) marine mammals (c) fish (d)

Describe the impacts of oil pollution on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to the effects on: (a) birds (b) marine mammals (c) fish (d) crustaceans (e) seaweeds (f) coral reefs (g) beaches. Knowledge of specific species is not required.

25 0680.3.5.3 — Describe strategies for oil spill prevention in marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) MARPOL (International Convention for the Prev

Describe strategies for oil spill prevention in marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) (b) double-hulled oil tankers (c) risk assessments (d) regular maintenance.

26 0680.3.5.4 — Describe strategies for minimising the impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) improved navigation systems f

Describe strategies for minimising the impacts of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystems, limited to: (a) improved navigation systems for ships (b) booms and sorbents (c) detergent sprays (d) skimmers (e) controlled burning.

27 0680.3.6.1 — Describe conventional plastics as plastics made from fossil fuels that are generally non‑biodegradable.

Describe conventional plastics as plastics made from fossil fuels that are generally non‑biodegradable.
Describe bioplastics as plastics that can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable and are fully or partly made from biological raw materials rather than from fossil fuels.
Describe biodegradable plastics as plastics that: (a) are designed to decompose in water or soil (b) are decomposed by the action of bacteria and fungi into water, biomass and gases (carbon dioxide and methane) (c) decompose at different rates depending on biotic and abiotic factors.
Describe non-biodegradable plastics as plastics that break down over a long period of time.
Describe microplastics as plastics that are: (a) less than 5 mm in length (b) formed when larger plastics break down (c) used in commercial products.
Describe and explain the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, limited to: (a) visual pollution (b) entanglement (c) risk of being mistaken for food by marine animals (d) bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
Describe and explain strategies for managing the impacts of plastic pollution, limited to: (a) alternative packaging (b) avoiding single-use plastics (c) safe disposal (d) recycling (e) legislation and enforcement.

28 0680.3.6.2 — Describe bioplastics as plastics that can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable and are fully or partly made from biological raw materials r

Describe bioplastics as plastics that can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable and are fully or partly made from biological raw materials rather than from fossil fuels.

29 0680.3.6.3 — Describe biodegradable plastics as plastics that: (a) are designed to decompose in water or soil (b) are decomposed by the action of bacteri

Describe biodegradable plastics as plastics that: (a) are designed to decompose in water or soil (b) are decomposed by the action of bacteria and fungi into water, biomass and gases (carbon dioxide and methane) (c) decompose at different rates depending on biotic and abiotic factors.

30 0680.3.6.4 — Describe non-biodegradable plastics as plastics that break down over a long period of time.

Describe non-biodegradable plastics as plastics that break down over a long period of time.

31 0680.3.6.5 — Describe microplastics as plastics that are: (a) less than 5 mm in length (b) formed when larger plastics break down (c) used in commercial

Describe microplastics as plastics that are: (a) less than 5 mm in length (b) formed when larger plastics break down (c) used in commercial products.

32 0680.3.6.6 — Describe and explain the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, limited to: (a) visual pollution (b) entanglement (c) risk of be

Describe and explain the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, limited to: (a) visual pollution (b) entanglement (c) risk of being mistaken for food by marine animals (d) bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

33 0680.3.6.7 — Describe and explain strategies for managing the impacts of plastic pollution, limited to: (a) alternative packaging (b) avoiding single-use

Describe and explain strategies for managing the impacts of plastic pollution, limited to: (a) alternative packaging (b) avoiding single-use plastics (c) safe disposal (d) recycling (e) legislation and enforcement.

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