0893 Science Past Papers -

The 0893 syllabus uses specific command words: State, Describe, Explain, Predict, Calculate, and Evaluate. A past paper reveals the difference. For example, a "state" question might ask for a simple definition (1 mark), while an "explain" question requires a cause-and-effect chain (3-4 marks). Reviewing mark schemes teaches you exactly how to earn each point.

A student investigates how temperature affects the rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and magnesium.
a) Name the independent variable. [1]
b) Suggest one variable they should keep constant. [1]
c) Describe how they could measure the rate of reaction. [2]

(Mark scheme gives credit for "temperature", "volume/conc. of acid", and "time to see effervescence stop / collect gas volume per minute".)

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Subject: Science (0893) Paper: Practice Paper 1 (Theory) Time: 45 Minutes Instructions:

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Question 1: Cells and Organisms (a) Figure 1 shows a diagram of a typical animal cell. (Insert diagram of a cell with nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm) 0893 Science Past Papers

(i) Label parts A and B on the diagram. [2]

(ii) Which part of the cell controls the cell’s activities? [1]

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(iii) State one difference between an animal cell and a plant cell. [1]

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Question 2: Ecosystems A student investigates the population of woodlice in a garden. They use the capture-recapture method. The 0893 syllabus uses specific command words: State,

(i) Calculate the estimated population size of the woodlice using the formula: $$Population = \frac\textNumber in 1st catch \times \textNumber in 2nd catch\textNumber marked in 2nd catch$$ [2]

(ii) Suggest one reason why the population estimate might be lower than the actual population. [1]

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Cambridge examiners are consistent. When you review 3 to 5 years of past papers, you will see the same "command words" appearing: State, Describe, Explain, Predict, and Calculate.

Past papers train you to recognize what the question is actually asking. A student investigates how temperature affects the rate

Cambridge uses grade thresholds (A*, A, B, C, etc.) which change slightly each year based on difficulty. For 0893 Science:

Past papers come with "Grade Threshold" PDFs. Use these to set personal targets. If the threshold says an A was 70/100 last year, aim for 80/100 in practice.

The 0893 exam emphasizes "Working Scientifically." Students often skip long-form practical questions because they require writing. Do not skip them. These are heavy-mark questions.