Q1 a–e · Comprehension: past paper questions
Real questions on q1 a–e · comprehension
The newest 20 of 525 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0500/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[1]
What are burgers, pizzas and burritos examples of, according to the text?
See it on the paper → - 0500/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(i)[2]
‘typically offer’ (line 2)
See it on the paper → - 0500/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[2]
‘convenience is prioritised’ (line 3).
See it on the paper → - 0500/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[2]
Give two different reasons why people are critical of fast food. • • (c) Reread paragraph 2 (‘Critics say … regarding health.’).
See it on the paper → - 0500/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(i)[2]
Identify two environmental concerns linked to the increased popularity of fast food. • •
See it on the paper → - 0500/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(ii)[3]
Explain how drive-throughs selling fast food have already tried to reduce waiting times for customers.
See it on the paper → - 0500/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1e[3]
Reread paragraph 5 (‘Today … restaurant.’). Using your own words, explain how fast-food restaurants are trying to improve the image of their product. Read Text B, Why I don’t rely on documentaries, in the insert and then answer Question 1(f) on this question paper.
See it on the paper → - 0500/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[1]
How many species of rhinoceros are critically endangered?
See it on the paper → - 0500/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(i)[2]
‘terrific fuss’ (line 4)
See it on the paper → - 0500/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[2]
‘draw tourists’ (line 5).
See it on the paper → - 0500/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[2]
• Give two potential effects on an ecosystem of losing one of its ‘keystone’ species. (c) Reread paragraph 3 (‘In any … new direction.’).
See it on the paper → - 0500/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(i)[2]
Identify two reasons why researchers had not previously looked closely at rhinos’ roles in shaping the eco‑system. •
See it on the paper → - 0500/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(ii)[3]
Explain what scientists did to identify the impact of the rhinos on the landscape.
See it on the paper → - 0500/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1e[3]
Reread paragraph 6 (‘Rhinos have … many others.’). Using your own words, explain why some people might not be convinced that rhinos should be referred to as a keystone species. Read Text B, Finding the right name for our rhino, in the insert and answer Question 1(f) on this question paper.
See it on the paper → - 0500/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[1]
Give one thing that scientists regard as the most unusual feature of an octopus, according to paragraph 1.
See it on the paper → - 0500/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(i)[2]
‘fans point to’ (line 4)
See it on the paper → - 0500/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1b(ii)[2]
‘escape a predator’ (line 6)
See it on the paper → - 0500/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[2]
Give two examples that suggest octopuses might be capable of planning for the future. • (c) Reread paragraph 3 (‘Later … out to sea.’).
See it on the paper → - 0500/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(i)[2]
Identify two reasons why Dr Lanver is not surprised by Inky’s escape. • (i)
See it on the paper → - 0500/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1d(ii)[3]
Explain the similarities researchers have observed between octopus behaviour and human behaviour.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Candidates identified correctly that this was ten years/a decade. Limited responses • Some candidates incorrectly selected ‘20 years’ as their answer or interpreted the word ‘decade’ incorrectly – for example, as meaning 12 or 100 years.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0500/12 Q1(a) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Candidates explained the full phrase using their own words, showing understanding that the decrease in numbers affected a large geographical area. Limited responses • Some candidates suggested only that there was a large drop in numbers instead of explaining the complete phrase.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0500/12 Q1(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Candidates explained the full phrase using their own words, identifying ‘combined’ as meaning ‘joint’ and ‘effects’ as ‘results’. Limited responses • Some candidates offered partial explanations that repeated rather than explained one of the words from the phrase.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0500/12 Q1(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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