IGCSE 2026 Exam Trends: Cambridge Chemistry 0620

Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) uses Core or Extended theory papers plus practical (Paper 5) or Alternative to Practical (Paper 6). Here are recent trends and what to prioritise for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• Theory: Core (Papers 1 and 3) or Extended (Papers 2 and 4). Practical: Paper 5 (lab) or Paper 6 (written alternative). Structure is unchanged for 2025–2026.
• Multiple choice (Papers 1 and 2) tests breadth; written papers (3 and 4) include short answers, calculations and longer structured questions. Paper 6 mirrors practical skills: planning, analysis, evaluation, safety.
• Calculation questions appear in every series: mole calculations, reacting masses, gas volume, concentration, percentage yield, empirical formula. Marks are for method and correct substitution as well as the final answer.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Organic chemistry: Names, formulae, reactions of alkanes/alkenes/alcohols/carboxylic acids; polymerisation; fuels and cracking. Extended expects balanced equations and conditions.
• Inorganic: Periodicity, group properties, electrolysis (products, half-equations, applications), extraction of metals, and salt preparation. Explaining why (e.g. why a gas is produced) is frequently required.
• Physical: Rates of reaction (graphs, catalysts, temperature), equilibrium (Le Chatelier, industrial applications), and energy changes. Graph interpretation and explaining trends are common.
• Practical/Paper 6: Planning experiments (variables, control, safety), analysis of results (tables, graphs, conclusions), and evaluation (sources of error, improvements). Recent sessions have included titration, rates, and identification-type tasks.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Examiner reports highlight recurring weaknesses (e.g. mole calculations, electrolysis half-equations, organic reaction conditions) rather than a general increase in difficulty.
• Extended demands application to unfamiliar contexts and clear explanation. Core is more structured but still requires precise chemical language.
• Time management and reading the question (e.g. “state one …”, “give two …”) are repeatedly mentioned as differentiators.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and command words are very similar to past years. Past papers (2020–2025) are a good guide to style and length.
• Topics are predictable from the syllabus; the context (e.g. a new scenario for rates or electrolysis) varies. Exact questions are not predictable; question types and marking points are.
• Paper 6 often follows a familiar pattern: a scenario, method, results table/graph, then planning/analysis/evaluation questions. Practising several Paper 6s is highly useful.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Correct chemical terminology is required (e.g. “reduction” not “gain of electrons” when the question asks for the type of reaction). Vague or incorrect terms lose marks.
• Equations must be balanced; state symbols are sometimes required. Units (mol, g, dm³, °C) must be correct and included where asked.
• Explanation marks require a clear cause–effect link (e.g. “temperature increases so particles have more kinetic energy so more successful collisions”). Listing facts without linking them often scores partial credit only.
• Marking is consistent with published mark schemes; no indication of sudden tightening. Key words in the scheme are strictly applied.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Application to industrial or everyday contexts (e.g. fertilisers, fuels, recycling) is common. Understanding why a process is used matters as much as recalling the steps.
• Data and graphs: interpreting tables and graphs, drawing conclusions, and commenting on reliability or errors. Evaluation (limitations, improvements) is regularly tested in Paper 6.
• Numerical work: showing steps in calculations; correct rounding and units; using the correct formula (e.g. amount = concentration × volume).

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Mole and stoichiometry – reacting masses, gas volume, concentration, empirical formula; show full working.
2. Electrolysis – products at anode/cathode, half-equations, and applications (e.g. aluminium, brine).
3. Organic – naming, equations, conditions (catalyst, temperature), and polymerisation.
4. Rates and equilibrium – graph interpretation, Le Chatelier, and explanation of changes.
5. Paper 6 – planning (variables, control, safety), drawing and interpreting graphs, evaluation and improvements.

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Based on current syllabus and examiner reports. Always use the latest Cambridge 0620 syllabus for your series.